How do you go to NYC and not spend so much money..any cost saving ideas on dining, getting around, sight seein

First of all get a 1 week unlimited metrocard. This will cost, I think it's $17 now and will give you unlimited access to NYC's public transportation. If you use it 3 times a day for three days you will come out ahead. I don't know what you want to do or see while you are here, what you want to eat how long you're planning on staying, who you are going with... all of these things are considerations in terms of budget. For food, the first thing to realize is that if you want to eat around the tourist destinations you're going to pay for it. NYC pizza is some of the best in the world and it's not fantastically expensive. You can also find some very good food at reasonable prices in Chinatown. Just don't walk into the first restaurant you see (Chinatown is also an interesting place for the tourist to explore). There are also Green markets at Union Square and the World Trade Center which offer interesting snacks and if you like hot dogs, try Grey's Papaya around 6th Ave and West 4th. You should be able to get a frank and a drink there at a reasonable price. If you're looking for something a little fancier, try Le Sans Coulot (spelling?) West on 46th Street between 8th & 9th Ave. Lunch there is around $12 a person (+ drinks and tips), but its good food and the portions are generous. Dinner goes up to around $20 a plate, not terrible but definitely something to watch if you're on a budget. As for what to do... The South Street Seaport is a great place to spend a few hours and it's basically free. If you want to go on one of the ships or eat something, that'll cost you, but if you just want to see some of the best views in all of NYC then bring your camera and head up to the upper level. Another great place for a view is from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Go to the World Trade Center and take the PATH train one stop to Exchange Place. The PATH train normally doesn't accept Metrocards but at under $2 (one way) it's not enormously expensive. Bring along some sandwiches and some drinks (since there's not much in the immediate area) and have a picnic alongside the Hudson River. Again, don't forget the camera. Other things to do, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Go to Central Park, keep in the mind that in the summer there are often free concerts in Central Park so you might get to enjoy some great scenery and great entertainment at the same time. Go to Coney Island and enjoy walking on the Boardwalk, laying on the beach or riding the Cyclone. The Cyclone costs money, but the other things are free. While you're there stop off at the very first Nathan's restaurant. It's a little more expensive than most fast food places, but the fries can not be beat! Musuems, like the Museum of Natural History have suggested donations rather than admittance fees. Most of these suggestions are reasonable, but if you can't afford them you give what you can. Check out various stores like the Disney store and FAO Scwartz on 5th Ave. or one of the multitude of Barnes & Noble stores throughout the city. You don't have to buy anything while you're in them, but they're interesting stores, free to get into and very often they have something special going on. Many of the Barnes & Noble stores have big name author and celebrity appearances that occur in the evening. Though the summer tends to be a quiet time for these events. As much as you can, walk. You'll find amazing things, sights, landmarks, shops, whatever you're interested in that you wouldn't find with any other mode of transportation and of course the best thing is that it's free. Hope that helps.

I would start with the subways - they are really good, although a bit hot this time of year. I'm not as familiar with the bus schedule. There are youth hostels if you do not have a place to stay. Also, there are a lot of good, inexpensive restaurants in the East Village, Chinatown and Little Italy. And the food is more authentic than at the "tourist" spots. I was there as a student - I remember. This is not much, but I hope a start. There are lots of neat little shops and restaurants that are not advertised in each neighborhood - and there are many, many neighborhoods. Pick up the Village Voice or other paper when you get there. Have fun!

Fly in to Newark - cheaper than JFK Buy a subway/bus pass for the duration - it will get you everywhere and for cheap. You can get it at any subway station. Don't take cabs. If it's not too late - rent an apartment for your stay - there are tons of short term vacation rentals there - this way you can buy food in the market and prepare it yourself - saves tons on restaurants. If you can't eat in, look for smaller places - delis and such - plenty of those in NYC. Some museums have free admission days - check with tourist information.

Here are some ideas of what you can do. First, get a good tour map. Then I recommend you take the BIG APPLE double decker tour bus for an overview of the city. There are several different neighborhoods so I'll highlight these and what to see: Upper East Side: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, Whitney Museum. Walk up and down Madison Avenue for awesome shops and boutiques 96th - 57th st. Walk Park Avenue for architecture all the way to Grand Central Terminal and see the treasures located within. Walk along 5th Avenue to see/go in and out of Central Park - go for a run, go to the Central Park Zoo, go to the Carousel, go for a gondola ride at the boat house. UPPER WEST SIDE: Museum of Natural History -a must! on Central Park West, Walk along Columbus Avenue. Visit the West side of Central Park and pay respects to John Lennon's Strawberry Fields. MIDTOWN: Shopping - 57th St (Chanel and the gang), Fifth Avenue - must see Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and FAO Schwartz - many other fun stores. St. Patrick's Cathedral Museum of Modern Art Sony Bldg Rockefeller Center Go west to awesome new Time Warner center and visit the new Mandarin Hotel bar/restaurant for awesome view and treats! Oh, Bloomingdale's is on 59th St and Lexington. Empire State Bldg. The Intrepid Aircraft Museum is fascinating and on the West side...worth the visit even if you have no kids. CHELSEA: Walk around the blooming area sprouting awesome restaurants and shops. Chelsea Pier is fun. WALL ST: Pay respects to the 9/11 victims and heroes at the WTC site., Walk Wall St., visit the Chase Hdqtrs, Federal Reserve. Seaport area is great to see. THE VILLAGE: Funky shops in the West Village. Walk through the NYU Washington Square Park. The East Village has some shops from new artists and designers SOHO: Great galleries and shops on n off West Broadway. Walk thru to Little Italy for awesome meals and desserts...walk through Chinatown. CANAL STREET has stall after stall of Designer "copies"...bring cash and bargain and watch your purse! These should put an awesome smile on your face. Bring your camera and takes lots of photos to remember your trip. You'll have a blast! OH...BUY this weekly magazine: TIMEOUT NEW YORK on any newstand to see what's going on each week/day. :)

I'll be there in October as I am EVERY YEAR......I learned a few things myself from the answers you've already got, but definately buy a metropass! NEVER NEVER NEVER take a cab! If the trains don't go, then take the BUS!!! Don't pay to go to the Statue of Liberty....it'll be too hot to go inside her anyway! Just take the Staten Island Ferry and it's FREE. The view is the best! There is a flea-market in Chinatown that is really cool. Try to eat a hotdog from a street vender, but NOT near Times Square or the park, it'll cost double! Find one downtown in the business district or uptown away from the "touristy" areas. If you treat yourself, and you like authentic Mexican food....go to Gonzales y Gonzales in SoHo. You and a guest can eat for around $30 if you don't have too many of the BEST marguritas in the whole world!!!!! The park has alot of stuff to do that doesn't cost anything. Go to Century21 on Cortlandt St.. When you get off the train, it is across the street, and it is great NYC shopping for pennies! OMG!!!!! I could go on for days, but I'm so excited about my own trip, I have to shut up now! Best of luck to you and have a great time!!!!! I know you will!