New York City, the city that never sleeps. Perhaps that is because things are so darn expensive there. Now you’re wondering “What is the cheapest way to plan a trip to New York?” With a little bit of planning, you can have an incredible AND affordable family vacation to NYC. Today, we will walk you through your planning process for your Big Apple family vacation.
How to plan an Affordable NY Family Vacation
Where to Stay to Save Money on A New York Family Vacation
Sure, you could stay in the middle of Times Square, but that will cost you a bundle. Think outside the box. Think of staying outside of Manhattan. You have three great choices:
- New Jersey (Hoboken, Jersey City, North Bergen, Weehawken, and Union City are all great spots that have lots of transportation into Manhattan).
- Queens (It’s the most authentic New York Neighborhood and heaven for foodies)
- Brooklyn (not the cheapest choice…but it may save you on hotel costs).
How to Get Around in New York to Save Money
Public transportation in New York and the boroughs is AWESOME…and CHEAP! Bring some comfortable walking shoes, download the MTA app, and get yourself a metro card. You’re going to save lots of cash and really get to know the city. Your metro card is good for both buses and the metro.
Cheap Eats in New York City
Sure, you can dine at plenty of Michelin starred restaurants in New York, but if you have the kids with you, that will add up. Restaurants in New York are not the cheapest (although there are some really great finds), so make a plan to taste New York’s street food. These are a few things you NEED to taste to visit NY like a New Yorker:
- Dirty Water Dogs (ketchup, mustard, and relish only)
- Potato Knishes
- Jamaican Beef Patties
- NY Pizza (of course)
- Burgers (on this, I recommend Shake Shack)
You can also look for New York Restaurant Coupons. Plenty of restaurants will offer some great weekend brunch deals (with drinks for the adults included) and kids meals that won’t break the bank.
How to Get Cheap Broadway Show Tickets
New Yorkers hardly ever go to Times Square, although we will make an exception to hit up the TKTS booth. You usually take a chance and stand on a line for a long time, but it is so worth it for the discounts.
New York also has plenty of free plays, with one of my faves being Shakespeare in the Park.
Enjoy Museums
Did you know that the Metropolitan Museum’s entry is based on a donation? Yup. You can donate whatever you want. There are a lot of museums in NYC that have free entry days and discounted tickets. Go and enjoy some art.
Enjoy the City
New York is the ultimate walking city. Get lost in the rambles in Central Park. Get lost in Chinatown (and go to Prosperity Dumpling – one of NYC’s best options for cheap eats). Walk up and down Riverside Park. You will find so much to do in Manhattan that is free, that you’ll have a hard time deciding what to do.