The Fine Art of Visiting New York City on a Shoestring

When we see New York on TV and in movies,A tip for getting into a show or a sporting event
we tend to get the impression that it is oneat a lower price: Go to the will call of the venue
expensive town. Visiting New York on aand just hang around for a bit. Seats are often
shoestring budget looks impossible. To be honest,reserved for family and friends of the
yes, it is, but only if you live there. What we seestagehands, performers or athletes at an event,
on TV is usually the glamorous part of town,and many times, these people are unable to
Manhattan, and that's a little misleading. New Yorkattend. This way, you can avoid having to deal
is full of incredible spots that cost little to nothingwith ticket brokers or scalpers, and you can often
to visit.grab a seat at the last minute without having to
Lodgingeven bother with a reservation.
When you first arrive in New York, you'll want aIf you have the time to plan ahead, make sure to
place to stay, of course. An average room inlook online for discount event tickets or a New
Manhattan is a whopping three hundred bucks aYork City Explorer Pass, which can save you
night. The New York Hotel in Manhattan haseven more on attractions. Some travelers will
rooms in the hundred dollar range and is locatedeven purchase an Entertainment coupon book for
right in the heart of the area, but that's still notthe zip code in which they will be traveling. This will
exactly visiting New York on a shoestring budget.often save you on lodging, dining, and attractions.
What you should do if you really want to saveJust make sure that the amount you can
some money is take a look around for bed andpotentially save will cover the cost of the book.
breakfast setups. Book a room online and makeSafety
sure to research the bed and breakfast youLeave any unneeded cash, credit cards and even
select before you book. You don't want to windID in your hotel room. If you're careful, you
up with a reservation in the middle of a bad partprobably won't get mugged, but it does happen.
of town.Don't be tempted by the lure of shortcuts. Stick
Diningto main streets that are well lit, stick to crowds,
Honestly, the best way to save money on foodand don't go anywhere alone if you can help it.
(and just about anything else) in New York is toThe legends of New York being absolutely
be friendly. When you're looking for a place tooverflowing with thieves are mostly exaggerated,
eat, you'll want to step away from the neon signsbut they are based in truth. You don't need to be
and glamour of the main streets and into the littlescared for your life your whole trip, but do be
known hole in the wall bars and restaurants, andaware and alert. Don't be trusting of any
the only way to find those spots is to ask thestrangers: even a man in a business suit might
locals.mug you. If you have any friends in New York,
Entertainmentspend a lot of your time with them.