Affordable 5-Day New York City Itinerary with Accommodations and Dining on a $500 Budget

Day 1: Midtown Attractions

New York, USA on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Best Bagel & Coffee

Start your day with fresh New York-style bagels and coffee at this local favorite open from 6am, perfect for a budget-friendly delicious breakfast.
USD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Times Square

Explore the vibrant heart of NYC with its bright billboards and street performers – a must-see iconic landmark and great for photos.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Head to Rockefeller Center for panoramic city views from the observation deck, open 8am to midnight, ticket prices start at $40 but consider a CityPASS for savings.
USD40, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Joe's Pizza

Enjoy a classic NYC slice from Joe's Pizza, a budget-friendly and iconic spot in Midtown, open until 11pm daily.
USD5, 0h45m

1:30pm

Walk Bryant Park and NY Public Library

Relax at Bryant Park then explore the majestic New York Public Library nearby, open from 10am to 6pm, a calm cultural experience.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll Fifth Avenue

Window shop famous stores and admire the impressive architecture along one of the world's most famous shopping streets.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check into Budget Accommodation: Pod 51 Hotel

Affordable and centrally located dorm-style rooms with clean facilities, around $75 per night.
USD75, Check-in

7:00pm

Dinner at The Halal Guys Food Cart

Sample famous chicken and gyro platters from this popular street food vendor, open late and very affordable.
USD7, 0h45m
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Day 2: Lower Manhattan History

New York, USA on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Famous for big, chewy bagels and classic spreads, Ess-a-Bagel is budget-friendly and open early at 6:30am.
USD6, 0h30m

9:00am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry

Catch the ferry from Battery Park to visit these iconic monuments; ticket includes both islands. Ferry runs from 9am.
USD23.50, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Leo's Bagels (Battery Park City)

Grab a quick and delicious bagel sandwich after your ferry trip, perfect for budget travelers on the go.
USD6, 0h45m

2:30pm

9/11 Memorial

Visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial fountains. The outdoor memorial is free to visit and open daily.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Walk Wall Street and Trinity Church

Explore the financial district’s historic sites including the New York Stock Exchange exterior and the beautiful Trinity Church.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Pod 51 Hotel

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mamoun’s Falafel

Known for affordable Middle Eastern cuisine, Mamoun’s Falafel has been serving tasty meals since 1971, open till 11pm.
USD7, 0h45m
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Day 3: Central Park & Museums

New York, USA on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Lalo

A charming café with affordable breakfast options open from 8am, perfect to start your day near the Upper West Side.
USD8, 0h45m

9:30am

Central Park Walk & Attractions

Stroll through Central Park, visit Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, the Bow Bridge, and enjoy the nature and scenery. Open all day, free.
Free, 2h

11:30am

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore one of the world's greatest art museums; pay-what-you-wish admission for NY state residents, otherwise $30 general admission. Open 10am-5:30pm.
USD0 (suggested donation), 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Great Hall Balcony Café (Met Museum)

Affordable café inside the museum offering sandwiches and salads, perfect to refuel without leaving the area.
USD10, 0h45m

2:30pm

American Museum of Natural History

Located across Central Park, discover a wide range of exhibits about science, nature, and history. Open 10am-5:30pm, suggested donation $23.
USD10 (donation), 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shake Shack (Upper West Side)

Enjoy a classic burger meal from this popular yet affordable chain open until 11pm.
USD12, 0h45m
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Day 4: Brooklyn Experience

New York, USA on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company

Start the day with fresh bagels and coffee at this well-rated spot open from 7am.
USD6, 0h30m

9:00am

Walk Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn for stunning skyline views, open all day, free of charge.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Relax and explore the riverside park with stunning views of Manhattan, kids’ playgrounds, and green spaces.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Juliana’s Pizza

Sample some of New York’s best pizza at Juliana’s, renowned for its thin crust and tasty toppings, moderately priced.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore DUMBO & Brooklyn Flea Market

Wander through the trendy DUMBO neighborhood and check out the Brooklyn Flea Market for unique finds, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Manhattan via Subway

Take the subway back to your hotel for some rest before dinner.
USD2.75, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Xi’an Famous Foods

Enjoy tasty and affordable hand-pulled noodles and Chinese dishes at this popular spot open until 9:30pm.
USD10, 0h45m
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Day 5: Museums & Shopping

New York, USA on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Doughnut Plant

Treat yourself to artisanal donuts and coffee, a perfect budget breakfast option open from 7am.
USD7, 0h30m

9:30am

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore modern and contemporary art from famous artists; general admission $25, open 10:30am-5:30pm.
USD25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Halal Guys Near MoMA

Quick and budget-friendly meal of gyro or chicken platters to keep up your energy for afternoon shopping.
USD7, 0h45m

1:00pm

Shopping in Herald Square

Visit Macy’s and nearby stores for windows shopping or some budget-friendly souvenirs and clothing.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Relax at Madison Square Park

Take a break in this beautiful park featuring the iconic Flatiron Building views.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check out and prepare for departure

Gather your belongings and prepare to leave the city or move on.
Included, 0h30m

7:00pm

Final Dinner at Los Tacos No.1

Enjoy authentic Mexican street-style tacos in Chelsea Market before heading out, affordable and delicious.
USD10, 0h45m
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