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3-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure: New York City & Niagara Falls

Viewed by 73 travelers

Day 1: City Exploration

New York, NY

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tom's Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Tom's Restaurant, famously known from 'Seinfeld', featuring classic diner fare like pancakes and omelets.
Take the subway to 116th St. Station.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Empire State Building

Kick off your NYC adventure with a visit to the iconic Empire State Building and enjoy panoramic views from the 86th-floor observation deck.
Take the subway to 34th St. - Herald Square Station.
USD44, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walk in Bryant Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Bryant Park, surrounded by skyscrapers and the New York Public Library, the perfect spot to take in the city’s atmosphere.
Walk from Empire State Building, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Eataly NYC Downtown

Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at Eataly, where you can find a selection of fresh pasta, pizza, and other Italian specialties.
Walk to Eataly from Bryant Park, about 10 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, diving into America’s immigration history.
Walk to Battery Park, about 10 minutes from Eataly.
USD24 (includes both islands), 3 hours (including ferry ride)

4:30PM

Explore Wall Street and the Charging Bull

Stroll through Wall Street, capturing a photo of the iconic Charging Bull statue and taking in the financial district’s vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from Battery Park, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Indulge in a slice of classic New York pizza at this local favorite, a must-try while in the city.
Take the subway to Joe’s Pizza, approximately 15 minutes.
USD3 (per slice), 1 hour

7:30PM

Catch a Free Outdoor Movie at Bryant Park

If visiting during summer, enjoy a classic movie screening in the park—grab a blanket and some snacks to unwind.
Return to Bryant Park via the subway.
Free, Varies
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Day 2: Niagara Falls Adventure

Niagara Falls, NY

7:00AM

Breakfast at Dunkin'

Grab a quick breakfast at Dunkin' for coffee and a breakfast sandwich to fuel your trip to Niagara Falls.
Walk to the nearest Dunkin' from your lodging.
USD8, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Take Amtrak Train to Niagara Falls

Board the Amtrak train from Penn Station to Niagara Falls, enjoying the scenic route through upstate New York.
Take the subway to Penn Station.
USD50 (round-trip), 2 hours

10:00AM

Arrive at Niagara Falls State Park

Begin your Niagara Falls experience by walking through the scenic Niagara Falls State Park and witnessing the majestic waterfalls.
Walk directly from the train station to the park entrance.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Top of the Falls Restaurant

Enjoy a stunning view as you dine at The Top of the Falls Restaurant, where delicious meals await, serving local ingredients.
Take a short walk to the restaurant inside the park.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Experience the iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour to get up close and personal with the falls—you’ll be amazed by the power of the water.
Walk to the Maid of the Mist entrance within the park.
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Cave of the Winds

Take on the spectacular Cave of the Winds, where you’ll walk on wooden platforms close to the base of Bridal Veil Falls—get ready to get wet!
Walk from Maid of the Mist to the Cave of the Winds entrance.
USD19, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to New York City

Rest and reflect on your amazing experience at the falls as you take the train back to New York City.
Walk back to the train station from the park.
Included in round-trip fare., 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Halal Guys

Savor a delicious plate of gyro or chicken rice at The Halal Guys, famous for their flavorful street food.
Head to the nearest location from the train station via subway.
USD10, 1 hour

8:00PM

Evening Walk in Central Park

Enjoy a tranquil evening walk in Central Park, a perfect way to end your adventurous day.
Take the subway to Central Park.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Final Day in NYC

New York, NY

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tom's Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Tom's Restaurant, famous for its comforting diner environment and satisfying breakfast options.
Take the subway to 116th St. Station.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the High Line

Walk the High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track, featuring gardens, art installations, and great city views.
Walk from Tom's Restaurant to the High Line, changing subway lines as needed.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Discover the Chelsea Market

Explore this vibrant indoor market filled with unique shops and food vendors for some shopping and snacking.
Located adjacent to the High Line.
Varies by vendor (try to keep it under USD10), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Los Tacos No. 1

Satisfy your cravings with authentic Mexican tacos in the bustling Chelsea Market area.
Walk to Los Tacos No. 1 within Chelsea Market.
USD8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park

After lunch, take a picturesque walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the park overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Subway to Brooklyn Bridge - City Hall Station, then walk to the park.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy Ice Cream at Ample Hills Creamery

Treat yourself to rich and creamy ice cream at this popular local shop within Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Walk from the park, about 10 minutes.
USD5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Burger Joint

End your trip with a classic American burger in an unassuming spot behind a luxury hotel, beloved by locals.
Take the subway back to Manhattan, then a short walk.
USD10, 1 hour

7:30PM

Watch Sunset at Top of the Rock (Optional)

If budget allows, enjoy breathtaking views of New York City from the Top of the Rock observation deck, capturing the sunset.
Subway to 49th St. Station, walk to Rockefeller Center.
USD40 (optional), 1.5 hours
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