Welcome to New York City – the place where dreams are made and pizza slices are served at all hours. Here, street musicians have more talent than most of us can ever hope to have. But, let’s be real. Before you get caught up in the magic of the Big Apple, there’s one big question: How much does it cost to go to New York for 3 days? Spoiler alert – it’s a lot more than your usual weekend getaway, but hey, it’s New York! So, let’s dive into all the expenses, and help you figure out just how deep you’ll have to dig into your wallet for this iconic adventure.
Flights: How Much Does It Cost to Touch Down in the Big Apple?
Flying from the U.S.
Domestic flights from another state to New York vary depending on where you’re flying from and how lucky you are at snagging deals. If you’re coming from somewhere relatively close, like Boston or Washington, D.C., the cheapest flights you could find are at $100 to $150 for a round-trip. But if you’re flying from the West Coast, say Los Angeles, you’re looking at anywhere between $250 to $400. Add a couple more bucks if you want extra legroom because, well, no one ever says, “I love my legs cramped in between the seats for five hours!”
Flying from Europe
Now, if you’re one of our friends from across the pond, flights to New York for you can range from $400 to $600. The prices really depend on whether you’re coming from London, Paris, or that tiny town in Sweden. If you’re savvy with budget airlines or have frequent flyer miles, you could even find something closer to $300. Just make sure you’ve got a neck pillow for the long haul. Economy class flights over the Atlantic can feel longer than a Monday morning.
Flying from Latin America
Our amigos from Latin America can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for flights to New York, depending on your destination and seat preference. If you’re flying from Mexico City or Bogotá, round trips can hover around the $400 to $600 range. But if you’re coming from further south, say Buenos Aires or São Paulo, prices will likely climb closer to $700 or even $800.
Flying from the Middle East
From the Middle East, flights tend to be a bit pricier. They can easily set you back between $600 and $900. Expect at least one layover, unless you’re balling on Emirates or Qatar Airways, in which case, we’re officially jealous. On a positive note, if you do get a layover, use it to stretch your body and explore random airports. They are part of the adventure as well, so don’t forget to enjoy them. Also, make sure to stay hydrated, as it’d be a long journey!
Flying from Africa
If you’re flying from Africa, brace yourself because the costs can get steep. Flights from major cities like Johannesburg, Lagos, or Nairobi generally fall between $800 and $1,200 for a round trip. If you’re lucky, you might find a deal closer to $700. Pro tip: make friends with your seat neighbors, because you’ll likely share that flight for 15 hours or more.
Flying from Asia
If you’re jetting over from Asia, you might need to take a deep breath (and perhaps loosen your wallet a bit). Flights to New York from major cities like Tokyo, Beijing, or New Delhi typically fall between $700 to $1,200 for a round trip. However, these are generally the prices for economy class. So, keep in mind that you may find yourself trapped in economy for around 13 to 16 hours. Stretch those legs and download a few movies, because your in-flight marathon is going to be real! And don’t forget, if you’re hopping over from Southeast Asia, prices could easily climb closer to $1,500. Worth it? Of course! It’s New York, baby!
Flying from Australia
Aussies, you may want to brace yourselves. Flying to New York from the Land Down Under is going to set you back around $1,000 to $1,500, if not more (economy class). It’s basically the price of a second-hand car, but it’s New York, right? Besides, you’ll need the full 3 days just to recover from jet lag, but we promise the city’s worth it.
Accommodations: Sleeping in NY Without Going Broke
Budget Hotels and Hostels
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, then budget hotels and hostels are a great choice. Just be certain that you don’t mind sharing a bathroom with strangers. Expect to pay around $40 to $70 a night at a hostel in a shared room. Sure, it’s not the Ritz, but you didn’t come to New York to stay inside your room all day anyway, right?
Mid-range Hotels
For those who enjoy a little more comfort (and privacy), mid-range hotels usually go for $150 to $250 per night. You can find good, enjoyable spots in Manhattan, but Brooklyn and Queens offer comparably cheaper alternatives. You also won’t be sacrificing proximity to the main attractions from here. In case you still chose Manhattan, make sure to take a few clicks of the Instagram-worthy view of the Manhattan skyline across the river.
Luxury Hotels
Feeling fancy? New York’s luxury hotels can range from $400 to $1,000 a night. If you want your room to include a skyline view, it could easily soar past the $1500 mark. And depending on how many pillows and robes you want they might even charge extra (apparently pillows are a luxury now). If you’re planning to live your best Carrie Bradshaw life, just know your credit card company will definitely notice. But hey, if you have the money, why not go all out and embrace the “YOLO” lifestyle?
Food Costs: From Dollar Pizza to Michelin Stars
Street Foods and Budget-friendly Meals
New York is famous for its food, and first on the list are its street foods. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the NYC cuisine. A slice of pizza will set you back $1 to $3, which will keep you going for 3 to 4 hours. And for about $10, you can feast on a hot dog, pretzel, or falafel from the myriad food carts scattered around the city. Bagels with schmear? Around $4. On average, a food budget of $30 should be enough to get you through a day in New York. You could survive on NYC street food alone for 3 days and still leave happy (and full).
Mid-range Dining
If you’re in the mood to sit down at a restaurant without spending big bucks, expect to pay about $15 to $30 per meal. Places like Shake Shack, Joe’s Pizza, and Katz’s Deli will give you the quintessential New York food experience without draining your savings.
Luxury Dining
Suppose there’s a special moment when you want to splurge on fine dining. For those occasions, New York has some of the world’s top restaurants. A meal at one of these spots could range from $100 to $300 per person. The question is: Do you want to experience New York like a Rockefeller? Then go ahead and have a great evening at a Micheline restaurant. Even so, we still suggest trying out the street food of NYC – you’ll be missing out otherwise.
Getting Around: Subway or Uber?
Subway Passes
The subway is your best bet for getting around the city quickly and on the cheap. A single ride costs $2.90, no matter the distance to the destination. However, if you plan on using the subway frequently (which you will), grab an unlimited MetroCard for $19 for 3 days. Just remember, you’re bound to get lost at least once – it’s a New York rite of passage!
Taxies and Uber
Taxis and Ubers are an alternative to consider if you’re not keen on squeezing onto a packed subway car. But be warned, New York traffic moves at the speed of a snail on a Sunday stroll. A typical taxi ride in Manhattan will set you back around $15 to $30. Ubers usually charge about the same price but offer better services so try using Uber over taxis.
Sightseeing and Attractions: Some Free, Some Not So Much
Free Attractions
Good news! You can see a lot of New York’s famous sights without spending a dime. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Central Park, or take the Staten Island Ferry for epic views of the Statue of Liberty. You’ll get iconic photos and save your cash for other things (like pizza).
Affordable Attractions
If you want to do more than just wander the streets, expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 per ticket for top attractions. It includes the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), or a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty. Many museums offer discounted or even free admission on certain days, so plan accordingly.
Splurge-worthy Attractions
There are some experiences that are truly splurge worthy. For a never-to-forget experience, consider splurging on a Broadway show or a helicopter tour over the city. Tickets for these can range from $80 to $300. Just make sure you’ve got room in your budget – and your phone’s camera roll.
Shopping: A Whole World of Souvenirs
Budget Shopping
You can’t leave New York without grabbing a few souvenirs. Keychains, T-shirts, and I ♥ NY mugs are all classic choices and should only set you back $5 to $20. Chinatown is also a great place to haggle for a deal on souvenirs. Just make sure they don’t have made in China imprinted on them.
Designer and High-end Shopping
If you’re planning to hit up Fifth Avenue or SoHo’s designer boutiques, let’s just say your budget may suffer. A trip to Saks or Tiffany’s could have you wondering if you need to take out a small loan. But hey, that handbag is totally worth it.
Miscellaneous Costs: The Random Stuff You Didn’t Think About
There’s a saying, “Expect the unexpected.” New York’s notorious for its unexpected hidden expenses. Need Wi-Fi at your hotel? That’ll be $15 a day. Want to leave your luggage at a locker in Penn Station? That’ll be $10. And don’t forget tipping! If you’re dining out, the standard tip is 20%, so factor that into your food budget.
Sample 3-Day Budget: Tailored to Your Wallet
Here’s a simple summary of the overall estimated budget for a three-day trip in New York City. Check these out, and suite yourself to the one that fits your budget perfectly.
Budget Traveler
Hostel ($120 for 3 nights), budget meals and street food ($90 for 3 days), unlimited subway pass ($19), and free/cheap attractions ($50). Total: Around $279 for 3 days (excluding flight cost).
Mid-range Traveler
Mid-range hotel ($450 for 3 nights), mid-range dining ($180 for 3 days), unlimited subway pass ($19), and some paid attractions ($100). Total: Around $749 for 3 days (excluding flight cost).
Luxury Traveler
Luxury hotel ($1,500 for 3 nights), fancy dining ($300 for 3 days), taxis and Ubers ($100), and Broadway show + helicopter tour ($350). Total: Around $2,250 for 3 days (excluding flight cost).
Final Thoughts: NYC on Your Terms
Whether you’re scraping by on dollar slices or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, New York City offers something that fits your budget. Now that you’ve got the breakdown, you can finally answer that all-important question: How much does it cost to go to New York for 3 days? Spoiler alert: it’s a bit pricey, but the memories are priceless. So, pack your bags, grab that MetroCard, and get ready for the ultimate Big Apple adventure.
