When New York made the list of places to visit this year, the first thing I thought was that this trip was going to be expensive. I was thrilled at the prospect of seeing the city, as the biggest city I had seen prior to New York was…Houston, maybe? This small-town Texas girl was excited at the idea of towering buildings for miles but also nervous about the dent this trip would make on our bank account. Thankfully, however, my husband and I made several decisions that saved our wallet while also allowing us to have the time of our lives in NYC.
Walk…Everywhere
Kevin and I enjoy being active and outside, so one way that we saved a lot of money was by walking as often as we could. On one day of our trip, we walked from Brooklyn all the way to Central Park, which resulted in us walking over 31,000 steps, or about 13.7 miles. Even if my feet were hurting, walking was the perfect way to see the city in all its glory. We got the chance to be on the Brooklyn Bridge, find the Financial District, meander through Midtown, check out Chinatown, take in Times Square, and sit in Central Park all in one day. We were tired, but it was worth it!
Do a Food Tour
One of my favorite memories was doing a food tour. We used Foods of New York for an Italian experience in Greenwich Village, and on this tour, we got to eat a slice of Joe’s Pizza, try REAL olive and truffle oil at Oliviers & Co, snack on a rice ball and salami at Faicco’s Italian Specialties, eat a huge meatball at Trattoria Pesce Pasta, meet a Chopped master at Rafele, taste a chocolate chip cookie at Milk & Cookies, sample cheeses at Murray’s Cheese, and finish with a cannoli at Rocco’s Pasticceria. The entire experience was a dream, especially if you’re a foodie like me!
Go to a Show
One of Kevin’s brothers and his wife live in Brooklyn, so we had an insider’s look into the city. One thing that they showed us was the glory of stand-up comedy, where Seth Meyers’ writers hysterically interacted with the audience and improvised with witty and wry humor. I had never been to a stand-up comedy show, and I have to say, I was impressed! Also, it was only $10/person—a steal for the great time we had. Afterwards, we walked around the city that never sleeps, got drinks at Dante, and snacked on dessert at Milk Bar, where I ran into someone from my alma mater, DBU! Small world in a big city, I must say.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on a Tuesday Evening
I have always remembered September 11, 2001, but walking where the tragedy actually happened took my condolences to a new level. I am glad we went on our first day in New York, and on Tuesdays, they offer free tours starting at 5pm. Kevin and I spent a few hours there walking and observing in somber silence, and we are grateful that we did.
Share an Airbnb
I was skeptical about this idea at first, but this was the most practical way Kevin and I saved money in New York (besides, of course, using American Airlines miles for the entire cost of our flights). Rather than staying in a hotel, we used Airbnb; and rather than having an Airbnb all to ourselves, we shared with the owner and other visitors. Sure, sharing a bathroom was sometimes annoying, but the $500 in savings across four nights made it all worth it.
Other Notable Eateries:
- Chinese Graffiti– We ate here on its opening weekend, and I had my first dumpling, my first (and last) bite of octopus, and my first (only?) taste of cotton candy pork belly. Highly recommend!
- Kor Tor Mor– Kevin and I ate at this Thai place in Brooklyn twice if that says anything about how savory their food is.
- Rucola– Our first dinner in NYC; it was quaint and served tasty house-made pasta.
- Prince St. Pizza– Pizza that was as good as it looks.
- Do– Best edible cookie dough I’ve ever consumed.
- Basically any bagel in NYC.
Other Notable Things to Do:
- Walk through Chelsea Market and the High Line.
- Stroll through Grand Central Station.
- View the Rockefeller Center.
- Check out the cathedrals.
- Go shopping!
- Visit the Met.
Final Thoughts
I had never understood the hype around NYC until I visited. And ever since we returned from New York, I have been unashamedly watching Gossip Girl to vicariously live through the dramatic residents. When I see the tall buildings, Central Park, and the Met on screen, I remember the glorious days when I, too, strolled the streets. New York City is truly a special place, and I feel blessed that we had a chance to visit.
Until next time, xoxo.
