How much money should I bring to NYC?

Question

I'm going with my buddies & already booked a hotel for our stay. We'll be in NYC for 3 days. My friend told me to buy a weekly subway pass to save money. I plan to use my credit/debit cards while over there. Also we plan to go to some bars/clubs as well. How much is it to get in & which are some good ones to visit? Thanks for your advice.

Answer 1

New york city is a very expensive place. i recommend taking 600 dollars.

things in NYC are 30% more expensive then any other place in the US.

I know what im talking about because i live in NYC.

buying a xbox 360 cost 420 dollars as a example ,

also food is expensive up here as well .

well maybe you should take 1000 dollars if you really want to have a good time

Answer 2

I don't know what you like but the East Village/Lower East Side has a huge bar scene. Of course, bars are free to get in with your ID. I like Doc Holidays and Lucy's ('dive' bars on Ave. A by E. 9th St.), Sophie's and Ace Bar on E. 5th St. (btwn Ave A and Ave B) , 7B (aka Vasacs) on the corner of E.7th St and Ave. B. Motor City at 127 Ludlow St. They definitely are NOT fancy or 'nice' places but they're fun, cheap and very 'East Village'. That whole area of town is filled with bars so just walk around.

Bowery Ballroom is a great place to see bands play, check the website for listings. CBGBs is CLOSED and totally gone now so you can't go there. I'm not a big club person anymore so I can't recommend any anymore.

You really don't need too much money in NYC if you're careful. There's no reason to eat at expensive restaurants or take cab rides. You should get the weekly Metrocard for the subway if you think you will ride the train 4 times a day or more. It's $24.00 and you get unlimited rides but it's only worth it if you really think you will use it 12 times in 3 days since you won't be there for a full week. At $2/ride, it may make more sense to pay per ride unless you plan on going all over the city and not walking much.

As for spending money, just use your debit card. A night of drinking (beer) and a stop at the diner doesn't cost me more than $40-50. If you want to hit the clubs, I guess you can expect to pay at least $20 to get in. Some are $30-40+ but I won't go places like that because they are filled with people from NJ and tourists. It's not my scene and I'd rather bar hop.

You don't have to spend a lot or plan much out to have fun in NYC. Just walk around and things will just happen. Have fun.

*Oh, if you're a smoker you should think about bringing your own cigarettes. I don't know where you live but cigarettes here can be around $7.50/pack. Plus, there's no smoking indoors anymore, not even in the bars or clubs.

Answer 3

Some good clubs in NYC are Webster Hall and China Club. Tickets are around $20 to get in. You don't need the weekly MetroCard (subway) if you're only gonna be there for 3 days. Since you plan to use your credit/debit cards, $400/person should be enough.

Answer 4

These are a few ive been too they are free to get in and the atmosphere is great, i would go easy on the credit card the last thing you want is huge repayments once you get home, but honestly the more money you take the more fun you have!


Bowery Ballroom - 6 Delancy St, 212-533-2111
Small to mid-sized rock venue that hosts well-known acts such as the Rollins Band, Collective Soul and Los Lobos – and lesser-known acts such as Honky Toast and Pink Martini. Not much in the way of atmosphere but the sound system and lighting are good, and the wait to get a drink is relatively short. - MH

CBGB's - 315 Bowery (at Bleeker St), 212-982-4052
The Bowery's finest. Birthplace of punk, new wave, alternative or whatever you choose to call it. Live bands seven days a week. Atmosphere: graffiti on graffiti, not the place to take grandma. Known for its rich history having been the springboard for the Ramones, Patti Smith, Blondie, Talking Heads and others. Also, has one of the top sound systems in town. Admission: $5. - MH

Ciel Rouge - 176 Seventh Ave (btwn 20 and 21 Sts), 212 929-5542
Intimate, luridly lit lounge with a rear garden attracts a lively thirty-something crowd. Ciel Rouge specializes in exotic drinkypoos to help set an intoxicating mood for your next midnight rendezvous. Music comes courtesy of a funky but chic CD collection that leans languidly in the direction of Rolling Stones, T-Rex and other elegantly tipsy troubadours. No cover, live jazz occasionally, and a generous buyback policy towards friends old and new. - SD

Answer 5

just want to add something about the subways. If you are only going to be there for 3 days i would get a day pass each day for $7, will save you $3 in the end over 3 days. not much i know but no point having it if you aint going to use it really

Answer 6

new york is very expansive place.
i would say its all depends how you are going to spend your time there.
but i would prob per day, 100 to 200 dollars?

Answer 7

As much as possible, the crooks in Harlem will thank you afterwards

Answer 8

about $500 each should be enough

Answer 9

if you are by 5th ave. ALLOT!!!!