Not so fast, Alicia. When it comes to visiting New York, there are some things you can't do — because the Big Apple can be a big money pit. But these hacks can save you time and money when taking on the concrete jungle.
First, you have to see the city. But don't waste your money on a double-decker bus tour when you can explore New York on foot. And stop for snacks. And selfies. Here's how to see a majority of Manhattan in about four hours.
Start at Grand Central Station. Gaze at the ceiling for a minute. Then, exit stage right and head to Fifth Avenue. Walking up this street will take you through Midtown, past 30 Rock, the Museum of Modern Art, the finest shopping in the world, New York Public Library, the Plaza Hotel and Central Park.
Hop on the subway and head to lower Manhattan. In a quick swoop, you can check out Wall Street and the Sept. 11 memorial, then hop on the Staten Island Ferry for expansive views of the city and the Statue of Liberty, all for free.
You'll get hungry. And here are the New York must-haves.
Pizza — for a classic New York slice, get to Lombardi's near Little Italy or Grimaldi's in Brooklyn. Want something a little different? Go for Artichoke. It's like angels and Alfredo sauce had a sweet, sweet love child.
Other must-haves: meat. So, go get the meat sweats at Katz's deli. Street meat can be sublime, too. Check out The Halal Guys for hefty portions of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. But warning: The hot sauce is hotter than magma. Get it on the side if you have the slightest of doubts.
If you find yourself with an insatiable sweet tooth, you need the gooey yet crusty Levain cookies, addictive banana pudding from Magnolia or a cereal milk soft serve at Milk Bar.
Seeing the city can be exhausting, and you may want to relax with a drink. So don't waste your time at just any hotel bar. Nightcaps should be accompanied by nice views.
Go to The Skylark or The Press Lounge near Times Square. You're not just paying for a drink; you're also paying for a view.
So go take on the city that never sleeps for cheap. And remember: If you can't eat it or drink it, you shouldn't pay for it.
This video includes images from Getty Images and Creative Stall / CC BY 3.0.
