It is probably the most visited city in the United States. Nearly everything that has to do with anything happens in New York City: film, fashion, music, politics, and much, much more. New York City is a notoriously expensive city, both to live and explore as a tourist. But, it doesn't have to be.
NYC is the top place I want to visit in America. I have been planning and planning and planning to go there, until last december I got to checked off NYC in my bucket list. It was like a dream come true.
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Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
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Out of all the time, December was the chosen date. It’s Christmas Season, and we all know New York is one of the best place for this season. Although it’s freezing cold and I’m not a fan of winter, I still enjoyed the whole trip especially i get to dressed up something we don’t really do in California. Winter clothes!!!!
As a first timer, I did a lot of research about the city. I want to be prepared as much as possible because I don’t want to waste time and stress over things while I’m there. Trust me, it will save you time and money, all you have to do is enjoy the trip.
Cheap Plane Ticket
I recommend booking your flight 3 months ahead especially if it’s during the holiday season, or if you have been planning to visit, you should check prices every now and then so you know when to hit the jackpot.
Budget hotel prices
I learned that even budget hotels in NYC are expensive. Rooms at a two-star hotel in Manhattan would be around $75. Some budget hotels don't even have a private bathroom, so you actually have to share with other people and the rooms are also small. Uh, really small.
Manhattan is incredibly expensive. So if you have a tight budget, I recommend to go around Brooklyn or Jersey City. It's much much better. We stayed in Brooklyn and it was a $87/night, it was actually worth it because the subway station was only two blocks away, and the only reason why it was that price because we booked the room five days before our trip. However, I did checked hotel prices now and then and I saw that they have low rates if you get the room early.
I also recommend AirBnb, it was our first option, you can find shared rooms for around $25 per night and entire homes for around $80 per night. PLUS, If you have a weird arrival time, you can talk to the host about it and most of them are nice about it.
HOW TO GO AROUND
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The Yellow one is the unlimited ride, and the other one is
a one time ride from JFK airport to connect to the subway.
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GET THE METROCARD. $30 UNLIMITED RIDE FOR SEVEN DAYS. WORTH IT. Taxi can be expensive and I rather enjoy the subway to be honest, We got lost several times, and I know we're not the only one who had this experience. And I admit is was actually fun and the metrocard is useful because SUBWAY IS THE MAIN TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY. The card is also useable for bus. Get it and thank me later.
TOURIST SPOT
We got the CityPass C3 version and it was actually a good deal. You get to choose 3 tourist spot for only $75, There’s also another version where you get to pick six attractions for $116.
Options:
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View from the Empire State building
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View from Top Of the Rock (you can see the Empire State)
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Time Square
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Grand Central Station
THE FOOOOOOD WE ATE!
&& Dont forget to try Halal Guys! We murdered it and didn't take a picture!
New York City has to be experienced at least once in your life, no excuses! There’s nothing like it anywhere else on the planet, and you will constantly find yourself wondering how awesome this place could be. From food like pizzas, to massive skyscrapers towering above you, the busy streets of time square, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park….. And many more.... And that’s why i can't wait to be back to the city that never sleeps!
