“New York City” and “affordable” don’t often belong in the same sentence. In a city that cracked down on Airbnbs, hotels have skyrocketed.
According to the New York Times, the average hotel room will run you over $300 per night – a new record. Although, a quick search shows some steals like the Eurostars Wall Street for 79% off in July.
As iconic as the ‘Big Apple’ remains today, tourists far and wide still have NYC in their scope as a premiere getaway for urban adventures ranging from incredible cuisine, world-class museums, and renowned sites in every borough.
Summer is one of the best seasons to explore New York with so many fun things to do outdoors, but the top travel hack revealed by the U.S. Sun will save you boatloads of money.
For less than a cup of coffee, you can visit the city’s top attractions and it’s so much easier than you may think.
Stop Overpaying For Boat Tours
Boat tours serve their purpose, but they’re not all they’re cracked up to be, especially some with outrageous prices.
Perhaps you can luck out by scoring a Groupon for a fun time on the water, but there’s no need to do so.
Much like my hometown of San Diego, where tourists overpay for boat tours to hit the scenic waterways of the San Diego Bay, many are disappointed to find out they could have a similar experience for less than $10 by booking the Coronado Ferry.
Saving potentially hundreds of dollars, it’s the same for NYC. Unless you want a repetitive tour guide who’s given dozens upon dozens of tourists the same spiel, then the NYC Ferry is for you as low as $4.
From Coney Island To The Statue Of Liberty: The Options Are Endless
New York City is home to 5 boroughs, unless you count Jersey City as the unofficial sixth. Any way you slice it, some of the best ways to borough-hop is by boat.
If anything, it sure beats taking the rat-filled subways! Especially since there are power outlets on-board to keep your phone ready for photos, as well as snacks and refreshments – yes, including alcohol!
The city offers daily commuters cheap NYC Ferry rides, but it’s also tourists’ best travel hack here.
Rather than fork over your paycheck for an unnecessary tour of the Statue of Liberty, you can take in the same views and awesome phot-ops aboard the ferry.
Not to mention unmatched views of the illustrious Manhattan skyline as well.
While booking a ticket is surely the most budget-friendly way to experience notoriously expensive New York City, the ferry is not solely the best alternative to Statue of Liberty tours.
Heck, perhaps the ferry’s real shining moment was when U.S. Airways’ Captain ‘Sully’ heroically landed a plane in the Hudson River, with multiple commuter ferries jumping into action.
While seeing planes in the Hudson isn’t typically on the itinerary, there are 7 routes to choose from.
You can easily visit other top attractions like Coney Island or even Rockaway Beach for a break from the hustle and bustle in the City That Never Sleeps.
Unfortunately, those visiting Coney Island won’t get to see champion Joey Chestnut scarf down wieners at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th any longer.
The NYC Ferry’s 7 Routes
These are the 7 routes the NYC Ferry offers:
- Astoria – Western Queens and Roosevelt Island
- East River – East River to Midtown and the Financial District
- Soundview – The Bronx and the Upper East Side to Lower Manhattan
- South Brooklyn – South Brooklyn to Midtown and the Financial District
- St. George – Staten Island to the West Side of Manhattan, in Battery Park and Midtown West
- Rockaway – Rockaway Beach, Sunset Park, and Lower Manhattan
- Governors Island Shuttle – *Seasonal*
It’s important to know riders can transfer at no charge from any of these routes, including the above Governor’s Island shuttle.
Better yet, travelers can also hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry – a free service offered year-round.
No matter where you go, from Wall Street to Brooklyn to Sunset Park, the NYC Ferry has grown in popularity.
It’s strongly advised to book tickets in advance, which you can do so on the official NYC Ferry App and vending machines.
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