7-Day Budget Foodie Itinerary in New York City

Day 1: Welcome to NYC!

New York City, USA on September 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bagel & Coffee Shop

Start your day with a classic New York breakfast of a toasted bagel with cream cheese and a steaming cup of coffee from a local shop.
Walk to the local subway station.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Central Park

Stroll through Central Park and enjoy the fresh air among the idyllic surroundings, stopping by Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge.
Take the subway to the nearest Central Park entry.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Savor a classic NYC lunch at The Halal Guys, famous for their delicious chicken and rice platters.
Walk from Central Park or take the subway to 53rd Street.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spend the afternoon exploring the vast collections of art at The Met; consider paying what you wish for entrance.
Walk to The Met from lunch.
USD10 (suggested donation), 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Cap off your day with a classic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village, a local favorite.
Take the subway to Greenwich Village.
USD4, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

New York City, USA on September 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tompkins Square Bagels

Get your morning bagel fix at Tompkins Square Bagels, known for their wide variety of spreads.
Walk to the nearest subway station.
USD7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Tenement Museum

Learn about the immigrant experience in NYC at the Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side.
Take the subway to the Lower East Side.
USD30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen

Indulge in a famous pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen, a true NYC institution.
Walk from the museum to Katz's Delicatessen.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Chinatown

Wander through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, exploring markets and shops.
Walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Xi'an Famous Foods

Dive into some spicy hand-pulled noodles at Xi'an Famous Foods for a unique dining experience.
Take the subway to Xi'an Famous Foods.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 3: Art and Street Vibes

New York City, USA on September 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grey Dog

Savor a hearty breakfast with local flair at The Grey Dog, adored for their cozy atmosphere.
Walk to the nearest subway station.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll across The High Line

Walk along The High Line, a unique elevated park featuring gardens, public art, and city views.
Take the subway to The High Line entrance.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Chelsea Market

Explore the Chelsea Market's food stalls and shops for artisanal goodies and snacks.
Walk from The High Line to Chelsea Market.
Free to browse; snacks USD5-10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Los Tacos No. 1

Enjoy authentic tacos at Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market as you experience bustling local culture.
Walk within Chelsea Market.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Discover the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Check out exhibitions that explore fashion and design at this innovative museum, often free to enter.
Take the subway to FIT.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Prince Street Pizza

Treat yourself to some pepperoni slices from Prince Street Pizza, a must-try for pizza lovers!
Take the subway to Prince Street.
USD5, 1 hour
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Day 4: Historical NYC

New York City, USA on September 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Balthazar Bakery

Enjoy a delectable pastry and coffee at Balthazar Bakery, located in SoHo.
Walk to the bakery from your accommodation.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty

Take the ferry to experience the historic Ellis Island and get a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty.
Take the subway to Battery Park for the ferry.
USD23, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Leo's Bagels

Grab a bagel or sandwich from Leo's Bagels, known for their fresh ingredients.
Return to Manhattan and walk to Leo's.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Financial District

Walk around the Financial District, taking in historic sites like the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
Walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Fraunces Tavern

Experience American history dining at Fraunces Tavern, known for its colonial decor and traditional dishes.
Walk from the Financial District.
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 5: Brooklyn Discovery

New York City, USA on September 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Corner Diner

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at The Corner Diner, an affordable cozy spot.
Walk from your accommodation.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, soaking in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Take the subway to Brooklyn Bridge entrance.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore DUMBO

Stroll through DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for quaint stores and scenic waterfronts.
Walk from Brooklyn Bridge.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Time Out Market

Savor a diverse selection of food vendors at Time Out Market, featuring local favorites.
Walk to Time Out Market.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Brooklyn Museum

Discover art, culture, and history at the Brooklyn Museum; pay what you wish for admission.
Take the subway to the Brooklyn Museum.
USD10 (suggested donation), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Roberta’s

Feast on a delicious wood-fired pizza at Roberta’s, celebrated for its artisanal variety.
Take the subway to Bushwick.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 6: Iconic NYC Sites

New York City, USA on September 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Junior's Cafe

Fuel your day with a classic cheesecake and coffee at Junior's Cafe, known for its delicious treats.
Walk from your accommodation.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Times Square

Experience the bright lights and excitement of Times Square; perfect for people watching.
Take the subway to Times Square.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Discover incredible artworks at MoMA; entry is free during Target Free Friday Nights after 5 PM, but you can visit during the day too!
Take the subway to MoMA.
USD25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Eataly

Experience Italian culture and food with a quick lunch at Eataly, where you can choose from various eateries.
Walk from MoMA to Eataly.
USD15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Empire State Building

Head to the Empire State Building for some breathtaking views of NYC from the observation deck.
Take the subway to the Empire State Building.
USD44, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

End the day with a burger and fries from Shake Shack, a beloved fast-casual dining experience.
Take the subway back to Madison Square Park.
USD13, 1 hour
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Day 7: Farewell NYC

New York City, USA on September 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Enjoy another bagel adventure at Ess-a-Bagel, reputed for its oversized and delicious bagels.
Walk to the nearest subway stop.
USD7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Walk the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Spend the morning at the serene Brooklyn Botanic Garden, especially lovely in the fall.
Take subway to Prospect Park.
USD15, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Prospect Park

Continue your day with a peaceful stroll in Prospect Park, a lush urban park with plenty of greenery.
Walk from the Botanic Garden to Prospect Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bar LunÀtico

Experience a fusion of upscale dining and casual atmosphere at Bar LunÀtico, known for its live performances.
Take the subway to Bed-Stuy.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Final Shopping & Souvenirs

Explore local shops in Brooklyn or Manhattan for last-minute souvenirs to take back home.
Subway to your favorite shopping district.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Luke’s Lobster

Enjoy a final taste of NYC with a lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster, an amazing farewell meal.
Subway to East Village.
USD20, 1 hour
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