New York City on the cheap

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of taking my three kids to New York City. I want you to know it is possible to do the Big Apple on a shoe string.

Upon arrival, our trip began when we hopped the M60 bus from LaGuardia Airport and transferred to the 7 train in Queens, which we took right to Grand Central Terminal. If you haven’t seen it, go stare at the station ceiling with the fabulous redo that it’s undergone.

During our time in the city, we took in the Freedom Tower with the spire on top and the Statute of Liberty, which we saw for free from the Staten Island ferry.

We spent hours in Central Park, but too many minutes in Times Square. The crowds are just too oppressive for me.

New York does not have to be expensive. We had many of our meals at little dive pizza places. The subway is cheap and your feet are even cheaper.

My brother and his wife happened to be in town and paid over $700 for two tickets to see The Book of Mormon. My kids and I did not do any plays or shows. I’m sure you can imagine why!

We stayed at a 4-star hotel for $151 a night that I booked through Hotwire. That’s more than I like to pay, but I have noticed stays getting cheaper because of new hotel openings.