5-Day Family-Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary in New York City

Day 1: Central Park Exploration

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jacob's Pickles

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this popular spot that serves delicious pancakes and biscuits.
Take the subway to the 86th St Station on the 1 line.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Central Park

Stroll through Central Park, visiting iconic spots like Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace.
Walk from Jacob's Pickles towards Central Park.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Halal Guys

Grab some delicious and budget-friendly halal food from this famous food truck.
Walk to the truck on W 53rd St. between 6th and 7th Ave.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the American Museum of Natural History

Explore the fascinating exhibits at the museum; suggested donation allows you to pay what you can.
Take the subway from 53rd St to 81st St via the C line.
USD1 (suggested donation), 3 hours

4:30PM

Snack at Levain Bakery

Indulge in one of the city's most popular cookies that the whole family will love.
Walk back to Levain Bakery on W 74th St.
USD5, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Wrap up the day by heading back to your accommodations.
Subway ride back to your hotel.
USD3 (for subway ride), 30 minutes
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Day 2: Statue & Brooklyn Fun

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brooklyn Diner

Enjoy a classic diner breakfast featuring omelets and pancakes.
Subway to 42nd St – Times Square, then switch to the R train to 7th Ave.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Statue of Liberty

Take the Staten Island Ferry for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
Walk to the ferry terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours including ferry ride

11:00AM

Explore Battery Park

Walk around Battery Park and enjoy the greenery and waterfront views.
Walk from the ferry terminal to Battery Park.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Joe’s Pizza

Grab a classic New York slice at this iconic pizzeria.
Subway to University Place, then walk to Joe’s Pizza.
USD3, 1 hour

1:00PM

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy the views.
Take the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge station.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore DUMBO

Visit this trendy neighborhood, known for its waterfront parks and stunning views of Manhattan.
Walk through DUMBO.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

End the day with a delicious burger and fries from this famous chain.
Walk to Shake Shack in DUMBO.
USD15, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Hotel

Head back to rest and refresh after a fruitful day.
Subway ride back to your hotel.
USD3, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Museum & Culture Day

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Balthazar Bakery

Enjoy baked goods and pastries at this delightful bakery in Soho.
Take the subway to Canal Street.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spend the morning exploring the vast collection of art, with a 'pay what you wish' admission policy.
Take the subway up to 86th St on the 4 or 5 line.
USD1 (suggested donation), 3 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch in Central Park

Grab sandwiches from a local deli and enjoy a picnic in Central Park.
Walk back to Central Park.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Explore interactive exhibits perfect for kids of all ages.
Subway to 72nd St, then walk it.
USD14, 2 hours

3:30PM

Ice Cream at Ample Hills

Treat the family to delicious homemade ice cream from this popular spot.
Walk to Ample Hills on W 72nd St.
USD10, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Explore the Upper West Side

Take a leisurely walk through this vibrant neighborhood with its unique shops and cafes.
Walk around the Upper West Side.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Gray's Papaya

Grab iconic NYC hot dogs for dinner, a quick and budget-friendly option.
Subway ride back to Central Park area.
USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Hotel

End the day with some relaxation.
Subway ride back to your hotel.
USD3, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day in Times Square

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day off right with a tasty bagel and coffee.
Subway to 51st St.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Top of the Rock

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck of Rockefeller Center.
Walk to Top of the Rock from your breakfast spot.
USD40 (for a family), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Times Square

Walk around and take photos in the vibrant and bustling Times Square.
Walk around Times Square.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Enjoy a classic burger, fries, and shakes in the heart of Times Square.
Eat at the nearby Shake Shack.
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Meet your favorite celebrities at this iconic wax museum.
Walk over to Madame Tussauds.
USD91 (for a family), 2 hours

3:30PM

Enjoy a Broadway Show

Catch a family-friendly matinee performance at one of the many theaters.
Purchase discounted tickets at the TKTS Booth in Times Square.
USD100 (for a family on a discount), 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Savor a meal while enjoying live performances from aspiring Broadway stars.
Walk back to Ellen's Stardust in Times Square.
USD60, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Hotel

Relax after a full day of fun in the city.
Walk back to the subway.
USD3, 30 minutes
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Day 5: Final Day of Fun

New York City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Clinton St. Baking Company

Enjoy the famous pancakes and a warm atmosphere for your last meal in NYC.
Subway to the Lower East Side.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Tenement Museum

Learn about the immigrant experience in America through this fascinating museum.
Walk from Clinton St. to the museum.
USD75 (for a family), 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Soho

Wander through the stylish streets of Soho, window shopping and taking in the architecture.
Walk through Soho.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Prince Street Pizza

Delight in a slice of some of the city's best pepperoni pizza.
Walk to Prince Street Pizza.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the High Line

Walk the elevated park built on a former railway line, with beautiful gardens and sculptures.
Take the subway to 14th St.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Snack at Chelsea Market

Sample a variety of delicious snacks as you explore this bustling market.
Walk to Chelsea Market from the High Line.
USD10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Hotel & Prepare for Departure

Spend your final moments loading up and preparing for your next adventure.
Subway back to your hotel.
USD3, 30 minutes
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