Big Apple, Small Budget: Your Guide to an Affordable NYC Getaway

Living in Connecticut has its perks—one of which is being a hop, skip and a train ride away from the city that never sleeps. Planning a trip to The Big Apple, however, can be overwhelming— especially if you are traveling with kids and/or on a budget! Rest assured, though, fellow Connecticut-ites, that it is possible to take a quick trip to NYC without spending a fortune. Here are some tried-and-true ways to make the most of your getaway, while sticking to a reasonable budget.

Travel During Off-Peak Hours
There are two types of people in the world: those who drive in NYC (traffic and all) and those who get anxious just thinking about it. If you happen to fall into the second category, then Amtrak is the way to go. The train will get you there (in comfort) in about three hours from Hartford. The key to saving on your train fare? Travel during off-peak hours. This means the wee hours of the morning and well after the evening commute. A round trip ticket from Hartford to Penn Station will cost you a mere $60 and save you the headache of traffic, parallel parking, and all that dang honking. Another great option is to drive to Stamford or New Haven, parking there and hopping on the Metro North for the final leg of the trip.

Book a Hotel with Perks
NYC hotel prices are so outrageous that it’s tempting to limit yourself to a day trip, but stop right there, friends! You can (and should) make your trip an overnight— you just have to do your research. After searching high and low, I landed on YOTEL New York Times Square as the best option because you get the most bang for your buck—while staying in the center of the hustle and bustle. It’s located in walking distance of the theater district, Times Square, The Empire State Building, and some of the best food the city has to offer. Aside from the hotel’s unique, edgy vibe, you’re paying for so much more than a hotel room (or cabin as they call it). Check out their current special, which includes an early check-in (noon) and late check-out (4 pm), which is priceless when you are exploring the city. The special, nightly rate also includes an extensive and gourmet breakfast buffet, so you can skip the pricey NYC meals. Another highlight is the rooftop lounge on the fourth floor. It’s stunningly decorated with flowers and greenery and a great place for some R and R after a long day of walking. Another budget-friendly option is to stay just outside of the city— try a hotel in Long Island and take the LIRR to and from the city or opt for an overnight in Stamford, CT and take the Metro North to/from your hotel.

Plan Your Meals
Liberty Bagel is a must-visit. Famous for their world famous cream cheese selection, they have a line out the door (don’t worry, it moves super quickly) and prices similar to what we pay here in CT. These bagels were huge, which meant we could save money by sharing and they kept us satiated for most of the day. Try to schedule a trip to Los Tacos No. 1 for an authentic taco of your choice. Bet you can’t eat just one! Tacos are about $6 a piece and well worth every penny.

Wait in Line for Broadway Tickets
When in The Big Apple, Broadway calls and you, my friends, must answer. If you are flexible about which show you see, you can score tickets for up to 50% off by visiting the TKTS Live booth right at the center of Times Square. You can find it behind the famous red staircase. Arrive at around 10 or 10:30 am (booth opens at 11 am) on the day you would like to see a show. You will have to wait in line, but once you make it to the window, you can view available tickets and prices and choose from a list of shows. And in case you didn’t know—there is no such thing as a bad seat in Broadway theaters.

Wear Your Best Sneakers

Cabs and Ubers will cost you a small fortune in the city, so your best bet is to walk everywhere. On my recent trip with my son, we clocked 20 miles in two days. It was great exercise and saved us hundreds of dollars. Plus, we got to take in more of the city along the way. Another option is to rent bikes, which you can find along the way on street corners throughout the city. It’s cheaper than a taxi and faster than walking (and probably driving, too).

In the words of Frank Sinatra, “if you can make it here (on a budget), you can make it anywhere.” So grab your sneakers and start exploring because the best things in New York are….budget friendly.