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

In this episode, 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 not pay full price for Broadway shows, where to get the best souvenirs, and how to avoid a common ordering mistake at bars that led to the saddest we've EVER seen our friend Harvey..

#1- Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill

• Check for auto gratuity, especially with larger groups
• If they don't give you an itemized receipt, ask for one
• A tip of 18-20% is standard, don't feel pressured to tip higher than that

#2- Full-Price Broadway Tickets

• Use TKTS booth for day of tickets or Today Tix if you plan in advance
• Enter the lotteries and/or rush tickets

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

• NYC tap water is delicious, safe, and FREE
• Refill your bottle throughout the city
• When the restaurants ask "sparkling or still?" say tap

#4- Staying in Times Square

• You don't need to stay near Times Square, but prioritize being close to a subway station
• Base your stay on proximity to the majority of your plans, but 30 minutes or less to your plans is great

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

• They're extremely overpriced; we've seen pedicabs charge $100 to go 10 blocks (that would cost about $10 in a taxi)
• Horses in Central Park aren't treated well and are overpriced

#6- Ordering Too Much Food

• You won’t want leftovers since you likely won’t have a microwave (or fridge), so share, share, share!
• If you end up with too much, give to someone in need vs just leaving it on your plate 

#7- Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs

• Instead of souvenirs in Midtown area, go to Chinatown (if you really want the cheap, I ❤️ NY stuff)
• Or, go to unique thrift stores or shops like Artists and Fleas in Chelsea Market
• Gift shops at museums

#8- Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat

• Staten Island Ferry is free
• Make sure you really want to do it... Our nephews were stoked to do it, but then said it was the most boring day ever.
• The full experience takes at least 4 hours

#9- Buying Shots of Alcohol

• They will be way more expensive than you think, unless there is a special
• Instead, go buy a shooter from a liquor store OR
• Get a well drink

#10- Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

• Especially cabs in and out of Times Square.. you pay for time or mileage, it is set to make sure THEY make money 

• It may not look crowded on the street you’re on, but it probably is 
• Go to 9th ave or 5th ave for taxis when between 30th street & 50th street

You'll Have to Check It Out - The Strand Bookstore

• 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
• 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.

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