As part of my Study USA journey I wanted to see as much of the US as my bank account will allow. One huge city on my US bucket list was New York City. 

So for midterm break I and a few other girls on the programme decided to meet in New York and explore on a budget!

Here’s how I spent a jam packed weekend in New York and a couple of things I couldn’t get around to doing but intended to do, given more time. 

How I travelled there

I flew from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, this airport is massive with multiple flights to and from the various airports in New York with different airlines, so flights had the potential to be cheap. 

I got the first flight out in the morning with Spirit Airlines (the US equivalent of Ryanair), I had heard a few complaints from classmates about the airline however I can’t complain - they got me to and from New York for €170 return (£143). 

I flew into LaGuardia Airport which provide a free shuttle bus to the city, the Airport itself is clean and quite big; staff were very helpful when I asked where the bus departures were. The journey wasn’t long at all and you could get off at multiple stops to get onto the subway - which I did. The subway costs $2.90 per journey. It takes contactless payments and is capped at $34 for a seven day trip but you have to use the same card each time. 

On the subway

Where I stayed

We were staying on the upper west side of the city. We stayed in the Riverside Tower Hotel which was right beside the Hudson River and a three minute walk from the Subway, perfect for what we needed. The area was beautiful and much like the buildings Carrie Bradshaw lived in during her time on Sex and The City. 

We got a penthouse for €250 each (£210). It was such good value for money and the staff were amazing. We had a 180 degrees view of the skyline as well as two bathrooms, a living space and a bedroom. What more could you want? I couldn't recommend this place enough!

We walked nearly everywhere, other than getting from Burrough to Burrough via the subway. We had done nearly 30k steps a day so I would definitely recommend bringing a good pair of shoes. 

The view from our apartment

Free things to do

Things we did that were free were: walking around Central Park and Grand Central Station, going to the steps of the Metropolitan Museum, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, seeing the 9/11 Memorial, The Strangers Project in The World Trade Center; and that took up so much time because it was so interesting.

Another thing that’s free is the Staten Island Ferry which goes by the Statue of Liberty and there’s multiple rooftop bars you can get in to see the skyline. Pier 35 is supposed to have a beautiful view but we unfortunately didn’t make it that far with our time constraints. 

The Roosevelt Island Tramway is well worth the $5.80, we went a sunset and saw the most gorgeous views of city and Hudson river. 

Enjoying views of the city

Food and drink

For food we splashed out a few times. We went to “LeVain Bakery” instead of “Crumbl” Cookies because it’s got less locations throughout the US and a New Yorker recommended it. 

New York is renowned for its pizza and there’s a slice shop around every corner. These slices are really reasonably priced and super delicious; as can be seen by Jazmin’s expression!

New York slice!

As for drinking alcohol, clubs and bars were REALLY expensive. We kept a keen eye out for happy hours because shots in the club were extortionate - $17 and one of the nights we ended up at the Saturday Night Live After Party and a bottle of Corona was $27. So I cannot stress enough to go to happy hours or visit the off-licence!

There’s loads of food trucks dotted everywhere so we were never far from reasonably priced food. 
We got Pop-Up Bagels in which, if I’m being honest were overhyped on social media – they were nothing special in my opinion however Blank Street Coffee had the best coffee I’ve tasted this side of the Atlantic. 

A must visit!

Something I was dying to go to was the Brooklyn Flea Market. I’ve heard wonderful things about it but I unfortunately had to leave early on the Sunday morning so didn’t have time to visit. I suppose it gives me another excuse to visit again!

Eating bagels on the steps of The Met

New York is a must see! We had the best few days of our lives there, unlike what people had told us – the New Yorkers were incredibly kind and helpful. A woman serving us even went to college in Galway and gave us great recommendations. Any New Yorker we talked to was more than willing to give us advice about the city, the do’s and don’ts and other invaluable information which made our trip even more enjoyable.

I can’t wait to go back and hope that some of these activities might help someone during their journey in New York while not breaking the bank.

Le gach dea-ghuí,
Annie Ní Néill.

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Annie Ní Néill   Biological Sciences | Undergraduate Student | Kerry, Ireland Dia duit! My name is Annie, I'm from Kerry and this year I'm studying abroad in the US. I'm hoping to share my experience with you and all the twists and turns on this journey.  This is my third year in Queen's and I will be returning home in for the next academic year to finish my degree.  Some of my hobbies are Gaelic Football, learning Irish, going out with friends and trying to find a palatable coffee in the US!