NYC: a Budget Friendly, Quick Guide

Before diving into all things New York, let me tell you why I might be your new favorite NYC resource. I lived in Brooklyn for nearly two years working in Manhattan— but I spent most of that time exploring it like a tourist. Whether I was chasing down the best bagel in Brooklyn, hopping between museums, or wandering into pop-up art installations, I made it my mission to experience as much of NYC as possible!

I became the go-to tour guide for visiting friends and family, planning everything from iconic sight-seeing days to off-the-beaten-path adventures. So whether you're visiting for the first time or want to experience the city in a new way, I gotcha covered.

This covers everything you MUST see if you are just visiting NYC for a couple days and a few recommendations on how to fill in any gaps. So lets get to it.

Exploring NYC: A Fun and Practical Guide for First-Timers- Budget friendly edition

New York City is a city of endless possibilities, but with so much to see and do, planning your trip can be overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of how you can experience the best of NYC without feeling rushed or overspending.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty up close, you can take a ferry to Liberty Island. However, if you want to climb up to the crown, book your tickets early because they sell out fast- keep in mind this is also A LOT of really small stairs. General tickets to the island and pedestal cost around $20 per person and include a stop at Ellis Island, home to a fascinating immigration museum. This trip will take at least two hours, but is well worth it if you have the time.

For a budget-friendly alternative, hop on the Staten Island Ferry—it’s free! The ferry offers a great view of Lady Liberty and even sells beer onboard. This round trip takes about two hours and is essentially a relaxing boat ride with a view. Staten Island itself doesn’t have much to see, so most people just take the ferry back.

While you’re in the area, check out the Seaglass Carousel in Battery Park—it’s a whimsical ride perfect for kids and adults alike.

One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial

From Battery Park, it’s about a 20-minute walk to One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial. Usually I recommend the subway but for this particular trip I would recommend a cab. The One World Observatory is the highest in NYC, offering breathtaking views for about $50 per ticket. Alternatively, you could visit the Empire State Building in Midtown for a different view, but prices are similar.

If you’d rather not pay for an observation deck, consider dining at a rooftop bar or restaurant with a view, like Hotel Indigo in the Lower East Side.

This is all in the Financial District/ wall street area. Which also has the NY stock exchange and some other iconic memorials.  A lot of people like to take a picture with the bull for luck.

Chinatown & Little Italy

Close by, you can explore Chinatown and Little Italy—both are great for walking around, window shopping, and trying cheap but delicious eats like $1 dumplings. Chinatown can be a bit hectic, so stay aware of your surroundings. Chinatown is where people go to buy knock off handbags and that's its own experience. Little Italy is the perfect neighborhood for a romantic date night.

Central Park, Times Square & Rockefeller

Spend another day in Central Park and Times Square. Central Park is enormous, so don’t try to see it all in one go. You can visit the ice-skating rink(winter time), the Central Park Zoo, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. The park is also home to famous statues, beautiful walking paths, and some of the best street food carts—don’t miss them!

Times Square is worth seeing both during the day and at night for its different vibes. It’s an incredibly busy area. 

If you visit Rockefeller Center, you can go ice skating here (again in winter time), though it’s significantly more expensive than the one in Central Park. Rockefeller Center is also home to major news stations and the iconic Christmas tree during the holidays. There are often free concerts and other things here but depending on how popular they are, you may need to wait in line overnight. But, if you are just trying to go see a news show, you should be able to catch a live taping.

Nearby, Fifth Avenue is famous for its high-end shops and extravagant holiday window displays.

Union Square & Other NYC “Squares”

NYC is home to several iconic squares beyond Times Square. Union Square is fantastic for street performances, markets, the famous guys playing chess, and lively energy. It also has one of the best subway terminals underneath it, where you’ll often find musicians and dancers performing. In my opinion- this is more NYC than Time Square. Other notable squares include Madison Square Park, Bryant Park, and Washington Square Park (though this one is known for a more relaxed, artsy vibe and sometimes a bit of a cannabis culture).

Getting Around NYC

Expect to walk—a lot, probably more than you ever have. The subway is the fastest way to get around, but be prepared for some interesting encounters. Stick to busy, well-lit areas and always stay aware of your surroundings. The metro offers different pass options to help fit your needs. You can do the pay per swipe but I recommend buying the unlimited options so you don't have to think about it again.

Food Recommendations

NYC has amazing food on every corner, so you really can’t go wrong. Remember nothing of poor quality is going to last there. Be sure to grab a $1 slice of pizza, an essential New York experience. If you’re unsure where to eat, just ask a local—you’ll likely get great recommendations.  Not to mention the food scene is ever evolving and changing.

Bonus NYC Attractions & Experiences

• Lower East Side: My favorite neighborhood, a lively neighborhood with tons of events, bars, and restaurants.

• Bridges: Williamsburg, Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge- A scenic walk with great skyline views. Or if you don't want to walk but get a similar experience, you could try the Roosevelt Tramway (included with your MetroCard)

• Free Events: Depending on the season, you’ll find concerts, movie screenings in parks, parades, and festivals

• Broadway, can’t forget Broadway. Year-round, good for rain or shine/ cold or hot days. You can try your luck and buy last minute tickets for discounted prices. But if it's a show you don’t want to miss, buy in advance!

• Museums: I am not even gonna go into these. There are over 100 in Manhattan alone. Check at least one out!

• Iconic TV & Movie Locations: Fans of Friends can visit the famous apartment building exterior, and there’s even a bar themed after How I Met Your Mother, and basically any other niche thing that you are interested in.

Final Thoughts

New York City is a city for exploring, and there are endless ways to experience it based on your budget and interests. Whether you’re walking the streets, visiting famous landmarks, or just soaking in the atmosphere, NYC never disappoints! This covers the Manhattan portion of NYC but keep in mind there is also Brooklyn, Queens, Harlem and the Bronx offering their own unique experiences.

Happy travels!