Spotlight Post: 8 Money-Saving Hacks for Visiting New York City

When people think of NYC, they think of bright lights, big city energy, and high costs. And while NYC is one of the most expensive cities in the world, I’m here to help you navigate the concrete jungle in a faster, smarter, on-budget kind of way. NYC locals agree, you don’t need deep pockets to be able to enjoy all the greatness the Big Apple has to offer. Here are my top 8 insider picks and tips to help you enjoy NYC without breaking the bank:

Indulge in free museum hours to see the finest art without spending a single dime — the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (to name a few) have free and pay-what-you-wish hours each week.
Witness amazing skyline views from the Roosevelt Island Tramway for the cost of a subway ticket. Click here to find out more.
Spend a “free” day in Central Park! Indulge in 800 acres of green space and outdoor entertainment. Don’t miss the Conservatory Garden and lily pond, the Loeb Boathouse, and Bethesda Fountain. Plus, visit Belvedere Castle for amazing views of the park, including the Great Lawn.
Score discounted Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth. You know those bright-red steps in Times Square? Yup, that's the place. Fidi and Downtown Brooklyn also have TKTS booths.
Stargaze on The High Line for free, where the Amateur Astronomers Association hosts weekly sessions stargazing sessions with their professional telescopes through the fall (no RSVP needed).
Soak in the views with a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, it’s F-R-E-E! Also. IKEA also has a ferry service to Red Hook (free on weekends and $5 during the week).
Cruise around NYC on a Citi Bike. Rent for $12 per day and explore the city on wheels!
Use your NYC savvy and avoid cabs on specific streets so you don’t get overcharged. For example, drivers can't make turns on 14th, 34th, and 42nd streets, which means charging you for extra time. Head to the nearest avenue to hail a cab (or select one from your favorite ride-sharing app).