10-Day Budget-Friendly New York City Itinerary with $1500 Budget

Day 1: Midtown Manhattan Exploration

New York City, USA on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with authentic New York bagels from this iconic Midtown spot known for generous spreads and fresh ingredients.
USD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

Explore the famous Rockefeller Center complex and enjoy panoramic city views from Top of the Rock observation deck. Opens 8am-12am.
USD40, 2h0m

11:30am

Stroll to Times Square

Experience the bustling energy of Times Square, taking in the vibrant lights and street performances for free.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack (Madison Square Park)

Enjoy delicious their classic ShackBurger and fries in a casual outdoor setting close to Midtown.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

View extraordinary modern art collections in this world-class museum. Open 10:30am-5:30pm (closed Wednesdays).
USD25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk along the High Line Park

Relax on this elevated park built on historic rail lines offering views of the Hudson River and cityscape.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Grab a famous New York slice at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village for an affordable and delicious dinner.
USD7, 1h0m
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Day 2: Lower Manhattan & Statue of Liberty

New York City, USA on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Leo's Bagels in Financial District

Fuel up with fresh bagels and coffee at this popular bagel spot near Wall Street.
USD6, 0h30m

8:30am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry

Take the ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Ferry starts at 8:30am; tickets must be purchased in advance online to save time.
USD24, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Adrienne's Pizzabar

Enjoy classic square slices of Sicilian pizza in the Financial District, a hearty and budget-friendly meal.
USD15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Pay respects at the solemn 9/11 Memorial pools and explore the museum exhibiting artifacts and stories. Open 9am-8pm.
USD28, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk across Brooklyn Bridge

Enjoy scenic views walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Ideal during the evening for sunset photos.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Juliana's Pizza in Brooklyn

Savor some of the best coal-oven pizzas in Brooklyn, offering quality at reasonable prices.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 3: Brooklyn & Queens Highlights

New York City, USA on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakeri Bakery in Williamsburg

Discover fresh Scandinavian-style pastries and coffee to start your day in trendy Williamsburg.
USD8, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Williamsburg Waterfront Park

Enjoy waterfront views of Manhattan skyline and relax at this peaceful urban park.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Brooklyn Museum

Visit one of NYC’s large museums featuring diverse art and rotating exhibits. Open 11am-6pm.
USD16, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Smorgasburg Food Market

Enjoy a variety of affordable street foods at this famous outdoor market (weekends only), mostly in Williamsburg, open 11am-6pm.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens

Explore this historic park which hosted the World’s Fair with large open spaces, art, and gardens.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Xi'an Famous Foods Queens

Try hand-pulled noodles and authentic Western Chinese cuisine in this wallet-friendly local favorite.
USD12, 1h0m
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Day 4: Upper Manhattan & Central Park

New York City, USA on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lalo

Enjoy breakfast pastries and coffee at this charming Upper West Side café featured in movies.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00am

Walk in Central Park

Spend the morning exploring highlights of Central Park including Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge, and the Reservoir.
Free, 2h0m

11:15am

Visit American Museum of Natural History

Explore dinosaur fossils, cultural artifacts, and dioramas at this renowned museum. Open 10am-5:30pm.
USD23, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack Upper West Side

Grab a casual lunch with burgers, shakes, and fries in a lively atmosphere.
USD15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Cathedral of St. John the Divine

See the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Free (donations appreciated), 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Red Farm

Savor inventive and affordable Asian fusion dishes in a fun Upper West Side setting.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 5: Museum Mile & Harlem

New York City, USA on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Harlem Coffee Co.

Start your day with artisanal coffee and pastries in vibrant Harlem.
USD8, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Enter one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums. Pay-what-you-wish admission. Opens 10am-5:30pm.
USD0 (suggested donation), 3h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Sylvia's Harlem

Taste classic soul food dishes in this legendary Harlem restaurant.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll through Harlem neighborhoods and visit the Apollo Theater

Experience Harlem’s rich musical heritage and cultural landmarks. Apollo Theater offers guided tours and events; check schedule for availability.
USD15 (tour; free to walk exterior), 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit The Guggenheim Museum

Admire both the museum’s unique architecture and exciting modern art exhibits located on Museum Mile. Open 11am-5:45pm, closed Thursdays.
USD25, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Vinateria

Enjoy tasty Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a cozy Harlem atmosphere at reasonable prices.
USD22, 1h0m
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Day 6: Chelsea & Greenwich Village

New York City, USA on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chelsea Market

Explore diverse food vendors and pick from pastries, coffee, or a light breakfast in this famous market.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Walk the High Line Park

Enjoy the elevated green trail through Chelsea with gardens, street art, and city views.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Whitney Museum of American Art

See American modern and contemporary art in a museum located near the High Line. Open 10:30am-6pm, closed Tuesdays.
USD25, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

Enjoy a famous creamy artichoke pizza slice, a New York local favorite in Greenwich Village.
USD10, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Washington Square Park

Relax in this iconic park with its famous arch and lively street performers.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Rubin Museum of Art

Discover Himalayan art and culture in this serene and unique museum. Open 11am-5:45pm.
USD19, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mamoun's Falafel

Grab budget-friendly, authentic Middle Eastern falafel and shawarma in a casual setting.
USD8, 1h0m
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Day 7: SoHo & Lower East Side

New York City, USA on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Balthazar Bakery

Indulge in French pastries and coffee at this chic SoHo bakery.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00am

Shopping and Architecture Walk in SoHo

Browse trendy boutiques and admire cast-iron architecture in SoHo’s famous shopping district.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit The Tenement Museum

Learn about immigrant life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Lower East Side. Open 10am-7pm.
USD30, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen

Try the legendary pastrami sandwich in this historic NYC deli, a must-try experience.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk through Little Italy and Chinatown

Experience vibrant cultural neighborhoods with interesting shops, markets, and street scenes.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at East River Park

Enjoy views of the river with walking paths and green spaces along the East River waterfront.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Vanessa's Dumpling House

Savor affordable Chinese dumplings in the Lower East Side, a popular local spot with quick service.
USD10, 1h0m
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Day 8: Day Trip to Coney Island

Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Toddy’s Good Food

Enjoy a hearty breakfast near the subway station before heading to Coney Island.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Coney Island

Take subway lines D, F, N, or Q from Manhattan to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Approx. 1 hour.
USD2.75, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Coney Island Boardwalk and Beach

Relax and walk along the famous beach and boardwalk, enjoying amusement parks and scenery.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs

Taste the iconic Coney Island hot dogs at Nathan’s, an affordable classic.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ride the Cyclone Rollercoaster or explore Luna Park

Experience thrilling rides and vintage amusement park fun. Ride prices approx. USD6-12 each.
USD15, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Manhattan

Take the subway back to Manhattan after a fun day out.
USD2.75, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Smith

End your day with casual American fare at The Smith, offering reasonable prices in a joyful atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 9: Financial District & Museum Day

New York City, USA on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bluestone Lane

Enjoy Aussie-style coffee and avocado toast to start your day close to Wall Street.
USD14, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit One World Observatory

Visit the top of One World Trade Center for stunning city views. Opens from 9am-9pm.
USD40, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk in Battery Park

Relax in this waterfront park with views of the Statue of Liberty, great for photos and a peaceful walk.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Eataly Downtown

Enjoy a variety of Italian dishes with affordable lunch options at this vibrant marketplace.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit National Museum of the American Indian

Explore exhibits dedicated to Native American history and culture in a beautiful building. Open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Wall Street & Charging Bull

See famous financial landmarks and the iconic Charging Bull statue in a short walking tour.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Trinity Church

Discover this historic church built in the Gothic Revival style. Open during daylight hours.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Luke's Lobster

Indulge in delicious lobster rolls that are good quality yet friendly on your budget.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 10: Iconic NYC Wrap-Up

New York City, USA on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Two Hands Café

Enjoy a fresh and healthy breakfast from this Australian-style café with great coffee.
USD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Empire State Building

Ascend to the observation deck of this iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views. Opens 8am-midnight.
USD44, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Bryant Park

Relax in this lively park in Midtown, perfect for people-watching and grabbing a coffee or snack.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Halal Guys

Savor famed halal street food from one of NYC's most popular food carts, ideal for a filling inexpensive meal.
USD10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore New York Public Library

Tour the beautiful historic main branch on 5th Avenue with grand architecture and free exhibitions.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Free time for last-minute shopping or stroll

Use remaining time to revisit favorite spots or relax before departure.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Eataly NYC Flatiron

Celebrate your last night with delicious Italian cuisine from a variety of affordable eateries and gelato.
USD30, 1h30m
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