Okay. So you’re an expert when it comes to visiting New York City. You know about half-price theatre tickets from TKTS. You’re hip to all the city’s free summer concerts, movies, and sports activities. You even know about the cheap hot dogs at Gray’s Papaya.

But the travel dollar just isn’t stretching as far as it was this time last year and you need to save a few more bucks. Print out this pocket-friendly guide to NYC on the Cheap… you’ll see some new sites and have a great time, all without breaking the bank.

*First things first: Buy an unlimited Metrocard. Whether you’re around for a day, a week, or a month, the unlimited Metrocard is the best bang for your transportation buck. Each single ride on the subway or bus is $2. Each taxi ride starts with a base rate of $2.50. An unlimited card, by comparison, will save you lots of money. Use your debit or credit card in the station to purchase an unlimited Metrocard from a kiosk.

*Skip the typical sites. That trip to the top of the Empire State Building will set you back at least $18.00. Plus, the lines are long and you’re not even guaranteed that the view will be great once you get to the top. Avoid the touristy sites, which are overhyped and overpriced, and explore less frequented sites.

*Do due diligence regarding activities for the budget traveler. In addition to the tips on this list, many New York City newspapers and magazines have cheap and free listings in their events section. The New York Times, for instance, prints a weekly Spare Times column, full of low-cost activities and all the information you need to find & enjoy them.

*Remember: Samples are your friends. New York City grocery stores love to give out samples. Cruise through a Whole Foods any afternoon and you can likely make your own tasting menu–from appetizers to desserts–by snagging a sample from each department: charcuterie to chocolate, here I come!

*Pick up promos: New York City is every marketer’s holy grail, and there’s no end to the branding stunts staged in the city. Though I typically recommend avoiding Times Square at all costs, it is the crossroads for shamelessly creative product-pushers who are happy to press everything from a bottle of juice to a personal hygiene product into your greedy little hands.

*Still hungry? Can you wait til 4 PM?: Remember those pricey sandwiches you were drooling over at Amy’s Bread? Their Chelsea Market outpost sells sandwiches half-price after 4 PM. Wander through the other food vendors in the Market for similar afternoon savings (cookies 1/2 price at Eleni’s after 6 PM).

*Need to use the Internet?: Avoid overpriced Internet cafes and drop by one of the city’s Apple stores or Tekserve on 23rd Street. The stores are so accustomed to drop-in Internet users that you’re unlikely to be disturbed, but if you are, ask a smart question about the Macbook, won’t you?

*Need a live music fix at a low price?: Check out Ben Sisario’s great article, “Cheap Seats,” which was featured in The New York Times back in December.

*Need MORE tips? I can hardly imagine it, but if you do, drop by my favorite bookstore, Strand and snag yourself an NYC guidebook. The best and most useful guide? NFT (Not For Tourists), of course!

Do you have any tips to add to this list? Share your ideas in the comments!

Photo: James Seattle (creative commons)