Affordable 7-Day New York City Itinerary on a $1,000 Budget

Day 1: Manhattan Landmarks

New York City, USA on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a classic NYC bagel and coffee at Ess-a-Bagel, open from 6:30AM to 7:00PM, to fuel up for sightseeing.
USD6, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Times Square

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and bright lights at Times Square. It’s a must-see and free to explore any time.
USD0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Central Park

Walk and relax in Central Park, open daily from 6:00AM to 1:00AM, enjoying landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and the Bow Bridge.
USD0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Los Tacos No.1

Grab authentic tacos at Los Tacos No.1 in Chelsea Market, open from 11:00AM to 9:00PM, for an affordable and delicious meal.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore impressive modern art exhibits; MoMA is open till 5:30PM on Thursdays and Fridays, with tickets around $25.
USD25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Joe’s Pizza

Enjoy classic NYC pizza at Joe’s Pizza, open till 11:00PM, an affordable and iconic dinner choice.
USD8, 1 hour
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Day 2: Historic Lower Manhattan

New York City, USA on April 18, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Fuel up again with another delicious bagel breakfast before a busy day, same great pricing and open hours.
USD6, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Begin with a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for views of Manhattan and Brooklyn, open anytime and free to walk.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:15AM

Explore DUMBO Neighborhood

Stroll around DUMBO, known for its art galleries and riverside parks with fantastic skyline views, an open public area and free.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shake Shack

Eat a tasty and affordable burger at Shake Shack in DUMBO, open from 11:00AM to 10:00PM daily.
USD12, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Pay respects and learn the history of 9/11 at the memorial and museum. Museum open till 8:00PM on weekdays; tickets cost $26.
USD26, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Halal Guys

Enjoy flavorful Middle Eastern street food at The Halal Guys, open until 2:00AM, budget-friendly and filling.
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Uptown Day

New York City, USA on April 19, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast at a local café near your accommodation, approximate cost around $8.
USD8, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore world-class art from every period; open 10:00AM to 5:30PM with a pay-what-you-wish ticket that helps keep costs low.
USD10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zabar’s

Savor a deli-style lunch at Zabar’s, offering affordable and delicious sandwiches with an NYC vibe.
USD12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walk and Relax in Central Park’s Great Lawn

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon on Central Park’s Great Lawn, free and open all day.
USD0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gray's Papaya

Try an iconic NYC hot dog at Gray’s Papaya, open 24 hours, inexpensive and perfect for a quick meal.
USD6, 1 hour
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Day 4: Brooklyn Exploration

New York City, USA on April 20, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Bakeri

Start with a delightful pastry and coffee at Bakeri, a cozy Nordic bakery open from 7:30AM to 6:00PM.
USD8, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Walk Prospect Park

Enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful trails of Prospect Park, open from 5:00AM to 1:00AM, no entry fee.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Smorgasburg (Weekends only) or Brooklyn Eatery

If it’s a weekend, enjoy variety at Smorgasburg open 11AM-6PM; otherwise, try Brooklyn Eatery for affordable American fare.
USD12, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Brooklyn Museum

Explore diverse art collections at Brooklyn Museum, open Thursday-Monday 11AM-6PM, admission $16.
USD16, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Roberta’s Pizza

Wrap up with some of Brooklyn’s best pizza at Roberta’s, open until 11:00PM, reasonably priced and delicious.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 5: Queens Food & Culture

New York City, USA on April 21, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Nuvoletta Bakery

Enjoy fresh Italian pastries and espresso at Nuvoletta, open from 7:00AM to 7:00PM.
USD7, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Visit the park with landmarks like the Unisphere, free and open daily from 6:00AM to 9:00PM.
USD0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods

Try flavorful hand-pulled noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods, popular for authentic and affordable meals.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Queens Botanical Garden

Stroll through beautiful gardens, open from 8:00AM to 6:00PM, entry just $6.
USD6, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Arepa Lady

Enjoy Venezuelan arepas at Arepa Lady, a Queens favorite for budget-friendly, tasty food.
USD10, 1 hour
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Day 6: Art & Shopping Day

New York City, USA on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with a budget-friendly breakfast at a nearby café for about $8.
USD8, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Walk the High Line

Enjoy a scenic elevated park with urban gardens and views, open 7:00AM-7:00PM, free entry.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Chelsea Market

Explore various shops and food vendors, perfect for browsing or a snack with no entrance fee.
USD0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Los Tacos No.1

Return for delicious tacos at Chelsea Market’s favorite, about $10 per meal.
USD10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping on Fifth Avenue

Window shop or browse stores along iconic Fifth Avenue, free to explore, budget depends on shopping.
USD0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mamouns Falafel

Enjoy affordable and tasty falafel from Mamouns, open till late, perfect for a budget-friendly dinner.
USD8, 1 hour
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Day 7: Relax & Departure

New York City, USA on April 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Have your final NYC breakfast at a nearby bakery, spending around $7.
USD7, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit the New York Public Library & Bryant Park

Enjoy a calm morning exploring the landmark library and adjacent park, open from 10:00AM, both free to visit.
USD0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk to Grand Central Terminal

Admire the architecture and lively atmosphere of Grand Central, free to visit anytime.
USD0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Deli

Grab a last affordable meal at a nearby deli for around $10 before your departure.
USD10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Head to Airport

Prepare for departure and arrange transportation to the airport, time depending on your flight schedule.
USD20, varies
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