New York is, in fact, a helluva town- and one that can be enjoyed for far less than expected.

The easiest plan for scoring a room for a short-term stay is utilizing an online service; many will have discounts on otherwise high-dollar hotels in desirable locales. For longer stays, it's often more economical to rent an apartment or condo on a short-term basis.

A smart option is considering a room in an outer borough or across the river in New Jersey- A ferry runs regularly to Manhattan. However, the ferry quits running before last call, so the cost of a cab through the tunnels might negate any savings you made in bypassing the island.

Food and transportation are easily dispatched with a simple maxim: go native. New York has a thriving transit system and street-level culinary delights that are as kind to your wallet as they are to your tongue. Many of the city's most famed treats are foods designed to be devoured al fresco, with quick subway jaunts providing time to much on the run.

Entertainment is everywhere in this city. A popular "freebie" is attending tapings of television shows; many offer free tickets and an opportunity to see A-list celebrities and musicians in intimate settings. The catch is that many popular shows have lengthy waiting lists. Saturday Night Live,' for example, is known for having a ticket that often is booked nearly a year in advance. If you're planning with plenty of lead time, this is something that can be achieved; otherwise, many shows have tickets available at "will-call" windows early in the day for those willing to take their chances. Otherwise, many "alternative" comedy clubs offer programs at less than $10 and are often frequented by writers and cast members from certain staples of late night comedy. Clubs are plentiful, with meager covers (if any) and colorful locals. Remember, New York is a hub for musicians of every stripe, with many bands calling bars in the East Village their clubhouses. Future celeb spotting is a sport in NYC.

The city boasts an array of museums for every interest, with many offering free admission on certain days. Additionally, public libraries are a repository for all manner of interesting artifacts; fans of children's books should make a point to visit the "real" Winnie the Pooh at the library across the street from the Museum of Modern Art!

Learn more about this author, Michael Ross.
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