However, New York is not a budget-friendly city to explore, especially during an already-expensive holiday season of gift-giving and family travel. Tourist attractions can be expensive, food and drink pricey, and if you aren’t careful you can blow your budget pretty quickly. However despite its deserved reputation, there are ways you can hack a visit to NYC to keep on budget, and a whole host of cheaper options to explore, as well as some great free attractions that sometimes fly under the radar.
We’ve pulled together a few of the best ways to save money while spending Christmas in New York, and some tips and advice to help you keep on budget. Read on for the best way to plan a cheap trip to NYC during the holiday season.
Save money on sightseeing
If you are looking to hit up as many of the main attractions and amazing experiences that New York has to offer as possible, then it is well worth exploring the NYC CityPASS. Although it is a bit pricey up front ($132) it offers an incredible 41% discount at the most famous attractions in the city. From the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, with the Met, the Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock and the 9/11 Memorial as well, if you plan to visit all six this is a bargain. There’s also the cheaper C3 card, which offers discounts for just three of these attractions, which could be perfect if you are on a tight timetable.
Try a different approach
It might seem odd to recommend a luxury cruise leaving New York as a way to save money, but basing yourself on board a state-of-the-art ship can be surprisingly budget-friendly! Seeing the city from the comfort of your cabin gives you the ability to take in the sights, take advantage of the deals and discounts that most cruises offer, and avoid some of the sky-high prices with an all-inclusive package, all while surrounded by luxury amenities.
See famous sights for free
Without a doubt, New York is an expensive place to visit. With a little planning and a few cunning hacks, it is easy to stay on budget while visiting this glorious city during the most magical time of the year.
oh my gosh ! such a dream ! I have been to New York twice but both times was never around the holidays. i always think of home alone lost in new york and totally wanna go and check it out around Christmas one of these years
New York is such a magical place throughout the holidays, it would be awesome to go and tour there sometime around the holidays!
I have always wanted to go to NYC during Christmas. I would love to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve.
Just being together is everything,no matter where you are ! Lovely post .