Like the song suggests—New York City’s a helluva town, with the Bronx uptown and Battery Park downtown. It’s a tourist hub for visitors, both domestic and international. It’s a surprisingly car-friendly city too.
Cars are fairly safe in New York City. Vandalism and thefts are much less common than they were in decades past. (Although a comprehensive insurance policy that includes coverage for both never hurts.) Between this trend and an abundance of parking, driving to New York City can be a practical option.
Parking in New York City is available on many streets, even in busy Manhattan neighborhoods like Midtown. Meters still take quarters, but most also take cash and major credit cards. Parking in lots and garages is another way to secure a spot in a city where space is at a premium. Across the five boroughs, there are no shortage of parking options, but here are eight hidden gems. (Prices apply to cars; SUVs and trucks will be charged more.)
Ferry Terminal South Municipal Parking Field (Staten Island)
Address: Bay Street and Richmond Terrace
Cost: $8 per day
This public parking lot is run by the Department of Transportation and adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal in St. George on Staten Island. Come for the inexpensive parking and stay for the easy access to Lower Manhattan via the Staten Island ferry.
New York Botanical Gardens (Bronx)
Address: 2999 Southern Blvd Bronx, N.Y. 10458
Cost: $12 per day (weekdays), $15 on weekends, Mondays and holidays.
This parking lot is a part of the Metro North station directly across from the entrance to the New York City’s Botanical Garden. Its location is also close to Fordham University and about a mile from the Bronx Zoo. Should you decide to go into Manhattan, taking advantage of the CityTicket promotion on weekends is an inexpensive way to get down to Midtown.
Park N’ Lock (Just South of Penn Station in Manhattan)
Address: 218 - 230 W 31st St New York, N.Y. 10001
Cost: $47 for 24 hours, $22 early bird rate
Parking lots abound near New York’s Pennsylvania Station, but garage earns a spot on the list for its location across the street from Penn Station and its impressive 1,500 parking spots. It is also near Macy’s Herald Square, the Fashion Institute of Technology and short walk away from the Highline and Times Square. It is near the ACE, 123 and QNR and BFDM subway lines.
Chinatown (Manhattan)
Address: 38 Bowery New York, NY 10013
Cost: $20
This Chinatown parking garage offers some of the best prices on this list. The location on the edge of Manhattan’s Chinatown and the Lower East Side makes it a good starting point for anyone interested in exploring these neighborhoods and Little Italy too. It’s a few blocks from the B, D, J, 6, N and Q subway lines.
Near the American Museum of Natural History (Manhattan)
Address: 424 West End Avenue New York, NY 10024
Cost: $60 per 24 hours or $23 for the early bird special
The museum has its own parking garage, but this nearby parking garage has longer hours and the early bird special is $23, less than the cost for an hour of parking. It’s also close to Riverside Park, which features some spectacular views and Grant’s tomb. Central Park is also nearby. The B and C subway lines run under the museum.
Upper East Side Cheap (Manhattan)
Address: 40 E. 89th St., New York, NY 10128
Cost: $23 if out by 6 p.m., $55 for all day on weekdays, $25 on weekends
This parking garage near the Guggenheim Museum and Central Park’s Reservoir and Great Lawn is a very inexpensive spot in a normally costly neighborhood. Also the 4, 5 and 6 lines are nearby at 86th street and Lexington Avenue.
Just North of Times Square (Manhattan)
Address: 810 7th Avenue New York, NY 10019
Cost: $60 for 24 hours or $21 early bird special (12 hours maximum)
The Times Square area is another spot where parking garages abound, but this valet lot made the list for its proximity to several Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Several subway lines are available at Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
Prospect Park’s Bounty (Brooklyn)
Address: 105 Underhill Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238
Cost: $20 for 24 hours (coupon rate)
Parking near Prospect Park is a good option for Brooklyn visitors. This indoor valet parking garage is also near Grand Army Plaza and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Lower Manhattan is a short trip away via the B or the Q line at 7th Avenue or the 2 or 3 lines at Grand Army Plaza.