New York remains an essential destination, though its sheer scale can feel rather daunting for first-time visitors. Travel and mental health influencer Alfie Watts has compiled a series of practical tips to help ease the stress, sharing “budget and time-saving hacks” he discovered during his whistle-stop tour of the Big Apple.
The city draws crowds thanks to its electric atmosphere, world-famous sights such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, a melting pot of cultures, and its position as a powerhouse for finance, fashion, and creative industries. Its exceptional museums, West End-rivalling theatres, and award-winning eateries pull in countless tourists annually.
The metropolis’s dynamism, career prospects, and dominance in media and show business have cemented its reputation as an emblem of drive and creativity across the globe.
Taking to Instagram, Alfie laid out his recommendations across multiple slides, making the information easy to digest, with each focusing on a different aspect of the trip.
Getting around
He highlighted that cabs and ride-sharing services from JFK Airport come with hefty price tags, and ongoing building work currently means “journeys can take two hours to get to Manhattan”.
Instead, he suggested: “Take the AirTrain to Jamaica for $8.50 (£6.32) and then the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central for circa $10 (£7.44). It’ll take under an hour in total!”
Beast and Butterflies
Alfie revealed: “This view of Times Square is totally free. Head to the M Social hotel and go to the free rooftop terrace bar and get yourself a drink looking at one of the world’s coolest cities”.
The Edge Alfie revealed that The Edge offers “an awesome observation deck”, though standard admission costs $45 (£33.46). His clever workaround?
“Book a bar table at Peak Lounge Bar”, which requires a $40 (£29.75) minimum spend but grants complimentary access to the observation deck. Rather savvy, that.
NYC Ferry
According to Alfie, whilst “tourist sunset cruises can cost up to $40 (£29.75) per person,” there’s a budget-friendly alternative – a public ferry service departing from E34th Street for less than $5 (£3.72). “You’ll take the same route, under the Brooklyn Bridge and be dropped at Wall Street”, he notes.
Must-sees
Alfie highlighted several must-visit spots which are “mostly free”.
- Central Park
- The High Line
- Staten Island Ferry
- Little Island
- WTC Memorial
- Brooklyn Bridge
Rudy’s Bar
Describing it as his “favourite hack” in the city, Alfie enthuses about this establishment located “just five minutes from Times Square”. He calls it an “awesome little bar” where pints start at a mere $4 (£2.97).
“With every drink purchased, you’ll get a free hot dog”, making Rudy’s Bar an excellent stop for those feeling both peckish and parched.
Smacking Burger
Alfie noted: “One of the best burgers in the city is served at a gas station in West Village and the single patty burger costs just $5.90” (£4.39).
Museums
For culture vultures on a budget, Alfie explained that several museums offer free admission during specific hours:
- 9/11 Museum – Monday 5.30-7 (usually $25 – £18.59)
- The Whitney – Friday 5-10 (usually $30 – £22.31)
- Guggenheim – Saturday 5-8 (usually $30 – £22.31)
In his Instagram post, he wrote: “I’ve just got back from a daytrip to New York, and it wouldn’t have been possible without some elite budget and time saving planning… these 8 hacks should help your New York trip be completely seamless, reducing its cost and allowing you to see more so make sure you save this post if you’re heading to New York in 2026”.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
