How to have a weekend in NYC for under $500

New York City isn't cheap. In fact, the Big Apple is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world, and when you take into account everything, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens occupy three of the top five most expensive places to live in the United States, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research. So, naturally, a weekend visit to the Big Apple can cost a pretty penny. Hotels generally average over $200 per night, and everything from theater tickets to taxis to parking can bleed you dry. However, if you follow a few rules, cut some corners, and are willing to visit when the weather isn't exactly spectacular, you can pull off a more budget-friendly weekend visit to NYC. By adhering to the itinerary and tips that follow, two people can have a weekend in New York -- including hotels -- for under $500. Be Hotel Savvy and Save Big Winters in New York can be brutal. However, if you're willing to tough it out, you'll score the best bargains on...