A Month-long Budget-Friendly Artsy and Shopping Solo Adventure in New York City

Day 1: SoHo Shopping & Cafes

New York, USA on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Dominique Ansel Kitchen

Start your day with an affordable, creative breakfast in this charming bakery café known for inventive pastries and light bites located in SoHo.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Explore SoHo Boutiques

Browse unique independent bookstores, affordable boutique clothing shops, and art galleries nestled in the cobblestone streets of SoHo for a perfect start to your shopping-focused trip.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Grey Dog

Enjoy an inexpensive, delicious lunch with a cosy artsy vibe offering wholesome American fare in walking distance from SoHo shopping areas.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit The Drawing Center

A small, well-curated contemporary art space focused on drawings offering rotating exhibitions in an intimate setting. Open Tues-Sun 12pm-6pm.
USD10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee Break at La Colombe

Recharge with a quality coffee or latte at this popular café known for its minimalist, industrial design and excellent coffee options nearby.
USD5, 30m

5:00pm

Wander Washington Square Park

End your day by relaxing in this iconic park famous for street performances, artists, and local charm, ideal for people-watching on a budget.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mamoun’s Falafel

Finish with a budget-friendly meal of tasty falafel and Middle Eastern eats at this classic and affordable West Village eatery open late until 3am.
USD10, 1h
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Day 2: Midtown Arts & Shopping

New York, USA on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Culture Espresso

Enjoy a simple, reassuring start with specialty coffee and homemade cookies at this cosy Midtown café.
USD8, 45m

9:30am

Visit MoMA

Explore the Museum of Modern Art’s incredible collection of modern and contemporary art. Free admission on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm; other days USD25.
USD25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Urbanspace Vanderbilt Food Hall

Sample affordable international street food options in an indoor marketplace just a few blocks away from MoMA.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Browse Fifth Avenue Window Shopping

Stroll along famous Fifth Avenue and enjoy the creative window displays from flagship luxury and budget-friendly stores without spending a penny.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Coffee Break at Joe Coffee Company

Relax with a fresh brew in this local favourite coffee shop known for its community vibe and quality coffee.
USD5, 30m

6:00pm

Visit The Morgan Library & Museum

Experience a quieter artsy atmosphere exploring rare manuscripts, drawings and artworks. Open Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm, Tickets USD22.
USD22, 1h30m

7:45pm

Dinner at Taïm

Enjoy affordable, fresh Mediterranean and Israeli vegetarian dishes at this beloved casual eatery in Midtown.
USD15, 1h
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Day 3: Upper East Side Galleries & Parks

New York, USA on May 31, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sabarsky

Start your day in a European-style café inside the Neue Galerie offering Viennese pastries and coffee in a grand old-world setting.
USD18, 1h

10:00am

Visit The Met Cloisters

Travel uptown to Fort Tryon Park to explore medieval European art and architecture. Open 10am-5pm daily, tickets USD30.
USD30, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Enjoy some casual, affordable BBQ fare in Harlem close to the Cloisters and a good break from art.
USD20, 1h

3:00pm

Wander Harlem Art Galleries

Explore small independent galleries and street art in Harlem near 125th Street; many have free entry and showcase local talent.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee at Harlem Coffee Co.

Relax with a quality cup of coffee at this local Roaster-café known for community engagement.
USD5, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Melba’s

Experience authentic Southern cooking on a budget at this highly rated Harlem restaurant with warm friendly vibes.
USD17, 1h
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Day 4: Brooklyn Vintage & Art Scene

Brooklyn, USA on June 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Butler Bake Shop & Espresso Bar

Enjoy a budget-friendly pastry and excellent coffee in a stylish atmosphere in Williamsburg.
USD12, 1h

10:00am

Explore Williamsburg Vintage Shops

Discover a variety of affordable vintage clothing stores, local artist markets, and handcrafted goods scattered throughout Williamsburg.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Smorgasburg Food Market

Try affordable, diverse street food from local vendors in the open-air Smorgasburg market (open Sat-Sun 11am-6pm).
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Brooklyn Museum

Explore affordable art collections including modern and contemporary exhibitions. Open Wed-Sun 11am-6pm, tickets USD16.
USD16, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee at Devoción

Relax with a fresh Colombian coffee at this beautifully designed café known for its farm-to-table approach.
USD6, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fette Sau

Enjoy a casual and affordable barbecue dinner with great atmosphere popular with locals and visitors alike.
USD20, 1h
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