New York is a city of dreamers (cue “Empire State of Mind”). It’s full of people who came with a plan and stayed on for what happened next. Millions of visitors join them every year to take their bite out of the Big Apple: the allure of fame, big-city living, and the excitement of constant change — it’s simply too tempting to resist.
It doesn’t take long to get attached: 48 hours, 200 dollars, and one good idea are all you need to get the most from this bustling metropolis. Come for a weekend in NYC under $200, and feel what life might be like in the city that never sleeps.
See the city from above at the top of the Empire State Building.
1. Start with a bird’s-eye view
It might be helpful to start with a bit of perspective on this sprawling city. Our tip? Climb New York’s tallest building for the 360-degree views. Bring a camera along if you want to get great shots for your Instagram feed.
Think about your main priorities for the trip — if you care about convenience, consider investing in a flexible explorer pass to get discounts on all the top sights. Remember that some places are so special and iconic to New York that you just can’t miss them, even on a quick trip. Make sure you visit the 9/11 memorial and the Statue of Liberty (it’s even bigger in person).
Skip the line and (see some masterpieces) at the Museum of Modern Art.
See if there are any street festivals happening while you’re in the city. They’re usually free to attend, year-round, and definitely a cool, local thing to take part in. Whatever you’re into — from women’s roller derby toprohibition-era whiskey — there’s probably an event for it.
Got a hankering for grandma’s homestyle cooking? Then maybe you’ll want to taste your way through Little Italy. If you’re in town in September, stuff your face at the 11-day Feast of San Gennaro. It’s a perfect time to challenge new friends to the ultimate cannoli-eating championship.
Music brings people from all walks of life together, that’s just a fact. Afropunk and the Governor’s Ball Music Festival are a testament to that. They’re only some of the ways to enjoy New York’s music scene. Other ways, like this gospel tour of Harlem abound. There’s simply no shortage of groovy things to do.
Walking around town is a great way to get a feel for the city’s colorful boroughs.