7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in New York City

Day 1: Iconic Manhattan

New York, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a New York bagel at Ess-a-Bagel; their fresh bagels will give you the perfect fuel for exploring.
Walk from your accommodation or take the subway to 51st St station.
USD8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Central Park

Stroll through Central Park, where you can enjoy the landscape and iconic sights without spending a dime.
Walk from Ess-a-Bagel, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gray's Papaya

Treat yourself to a classic New York hot dog at Gray's Papaya, famous for their affordable and tasty snacks.
Take the subway from 59th St to 8th St.
USD6, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Times Square

Immerse yourself in the bright lights and billboards at Times Square, the heart of New York's entertainment district.
Walk from Gray's Papaya to Times Square, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the New York Public Library

Step inside the elegant New York Public Library to admire its stunning architecture and enjoy a quiet moment.
Walk to the library, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Grab a slice of thin-crust pizza at Joe's Pizza, a local favorite known for its authentic New York slices.
Walk to Joe’s Pizza, approximately 15 minutes.
USD3, 1 hour
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Day 2: Brooklyn Adventure

Brooklyn, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bakeri

Start your day at Bakeri for freshly baked goods and a cozy atmosphere.
Take the subway from Manhattan to Williamsburg (L train).
USD10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying magnificent views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Walk from Bakeri to the bridge entry, about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample food from various vendors at Time Out Market, featuring Brooklyn’s favorite dishes.
Located directly in DUMBO after crossing the bridge.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore DUMBO

Wander through DUMBO’s charming streets and enjoy stunning waterfront views.
Walk around DUMBO area about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Relax at Brooklyn Bridge Park and take in picturesque views of Manhattan skyline.
Just a short walk away from DUMBO.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Roberta's Pizza

End the day with a delicious slice at Roberta’s Pizza, a bit of a splurge but well worth it.
Take the subway from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Bushwick (L train).
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Queens

Queens, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Henri

Grab a leisurely breakfast at Cafe Henri, known for their eggs benedict and quaint ambiance.
Take the subway from Bushwick to Long Island City.
USD12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit MoMA PS1

Visit MoMA PS1 for contemporary art in a unique setting (free for visitors on Sundays).
Walk to MoMA PS1, about 15 minutes.
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at LIC Market

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at LIC Market, which focuses on fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Take the bus from MoMA PS1, about 15 minutes.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Astoria Park

Head to Astoria Park for a relaxing afternoon, where you can take in the views of the Triborough Bridge.
Take the subway from Long Island City to Astoria-Ditmars Blvd.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Exploring Astoria

Wander around Astoria’s vibrant streets and visit the Astoria Historical Museum.
Walk back toward the main area, about 15 minutes.
USD5, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Arepas Cafe

Indulge in delicious Venezuelan arepas at Arepas Cafe, providing an affordable taste of Latin American cuisine.
Walk back to the café, about 20 minutes.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Historic Bronx

Bronx, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Bronx Diner

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Bronx Diner, known for its generous portions.
Take the subway from Manhattan to The Bronx (4 train).
USD10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Bronx Zoo

Spend the morning wandering around the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world.
Take the bus from the diner to the zoo entrance.
USD28, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Arthur Avenue

Head to Arthur Avenue, known as the real Little Italy, for an authentic Italian meal at one of the local eateries.
Walk or take the bus to Arthur Avenue.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the New York Botanical Garden

Explore the stunning New York Botanical Garden, with various plant collections to admire.
Take the bus from Arthur Avenue to the Botanical Garden.
USD15, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Casa Bella

Savor traditional Italian dishes at Casa Bella, where you can enjoy the Bronx's culinary offerings.
Take the bus back to Arthur Avenue.
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Tranquil Staten Island

Staten Island, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Good Life

Start your day at The Good Life with a healthy breakfast that won’t break your budget.
Take the subway to Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
USD8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Staten Island Ferry Ride

Enjoy a scenic ride on the Staten Island Ferry for free and see the Statue of Liberty along the way.
Board the ferry from the terminal.
Free, 1 hour round trip

11:30AM

Visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Discover the arts and cultures of Staten Island at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
Take the bus from the ferry terminal.
USD5, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Staten Island Ferry Café

Grab lunch at the Café, offering delicious meals at reasonable prices.
Located within Snug Harbor.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Staten Island Parks

Spend the afternoon at one of Staten Island’s parks, like Clove Lakes Park, for some nature time.
Bus from Snug Harbor to Clove Lakes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Pio Pio

Finish your day with a hearty Peruvian meal at Pio Pio, featuring rotisserie chicken and tasty sides.
Bus back to the ferry terminal.
USD15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Art and History in Manhattan

New York, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Katz's Delicatessen

Indulge in a classic pastrami on rye sandwich for breakfast at Katz's Delicatessen.
Take the subway to 1st Ave station.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Tenement Museum

Learn about immigrant history at the Tenement Museum with a guided tour.
Walk to the museum, about 10 minutes.
USD30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Xi'an Famous Foods

Savor delicious hand-pulled noodles at Xi'an Famous Foods for a quick and affordable lunch.
Take the subway from the museum to Xi'an.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll through SoHo

Wander through SoHo’s artistic streets filled with unique boutiques and galleries.
Walk to SoHo, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore one of the world’s most prestigious art museums where admission is pay-what-you-wish.
Walk to the Met, about 20 minutes.
USD10, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Halal Guys

Cap off your foray into Manhattan with some delicious chicken and rice from The Halal Guys.
Take the subway back from the Met.
USD8, 1 hour
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Day 7: Farewell to NYC

New York, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sarabeth's

Enjoy a lovely breakfast at Sarabeth's with a menu full of options, from pancakes to avocado toast.
Take the subway from your accommodation to Central Park South.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit The High Line

Walk along the High Line, a unique elevated park filled with gardens and public art.
Take the subway to the 14th St station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Grab lunch at Chelsea Market, a diverse urban food hall with great options.
Walk to Chelsea Market adjacent to the High Line.
USD10, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Greenwich Village

Wander through the charming streets of Greenwich Village, famous for its Bohemian culture.
Walk to Greenwich Village, about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Washington Square Park

Relax at Washington Square Park, a great place for people-watching and soaking up local culture.
Short walk from Greenwich Village.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Mamouns Falafel

Enjoy a flavorful falafel wrap at Mamouns, a legendary spot for Middle Eastern cuisine.
Take the subway back to your accommodation.
USD5, 1 hour
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