The US Open is an iconic event and a dream for most tennis nerds out there. But with New York being one of the most expensive cities in the world, attending the US Open can seem challenging if you’re trying to keep costs down. But… You can absolutely enjoy the US Open without spending a fortune. Let’s look at a few general tips for a budget trip to the last Grand Slam of the year.
Affordable Tickets: Timing is Everything
Let’s start with the obvious: tickets. Prices for the US Open can range widely depending on when you buy them, the session, and the seat location. Here are a few tricks to keep your costs down when buying tickets:
- Early Rounds Over Finals: While the finals are, of course… the finals, the early rounds offer more matches across more courts for a fraction of the price. Plus, you’ll get to see more players, sometimes closer to the action. Especially the first week you can buy relatively inexpensive Ashe DAY session tickets which is recommended.
- Grounds Passes: If you don’t mind missing the action in Arthur Ashe Stadium, a Grounds Pass is a good option. It’s cheaper and gets you access to all the outer courts and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, where you surely can see big names as well!
- Compare Prices: Example: Don’t buy Grounds Admission (which are well priced) before you check the price of the reserved Ashe Promenade-level tickets, as they are sometimes similar prices and the later offers more perks!
- Buy in Advance (or Last Minute): For the best deals, either buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale or wait until the last minute when prices on resale sites like StubHub often drop quite a lot. Just keep an eye on the listings and be ready when it’s time…
Accommodations in NYC
As everyone know, accommodation in New York City can be one of the most significant expenses of your trip, but it doesn’t have to be that way:
- Queens instead of Manhattan: Staying in Queens, particularly in neighbourhoods like Astoria, Corona or Long Island City, will cut down costs a lot. Not only are these areas closer to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but they also offer a more relaxed vibe. Of course you won’t have as much entertainment and tourism as in Manhattan.
- Hostels and Budget Hotels: Don’t dismiss hostels and budget hotel chains. Places like The Local NYC in Long Island City offer decent accommodations at a fraction of the price of a Midtown Manhattan hotel. If your’re mostly around the courts, you don’t really need an amazing hotel.
- Airbnb: If you’re traveling with friends, consider splitting the cost of an Airbnb. You’ll often find more spacious accommodations in Queens for a better price, and you’ll have the added benefit of a kitchen to prepare some of your meals (to save money on the lunch when watching matches)!
Some of the cheaper/discount options in central Manhattan, for you to check out, include:
- Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel
- Leo House
- Menno House Guest House
Eat Like a Local
Of course, the US Open offers a variety of food options, but prices inside the grounds can be steep, to say the least. What can we do instead?
- Pack Your Snacks: While you can’t bring full meals into the stadium, you are allowed to bring small snacks and a water bottle (up to 1 liter). Packing some energy bars, fruits/nuts and small sandwiches will save you from spending unnecessary on stadium food and snacks.
- Eat Outside the Grounds: If you have time before or after the matches, grab a bite in the surrounding neighborhoods. Flushing is a food haven, especially for those who love Asian cuisine. You can get a really nice meal for under $10 at places like White Bear (famous for their dumplings), KimGaNae or Xi’an Famous Foods.
- Lunch Specials: Many local restaurants offer lunch specials that are much cheaper than dinner prices. Take advantage of these deals, and then head to the stadium afterward.
Getting Around: Seeing NYC on a Budget
Transportation is another area where costs can add up, but New York City has plenty of budget-friendly options and even free ones!
- Subway Over Taxis: The subway is your best friend in New York. It’s cheap, really efficient, and will get you just about anywhere you need to go, including directly to the US Open venue. A 7-day Unlimited MetroCard costs just $34 and with this you can travel as much as you want, also on buses.
- Walking: Walking is free, in case it was unclear :) and in a place like New York, it’s often the best way to experience the city, especially around these areas with nice parks.
Free or Low-Cost NYC Adventures
Finally, let’s look at some of the city’s many free or low-cost attractions:
- Central Park: Spend a few hours wandering through Central Park, where you can enjoy free performances, relax by the lake and at times there are free guided tours available. And of course, also try the Flushing Meadows Corona Park just near the courts.
- Museums with Suggested Donations: Some of New York’s top museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, work on a “pay what you wish” basis. You can contribute a small amount and still experience world-class art and history.
- Staten Island Ferry: For nice views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, hop on the Staten Island Ferry. It’s completely free and runs all day and night.
If you have any other good tips of restaurants, cafes or tips in general how to save money in NY, let us know in the comments!
