Prices, money and useful tips
New York is expensive, but these insider tips will help you protect your budget.
1️⃣ The Free Liberty Ferry
Paying $40 for a harbour cruise is not the only option. The Staten Island Ferry is completely free.
- It sails right past the Statue of Liberty – bring a camera with good zoom if you can.
- It runs 24 hours a day, usually every 30 minutes, from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
- Bonus: You can buy relatively inexpensive beer on board. 🍺
2️⃣ Viewpoints Without Paying $50
Observatories like the Empire State Building or Summit are impressive but pricey. Here are some great alternatives.
- Little Island: A futuristic floating park on the Hudson River with great views. Free to enter.
- Roosevelt Island Tramway: A red aerial tram with excellent views of Midtown. Costs the same as a subway ride (around $2.90).
📱 Want more epic views?
In our app you will find a dedicated guide with a map of secret and free viewpoints all over the city. It is worth checking before you go.
In our app you will find a dedicated guide with a map of secret and free viewpoints all over the city. It is worth checking before you go.
3️⃣ Broadway at Half Price (TKTS)
Going to New York and skipping a musical would be a shame. To avoid paying $150+ per ticket:
- Head to the famous red steps at Times Square (TKTS).
- They sell same-day theatre tickets with discounts of around 20–50%.
- Arrive early – the booth usually opens mid-afternoon and queues form in advance.
4️⃣ Yes, You Can Eat for Around $5
It is not all high-end restaurants. Some street food options are legendary and very affordable.
- Dollar-slice pizza: Look for places like "2 Bros Pizza". Two slices and a soft drink for about $5 – simple but very satisfying. 🍕
- The Halal Guys: Perhaps the most famous food cart (6th Ave & 53rd St). Order "Chicken over Rice" for a generous, tasty and good-value meal. The red sauce is extremely spicy, so use it carefully. 🌶️
5️⃣ Museums With Free or "Pay-What-You-Wish" Entry
Many museums have specific time slots with free entry or "Pay What You Wish" policies.
- 9/11 Memorial Museum: Free on certain Monday afternoons, but you must book tickets online that same morning as they go very quickly.
- Guggenheim Museum: On Saturday evenings (6:00–8:00 PM) you can pay what you wish – even a small amount is appreciated.
- Chelsea galleries: Contemporary art galleries in Chelsea are generally free to enter and often showcase high-quality work.
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