New York On A Budget

By Virgin Atlantic | 20 October 2025 | 2 minute read

New York skyline

New York doesn’t have to cost the earth. With a few smart moves like passes, parks, and perfectly priced eats, you can do the city like a local, not a tourist. Save big, play hard, and let Virgin Atlantic get you there in style.

Get a New York discount pass

A city pass is your best friend for sightseeing on a budget. The New York CityPass covers six of the city’s top attractions, including the Empire State Building, MoMA, and the Statue of Liberty. It’s valid for nine days and lets you skip queues, a serious perk at busy spots.

If your trip is shorter, the New York C3 Pass lets you pick three attractions for less.

The New York Pass goes big, covering more than 80 attractions for one to ten days of unlimited sightseeing. The more days you choose, the better the savings. For longer stays, it’s unbeatable value.

Other options include the New York Explorer Pass, which gives you 30 days to visit a set number of attractions, and the New York City Entertainment Book, packed with discounts on dining, shows, and sports.

The High Line in New York

Free Things to Do in New York Parks

You don’t have to spend a cent to enjoy some of NYC’s best spaces. The High Line offers free stargazing on Tuesday nights between April and October, plus guided tours, meditation, and Tai Chi sessions. Or just grab a coffee and people-watch at the park’s “10th Avenue Theater.”

Central Park is also bursting with free fun, from garden tours and basketball clinics to 20 playgrounds and the adorable Tisch Children’s Zoo. (Tip: book zoo tickets online to save even more.)

Lady at food truck in NYC

Great Value Eats and Food Trucks

New York’s food truck scene is legendary and budget-friendly. Grab a grilled cheese from Gorilla Cheese or small-batch scoops from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream for quick, delicious eats that won’t blow your budget.

For sit-down dining, Bill’s Bar & Burger serves some of NYC’s best budget friendly burgers, while Clinton St. Baking Company on the Lower East Side wins brunch with its Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich, worth every minute of the wait.

Times Square in New York

Fall in love with photogenic Times Square

Photographing Times Square is no small feat. Between the crowds, neon glare, and chaos, capturing an image that feels fresh can be a challenge.

Photographer Chris Bandera suggests starting with the obvious postcard shots first to get them out of your system, then looking for new angles, textures, and details. He also recommends travelling light, one camera and a fixed lens will help you stay mobile and creative.

Check your gear before heading out, charge your camera, and bring a small tripod if you’re shooting at night. For a dynamic crowd shot, photographer Claire Langevine suggests crouching low and shooting through the movement to capture Times Square’s human energy.

Finally, don’t be afraid to edit. Joey Lax-Salinas uses HDR techniques to balance shadows and bright lights, creating sharp, vibrant images that show Times Square in all its colour and chaos.

Whether you’re a pro or just snapping for Instagram, every New York moment has a story, it’s all about finding your own angle.

Need more inspiration?

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