1. Don’t stay in Manhattan, it’s expensive, with the average hotel room costing $250 a night. Unless you really want to stay at a famous hotel like the Waldorf-Astoria in the area, you should stay in Brooklyn, where there are many elegant and affordable hotels, and it’s only a 20-minute train ride to downtown.
2. Don’t take a taxi here, as you’ll likely be stuck in traffic and have trouble getting out of downtown Manhattan. Instead, take advantage of public transportation. The subway will take you wherever you want to go. If the weather is good, you can use Citi Bike – NewYour’s bike-sharing program.
3. Don’t book a bus tour at exorbitant prices as they usually only give you a brief overview of the tourist attractions. Go to your favorite places via a bike tour or walking tour, it may not be cheaper but you will visit more places than you expected.
4. Don't shop on Fifth Avenue or Broadway (the luxury shopping districts) because the stores here are not particularly unique and the brands can be found anywhere in the US. Go to the Lower East Side, there are enough to buy and you will be satisfied.
5. Don’t wait in line for a Cronut, you might end up wasting your day there. Why not just have a doughnut instead, it’s delicious and available at many stores.
6. Avoid the crowds at the modern art museums, especially on weekends, as they may be the city's best cultural experience but they're not worth the crowds. Go to one of the other interesting museums.
7. Don't go to the Empire State Building, although the view from the top is amazing, you have to pay 30 dollars and wait a long time to get in. Go to Brooklyn Bridge Park for an equally amazing view of the skyline.
8. Don't go to Time Square, it's just an iconic tourist attraction in the city, there's nothing to do there. Go to the High Line, there's a lot to see, and it attracts thousands of visitors every day.
9. Don’t go to a trendy bar in the Meatpacking District because you can order a drink and it’s too loud and crowded. Go to the best cocktail bars in town to enjoy the atmosphere.
10. Don't eat street food or Dollar Slice because they are not very clean, attractive and cheap but they are not delicious. You should go to Williamsburg Food Market to enjoy the food of local street vendors with typical delicious taste.
