Check out hotels in Secaucus, NJ, about 20 minutes from mid-town Manhattan with bus service available at all hours. It would cost much less than a hotel room right in the city and most of the Secaucus hotels are located in or near malls with food options, shops, etc. Staying in the heart of Manhattan is exciting and wonderful but if cost is a factor for you at least check this out. As far as what's worth seeing in the city - someone already said it, there's something worth seeing on every block. A guided bus tour would be a good start. Streets in Manhattan are mainly numbered and getting around on your own is easy - it's a city made for walking. Enjoy!!!