Staten Island Ferry is free and offers a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline—worth taking both ways.

Street food in NYC can be cheap and delicious. Look out for halal carts, pizza slices, and food in Chinatown if you're trying to save.

Consider getting a week-long metro card if you're planning to take the subway frequently; it's a great way to save on transit.

Use the subway instead of rideshares; it's faster and more affordable.

Skip fancy places and stick to local joints for affordable meals with great taste. Midtown has some great spots, like dive bars offering free hot dogs with drinks.

Walk as much as possible—it's often faster than transit for short distances and gives you the chance to experience NYC's street life.

Feel free to ask locals for directions; most are friendly and happy to help.

Avoid stopping in the middle of busy sidewalks to keep foot traffic flowing and prevent bumping into others.

Keep your belongings close, especially in crowded places, to avoid pickpockets.

Bring a refillable water bottle, as NYC tap water is safe and free. It can save you from buying expensive bottled water while exploring.

For a scenic city view, take the East River Ferry. It's affordable and lets you see the city from a unique perspective.

Dress in layers and wear warm clothing in winter as temperatures can vary widely.

Ignore street hawkers offering CDs or other items, as they often pressure tourists for money.

Move to the side if you need to stop walking; NYC sidewalks can get very busy.

Bring cash if you plan to visit Chinatown as some places are cash-only.

Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas. They tend to work in groups, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Avoid eating in Times Square as prices are higher; find local spots outside tourist areas.

Be prepared for lots of walking, and get comfortable shoes for the long strolls around NYC.

Wear waterproof shoes, especially in winter, as the sidewalks can be wet and slushy.

Public restrooms are rare; use restrooms in cafes or large stores when you can.

Stand on the right side of the escalator; left is for walking.

New Yorkers appreciate when tourists respect their pace, so try not to block foot traffic.

Avoid empty subway cars at night; they're usually empty for a reason.

Take some time to explore areas outside Manhattan like Brooklyn and Queens for a local feel.

Download a transit app like Citymapper to navigate buses and trains easily.

Consider using public transportation over rideshares, which have been costly recently.

To save on museum entry, check their websites for free or ‘pay-what-you-wish’ days.

Avoid the subway late at night; consider taking a rideshare instead after 9 PM.

Use the Staten Island Ferry for a free, close-up view of the Statue of Liberty without going to Ellis Island.

Use the NYC Ferry for affordable, scenic trips around Manhattan instead of pricey tourist cruises.

Plan for extra travel time on weekends, as subway schedules often have planned or unplanned delays.

If you’re using a MetroCard, ensure you’re on the correct subway platform, as passes can only be used once every 18 minutes at the same station.