5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for New York City

Day 1: Exploring Manhattan

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tompkins Square Bagels

Start your journey with a hearty bagel and cream cheese at this local favorite in the East Village.
Walk to free attractions nearby.
USD8, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Central Park

Stroll through iconic Central Park, take in sights like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, and enjoy the serenity.
Take subway from 1st Avenue to 59th Street (N/Q/R/W line).
USD0, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Grab a delicious and affordable chicken and rice platter from this popular food cart on 53rd and 6th.
Walk from Central Park, about 15 minutes.
USD8, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Exploring the Museum Mile

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art; pay what you wish to enter and admire the extensive collection.
Walk through Central Park to the museum; it's a scenic route.
USD1 (optional donation), 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Walk down Fifth Avenue

Window-shop and enjoy the architecture along this famous avenue, soaking in the atmosphere.
Walk south on Fifth Ave.
USD0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Enjoy a memorable slice of classic New York pizza at this legendary spot.
Take subway from 5 Avenue-53 St (E line) to 14 Street.
USD3, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Finish your day with a sunset walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the skyline.
Walk to the bridge entrance from Joe's Pizza.
USD0, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Day

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mamouns Falafel

Savor a delicious falafel sandwich at this affordable spot in Greenwich Village.
Walk to the subway station.
USD6, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the High Line

Experience the elevated park built on a former railway with beautiful gardens and art installations.
Take subway from 8th Avenue (A/C/E line) to 14th Street.
USD0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Chelsea Market

Browse through this unique marketplace filled with shops, food vendors, and local artisans.
Walk from the High Line to Chelsea Market.
USD0 (Cost depends on purchases), 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Los Tacos No. 1

Indulge in authentic tacos at this well-known and budget-friendly taco shop.
Walk to the taco shop from Chelsea Market.
USD10, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

Explore contemporary American art; tickets are donation-based on Fridays from 7-10 PM.
Walk to the museum from lunch.
USD0 (if visiting during free hours), 2 hours

3:30 PM

Take a Free Ride on Staten Island Ferry

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline on this free ferry ride.
Take subway from the museum to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal (1 line).
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Supermac's

Try a variety of comfort food options at this casual eatery specializing in different macaroni recipes.
Take subway back to Manhattan, walk to the dinner destination.
USD9, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Iconic Sights

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Balthazar Bakery

Get a delicious pastry and coffee from this iconic bistro in SoHo, known for its French-style bakery.
Walk to the bakery.
USD7, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the 9/11 Memorial

Reflect at this poignant memorial commemorating the lives lost during September 11 attacks.
Take subway from SoHo (6 line) to World Trade Center.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Brookfield Place

Explore the fantastic shops and free art installations at this waterfront shopping center.
Walk from 9/11 Memorial.
USD0, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Financial District Walk

Tour Wall Street and take a photo with the iconic Charging Bull statue.
Walk around the Financial District.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Fraunces Tavern

Enjoy a delicious lunch in this historic tavern famous for its American fare.
Walk to the tavern.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the New York Public Library

Marvel at the grand architecture and beautiful reading rooms of this iconic library.
Take subway to 42nd Street (B/D/F/M line).
USD0, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Visit this stunning Neo-Gothic cathedral located next to Rockefeller Center.
Walk from the library.
USD0, 30 minutes

4:00 PM

Dinner at The Meatball Shop

Try various meatballs in a fun atmosphere, choosing your style and sauce!
Take subway to the East Village.
USD9, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Times Square

Immerse yourself in the bright lights and energy of the bustling square.
Take subway from the East Village to Times Square.
USD0, 1 hour
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Day 4: Neighborhood Wandering

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Have a giant New York bagel with cream cheese and lox; it starts your day right.
Walk to the shop from your stay.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Greenwich Village

Explore the historic and charming streets, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk from Ess-a-Bagel.
USD0, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Check Out Washington Square Park

Relax in Washington Square Park and enjoy the lively street performances.
Walk from Greenwich Village.
USD0, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Explore the West Village

Wander through beautiful boutiques and cafés along charming streets.
Continue walking through the area.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Joe's Pizza

Grab another slice of authentic New York pizza in the West Village.
Walk back towards the south.
USD3, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit The Cloisters

Explore this beautiful museum dedicated to medieval art and architecture, located in Fort Tryon Park.
Take subway from Times Square to 190th Street (A line).
USD0 (Suggested donation), 3 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at The Trader Joe's Snack Bar

Enjoy a casual dinner with an array of affordable snacks just a short walk from The Cloisters.
Walk to the nearest Trader Joe's.
USD7, 1 hour
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Day 5: Historical Trails

New York City, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Blue Bottle Coffee

Start the last day with a strong cup of coffee and a delectable baked good.
Walk to the café.
USD7, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Immerse yourself in the immigrant experience and the history of the neighborhood.
Take subway from your stay to the LES.
USD10, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Bowery

Wander the historic Bowery District full of cultural sites and art galleries.
Walk from the museum.
USD0, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Lunch at Katz's Delicatessen

Enjoy the famous pastrami sandwich at this historic deli.
Walk to Katz's.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Explore China Town & Little Italy

Browse the vibrant scenes and shops, soaking in diverse cultures.
Take subway from Katz's to Canal Street.
USD0, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit One World Observatory

End your trip with stunning views of the city from atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Walk to the observatory entrance.
USD38, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Enjoy a classic Shake Shack burger as a delicious finale to your NYC adventure.
Take subway to Madison Square Park.
USD10, 1 hour
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