Cheap flights to New York are available into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport. Flights into Newark Liberty International airport in New Jersey are at times a cheap alternative to JFK arrivals. Cheap flights departing from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne International airports typically transfer through Los Angeles and Dallas. An option for travel into New York may be to fly into another U.S. city of your choice and take a domestic flight to New York. Departures from Adelaide may include a transfer either through Abu Dhabi or Dubai while cheap flights exiting Perth may route through Singapore. Flights departing Darwin will include a transfer through Sydney. Australian passport holders are eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States for stays up to 90 days. This will need to be organised prior to departure via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) website. All airports are serviced by the NYC Airporter shuttle. The AirTrain is cheap and will take you to Manhatten or connect you with the subway or Amtrak. NYC Transit buses operate from JFK and LaGuardia and the NJ Transit bus services Newark airport. Taxi ranks are located outside each terminal with fares into Manhatten upwards of $30 depending on the airport. Several car rental companies operate on site and there are counters and courtesy phones at each of the airports.

Rates for hiring a car in New York may seem cheap, however, parking, tolls and battling congestion makes it an expensive exercise. New York has plenty of driving alternatives – pick up a map so you can plan ahead. An unlimited ride MetroCard gives you 24-hour, 7 day or 30 day access to the subway and bus system. These can be purchased from vending machines at stations where there is a sign with a green ball at the entrance and selected convenience stores. This is a very cheap, convenient way to navigate an expansive area. NY Waterways operates several reasonably priced ferry services and children under 5 ride free. In 2013 Citibike will commence operating a shared biking programme. This is a great way to cover short distances. The best way to see the hyperactivity that is New York City is by utilizing the public transport system while covering ground on foot and hailing cabs when you need help with your shopping!

The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers a cheap view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. Head to Central Park early, hire a bike and take a leisurely pedal through the world’s most famous park. History lovers book online for Tenement Museum tours and an discover a real insight into some intimate North American history. Visit the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State Building if you must, but Top of the Rock is equally as impressive and far less crowded. Waste a few hours at Coney Island and ride the rollercoasters of Luna Park. Enjoy a movie in the comfort of old car seats at the reRun Movie Theatre. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim and American Folk Art Museum are all worth a visit and if you really love galleries, take in the Whitney Museum of American Art. A trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without a wander through Times Square. Go later in the afternoon to witness the transfer from daytime chaos to neon excitement.

New York is the city where you don’t want to sleep! Visit Daniel or Le Bernardin if fine dining takes your fancy. Grab a morning bagel from Barney Greengrass, a peanut butter and jelly milkshake from the Peanut Butter & Co Sandwich Shop or try the delicious chicken at Pok Pok Wing. Pizza doesn’t get better than the imaginative Paulie Gee’s and make sure you try a pastrami sandwich from Carnegie Deli. Enjoy live music at the Bowery Ballroom or sip cocktails at Employees Only, Death and Company and the very awesome Rum House. Party hard at Pacha, Bungalow 8, 10AK, the Boom Boom Room or on the rooftop of Dream Downtown in the Meat Packing District. The serious shopper will have a detailed plan as to achieving retail glory. Midtown offers department stores such as Barney’s and Macy’s while SoHo has a concentration of boutiques alongside the likes of Old Navy. In the East Village there’s a permanent market between 2nd and 3rd Ave. Be sure to check out Fifth Ave and Madison Ave even if it’s just to window shop. For bargains head Downtown to discount outlet Century 21 or TJ Maxx at 620 Sixth Ave.