5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for New York City

Day 1: Explore Midtown Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sarabeth's, known for its fresh and tasty dishes.
Walk to Central Park, which takes about 10 minutes.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Central Park

Explore the iconic Central Park, take a leisurely walk, rent a boat, or visit the Central Park Zoo.
Walk to Times Square, which takes around 25 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Grab a quick and delicious burger for lunch at Shake Shack in Times Square.
Walk to Rockefeller Center, about a 10-minute walk.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Rockefeller Center

Visit the Top of the Rock observation deck for stunning views of the city skyline.
Walk to the Empire State Building, approximately 15 minutes away.
25 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Empire State Building

Enjoy panoramic views of NYC from the Empire State Building's observation deck as the sun sets.
End of Day 1.
20 USD, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Downtown Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bubby's

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bubby's, known for its comfort food and delicious pancakes.
Take the subway to Battery Park, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
20 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Statue of Liberty

Catch the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for a glimpse into NYC's history.
Take the ferry to One World Observatory, a short ride from the Statue of Liberty.
25 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Juliana's Pizza

Head to Juliana's Pizza in Brooklyn for a delicious and authentic New York slice.
Walk to Brooklyn Bridge, which takes about 15 minutes.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Brooklyn Bridge

Take a stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the beautiful views of Manhattan.
Visit the High Line, take the subway to get there in about 45 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

High Line

Explore the unique elevated park built on a historic freight rail line above the streets on Manhattan's West Side.
End of Day 2.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Art and Culture Day

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Two Hands

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Two Hands, a cozy cafe known for its Aussie-inspired menu.
Take the subway to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which takes around 30 minutes.
15 USD, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore one of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing a vast collection spanning 5,000 years of world culture.
Take the subway to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, about a 15-minute ride.
25 USD, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Enjoy a variety of food options at Chelsea Market, from tacos to lobster rolls.
Walk to Greenwich Village, which takes about 20 minutes.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Greenwich Village

Stroll through the charming streets of Greenwich Village, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
End of Day 3.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Neighborhoods

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Bronx Public

Start your day with breakfast at The Bronx Public, known for its delicious brunch options.
Take the subway to the Bronx Zoo, approximately 45 minutes.
20 USD, 2 hours

11:00AM

Bronx Zoo

Explore one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world, home to thousands of animals across diverse habitats.
Take the subway to Coney Island, which takes about an hour.
30 USD, 4 hours

4:00PM

Coney Island

Enjoy the iconic boardwalk, amusement parks, and beach vibes of Coney Island.
Take the subway to Prospect Park, around a 30-minute ride.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Grab dinner at Shake Shack near Prospect Park for a satisfying end to the day.
Walk to the Flatiron Building, which takes about 20 minutes.
15 USD, 1 hour
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Day 5: Art and Cuisine Day

New York City, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Russ & Daughters

Indulge in a classic New York breakfast at Russ & Daughters, famous for its bagels and lox.
Take the subway to the Museum of Modern Art, which takes about 30 minutes.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Museum of Modern Art

Explore one of the world's most influential modern art museums, featuring works by iconic artists.
Walk to Grand Central Terminal, approximately a 15-minute walk.
25 USD, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Xi'an Famous Foods

Enjoy a taste of authentic Xi'an cuisine at Xi'an Famous Foods, known for its hand-pulled noodles and flavorful dishes.
Take the subway to Broadway, about 20 minutes away.
15 USD, 1 hour

4:00PM

Broadway

Catch a matinee or evening show on Broadway for a quintessential NYC experience.
End your day with a visit to Chinatown for dinner, take the subway which takes around 30 minutes.
50 USD, 3 hours
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