9-Day Budget Travel Itinerary Across USA's Top Attractions

Day 1: Arrival in Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri on April 24, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Blue Bird Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite known for its delicious pancakes and friendly atmosphere.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Union Station

This historic train station features beautiful architecture and hosts various shops and exhibitions.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Arthur Bryant's BBQ

Indulge in some of the best BBQ in the country, known for its legendary ribs and brisket.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Home to an impressive collection of art, this museum also features stunning sculpture gardens.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Country Club Plaza

This outdoor shopping district is filled with charming Spanish architecture and offers a great variety of shops.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Capital Grille

Enjoy a memorable dining experience at this upscale steakhouse with a great wine selection.
USD30, 2 hours

Day 2: Travel to St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri on April 25, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Toasted Ravioli

Try the iconic local dish of toasted ravioli for a true St. Louis experience.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Gateway Arch

Take the tram to the top for spectacular views of the city and learn about its history.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Savor some of the best Memphis-style BBQ, known for their dry-rub ribs.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore City Museum

An interactive space made from repurposed architectural items, fun for adults and kids alike.
USD15, 2 hours

4:00 PM

St. Louis Art Museum

Nestled in Forest Park, this museum boasts a rich collection of art from different eras.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Crossing

Wind down your day with elegant dining and innovative dishes focused on fresh, local ingredients.
USD25, 2 hours

Day 3: Travel to Chicago

Chicago, Illinois on April 26, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's

An iconic Chicago diner famous for its breakfast, especially its fluffy pancakes.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Millennium Park

See the famous 'Cloud Gate' sculpture and enjoy the beautiful park vistas.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Giordano's

Don't miss experiencing the legendary Chicago deep-dish pizza at this popular spot.
USD18, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Chicago Art Institute

Explore the incredible collection of Impressionist paintings and much more.
USD25, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Walk along the Riverwalk

Stroll along the Chicago River, dotted with restaurants and brilliant views of the skyline.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Portillo's

Enjoy classic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches in a vibrant setting.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Travel to Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 27, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Benelux

Start your day with a Dutch-inspired breakfast and a fantastic view in the heart of the Third Ward.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Milwaukee Art Museum

Known for its stunning architecture and impressive art collection, this museum is a must-see.
USD20, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Mader's Restaurant

Experience authentic German cuisine at this historic restaurant known for its schnitzel.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Walk along Lake Michigan

Take a relaxing stroll along the lakefront equipped with parks and beautiful views.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Harley-Davidson Museum

Discover the history of this iconic motorcycle brand in a fun and interactive museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Safe House

Have dinner at this quirky, espionage-themed restaurant known for its delicious burgers.
USD18, 2 hours

Day 5: Travel to Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 28, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Experience an extensive breakfast menu in a cozy and vibrant setting.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Walker Art Center

Explore contemporary art and be sure to check out the sculpture garden outside.
USD15, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Matt’s Bar

Home of the original Jucy Lucy, a must-try cheese-stuffed burger.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Minnehaha Regional Park

Take in the beauty of Minnehaha Falls and enjoy walking or biking trails.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Guthrie Theater

Catch a glimpse of a stunning architectural masterpiece and see if a performance is on.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Kincaid's

Enjoy waterfront dining with great views of the Mississippi River and a menu featuring fresh seafood.
USD25, 2 hours

Day 6: Travel to Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska on April 29, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Get your day started with a classic breakfast in this charming little diner.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Regarded as one of the best zoos in the world, it’s a fantastic place to explore and learn about wildlife.
USD30, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Runza

Grab a local favorite, the Runza sandwich, and enjoy a quick but delicious meal.
USD8, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Old Market District

Wander the cobblestone streets filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants in this historic area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Grey Plume

Dine at this sustainable restaurant focused on local ingredients and innovative dishes.
USD30, 2 hours

Day 7: Travel to Denver

Denver, Colorado on April 30, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy a creative breakfast menu that includes great coffee and exceptional service.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Denver Botanic Gardens

Stroll through beautiful gardens filled with native plants and vibrant displays.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs

Savor gourmet hot dogs made with unique toppings, a local favorite.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Denver Art Museum

A leading cultural destination with a great collection of Native American art.
USD13, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Enjoy breathtaking views and explore the famous concert venue and park.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Linger

Dine in a unique spot featuring global small plates and a lively atmosphere.
USD30, 2 hours

Day 8: Travel to Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah on May 1, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Original Pancake House

Experience delicious pancakes and more in a cheerful diner to start the day.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Temple Square

Explore the beautiful grounds and learn about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Red Iguana

Try the famous mole and traditional Mexican dishes praised by locals.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Natural History Museum of Utah

Discover fascinating exhibits about natural history from dinosaur fossils to native cultures.
USD15, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Stroll in Liberty Park

Relax in one of Salt Lake City’s largest parks featuring a pond and lovely walking paths.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Copper Onion

Enjoy a contemporary American menu in a stylish and pleasant atmosphere.
USD25, 2 hours

Day 9: Travel to Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Cracked Egg

This popular breakfast joint offers hearty options and is loved by locals.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore The Strip

Take a leisurely stroll down Las Vegas Boulevard and see the iconic hotels and casinos.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at In-N-Out Burger

Satisfy your cravings with a famous burger from this West Coast staple.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Neon Museum

Discover the history of Las Vegas through its iconic neon signs in this outdoor museum.
USD20, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at The Bellagio Fountains

Watch the stunning fountain show, a Las Vegas must-see that’s beautifully choreographed to music.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Buffet at Bellagio

Indulge in a lavish buffet featuring a diverse range of culinary delights.
USD50, 2 hours