Without a doubt, New York City is one of the most expensive cities on the planet. It is also one of the most unique cities to visit which is why it is worth taking the time to investigate ways to take some of the cost out of a visit without sacrificing an ounce of enjoyment.

I have some pretty expensive tastes. While I’m not big on buying a lot of “stuff” I do love to travel and enjoy experiences — adventures, fine meals, exquisite wines, theater, music, etc. In New York if you aren’t careful, it doesn’t take long to rack up a bill over the course of a weekend that rivals a week long trip somewhere else. Let’s face it, you can’t even drive into the city without paying a hefty toll (last I looked the Lincoln Tunnel was around $6/car). Yet, if you’re smart you can enjoy some of the best of the city on a budget and still have money to pay the rent when you get back home.

I have been traveling into The Big Apple ever since I was a teen and my mother took us on a bus trip into the city to see a Broadway Show. I have been hopelessly hooked every since. My parents aren’t New York savvy, though, so I learned all that I know from several close friends. My partner and I have gotten so good that our friends that live in New York deemed us “honorary New Yorkers” a few years back. So here are a few of our tips for visiting:

Getting There

I must say getting there on a budget is a toss up. We are within a short drive (2 hours give or take based on traffic), yet sometimes it pays to take the bus or train. I always balk at the round trip ticket for the bus $34, especially since it takes me 40 minutes to drive to/from the bus and it stops a million times on its way into the city. Yet, when you consider gas, wear/tear, city traffic (though I love the adrenaline rush of driving in NYC), tolls, and the cost of parking (not to mention having to actually stay awake en route) it can sometimes pay to leave the driving to someone else. For those traveling by air, the usual tips apply — try the discount travel sites online and the airlines directly. With JKF, La Guardia, and Newark all easily accessible to the city you have options.

Theater

What’s not to love about a city that defines performing arts for the rest of the free world? While I have some strong opinions on the state of Broadway shows and the economies there at the current time, there is still nothing in the world like wandering through Schubert Alley knowing you’re headed to a show. Since regular ticket prices these days are upwards of $100 a seat, going to the theater is more like an investment than entertainment. Yet, options abound for the savvy theatergoer:

TKTS

Discounted tickets are available at the TKTS line (run by the Theater Development Fund) for the current day’s shows. Only certain shows show up “on the boards” (as the listing of shows with available tickets are called) on any given day and don’t expect shows that are continually sold out to show up on the boards. That being said, I have gotten some of the best deals by standing in line and “winging it”. Tickets are sold for both Broadway and Off-Broadway shows so there is always a plentiful selection.

Rush, Lottery, Student, and Standing Room Only Tickets

If you want day of show seats at rock bottom prices even to the most popular show in town (assuming they have a lottery) this is the way to go. The complete explanation of these different discounts can be found here. Again, these policies are show specific and you can find out more information on the show’s website. Here’s an example of two of the best bargains I have ever scored. This Wednesday, we entered the lottery for A Chorus Line which is sold out. Voila, Kim’s name was called and we had two cellar front mezzanine center seats for this sold out show for $21.95 a ticket. Another great example was many years ago when I was in college. I took the bus into the city and got a student ticket to see Grand Hotel for $15. Can’t beat that!

Off-Off Broadway and Small Performance Spaces

Where do you think the next big name Broadway star is performing right now? If not at a nearby wedding reception then probably in a small, artistic space in the city honing their chops. Bargains abound and prices plummet as you migrate away from the glitz of the big houses. Check out the magazine Time Out New York available on newstands everywhere in the city to find, well everything.

Dining

You can find some of the best and most diverse food you’ll find anywhere in New York. You can also find some of the most overpriced, terribly ordinary, and horrible food you’ll ever find as well. I have dined to the tune of hundreds of dollars for a very special occasion. I have also managed to eat delicious lunches and dinners for the same price or less than I would back home. To get the most for your money:

  • Get off the beaten path. Move away from Times Square, visit the other exciting parts of town, and generally avoid tourist traps.
  • Dine during the week. Many places offer mid-week specials and fixed price deals. If nothing else, the crowds are less and you can get reservations at places that are otherwise untouchable.
  • Have a plan. Do a little research at places like NY Magazine or Chowhound .
  • Ask a local. I’ve had my best meals at places recommended by people who actually live and work in the city.

Lodging

Don’t even think to compare New York hotel prices to anywhere else you travel. I would rarely pay upwards of $150 a night to stay somewhere (unless I was splurging for something very special which I often do), yet in New York that would be dirt cheap. My best deals have come from using Hotwire, Orbitz, and Travelocity. If you play your cards right, you can find some nice, convenient lodging for a reasonable [NY reasonable] price. Consider staying away from the hub-bub of Midtown to save even more money.

Transportation

While the yellow taxi cab is synonymous with New York and can be very convenient (particularly when carrying luggage), the subway is the best bargain you can imagine. For a mere $2 you could literally travel from way out on one borough, all the way through Manhattan, and out the other side. Don’t expect eat off the floor cleanliness like the San Francisco BART or the metro in Washington DC, but the subway is an ecosystem and adventure all of its own.

Museums and Art

You could spend a year wandering through museums, exhibits, and artistic spaces in New York. Many museums offer free or reduced admissions on certain weekdays. Check out the massive listing over at About.com “New York City Museums on a Budget“.

Music and Dance

Music abounds in New York and the venues are too numerous to mention. The same holds true for music and dance as it did for theater and art — seek out the bargains. Some venues have 1/2 price nights, low cover charges, and discount seats for students. Once again, some of the most talented artists in the world are performing nightly in small houses. That’s where some of the oldest household names started — think Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand. To investigate some music venue deals go here .

Now you can enjoy your first (or next) trip to NYC without so much budget breaking anxiety…