New York on a Shoestring
We had a great time! John bought the plane tickets and the room, he got a good deal.
We figured out that all of the things that we did and ate, listed here, only cost us a little over $300, so the whole trip was around $550, including everything!
We were able to visit NYC on a shoestring by doing a lot of internet research. It helps to visit about.com, they have a bunch of articles on where to go. Here are some sites we used:
http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/guides/cheapeats2004/9545/
http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurants/a/10_or_less_meal.htm
http://gonyc.about.com/od/restaurants/a/5_or_less_meal.htm
http://gonyc.about.com/od/hotels/tp/topcheaphotel.htm
http://gonyc.about.com/od/freestuff/Free_Activities_Amusements_and_Events.htm
http://newyork.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/cheap_eats
http://www.jimboeatsnewyork.com/
http://www.sunnytripreports.com/new_york/featured/cheapthingstodo.shtml
the secret is to choose about three things that actually cost money (museums, attractions, etc.) and eat cheap, but have one fancy meal. Take trail mix and comfy shoes, Eat bagels for b-fast, hot dogs and pizza for lunch or dinner.
you will be tired, so pace yourself.
I love the Big Apple.