Tip 5 Budget!

The city that never sleeps is also the city of shopping! It is unlike anything I have ever experienced elsewhere in the world. A shoppers paradise :)

The choices and range of available goods is mind blowing. There are many bargains to be had, even if you are shopping with Rands. Remember that New Jersey is almost better than NYC in this regard, amazing malls and outlet centres, plus no sales tax on clothing in NJ makes trips to the shops irresistible! Temptation will surround you. Brands are big and plentiful. We have had 4 groups of visitors in the last year...everyone goes home with an extra suitcase...

I suggest you set aside spending money for 'tourist attractions' and separate money for shopping. You will shop. It is inevitable. So plan for it.

1. Tourist attractions 

Consider buying a city pass or explorer pass, check out
city passes

Be careful when choosing a pass, some have limits as to when and how you use it e.g. has to be on consecutive days (which will be tough) so read the conditions carefully. We can do this together when you get here too but knowing what to expect will certainly speed up the process and help you plan your budget.

I can get free entry with my Library card to The Intrepid Museum which is a warship and space shuttle exhibit, worth a visit, see Intrepid

2. Transport

Traveling the 20 miles in and out of NYC is best done by bus or train. The Train will take you to Penn Station (around 34th street where Terry works, he catches the train most days). It costs $22 return and takes anywhere from 40 minutes to 1hr15 depending on stops. The bus is easier I think, it takes you into Times Square, 42nd street, for $18 return, usually in under 45 minutes.

A metrocard for the subway is a must, especially in the winter where you may not want to walk everywhere. A trip costs about $2, cards can be bought for $10 or $20 or more, you can recharge them as you need.

3. Hop on hop off bus tour

The most popular hop on/off tour seems to be this one
Grey line

I did the downtown loop (did Ground Zero then) and Brooklyn with my mum a few weeks ago, very good, cost $50 for the day. Cheaper if you purchase all three loops. It will be bitterly cold to sit on the upper deck in winter so you may decide not to do this bus...it does however give you a great overview of the city and helps you understand the sections (uptown, midtown, downtown and the Burroughs).
There are some cheaper tours available, and you may get specials in winter. Friends who did the green bus were disappointed.

4. Food

For your trips into the city you are welcome to take a packed lunch from here, to give you a rough idea, coffees set you back around $2-$4 depending if you have filter or cappuccino, the easiest food is grabbing a hot dog or pretzel from the hot dog stands, range from $2+, mostly safe for consumption! Definitely carry water from home and snacks to keep you going, you may not want to waste time or money on food but you may also want to experience the food so give it some thought and again, budget for it. We have backpacks for you to use.

5. Broadway

Whether you want to experience a Broadway show or not is another consideration. Check out the shows and costs here Broadway
Shows are expensive but you can sometimes get good deals in winter. We got a '2 for 1' deal last winter for Annie.
In addition, if you stand in line at TKTS on Times Square (other venues too), you can get last minute tickets to great shows at 25-50% off, definitely worth doing. See TKTS

6. Tips

It seems crazy to budget for tips but in the USA tips are the major way many people survive. You will be expected to tip your cabbie, your bus tour guide, your waitress, just about anyone performing any service expects 20% for their efforts. I have to tip my hairdresser, the person who does my nails, spa therapists etc! It won't affect you too much but bear it in mind.

Enough for today :)