Budget trip to New York

[Londonsteve]

I’m planning to take Queen Mary 2 one way from Southampton to New York and return on an Avios reward ticket, preferably on a more comfortable day flight. I’ll be honest, having previously been to NY 15 years ago I didn’t fall in love with it and would only want to spend some days there because that’s where I end up after the transatlantic crossing with QM2. I’d like to visit MOMA and the USS Intrepid museum, beyond that I don’t have any ‘must see’ bucket list things although I’m sure I could find a couple more.

Hotels are hideously expensive as is eating out, due in part to menu prices and the obligatory 25% tip. I’d rather minimise my expenditure while there in order to spend on another holiday in Europe.

What’s the recommendation of folks here for good value accommodation in NY in a SAFE place (in terms of both area and the property itself). Airbnb in someone’s spare room? I’d be using public transport (which I’m aware can be a bit of a jungle, hence also the desire to stay in a safe location) and having dined like royalty on QM2 for 7 days 3x a day, I’m quite happy to subsist on Chipotle and McD for a couple of days in NY to keep costs down. Some may find the juxtaposition odd but the purpose of the journey is mainly to experience QM2 rather than to visit NY.

Recommendations for any affordable and interesting sights or experiences in NY are also welcome.

[yonasl]

I was in NY a couple of years ago and it did feel a little grim compared to previous trips (you could still feel the effects of covid and the increase in homelessness that seems to be endemic across the US). Maybe things got a little better since then.

I did not feel things are unsafe but maybe that’s the Londoner attitude to seeing all sort of people mixing and going on with their lives.

Stuff felt very expensive everywhere but hopefully if you find good accommodation you can use public transport without much worry (I never felt unsafe or saw weird stuff).

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

There are a couple of tourist passss for NYC so have a look for those and see if they will get you any value if you want to just more than the intrepid and Moma.

A number of museums do offer free admission on various nights of the week but they are popular so can be busy,

For transport there isn’t a daily pass but a weekly one costs $34. A single ride is $2.90 so do an estimate of how many bus and subway trips you might want to do.

For food create a diy picnic from stuff from Whole Foods or Trader Joes for example.

[jj]

I also visited NY a couple of years ago and have no plans to return. It’s a massive disappointment compared with London (a city which, for all its faults, I love) and has gone horribly backwards in the past 20 years: filthy, scruffy, ugly and expensive. Shops were limited to big international brands (we literally bought nothing), graffiti everywhere, can’t escape the stink of drugs, stoned people on every corner, homelessness and begging ubiquitous. Even the famous skyline has been ruined by a jumble of ugly skyscrapers that really don’t compare with the grace and elegance of the older buildings. Food is almost universally dreadful, even in expensive restaurants – over-seasoned and almost entirely ultra-processed. We found a great vegan cafe in Dumbo – I’m a carnivore, and, ironically, that was the best meal of the trip.

More positively, we didn’t feel unsafe at any time of the day, even on the subway. In the unlikely event that I return, I would be inclined to stay out of Manhatten. Maybe a Brooklyn AirBnB? Brooklyn felt like a decent place in the limited time we spent there and was the only part of the city that I warmed to.

I’m sure you’ve looked at places that you (don’t) want to visit, but you might enjoy the Tenement Museum. It’s a relatively obscure attraction but was the highlight of our visit – an absolutely fascinating insight into the lives of the New Yorkers about 100 years ago.

[Hbommie]

Why not go to Norway on the QM2 if that’s the reason for the trip?

[davefl]

Airbnb and short term rentals in NY were largely banned last year and there’s not much that gets around the new laws, you could maybe get one across in New Jersey and get the train in to Manhattan.

I second the Tenement museum but you need to book well in advance as there are limited tours and it books up well ahead.

Also consider the Met, the Gugenheim. Staten Island ferry for a free trip to sail past the statue of liberty and back.
Don’t shop at Whole Foods, the prices are insane compared to other stores.

Tipping is absolutely not 25%. 18-20 IF the service is good. Feel free to leave less or nothing if it’s not.

Since you’re going to see the Intrepid and some museums investigate the City Pass and its competitors. You’ll save money if you plan what you’re going to visit and skip the lines.

If the weather is good walk the High Line, and also walk across the Brooklyn Bridge then get the subway back.

[Londonsteve]

Thanks all. Sounds like Airbnb is the way to go, I don’t mind staying out of Manhattan and using the subway to get where I want to go. Although with the current level of prices in NY even someone’s spare room may set me back 100 USD per night? In London I’d recommend budget travellers investigate the chain hotels around City airport and for those really on a tight budget, there are good value motels at Heston Services on the M4 or Gateway Services on the M1 which can be easily accessed with a cheap minicab ride to the nearest station, and of course offer free parking for those arriving by car.

jj wrote:

and has gone horribly backwards in the past 20 years: filthy, scruffy, ugly and expensive

I’m expecting to be disappointed and if it’s better than that then great. As mentioned, the only reason I’d be going is because it’s where the QM2 docks.

Hbommie wrote:

Why not go to Norway on the QM2 if that’s the reason for the trip?

It’s a good suggestion but the unbroken 7 day crossing without the interruption of shore visits is part of the appeal. You can maximise your time enjoying the vessel and don’t have the expense of shore tours which only offer a limited taster of the destinations anyway. These, and the scenic early morning arrival in New York which is a unique travel experience are the motivations for me. 7 days and nights of blissful solitude, disconnected from the internet with no obligation to do anything other than unwind. There’s also a historical element to the crossing (note, it’s not a cruise), following in the footsteps of Europeans emigrating to the new world in the same way they did, by sea.

davefl wrote:

Also consider the Met, the Gugenheim. Staten Island ferry for a free trip to sail past the statue of liberty and back.

Excellent suggestions, thank you. I do enjoy art and culture. Even in NY this is affordable and they do have world class collections.

[Michael C]

I think Los Tacos is what you’re looking for!

How about the subway up to the very top of Central Park, then spending the day
walking down through the park and 5th Ave.?
New York Public Library is free to visit, as is Bronx Zoo on Wednesdays.

[davefl]

You could fill a fortnight with art and culture. If you do go to the Met (It’s probably the best museum in the world) try and time it for one of the free guided tours for your first visit and plan at least 3-4 hours there. Then after that head for the elevator at the back of the museum (google it) which takes you to the roof terrace where you get the best free view of central park. There’s bar up there that serves good cocktails but check opening times.

For the Gug, get there well before 5pm as they start kicking out before closing, start at the top and walk down.

[Londonsteve]

Brilliant advice, thank you. This sort of thing is exactly what I had in mind. Whatever’s interesting, meaningful and doesn’t involve spending an arm and a leg.

Another thought: might airport hotels represent good value for money as they do by Heathrow? Sometimes you can get some stonkingly good deals at Heathrow hotels. If it’s anything like London they come with the advantage of good public transport connections and you’re unlikely to be mugged on the bus from Heathrow Central tube station going to the Bath Road! I’d love to stay at the TWA hotel at JFK for its aviation heritage value but one night would suffice.

Another thought is to fly JFK-MAD in J with IB as the redemption is really good value and not much more than Y on BA. However, I very much doubt they offer a daytime service so a day flight in Economy may be more comfortable than the red eye on IB as there’s so little time to sleep. It does however avoid another night of accommodation in NY, not to mention access to the Soho lounge at JFK.

[Richie]

I really like the Gustav Klimt Neue Galerie.

[jj]

Small’s jazz club was the other highlight of our stay, if it’s you kind of cultural event. It obviously depends on the quality of the act on the night, but the place was buzzing and the musicians extraordinary. I forgave New York for all its bad points when I was there.

[nectar collector]

Sothebys galleries are free to visit……when we were there a few years back they had Jeff Koon’s Rabbit sculpture on display ahead of its planned sale. Went for USD 91m ………

[LD27]

We’ve stayed all over the city, but our most recent stays have been in the Financial District. Depending on day of week, they can be cheaper. I don’t think hotels near JFK have good reviews. But we did stay in Brooklyn a few years ago. Definitely walk Brooklyn Bridge, the Highline and take the Staten Island ferry all free as is the Public Library. Grand Central station is worth a visit too. We often take a leisurely walk from the Battery up to Central Park. Have visited since Covid and didn’t think things were too bad – but London born and bred.

We still remember our visit to the Intrepid and like the Met, Moma, Guggenheim and the Frick Collection – but not free.

We’ve also been to a couple of baseball games – got to keep the ball on one occasion when it dropped by my feet. I was able to hold it up and do a twirl, as is the usual thing! Also been to ice hockey and basketball. Not sure of cost or time of year you’ll be there.

Some of the small delis offer reasonably priced food. We’ve also had good street food from the Halal Guys food cart – there might be a long queue!

We’ve often flown from/to Newark. Can be cheaper and easy to get to/from the city.

I don’t think you’ll have lots to keep you occupied.

[Mel TS]

Another vote for the Highline, and the Staten Island Ferry round trip. I also liked walking around Pier 55. Stayed down near Washington Square Park ( in Washington Street Hotel) – was great, gave me a fridge so I could keep left overs and eat the next day, CVS round the corner for basics, walking distance to a subway, never felt unsafe and there were lots of little cafes/restaurants ( I especially liked the NY Creperie on Macdougal Street). If the NY Dosa man is there in Washington Square PARK I highly recommend that – get there EARLY – its a good time spent in the queue chatting to everyone around you and excellent people watching.

[NorthernLass]

We’ve done most of the iconic sights but also really enjoyed just wandering around and spotting different styles of architecture, especially around Central Park. There are some real fairy tale-type buildings between the more modern skyscrapers!

The Natural History museum is amazing if you like that kind of thing – current entrance price for tourists is $28 but you could spend most of the day there. Spoiler – it’s not actually in Night at the Museum!

[Reeferman]

I did exactly this trip (QM2 Southampton to New York and back home on BA daytime flight from JFK) last month. It was fantastic – so much to do on the ship each day. Am sure you’ll enjoy every minute
Also went to Intrepid museum – there’s a Concorde there now too (extra admission fee!)
This time we stayed on Upper West Side (The Wallace Hotel) which has some great prices if you book well in advance. To be fair it does vary hugely day-by-day, so may not work for your trip. The area felt very safe – easy walk to Central Park of course
I’m not the greatest fan of New York, so won’t offer any other suggestions – others have already done so already anyway
Enjoy the trip – and particularly the Liner!

[cin3]

davefl wrote:

You could fill a fortnight with art and culture.

Agreed, more than enough art galleries, museums, jazz clubs, gig venues, etc. to fill several weeks doing nothing else at all.

jj wrote:

Shops were limited to big international brands (we literally bought nothing), graffiti everywhere, can’t escape the stink of drugs, stoned people on every corner, homelessness and begging ubiquitous.

How sad a city would be without graffiti especially one like NYC. Nothing is more depressing than the sterility of somewhere like Singapore.

[HampshireHog]

I have to ask, is the OP winding us up?🔝

[Londonsteve]

Not at all. It’s a deadly serious plan! Thanks to everyone for the contributions, I’m overwhelmed by the positive engagement and plethora of excellent suggestions.

On the return IB in J is fabulous value from JFK, well worth the extra cost over BA in Y, even with the extra flight cost MAD-LHR.

Really looking forward to it now.

[TGLoyalty]

Not sure why it would be a wind up. USA has become ridiculous to visit and especially to eat and drink so the OP is looking for tips to balance things out.

I for one am grateful as will revisit this before a future trip.

[kwisstan]

Agree with a lot of above. I’m over in October and managed to miss the Ice Hockey, but will spend the day at a museum and catch the game in a bar. The lack of vacation rentals through AirBnB has really hit the hotel prices, they are all just crazy. I tend to book hotels in the Financial District if I’m on Manhattan, as it’s normally a little bit cheaper on the weekends.

[SamG]

Something like 1/3 of hotel capacity is off the market housing migrants and new hotels are being put directly to use as shelters as it is more profitable for the owners, this is the main driver of the crazy rates I believe !

[Andrew.]

New York can be done on a budget. Someone’s already mentioned Wholefoods, it’s where we eat on every US trip now. Hot breakfast buffet, hot dinner buffet, salad bars all at around $12/lb. Also pizza by the slice.

Last New York visit was very much off-season and we paid just $140 a night (via an employer offer) at the HIX Sunset Park. A minute’s walk to the Metro on an Express route that was just 20 minutes to downtown.

[jj]

I have to ask, is the OP winding us up?

What an odd thing to say. I’ve never been on a cruise, but a transatlantic voyage has a definite appeal for all the reasons mentioned. And I really have no enthusiasm for a trip to NY.

So, I completely get where @Londonsteve is coming from.