Guide to NYC – on a budget (Part 5): Best spots to splurge

NYC, the city many only get to dream of. I was one of those dreamers for a long time, and once I took my first trip to New York 13 years ago I was hooked and fell in love with the Big Apple. The lights, the buildings, the energy, the people….it’s amazing! So, for all the dreamers hoping to plan a trip to NYC but think they can’t afford it, I’ve put together this 7 part series on planning your next trip to NYC on a budget. So far we’ve covered:

• Guide to NYC – on a budget (Part 1): The best time to visit NYC – highlighting each NYC season and what each has to offer.
• Guide to NYC – on a budget (Part 2) : “How do I get there?” – everything you need to know about getting to NYC and how to get around once there.
• Guide to NYC – on a budget (Part 3) : Where to stay – my thoughts on the best NYC neighborhoods to stay in, and the best hotel deals!
• Guide to NYC – on a budget (Part 4): Top 20 FREE things to do in NYC – my list of the top 20 must-see free places and things to do in NYC!

I took this photo at sunrise on the waterfront in Weehawken, NJ, September 2012

Since last week we covered the FREE things for you do to, today’s post is about the things and places that are worth splurging and spending a few extra bucks in NYC. Keep in mind, my definition of “splurge” might not be the astronomical prices you are expecting, BUT this series is about traveling to NYC on a budget so for those looking to keep their spending to a minimum, or those with a large family, these prices can add up. So if these prices are cheap to you, even better!

• Observatories: going to the top of one of NYC’s most iconic buildings and getting to view the entire city in all it’s beauty is a must (if you can)! I would suggest going up at dusk so you could see the City just as it starts getting dark. It’s breathtaking!
  • Empire State Building – This iconic NYC building is stunning! Tickets to to main observation deck are $32 (higher options are available for additional prices).
  • One World Observatory – opening May 29, 2015!  You can view videos and photos on the website currently and it looks amazing! Tickets are $32 per adult.
  • Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center (my recommendation) – It’s been a few years, but I have been to the Top of the Rock and it was spectacular! When I went it was at night so it was dark. The city was all lit up and spectacular. The reason I prefer Rockefeller Center, is you get the beautiful view of the Empire State building in your pictures!  Tickets to the Top of the Rock are $30 per adult.

I took this photo on the Top of the Rock in 2007

• Museums– NYC is full of World Class museums. Depending on your interests, there is probably a museum for you!  Some of NYC’s great museums include:
  • MoMA – The Museum of Modern Art, admission is $25 per adult.
  • The Whitney Museum of American Art aka Whitney – recently moved to a new building and just opened on May 1st! Admission is $22 per adult.
  • The Guggenheim – Admission is $25 per adult.
  • American Museum of Natural History – Suggested admission is $22 per adult.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art aka the Met – suggested recommended is $25 per adult.

Photo of The Met – Photo credit A. Starkey

• Broadway Show: – NYC does it best! With so many shows to choose from, your only dilemma might be getting your group to decide on the same show. Prices can range from $30 to a few hundred dollars a ticket depending which show your going to, and where you want to sit. I’ve personally been to a couple NYC musicals and I loved them, but I do think if you can it’s worth it to pay the extra money to sit closer. Of course each theater is different, and even if you are in the “cheap seats” it still a lot of fun. If you are flexible on what show you are willing to see, there are a few discount routes you can go:
  • TKTS Ticket Booth – locations in Times Square, South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn, you can buy tickets for same day shows up to half off! Check the website for current listings and prices.
  • TravelZoo -Under the Entertainment/New York City tab you can always find great deals on shows.

I took this photo in Times Square in 2011

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  Sightseeing tours:

  • Boat Tours: a great way to experience the amazing views of NYC. There are so many different options to choose from, but depending on what you want to see, how much you want to spend, and how long you want to be on the boat, there is an option for you. Prices range from $25-$300 per person. Check out these websites for the best option for you:
    • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – all types of tours, including Best of NYC Cruise and a landmark cruise.
    • Classic Harbor Line – everything from yachts to huge sailboats, dozens of different options to choose from.
      • *I found a current deal for a Manhattan skyline cruise for $32 per person (regular $42).
    • Hornblower Cruises – dinner and brunch cruises.
    • Manhattan by Sail – huge sailboats, offering different tours around NYC.
      • *current deal, Statue of Liberty Cruise $29 per person (regular $44).

Photo courtesy Manhattan by Sail

• Bus Tours:
  • Big Bus Tours – double decker buses, open on the top, taking you by all the major NYC landmarks. Prices from $54 per adult.
  • The Tour NYC – in these buses the seats all face towards the window (as oppose to facing forward), and the tour takes you by NYC’s major landmarks.
    • *deal  $29 per person, regularly  $49.
  • Gray Line New York – offers several different tour options, including the double decker open top tour bus with several different route options. Prices start at $49 per adult.

Photo courtesy TheTourNYC.com

• Helicopter – if you’re feeling really daring and want to see NYC from above, check out New York Helicopter. Tours start at $169.
  • *Deal $119 (regular $174) for Liberty tour.

Photo courtesy New York Helicopter

• Shopping: Shopaholics beware! Get ready for the finest of the finest. NYC of course has every store imaginable. Depending on your taste, style and budget there is something for you. I like to keep it simple, but I definitely recommend buying something to remember your visit. Even if it’s a cheesy trinket from a touristy store, you will have something to remind you of your visit to New York.  How cool are these dining accessories with the classic New York accent?!? I spotted these on the boardwalk in Coney Island.

A photo posted by New York City Inspired (@newyorkcityinspired) on Jun 13, 2014 at 8:13am PDT

• Food: If you are a foodie, NYC is your town. New York City has unlimited possibilities when it comes to food choices. I’m a pretty simple gal, I love my classic slice of New York pizza, so my personal food recommendations are going to pizza and Shake Shack, (splurging is not required!). But, if you are a food connoisseur, do your research online and take yourself out for a fancy night in the big town!

A photo posted by New York City Inspired (@newyorkcityinspired) on Dec 18, 2014 at 11:13am PST

Deal to consider, if you plan on doing a lot of these things….get a City pass. This pass is $114 and allows you to go to the following :

Click to go directly to www.citypass.com

Basically, when it comes down to it, I would say spend your money on the things you love the most. If you’ve dreamt of going to the top of the Empire State building, then do it. If your dying to go eat at a fancy Manhattan restaurant, do it. If you budget right, try to squeeze in some areas to splurge and treat yourself to something special. New York is an amazing city, and I hope all you dreamers out there can start planning your next trip to the the Big Apple!

We only have 2 weeks left of our series! Next week’s Part 6 will be Guide to NYC – on a budget: The other boroughs, giving you tips on exploring Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx and Staten Island on a budget!

What’s  your dream thing to do or visit in NYC? Let me know in the comments below!