Cheap & Free Ways to See Famous NYC Landmarks!
1) The Statue of Liberty
Expensive Option: Circle Line Sunset Cruise or Statue Cruise to visit the Pedestal
If you can afford it, the $45 Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise is one of the best tours in New York to see the skyline and Statue of Liberty at peak lighting for photos. The Statue Cruise ($24) is if you actually want to get to Liberty Island. Both are fantastic, and the easiest and closest ways to see the Statue.
Budget Option: Staten Island Ferry
This is Absolutely FREE and Leaves from the Whitehall Terminal in Battery Park, at the bottom of Manhattan. When you board the boat, walk to the right side and you will pass the Statue of Liberty about mid-way through the ride. The ride is 25-minutes each way. Note: You will not get as close to the Statue as you would with one of the paid boat rides.
2) New York Observation Decks:
Expensive Option: Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, The Edge, or Summit One Vanderbilt
New York has 5 different observation decks. My current favorite is Summit One Vanderbilt because it's also an experience and not just about the views (although they're epic too). I think any tourist should visit at least one, to feel the scope of the city. But the cheapest (Top of the Rock) starts at $34, and this adds up fast for a big group. On a budget, instead...
Budget Options: Stavros Niarchos Library or Rooftop Bars
Stavros Niarchos Library- This is one of the best kept secrets of New York City. The 7th floor Terrace is absolutely free. I really like it best at night, when you can get the city lights. While the views aren't on par with an observation deck, it's still breathtaking.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar- This is New York's WORST Kept Secret. It's extremely popular with tourists. But the views of the Empire State Building can't be beat. Children are allowed for weekend brunch (call ahead to confirm).
Beast & Butterflies- This is my current favorite New York City rooftop for views. It has a unique perspective on Times Square, and can actually make a good cocktail. It's also not over run with tourists (yet). This isn't going to top an observation deck for wow factor, but it's not a bad alternative with a drink in hand. And kids are welcome (just not sitting at the bar).
3) New York Skyline Views from the Water
Expensive Option: Circle Line Sunset Cruise
As previously stated, the Circle Line ($45) is an epic way to combine the Statue of Liberty and Skyline views. But it isn't low cost. It also can get very crowded during peak periods.
Budget Options: New Jersey Views or NYC Ferry
1) Hoboken, NJ Waterfront: There's a reason New Jersey residents pay big bucks to live on the waterfront. The views. If you take the $2.75 PATH Train from Manahttan, you can get to Hoboken in as little as 10 minutes (9th Street or Chirstopher Street Stations). Take in the Free View from right across the Hudson River, located next to the train station. Hoboken is a neat city as well, if you have extra time to explore you'll be way off the tourist beaten path (see my video of Hoboken on the link below 👇🏼 )
2) NYC Ferry: Few tourists would ever think to try this, but this is absolutely GENIUS if you time it around sunset. Take the NYC Ferry ($8 round-trip) from Pier 11 Manhattan to East 90th Street. Disembark and catch the Southbound ferry back to Pier 11. Total trip time is 34 minutes each way. You can download tickets right off the phone app or use a machine in person. You'll have the same skyline views as the second half of the Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise, with almost no other tourists on board. There will be no narration, but this is truly an epic cheap New York City hack. I recommend sitting outside with your camera ready (weather permitting).
4) New York City History & Guided Tours:
Expensive Option: Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tours
These are found in just about every New York City "Pass". I went for the first time in a decade living in the Big Apple and actually thought the history from the headphones was on point. None of the buses use local guides anymore. It is pre-recorded, and the buses are packed to the brim with tourists. By themselves, these are at least $35-$40. I don't think they're awful for timid travelers who want to get a lay of the land. However, they're about the least authentic and local thing you could ever do in New York. If you want everyone to know you're a tourist: go on one of these.
Budget Option: Free Walking Tours
I highly recommend Free Tours by Foot in NYC. It's based off of a popular European model of naming your own price for a walking tour. You simply tip at the end what you think the tour is worth. I've done some of the New York City ones in the past and was always impressed with the guides. For a first-timer I like the "New York One Day" or "Midtown & Central Park" options. Note: Please don't think of this as a free tour, even if the name states that. These guides live off their tips and they work hard for them. 👇🏼
5) Broadway Shows
Expensive Option: Paying Full Price at the Box-Office
Sometimes, you have no choice but to pay full-price for a hot broadway show. At their peaks, Hamilton and Book of Mormon were almost impossible to get tickets for under $300. If you have your heart set on a particuluar show that's new and/or trendy there are few ways to get cheap tickets.
Cheap Option: Rush Tickets, TKTS Booth, or Off-Broadway Shows
1) This article explains RUSH Tickets better than I ever could. But you normally have to spend some time in line at a theater for the biggest discount tickets ($25-$45). There are also digital lotteries, which are much easier 👇🏼
2) The TKTS Booth (3 locations) offers you an opportunity to either buy same day tickets or next day matinees (South Street and Lincoln Center Only) at 20-50% discounts. Not all shows are available. Times Square has the longest lines by far. You can't pick where your seats are, and will get the best available which can still be $100 or more. TKTS is a bit of a luck game. See the TKTS website for what is available before you even go over.
3) Off-Broadway: Off and Off-Off Broadway are in much smaller theaters (Under 500 and Under 100 seats). New York has so much talent, that you can enjoy a fantastic night out at a more intimate venue. I suggest heading to TodayTix for an in-depth listing of shows. 👇🏼
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