How To Save Big Money On Your Trip To New York City

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If you’re coming to New York City, you should know that only one other city in the world is more expensive. You can expect to pay premium prices at restaurants, attractions, shows, and hotels. Of the four, your hotel expenses will be the most outrageous. Hotel prices have been on the rise since AirBnBs were declared illegal in the city in 2023. Even Zurich, the number one most expensive city in the world, has cheaper accommodations because of this -  AirBnBs are still legal in the European city!

But there is hope. If you visit at the right time you can find discounted hotel rooms. And with the right information, you can enjoy Broadway shows,  museums, observation decks, and many more of NYC’s top attractions for free or at steep discounts. 

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At Khonsu, we create custom travel guides designed by locals. As one of Khonsu’s local NYC Experience Designers, I am often asked to design custom plans that save our clients money while still being fun. Here are my best money-saving tips for your next NYC vacation - I even show you how to legally stay in an AirBnB while having easy access to New York City

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3 Top Ways to Save on Hotels in NYC

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Visit at The Right Time

Like all popular destinations, New York City has peak seasons. Visit during these high traffic times and you’ll get sticker shock when you see what your hotel costs. Between these seasons are the shoulder months when hotel prices are more manageable. It’s best to visit during shoulder season if you’re looking to save money. 

But if your heart is set on visiting during peak season - maybe you’ve always dreamed of spending Christmas in NYC! - there are  ways to enjoy the peak season and save on your NYC hotel.

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NYC Peak Seasons - Summer

The first peak season in the city that never sleeps is summer. The weather is warm, kids are out of school, and NYC becomes a destination for families. Popular outdoor attractions like Bryant Park and Central Park are in full swing with a calendar that includes free theater shows, book readings for the kids, and family - friendly festivals. 

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Summer is also the time when big events like the US Open, Summerstage, and Pridefest happen. When you combine the family crowd with visitors coming to attend these happenings, summer sees the greatest demand for hotels in New York City - and room prices reflect this. It’s simple supply and demand.

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Money Saving Tip #1: 

‍My first tip if you’re coming in summer is to not visit in August.  August is when the famous US Open tennis match competition happens and that brings a million additional visitors over the three weeks the competition happens. Competition for hotel rooms is steep and prices skyrocket. It’s the worst month to visit New York City if you’re after hotel deals.

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Money Saving Tip #2:

My second tip is to visit in June. If you travel in the first couple of weeks of June, kids are still in school around the nation so the family crowd isn’t huge. The weather is also pleasant with little of the humidity July and August sees. Less competition for accommodations and pleasant weather mean you’ll find it easier to get into attractions and hotel prices won’t give you a headache.

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NYC Peak Seasons - Winter

The holiday period in winter is New York City’s second peak season. The season starts in early November, but locals like to think of the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in late November as the official opening of the holidays, with the dropping of the New Years Eve ball on January 1^rst  signaling the closing. 

Visit at this time and the city may seem like a scene from a fairytale. The Rockefeller tree is aglow with fifty thousand lights, the ice skating rinks have colorful bodies bobbing around on stark white ice, and the holiday windows come alive with warm holiday scenes. The Rockettes are performing at Radio City Music Hall, there is a pop-up Christmas Village at Bryant Park, and if you don’t mind venturing out to Brooklyn there’s a whole neighborhood twinkling with decorations so extravagant visitors and locals flock to its streets annually.

All this magic comes at a price. Hotel rooms are the highest at this time and holiday events and shows can be pricey. But there’s a way to save money and enjoy NYC’s holiday magic if you’re flexible on when you visit. Here are my top recommendations when planning custom travel guides.

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Money Saving Tip #1:  

If you want to save on hotels and still experience the holiday magic in New York City,, book between January 2^nd  and January 5^th. Yes, you’ll miss the dropping of the ball, but that’s about it. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree will still be up, the fantastic holiday windows will be as charming, and all the holiday shows will still be on. You’ll have all the holiday cheer and less of the price tag! 

Coming in February will also give you big savings on hotels. But the weather will be ghastly so plan on braving snowstorms and below zero temperatures if you travel in this month

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Money Saving Tip #2:

If you know where to look, you may also save on attractions that give discounts during this less busy time. If you don’t know how to find these discounts, sign up to our newsletter for local tips on the latest happenings in New York, including news on discounts

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Shoulder Season - Spring and Early Fall

April through mid-May is one of the less busy time for tourist visits to New York City. April sees lots of rain and families skip May since by late June or July the kids will be out of school and ready to go on vacation. If you visit during these months you can get lower prices and be the first to see any new Broadway shows as the new Broadway season begins in April each year.

 Mid - September through October  also sees lower prices. By mid-September the family crowd is gone as school reopens. There is less competition for rooms and prices start reflecting this 

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Find A Hotel Outside the Popular Areas

Most of New York City’s iconic attractions are concentrated in a few areas. These areas also happen to have good transportation options and many hotels to choose from. The majority of visitors stay in these areas since they’ll have easy access to their wish list of things to do in NYC and transportation. 

With this kind of demand, hotels in these areas will be more expensive than others. Still, if you’re a first time visitor you may want the ease that staying in a popular part of New York City can come with.

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Most Popular NYC Areas for Visitors - Times Square and Midtown

Times Square is shocking and entertaining at the same time. Shocking because the neon lights and bright billboards flashing everywhere can literally shock the senses of a first time visitor. Entertaining because the sheer number of attractions and restaurants in the small area is unparalleled. 

As a local, it’s not my favorite area, but after designing so many custom travel guides, I understand why so many visitors want to stay there. There is safety in numbers - other visitors stay there and they’ve had a good time, so it’s an easy decision to make. And visitors who don’t come from big cities can find the energy in the air exhilarating. 

As you probably guessed, high-demand Times Square comes with equally high hotel prices. You can also expect smaller rooms in many of the hotels. 

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Money Saving Tip #1:

It’s difficult to find discounted hotels in Times Square but if you take the advice on the cheapest months to visit (above) and book one of these 13 popular hotels we recommend in Times Square, you may have a chance!

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Money Saving Tip #2:

‍Times Square is walking distance to many free sites and attractions. Plan an itinerary that’s a mix of free and paid things to do if you want to save on expenses. You can use our free day planner to map out a mix of exciting free and paid attractions so you plan affordable days.

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Midtown is the area of Manhattan between Central Park South & 33rd St, with the west side of Manhattan being preferred because of the subway lines and many attractions. Times Square is part of Midtown, as is Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and most of the other famous NYC sites you may want to visit, 

 Like Times Square, hotels in the area demand premium prices. But with the ease of access to all the popular attractions, if you’re a first time visitor the area may be a good bet for you.

If you’re not a first time visitor, or you’re a savvy visitor who doesn’t mind longer transportation routes to get from your hotel to attractions, my recommendation is that you stay outside the popular areas in Manhattan.

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Best Areas Outside Manhattan For Discounted Hotels

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Long Island City, Queens (LIC)

If you’re willing to venture outside of the popular areas in Manhattan, you can find some good hotel deals. My top recommendation is the hip and happening Long Island City in Queens. Book a hotel in the growing neighborhood and  you’ll have the best of two worlds. 

Being in one of NYC’s most distinct neighborhoods means you’ll get to live like a local and explore unique restaurants, locally brewed beers, and an unusual art scene. At the same time, you’ll feel like you’re in Manhattan each time you sit in one of Long Island City’s riverside parks to take in the amazing Manhattan skyline views. But the biggest reason to stay in Long Island City is the discount you can get on hotels in the area.  

All this and you’ll be a ten minutes train ride from Manhattan!

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Money-Saving Tip #1:

If you want to check out hotels in Long Island  City, my favorite is the affordable Ravel Hotel. Ravel has a rooftop pool where you can have great views of Manhattan. Some rooms even have private balconies with more amazing views!

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Money Saving Tip #2:  

We wrote about seven more popular Long Island City hotels. that offer great discounts in the hip and upcoming neighborhood. Check the list for more budget friendly options in NYC

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Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn is Manhattan’s cooler, more fun cousin, with neighborhoods ranging from artsy to eclectic. It’s the borough you visit when you want to see the hidden dives that New Yorkers love to hang out in.  Its also the borough where you’ll find some of New York’s iconic spots - New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Bridge, Barclays Center, and more 

If you go too far into Brooklyn you’ll find it difficult to get to Manhattan where most of the things you want to do in NYC are located. However, if you stay in Downtown Brooklyn you’ll be a 5 to 15 minute train ride to Manhattan. You’ll also get better prices on hotels and the opportunity to explore another side of New York City.

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Money Saving Tip #1:

‍Try The Tillary Hotel for good views of the Manhattan Bridge, an excellent location close to many trains, and good rates. Nu is also a good choice for good prices and a location surrounded by many good restaurants and trains

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Money Saving Tip #2:

‍On a budget? If you stay in Brooklyn, use our free day planner  to map a walking tour of artsy Williamsburg. Start your exploration at Domino Park for unbelievable views, walk to 9-5 Vintage and Awoke Vintage for thrift finds, then get an affordable NYC slice at Joe’s Pizza.. Be sure to include the famous Warhol mural at N9th and Bedford in your planning

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Legally Stay in an Airbnb

As of writing this article, AirBnBs is still banned in NYC. This may change in the future but until it does, that means you’ll need to adjust the way you think about where to stay in NYC. 

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NYC Hotels vs. N.J. Airbnb 

In 2023 New York City outlawed Airbnbs to prevent property owners from becoming slumlords. Visitors do not complain to the city about building violations, which gives owners a loophole when it comes to building repairs. Since then savvy travelers have been booking Airbnbs in New Jersey  to save on hotel costs.

If an AirBnB may be a good option for you, look into Northern New Jersey neighborhoods close to the Path train which goes into the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan or ones close to the New Jersey Transit trains that go into Midtown’s Penn Station. 

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Money-Saving Tip #1:

If you’re driving to NYC from somewhere in the South, parking in New Jersey is much cheaper than parking in New York. Parking at many New Jersey Transit stations hover around $10/day (as opposed to around $60/day if you drive into Manhattan). If you prefer driving into New York, the cheapest garages are the ones closest to the rivers. Look for a garage close to 10th or 11th Avenue on the West side and 1st & 2nd on the East Side.  You can also use handy apps like SpotHero to lock in a rate before you get here

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Money Saving Tip #2: Look into rentals in the neighborhoods of Jersey City, Hoboken, Secaucus and West New York for the easiest access to NYC. If you stay in Hoboken or Jersey City you’ll feel like you got two vacations for the price of one!

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How to Save on NYC Attractions

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Observation Decks

If you’re like most visitors coming to New York City. you plan to visit at least one observation deck. Seeing the ‘city that never sleeps’ from above is a breathtaking experience that has become a classic NY experience, no matter what time of day you do it.

All the observation decks in New York City are most expensive at sunset when the city’s lights are coming on under the orange glow of the setting sun. It’s a magical time to see 360 degrees views of NYC and all its landmark buildings. But the breathtaking views will cost you premium prices that can be 10% - 25% higher than the regular prices. You’ll also have to book far in advance to snag a sunset spot. Here are my tips if you want to save on your visit to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, or One World Observatory.

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Money Saving Tip #1:

Book a ticket for after sunset. Top of the Rock and Empire State Building starts seeing regular prices again at around 11 PM. And One World Observatory goes back to usual pricing at 8 PM. The sun would have set already but those amazing lights twinkling all over the city will still be on and that view is pretty amazing too!

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Money- Saving Tip #2:

‍How would you feel about ditching the observation decks if you could get views that are almost as impressive for the cost of drinks? If you’re on a tight budget or this sounds appealing, I recommend heading to one of our rooftop bars. They’ll deliver ambiance, drinks, and elevated views of the city - but without the high ticket prices. Here are some amazing rooftop bars in NYC to consider (if you’re traveling with kids some of these bars only allow minors at certain times.)

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Museums

New York City’s museums sit in the same class as Paris’ or London’s. If you’re a museum or art lover whose heart is set on seeing the extensive art collections at the MET, the realistic fossils at the American Museum of Natural History, or any of the other interesting exhibits in the dozens of museums around the city, you are in for a treat. 

If you plan on visiting only 1 or 2 museums, your pockets won’t complain as much. But if you’re a museum or art lover and you’re visiting a city that has a dedicated ‘museum mile’ you probably have your heart set on 3 - 5 museums. In that case, prices can add up quickly if you don’t do what us locals do.

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Money Saving Tip:

‍Many of our museums are free to enter at certain times. The stunning Gunngenheim is pay what you wish between 4 and 5:30 PM on Mondays and Saturdays ($1 minimum), the Whitney is free every Friday between 5 and 10 PM, Check your favorite museum and plan your itinerary accordingly!

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Broadway Shows

You can’t come to New York City and not see at least one Broadway show. Whether you choose a family pleaser like Wicked or The Lion King, or something more risque like Chicago or Cabaret Broadway is an experience to be had at least once.

 But tickets don’t come cheap with famous shows like The Lion King commanding prices between $150 and $350 (prices in 2025). It’s not always possible to save on all shows but if you’re inventive you may be able to hunt down a discount on some shows. Here are a few ways to save.

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Money Saving Tip:

‍The most popular way to get discounted Broadway tickets is to head to TDF’s TKTS Booth (47th and Broadway) on the day you want to see your show. Discounts of up to 50% are released at 3 PM for some evening shows but I recommend getting there by 1 PM as the line can get long.

If you’re the gambling type and want to see the expensive Hamilton play, you can also try entering the popular Hamilton Lottery. If you’re lucky you’ll win the chance to purchase a ticket for only $10 (instead of hundreds!) Other shows also have sweepstakes

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Tours

Tours are a great way to see many of NYC’s attractions quickly. The popular hop-on  hop - off bus tours get you familiar with the city at your own pace while ferry tours offer a relaxing way to take in NYCs skyline from the river.

The hop-on hop-off bus tours are a good value for money as you can cover many of the most famous sights while learning about their history and significance from the included narrated guides. Most popular are the Downtown and Uptown loops. Downtown tours go around famous attractions in Times Square, Wall Street, Chinatown,  Flatiron District and many more. The Uptown loop goes around Times Square and all the attractions and museums around Central Park.

Ferry tours take the scenic route on NYC’s rivers to show you some of the same sights that tour buses do - and some that you can’t see from a bus. Circle Line is the most popular ferry company with the Landmarks Day Cruise and the Harbor Lights Evening Cruise being their most booked tours.

The Landmarks cruise goes past Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Brooklyn Bridge and more. While the Evening Cruise shows the city in its best light - at night when its twinkling with lights. You’ll shell out $44-$70 on these cruises. Or you can do it all for $4!

I show you how below.

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Money-Saving Tip #1:

Only the downtown bus tour is worth the money. The uptown bus takes you around Central Park and the attractions surrounding it. But you can easily do this yourself as you’ll likely have separate plans to fully explore these places - the MET, Guggenheim Museum, and Central Park itself.  The buses are usually packaged together so many visitors wind up getting both because they don’t know what to ask for. You can avoid this by booking directly from the tour bus website. If you do that, you’ll be able to book the downtown loop only.

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Money Saving Tip #2:

With a bit of planning, for $4 you can use our local commuter ferry to see the same views as the Landmarks Day Cruise. First, you’ll want to map a route based on the attractions you want to see. A route I recommend is the Astoria Ferry from 34th St in Midtown to Pier 11 in the Financial District. You’ll see many of the same landmarks along the East River, along with the Brooklyn Bridge.  Use our free tool to map your route now

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Choosing The Best City Pass

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If you’ve gotten on Google’s radar as a potential visitor to NYC, you’ve undoubtedly seen ads for NYC City Passes while you do your trip-planning research. The passes can offer great savings but many actually waste money. In fact, in my experience, most families waste around $300 when they buy the Day Pass. I’ll even go as far as saying: when you’re evaluating the best city pass, the Day Pass option is never right! 

Here’s how you actually save money when purchasing a City Pass.

1. Choose the per attraction option. 
2. Figure out how many attractions you need to select by making a list of all the activities you want to visit. If you need help with this, read our handy guide on the most popular NYC attractions
3. Compare the cost of purchasing your attraction tickets to the attractions on the Pass websites to see what works out cheaper.

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Money Saving Tip #1:

We did a deep dive on choosing the best New York City Day Pass. I highly recommend reading it if you want to save (instead of waste) money when buying a day pass

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Money Saving Tip #2:

Remember to not include the hop-on hop-off buses in your pass because you’re going to save money and buy directly from the bus company's site.

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Visiting NYC?

If you would like tips for your next trip, create a travel profile here https://www.askkhonsu.com/plan-my-trip  to get matched with the best available Experience Designer within 24 hours

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