Should You Buy the New York City Entertainment Book?

Entertainment Book coupons offer great savings for some travelers

One possible way to save on your visit to New York City is by purchasing an Entertainment Book before you arrive. These books are regional in nature, so even if you have one for your hometown, you'll need the New York City edition to get these savings.

I've highlighted some of the coupons in the 2009 edition of the book to make determining whether the book offers you a good value easier. Full price on the 2009 New York Entertainment Book is $30, so take that into consideration when determining if the book will offer your family savings on your visit.

Also keep in mind that you can often find discounts on the Entertainment Books. The books expire November 1 of every year, so if you're planning a trip for August, September or October, you can often get a copy at a significant discount just before your trip.

The book is best geared for couples or families traveling together -- for single travelers, most of the coupons aren't a great deal. Depending on your itinerary, you might also check out the New York Pass and New York CityPass for savings on admission to a variety of attractions.

Select Entertainment Book Savings for New York City Travelers

• BODIES: The Exhibition
  $6 off per ticket (regular price $20.50-26.50)
• Madame Tussauds New York
  25% Off on up to 4 Admissions (Regular Price $24.89-36.99)
• NY Skyride
  One Free Child Admission with Paid Adult Admission ($22.50 coupon discount)
• Bike the Big Apple
  Buy One, Get One Free Discount ($65-90)
• On Location Tours
  20% Off Tours
  Includes: Central Park Movie Tour, Manhattan Movie Tour, Sex and the City Tour, Sopranos Tour
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
  Buy One, Get One Free Discount ($16-34)
• Guggenheim Museum
  Buy One, Get One Free Admission ($18)
  Valid Anytime
• South Street Seaport Museum
  Buy One, Get One Free ($10)
• American Folk Art Museum
  Buy One, Get One Free Admission ($9)
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
  50% off up to 4 admissions (regular price $19.50 adults, $7.50 children)

These listings represent just a few of the discounts featured in the Entertainment Book. I've left out the buy one, get one free discounts for restaurants in New York City, but if you're likely to visit fast food places or don't mind choosing your restaurants with coupons in mind, you can get further savings. There are also many national coupons in the book, which are good for hotel discounts, rental car savings, shopping and movies, so it may be possible to combine savings you get at home with savings in New York City from a single edition of the Entertainment Book.