By Expedia Team, on March 6, 2017

New York on the Cheap

Spending time in the city that never sleeps can be a quick way to blow through your holiday budget. With so much on offer in New York City you’re never short of things to do – you’re almost guaranteed to run out of cash before you run out of activities! To make the most of your trip, some careful planning can go a long way in making those dollar bills stretch that little bit further – without compromising on your fun in the Big Apple.

Off-season travel

Travelling during the quieter months of the year is always a good way to save on airfares, and if you’re prepared to get a little chilly then you can score great flights and hotel deals during winter. With the Christmas and New Year crowds usually heading home by the middle of January, we find February, although freezing cold, a great time to pick up well priced flights. The colder months also usually mean shorter queues and smaller tour groups, making things better priced and more efficient for your time.

NY Subway Metrocard

When in Rome… well, in New York you need to ride the subway! For just $31USD you’ll get seven whole days of unlimited metro rides, getting you almost anywhere you need to go. A subway station is never far away, especially around Manhattan, so if you’re visiting a lot of museums, buildings and galleries, hop on the subway to your next destination and save some precious money rather hailing a cab. You’ll only need to take the subway twice a day during your trip to cover your costs!

In the middle of the East River lies Roosevelt Island, a now residential and business community that was once the location of hospitals and prisons. The main transport to Roosevelt Island is on The Tram – gliding you from East Manhattan over the river. Use your weekly metro card to access the tram and enjoy the unique vantage point of soaring over the busy streets to a less celebrated part of NYC. An interesting stop where you can see the ruins of a smallpox hospital, a lighthouse, parks and beautiful views across the water back to the upper east side of Manhattan.