7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for New York City

Day 1: Explore Lower Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your New York adventure with a delicious bagel from this iconic bakery, known for its fresh and filling options.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the 9/11 Memorial

Reflect at the poignant 9/11 Memorial, which pays tribute to the lives lost in the attacks.
Walk from Ess-a-Bagel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Walk through Wall Street

Explore the hustle and bustle of Wall Street, home to the New York Stock Exchange and plenty of iconic sites.
Short walk from the Memorial.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Joe's Pizza

Enjoy a classic New York slice at Joe's Pizza, a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Take the subway from Wall Street to 6th Ave.
USD3, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Central Park

Stroll through Central Park; take in the beautiful landscapes and the iconic sights like Bethesda Terrace.
Take the subway to 59th Street - Columbus Circle.
Free, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Times Square

Experience the vibrant lights and energy of Times Square, a must-see iconic destination.
Walk from Central Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Finish the day with a budget-friendly yet delicious meal at Shake Shack, famous for its burgers and shakes.
Short walk from Times Square.
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Day

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Breads Bakery

Start your day with a fresh pastry at Breads Bakery, celebrated for its baked goods.
Take the subway to Union Square.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Wander through The Met, where you can appreciate an immense collection of art and history.
Subway to 86th Street.
Suggested Donation USD10, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Absolute Bagels

A perfect pit-stop for a satisfying bagel lunch before continuing your day.
Take the subway to 107th Street.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit American Museum of Natural History

Explore the incredible exhibits at this famous museum, another cultural gem in the city.
Walk to the museum, it's nearby.
Suggested Donation USD10, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll through the Upper West Side

Take in the charming architecture and parks of the Upper West Side, making your way south.
Walk through the area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Gray's Papaya

Indulge in a classic New York hot dog from this famous joint - a meal perfect for a shoestring budget.
Walk down to 72nd Street.
USD7, 1 hour

8:00 PM

Nightview at Brooklyn Bridge

Finish your day with a relaxing walk over Brooklyn Bridge, soaking in the stunning night views of the skyline.
Subway to Brooklyn Bridge C or A Train.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Iconic NYC Landmarks

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Halal Guys

Fuel your day with a tasty breakfast platter from The Halal Guys, known for their delicious street food.
Take the subway to their location.
USD6, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Empire State Building

Begin your day with stunning views from the Empire State Building, a classic NYC experience.
Subway to 34th Street.
USD43 (observation deck), 2 hours

11:30 AM

Walk to Bryant Park

A short walk will take you to Bryant Park, a serene spot to relax between sightseeing.
Walk from Empire State Building.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Cheese Cake Factory

Enjoy a light lunch, offering a variety of tasty dishes at reasonable prices.
Nearby in Times Square.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Tour of Grand Central Terminal

Marvel at the beauty of Grand Central, including its stunning architecture and the iconic clock.
Short walk from The Cheese Cake Factory.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the New York Public Library

Take a moment to explore the historic New York Public Library and its impressive reading rooms.
Walk across the street from Grand Central.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Chelsea Market

Enjoy a diverse array of food stalls at Chelsea Market for plentiful budget-friendly options.
Take the subway to Chelsea Market.
USD15, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Explore the High Line

Walk along the High Line, a unique elevated park offering art installations and lovely views of the city.
Entry point at Chelsea Market.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Fun and Festivities

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Treat yourself to a delightful breakfast at Sarabeth's, known for their brunch and baked goods.
Subway to Central Park South.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Delve into the wonders of nature and history with memorable exhibits found here.
Subway to 81st Street.
Suggested Donation USD10, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Westside Market

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at Westside Market offering fresh, healthy options.
Walk south to Westside Market.
USD8, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Walk the Central Park Loop

Take advantage of the beautiful trails and landscapes with a leisurely walk through Central Park.
Start at the south entrance.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Head back to enjoy the vast collections at the Met; enjoy the indoor galleries and outdoor rooftop.
Short walk from Central Park.
Suggested Donation USD10, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Meatball Shop

Enjoy a cosy and hearty meal at The Meatball Shop with a variety of meatballs and sides.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD12, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Attend a Free Comedy Show

Check out a free comedy show in Greenwich Village, where local talent often performs.
Take the subway to Greenwich Village.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 5: Art and Culture

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bluestone Lane

Start your morning with an Australian-style coffee and breakfast at Bluestone Lane.
Walk to the nearby café.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore The Frick Collection

Discover exquisite pieces of art collected by Henry Clay Frick in this charming museum.
Subway to 70th Street.
USD22, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Visit the Guggenheim Museum

Experience modern art in a unique building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Walk to the Guggenheim.
USD25, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Zabar's

Savour a bagel or a deli sandwich from this renowned grocery store and café.
Walk to Zabar's.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Walk at Riverside Park

Enjoy the beautiful riverside views as you wander through Riverside Park.
Head west from Zabar's.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Delve into modern and contemporary art at the renowned MoMA.
Subway to 53rd Street.
USD25, 2.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Halal Guys

End your day with another scrumptious meal from The Halal Guys, reflecting the local street food culture.
Subway back to Midtown.
USD6, 1 hour
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Day 6: A Taste of Brooklyn

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop

Indulge in a classic fresh donut from this charming bakery in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Take the subway to Brooklyn.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Prospect Park

Enjoy the beauty of Prospect Park, an urban oasis with plenty of walking paths.
Walk or cycle around the park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Brooklyn Museum

Check out diverse exhibits and collections at this significant cultural institution.
Walk to the museum.
Suggested Donation USD10, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Smorgasburg

Indulge in delicious food from local vendors at this famous outdoor food market.
Subway to Williamsburg.
USD15, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Take a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Subway to Manhattan side.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore DUMBO

Wander through DUMBO, with its picturesque streets, art galleries, and waterfront views.
Walk from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Juliana's Pizza

Savour some of Brooklyn’s best pizza at Juliana's, where you can enjoy a slice in a vibrant atmosphere.
Short walk from DUMBO.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Relax and Reflect

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Mogador

Enjoy a lovely Moroccan-inspired breakfast at this cosy eatery known for its eggs benedict.
Subway to East Village.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Staten Island Ferry

Take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline.
Subway to South Ferry.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Battery Park

Walk through Battery Park and take in the beautiful landscapes and views of the bay.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Enjoy a historic dining experience at Fraunces Tavern, a tavern once visited by George Washington.
Short walk from Battery Park.
USD15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore the Lower East Side

Discover the vibrant culture and history of the Lower East Side as you walk through its streets.
Walk around the area.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Tenement Museum

Learn about the history of immigration in NYC at the Tenement Museum, located in a restored tenement building.
Short walk from the Lower East Side.
USD15, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Katz's Delicatessen

End your NYC journey with a classic pastrami sandwich at Katz's, a New York institution.
Subway to the Lower East Side.
USD20, 1 hour
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