10 NYC Tourist Money Mistakes: Stop Throwing Away Cash!

Visiting New York City is memorable, but often more expensive than anticipated. Unfortunately, many tourists waste money on easily avoidable mistakes!

In this article, we’ll help you avoid those how-the-hell-is-this-so-expensive moments during your travels to New York.

You’ll learn the hack to avoid paying full price for Broadway shows, where to find the best souvenirs, and how to avoid a common ordering mistake at bars that led to the saddest experience we’ve ever had with our friend Harvey..

As an overview, here are the 10 NYC tourist money mistakes we’ll cover:

1. Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill
2. Full-Price Broadway Tickets
3. Buying Bottled Water at Restaurants or On the Go
4. Staying in Times Square
5. Pedicabs (Anywhere) & Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park
6. Ordering Too Much Food
7. Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs
8. Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat
9. Buying Shots of Alcohol
10. Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

Let’s do it. 👇

Note: This article was written by a real human being who lives in New York City, not artificial intelligence. 🥸

NYC Tourist Money Mistakes Episode

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#1- Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill

While we can’t help you avoid the awkward experience of your server hovering over your shoulder while you punch in the tip, we can help you avoid unexpected charges.

Whenever you get your bill at a bar or restaurant, double-check it.

Check for items you didn’t order, missing promos, or other mishaps. And if you are with a larger group, typically six or more people, be aware that many places automatically add a gratuity. No need to tip twice!

Be aware that there is a general expectation in the United States to tip 18-25% of the bill price. We don’t have time to dive into that, but this video provides a helpful, lengthy explanation.

If a bar or restaurant doesn’t give you an itemized receipt, ask for one. 😁

#2- Full-Price Broadway Tickets

Experiencing a Broadway show should be on everyone’s NYC bucket list. The talent is top-notch, the theaters are phenomenal, and the experience is unparalleled.

One of the best parts about Broadway is that there are genres and shows for all types of interests and ages.

But the price tag can be rough! Luckily, there are some cheaper options, including:

• TKTS Booth
• Today Tix
• Rush/Lottery
  • https://lottery.broadwaydirect.com/
  • Rush is through the specific show’s website/theater, and involves going to the box office
• Last-minute tickets through providers like:
  • Vivid Seats
  • Viator
  • Seat Geek
  • or Ticketmaster

Read our full article about how to get cheaper Broadway tickets here. And watch this helpful video below.

#3- Buying Bottled Water at Restaurants or On the Go

New York City tap water is delicious, safe, and FREE. See the NYC drinking water quality report here if you wanna nerd out.

There’s no need to buy a tiny $4 bottle of water in Central Park; instead, bring your own and refill it!

And when you go to a restaurant, they might try to trick you by asking, “sparkling or still?” for water.

Instead, say “tap please.” And just like that, you save $5 to $10 on water per meal. 👍

New York Know How – Shared Reminders Lists for Packing (and more)

If you have a partner or children, preparing for a trip takes real work. And forgetting to add something to your packing list is a nightmare!

Use shared packing lists (via the Reminders app on iOS) to make sure you don’t miss anything.

#4- Staying in Times Square

Times Square is a busy, loud, and expensive area.

You do NOT need to stay in Times Square when you visit New York City!

Instead, prioritize being close to a subway station. If you’re in Manhattan and within a 10-minute walk to a subway station, you can get almost anywhere in the city in less than 45 minutes.

Plan out where you hope to go and spots you plan on visiting in the city, then book a hotel accordingly.

Explore our full guide to where to stay in NYC.

#5- Pedicabs (Anywhere) & Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park

Pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages are one of the worst tourist traps in New York City.

Pedicabs are:

• Unsafe
• Expensive
• Unreliable

Horse-drawn carriages are:

• Supporting animal cruelty (Google, “horse collapse Central Park” if you don’t believe me)
• Expensive

Instead, choose a Citi Bike experience or take the subway!

#6- Ordering Too Much Food

While portions in New York City are often smaller than restaurants in the suburbs, you don’t want to end up with leftovers.

Most hotels won’t have a microwave (or fridge), so share, share, share!

If you end up with too much delicious food, consider giving it to someone in need rather than letting it go to waste by leaving it on your plate.

Explore our favorite restaurants here.

#7- Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs

The plain white “I ❤️ NY” shirts are fine, but how often will you or your family member actually wear it?

Instead, consider supporting local artists or finding cooler souvenirs at somewhere like:

• Artists and Fleas
• The Strand (see below)
• MoMA design store
• Any number of local boutiques or markets

If you really want the classic NY souvenirs, go to Chinatown instead of somewhere in Midtown. It’s all the same stuff but probably half the price in Chinatown!

You’ll Have to Check It Out – The Strand Bookstore

The Strand is a booklover’s dream. Here are some things to know:

• Opened in 1927, family-run since its founding
• Today, the Strand carries over 2.5 million new and rare books covering topics as far-ranging as philosophy to finance and even an entire children’s section
  • 18 miles of books
  • 4 floors
  • Rare book room
• Wide array of literary and New York-esque gifts and trinkets
• Also has a little coffee shop and a public bathroom
• Host events like book signings and literary lectures

Check out the Strand Bookstore here.

#8- Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat

While there are plenty of options for going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it takes much more time than you’d think and costs a good chunk of money.

Luckily, you can get top-notch views of the Statue of Liberty via two free options:

1. View it from the Battery Park area (free) but be sure to avoid the common NYC tourist trap of swindlers and con artists in Battery Park!
2. Staten Island Ferry (free)

The Staten Island Ferry gets you pretty close to the statue, allowing you to get some great pics, and it’s 100% free.

#9- Buying Shots of Alcohol

We were at a fun bar having some drinks before a live taping of Saturday Night Live, and our buddy Harvey (not from New York) wanted to buy shots.

I tried to dissuade him, but he insisted.

$14 per shot of Fireball..

Shots at bars are way more expensive than you think, unless there is a special.

Instead, get a basic well drink OR go to a liquor store (they’re everywhere) and buy a shooter for $2 to $4.

#10- Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

Despite what you may think, the subway is often faster and more efficient than a Taxi or Uber/Lyft.

The average traffic speed in Midtown Manhattan is 4.8 mph!! You can run faster than that…

So avoid taxis if you can, especially cabs in and out of Times Square. You pay for time or mileage and their system it is set to make sure THEY make money. 

Go to 9th Avenue or 5th Avenue for taxis when traveling between 30th Street & 50th Street. You don’t want to hail a cab from 42nd Street and Broadway, trust us…

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10 NYC Tourist Money Mistakes Recap & Next Steps

New York City is expensive, but you can avoid wasting money by following these 10 tips!

As a recap:

1. Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill
2. Full-Price Broadway Tickets
3. Buying Bottled Water at Restaurants or On the Go
4. Staying in Times Square
5. Pedicabs (Anywhere) & Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park
6. Ordering Too Much Food
7. Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs
8. Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat
9. Buying Shots of Alcohol
10. Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

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