Sep 19, 20184 min read

New York on a Budget

New York is know for being expensive but its also on almost everyones bucket list - and there is a reason for that! So I'm here to give you my tips and tricks on how to visit this vibrant, fashionable, everything-is-instagramable place... on a budget! But still make you feel like a travel blogger babe/dude.

Lets be real, it is expensive so a long weekend is perfect! Leave the Bali, Turkey, Europe holidays for the longer trips!

So New York is small and easy to get around. Unless you're exploring its surrounding areas (which we'll save for another blog). So unless you're getting a job or have set up an exciting project you're not going to be spending months here (well you never know!) But if you're going for work, maybe extend it a bit to explore these juicy places I'm about to share with you...

One thing about New York is you really don't have to plan much. It is a city where you can just walk and walk and walk - I promise you won't get bored. My first "saving dollar" tip is to actually not plan too much prior your arrival, rather just put on a comfortable pair of shoes and explore the city as much as you can.

For those of you who love people watching this is going to be your favourite city:

Firstly, the apps I recommend you get before you go!

maps.me

MTA (NB for public transport)

Waze (if you’re driving)

MTA (NB for public transport)

LIRR (if you're getting out of Manhattan)

Now Let's Get Down to Business, My List:

The High Line This is a beautiful way to see the city and get out of the city hustle. And it's a good spot to take your snacks. You can tan here, chill here, people watch and and and. It's beautiful and you can stay on it for as long as you like or just pop up onto it in certain sections. Its an old train track that the city has transformed and i will leave it at that.. please go. I love it!
To get the best free map of the city approach someone offering a bus tour. You dont have to go on the bus tour but get thier map, it shows all the "top" attractions. However it has no subway maps on it, The Westin (near Grand Central) has a good one with subways.
Metro card (obviously you have to get one in New York... if you here for a while rather get a unlimited 31$ one (buses and metro), lasts a week and then just go go go or it’s 2,60$ each trip on a normal card)
BEST COFFEE - 42nd street Bluebottles Coffee (There's one near Grand Central and another by Bryant Park)
KATZ best sandwiches in New York, you just have to go there.
Bryant Park - there always activities like boot camp (posted on notices around park) bring a pizza and sit here you will meet people and it’s nice and green in the middle of the city! Pack cards and play here there are also free movies at sunset on Mondays
230th Fifth (for the iconic view of New York from above and it’s free unlike the 54$ to go up the Empire State tower) Now this is Instagramable! Get those cameras out babes!
Metropolitan Museum of Arts roof terrace sculpture garden (this also has a beautiful view of Central Park, and it also serves martinis from Thursday to Sunday between May - October)
I wouldn’t suggest actually going to the Statue of Liberty, just take the Staten Island ferry (cheaper and all you actually need) takes 25minutes
Brooklyn Brewery free tours 7-8pm Friday’s, every half hour 1-5 Saturday’s, 1-4 Sunday’s (also sell cheap beer and you can take your own food) and on monday to Thursday more in depth small group tours for I think 15$ and you get tastings and a glass
Brooklyn Bridge - you dont have to pay, but its beautiful and ready to get you all those likes on Insta!
www.realcheapeats.com a good site for local inexpensive foods (looking back the site has closed but look at the directory with all the links - it’s on about the third line, amazing suggestions and reviews)
Summer in the square, just google it (free things every Thursday)
9/11 memorial YOU MUST GO (don’t wait in line go to the vendor machines on the side - my big tip)
Browns and Freeman’s (the one near penn station) I love their bagels here, try the herb and bacon cream cheese on something lekker.
Eaterly (always a nice eating or browsing experience but pricey, or pop by here in the evening for a cocktail or glass of wine)
Battery park (it’s just pretty and nice to chill, near New York film academy)
Meat packing district is always an ideal place to just walk around, there are beautiful contemporary galleries here that you should just browse, I always go here during/after high liner
Chelsea Village. It’s just lekker to pop in all the gallery spaces (ideal for summer)
Johns place (its local and lekker for a breakfast and it’s super mellow 56th/3rd)
Rudy’s This is a lovely beer place for evening drinks, after a long day of exploring
The perfect pint (3rd) (another drinks place. Vibey sometimes)
Dukes (they always have happy hour and it’s typical American sports bar. Only 12$ for bud light beer jug during happy hour) also get the cod salad - good!
Shake Shack has real good beer (you wouldn’t expect this. It’s burgers also aren’t too bad.)
If you're a South African and understand the happiness of The Crazy Store, you might enjoy Jacks World - these are shops like 1$ stores. They have everything from food to toys to sauces and everything in-between. The one i like is near Bryant Park (40th and 5th - beyond corner opposite park)
The Pod 39th (rooftop bar - its beautiful!)
See what’s on at Radio City, the Winery, and Madison square. You never know what cheap tickets you can find!
Sign up to go on a show like Trevor Noah’s. It’s free.
Grand central whispering arch, duh
Central Park, duh! And you can go rollerblading ect (want a free guided tour by some cool people? https://za.pinterest.com/pin/195062227595892013/ trust me!)
Lady M for amazing cake (Bryant Park)
JUST EXPLORE, it’s a city you can walk and walk!