Hey Hanna, Being from the area i must tell you first off regardless where you stay you will end up spending a decent amount to stay. Honestly, in my opinion i would look into staying somewhere in northern NJ (Hoboken, North Bergen, weehawken, Seacaucus, Jersey city) all of these places are only a few miles from the city, most of which you can take the path train, bus, train, or ferry into the city. This option will also be great if you plan to visit the statue of liberty, ellis island, liberty state park, liberty science center.. all of which are accessible from NJ …not to mention im assuming you would fly in from newark international, again a few miles from these towns. however, if you are set on staying in the city i would check out expedia or any of the other travel sites mentioned earlier.

As for entertainment, well skies the limit! every corner you turn there is something to see and do. empire state building, museums (Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art top picks), central park,China town, little italy, brighton beach (brooklyn), Yankee stadium (last year to see before they tear it down), Broadway, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, Jacob K. Javits Center, New York Botanical Garden, New York Stock Exchange, Rockefeller Center, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Times Square, United Nations…i could go on forever. check out www.ny.com. it has loads of information, places to visit, things to do, where to eat etc. My personal suggestions to eat would be ruths chris, carmines, tao, Prune, Hagi, Sakegura, and serendipity all great choices.

Again check out the website and if you have any specific questions dont hesitate to ask! enjoy your trip! =0)