Fall in Love with New York City: Airfare, Hotel, and Entertainment Deals

To thoroughly enjoy the City That Never Sleep's vibrant and contagious kinetic energy, many folks think they've got to prep for big city expenses. This time around though, we've scoured the best deals in airfare, lodging, and entertainment — even dining at some of Manhattan's most talked about spots. Ready to explore the ins and outs of New York City?

To get you to the Big Apple, United Airlines is offering roundtrip nationwide fares for as low as $139.60 (a low by $50; expires December 31). And while ticket prices vary depending on departure city and on dates chosen, booking your airfare in advance will always save you a few bucks. If your departure city isn't included in United fare sale, check out 1-way fares on JetBlue Airways. Tickets start at $47 each way (a low by $74; expires September 3) for travel between September 10 and November 14.

Once you've touched down at one of the city's three airports, you should make your way into Manhattan proper. Stays the centrally located Milford Hotel are the perfect way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Times Square. Though the area is generally tourist heavy, it's walking distance to Broadway theaters and the main shopping drag on Fifth Avenue. It's just a few subway stops away from quintessential New York jaunts in the West Village and SoHo. This historic hotel is offering nightly stays bundled with an "I Love NY" gift bag starting at $119 (a low by $20; expires September 3).

If you'd rather steer clear of throngs of tourists, though, book a room at the Club Quarters Wall Street Hotel instead. This downtown hotel offers 1-night stays (from $139, a low by $20; expires December 31) in the quiet-after-work Financial District. But, since it is located just a block from Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, there's ample opportunity to people-watch affluent bankers and the remaining 99% during the day.

Looking to splurge a little? The Midtown Hilton Hotel doesn't skimp on swanky. But living large will only set you back $319 a night (a low by $40; expires September 4). In addition to those savings, you can enjoy plenty of perks at the stylish 4-star hotel: free breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi, free fitness center access, and a $50 NYC HipHost.com Tour credit.

Now that you know where you'll be resting your head, it's time to plan out your tour de NYC. Start by scheduling in Museum Day on September 29, which includes free admission to some of the city's renowned museums including the Asia Society Museum, the American Folk Art Museum, the Brooklyn Museum (pictured), and the International Center for Photography. If you're a museum junkie, don't forget to check out the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which is free on Friday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm.

When you get tired from all the walking, it's likely time for some grub! Manhattan and the outer boroughs have no shortage of scrumptious exotic fare. Though top-notch restaurants can be pricey, places like the West Village's EN Japanese Brasserie are worth it. To make things a little easier on your wallet, the restaurant is offering a brunch for two for $75 (a low by $55; expires September 6), which includes coffee, sparkling wine, housemade warm tofu, a choice of steak and eggs, sake teishoku, or okayu, and dessert. The brasserie has also been given the golden badge of food accolades: a Michelin recommendation every year since 2005.

Craving some soul food? If you're looking for some down home cooking, Hill Country Barbeque Market boasts some of the best BBQ in the big city. The restaurant is offering tickets for a family-style dinner on September 10 for $72 per person (expires September 5). Diners can head to food stations and fill up on juicy brisket and Southern sides such as sweet potato bourbon mash and traditional green bean casserole with corn.

Full of food but low on energy? It's not uncommon for the city to wear folks out, even if you're only in town for a couple days. If you're feeling beat escape to Brooklyn and head to the Brooklyn Banya for a stint at the relaxing Turkish bath. For just $15 (a low by $30; expires September 9), you can get a 1-day pass and rooftop access to saunas, steam rooms, baths, ice pools, plus a soothing therapy massage.

If you'd rather escape Manhattan to relax in a different way, head down to Atlantic City, just two hours away. Jump on a Megabus for as little as $10 each way. Then, stay at the 1920s style Resorts Casino Hotel for a 1-night stay for just $99 (a low by $200; expires October 19). The Gatsby-esque hotel will transport you to the roaring '20s and includes a $20 dining credit, $10 in slot play and two show tickets.

Now that you are in an Empire State of Mind, it's time to take that vacation time. These New York City deals have just the right makings for an extraordinary trip to the Big Apple. But if you've got different ideas for a vacation, be sure to check out our daily travel deals for other airfare, hotel, and vacation packages.

^{At the time of publication, these travel deals offered the lowest prices we could find. Deals may include blackout dates, additional taxes, and fees. Some of our prices may be based on mandatory double occupancy.}

Front page photo credit: Result of Urban Decay
Photo credits top to bottom: Trek Exchange, Delta Sky Mag, and Wikipedia