5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in New York City on a Budget

Day 1: Explore Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grey Dog

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with budget-friendly options at this cozy café, perfect for families.
Located at 244 Bleecker St near NYU, accessible via subway.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Central Park

Spend the morning exploring Central Park; bring a ball or frisbee for added fun and relaxation.
Walk to Central Park; it’s a pleasant 15-minute stroll.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

See the Met Steps

Visit the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art and take photos on the iconic steps. Admission is donation-based, making it budget-friendly.
Walk to The Met, just a 15-minute walk from the park.
Optional donation (USD1 recommended), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Halal Guys

Grab a delicious and budget-friendly street food meal from one of NYC's famous food trucks.
Take a short walk down to 53rd Street and 6th Ave.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Walk through Times Square

Experience the bright lights and energy of Times Square; it’s a must-see and great for photos.
Walk from the food truck to Times Square, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the New York Public Library

Explore the beautiful architecture and free exhibits at this iconic library; don't forget to visit the famous lion statues outside.
A quick 10-minute walk from Times Square.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Prince Street Pizza

Enjoy a classic New York slice or two at this budget-friendly joint, famous for its pepperoni pizza.
Take the subway to 8 Prince St.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Discover Brooklyn

Brooklyn, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tom's Restaurant

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast that is not only hearty but also budget-friendly.
Take the subway to Brooklyn.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge; take in the breathtaking views for free!
Bridge walkway starts in Manhattan; easy to walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park

Stroll through this park, perfect for picnics or just relaxing with views of Manhattan.
Continue walking from the bridge to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Smorgasburg (on the weekend)

Taste various budget-friendly dishes from food vendors if you're visiting on a weekend; it’s a great experience!
Check if it's open and take the subway to the location.
USD40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Prospect Park

Enjoy the natural beauty of this park; bring a blanket and relax or let the kids play.
Subway to Prospect Park.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Ice Cream atice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

Treat the family to a scoop of delicious ice cream by the waterfront.
A short walk to the ice cream factory.
USD20, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Junior's

Grab budget-friendly sandwiches or burgers at this famous eatery, well-known for its cheesecakes too.
Short subway ride or walk from your current location.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Budget Adventure in Queens

Queens, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Bagel Shop

Start your day with a New York bagel—cheap, delicious, and filling!
Local bagel shop nearby.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Explore the expansive park and the iconic Unisphere, great for kids' playtime.
Take the subway to Flushing Meadows.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Queens Museum

Enjoy free and low-cost exhibits that are engaging for the whole family.
A short walk from the park.
USD8, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at New York's Famous Pizza

Grab a couple of slices and a drink for a quick and budget-friendly meal.
Nearby the museum.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Astoria Park

Take a walk and let the kids play in this beautiful waterfront park.
Subway to Astoria.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Queens Botanical Garden

Enjoy the tranquility of nature, explore the gardens—a peaceful and free experience.
Take the subway to the garden.
USD6, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Corona's Street Vendors

Taste local street food for an authentic dining experience while keeping your budget intact.
Walk back into the Corona area.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Affordable Day on Staten Island

Staten Island, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Deli

Pick up a budget-friendly breakfast sandwich or bagel at a local deli.
Get to the Staten Island Ferry terminal for an affordable ride.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Staten Island Ferry Ride

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to Manhattan; perfect for family views of the skyline.
Board the ferry at Staten Island.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Staten Island Zoo

Check out this budget-friendly zoo and the animal experiences tailored to kids.
Short bus ride from the ferry terminal.
USD8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Staten Island's Fast Food Restaurants

Grab a quick bite from budget-friendly fast food spots near the zoo.
Nearby options available.
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Explore the beautiful gardens and cultural exhibits that are free to the public.
A short bus ride to Snug Harbor.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town

Explore this open-air museum showcasing historic buildings; very budget-friendly or donation-based.
Take a local bus to Richmond Town.
USD6, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Pizzeria

Wrap up your day with affordable pizza at a local Staten Island pizzeria.
Bus ride back to the ferry terminal.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day in Manhattan on a Budget

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bagel Shop

Grab a smattering of budget bagels to fuel the final day of your trip.
Nearby bagel shop.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore SoHo and Tribeca

Wander around these neighborhoods, taking in the art and shopping at affordable locations.
Walk around and explore at your leisure.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Participation in this memorial is donation-based; experience an important part of NYC history.
Take subway to the memorial area.
USD1 (donation suggested), 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Enjoy affordable and delicious street food at another NYC favorite.
Nearby the memorial.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Battery Park

Enjoy walking through Battery Park; take in the views and the peaceful ambiance.
Stroll to Battery Park, just a few blocks away.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Street Art in Bushwick

Discover affordable street art; take pictures, and enjoy the vibrant culture of the neighborhood.
Subway to Bushwick, easy and budget-friendly.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at a Pizzeria

End your NYC adventure with an affordable classic New York pizza before heading home.
Find a local pizzeria in the area.
USD30, 1.5 hours
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