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F you’re dreaming about seeing New York on a tight budget, here are some insider tips on places to stay, eat and drink, plus some great ideas for free ways to enjoy the city. A search on skyscanner.net for flights mid-April shows Qatar Airlines to be the cheapest option, with return fares around R10 000 (with one stop in Doha). SAA will fly you direct for around R12 000 or you can fly Delta, with a stop in Atlanta, for around R14 000.

As for getting to the city from the airport, private bus services are fast and cheap. See nycairporter.com ($18 from JFK).

World Center Hotel The first hotel to open at Ground Zero, this 421-room glass and steel tower in Tribeca overlooks the reflecting pools of the 9/11 memorial.

Doubles from $269 per night. See

worldcenterhotel.com