Relaxed and Budget-Friendly 10-Day USA Trip: New York, Cambridge & Washington DC

Day 1: Arrival & NYC Intro

New York City, USA on July 10, 2025

11:30am

Check-in & Rest

Arrive, check into a budget-friendly hotel in Manhattan such as Pod 51 or HI NYC Hostel to stay central and save money.
USD 0 (arrival), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Joe's Pizza

Enjoy classic New York-style pizza at Joe's Pizza, an iconic spot offering slices under $5, perfect for budget travelers.
USD 7, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Times Square

Walk around the vibrant Times Square to experience the electric atmosphere and street performers free of cost.
USD 0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Bryant Park

Relax in Bryant Park, a public park with free events and seating nestled among city skyscrapers.
USD 0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Halal Guys

Savor affordable and delicious Middle Eastern street food from The Halal Guys food carts, open until late.
USD 10, 1h
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Day 2: NYC Museums & Parks

New York City, USA on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Start your day with a hearty bagel and cream cheese at Ess-a-Bagel, affordable and iconic NYC food.
USD 5, 45m

10:00am

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore The Met, one of the world’s largest art museums, with a suggested donation entry fee to keep it budget-friendly. Open 10am-5pm.
USD 10 suggested, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack

Enjoy tasty burgers and fries at Shake Shack near Central Park for a filling and affordable meal.
USD 12, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll and Relax in Central Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon walking or renting a bike in Central Park, free public park open year-round.
USD 0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mamouns Falafel

Taste delicious and budget-friendly falafel and shawarma at Mamouns in Greenwich Village.
USD 8, 1h
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Day 3: Statue of Liberty & Lower Manhattan

New York City, USA on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast from a local deli

Pick up a quick breakfast sandwich or coffee from a neighborhood deli for an easy start to the day.
USD 5, 30m

8:30am

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry

Take the Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Book tickets in advance with the general admission for cost efficiency. Ferry runs 9am-5pm.
USD 24, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Adrienne’s Pizzabar

Enjoy New York style square pizza by the slice at Adrienne’s Pizzabar in Financial District.
USD 10, 1h

2:30pm

Visit 9/11 Memorial

Reflect at the 9/11 Memorial, which is free to visit and open till 8pm.
USD 0, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Brookfield Place & Hudson River Park

Take a scenic walk along the waterfront and enjoy sunset views by the Hudson River.
USD 0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vapiano

Delight in affordable Italian pasta and fresh salads at Vapiano near Battery Park.
USD 15, 1h
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Day 4: Museum of Modern Art & Broadway

New York City, USA on July 13, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Best Bagel & Coffee

Try classic New York bagels and coffee at this affordable and top-rated bagel shop.
USD 6, 45m

10:30am

Visit Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore vibrant contemporary art collections at MoMA. Opt for the suggested admission for budget flexibility. Open 10:30am-5:30pm.
USD 10 suggested, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Browse affordable food stalls offering diverse options inside Chelsea Market, a lively food hall.
USD 10, 1h

3:00pm

Walk the High Line

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the elevated High Line park, offering lush gardens and city views, open until sunset.
USD 0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Early Dinner at Los Tacos No.1

Try some of the most authentic and affordable tacos in NYC located in Chelsea Market.
USD 10, 1h

7:30pm

Broadway Show or Off-Broadway

Experience Broadway theater by booking discounted rush or lottery tickets for a budget option in advance. Shows generally start 7:30pm.
USD 30-50, 2h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Cambridge & Harvard

Cambridge, USA on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Quick breakfast near your accommodation before departure.
USD 5, 30m

8:00am

Travel from NYC to Cambridge by bus or train

Take a budget-friendly Megabus or Amtrak early morning to Cambridge, approximately 4.5 hours trip.
USD 25, 4h30m

1:00pm

Check-in & lunch at Tasty Burger

Check into budget accommodations like HI Boston Hostel, then enjoy budget burgers at Tasty Burger in Harvard Square.
USD 15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Harvard University

Explore Harvard Yard and museums such as Harvard Art Museums (free with ID or low-cost) and soak up campus atmosphere. Open till 5pm.
USD 0-10, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Veggie Galaxy

Enjoy budget-friendly vegetarian diner fare at Veggie Galaxy, a local favorite in Cambridge.
USD 12, 1h
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Day 6: MIT & Cambridge Explore

Cambridge, USA on July 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Flour Bakery

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee from Flour Bakery, a popular local spot.
USD 7, 45m

10:00am

MIT Campus Tour & MIT Museum

Visit MIT’s iconic campus and explore innovative exhibits at the MIT Museum (open 10am-5pm), an affordable and inspiring experience.
USD 10, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Clover Food Lab

Try seasonal vegetarian dishes made with fresh ingredients at Clover Food Lab, budget-friendly casual dining.
USD 12, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Kendall Square & Local Shops

Wander the lively Kendall Square area visit local shops and enjoy the waterfront Charles River views.
USD 0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Meadhall

End the day at Meadhall with affordable pub fare and a casual atmosphere in Central Square.
USD 15, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Washington DC

Washington DC, USA on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Fuel up with a light breakfast before traveling.
USD 5, 30m

8:00am

Travel from Cambridge to Washington DC by bus or train

Take an early Megabus or Amtrak to Washington DC, around 7 hours journey, booking in advance for best rates.
USD 30, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in & relax

Check into budget accommodations such as HI Washington DC Hostel or a budget hotel.
USD 0 (check-in), 1h

5:00pm

Visit National Mall for sunset

Take an evening stroll around the National Mall to see the monuments and memorials beautifully lit at dusk.
USD 0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at James II Diner

Enjoy classic American diner food at the affordable James II Diner open late.
USD 12, 1h
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Day 8: Smithsonian & Monuments

Washington DC, USA on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at floating market café

Grab a quick and budget breakfast near your accommodation.
USD 6, 30m

9:00am

Visit Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Explore one of DC’s most popular museums showcasing aviation and space exploration, free entry. Open 10am - 5:30pm.
USD 0, 2h

11:30am

Visit National Museum of American History

Discover America’s cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits. Free entry, open 10am - 5:30pm.
USD 0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shake Shack (Dupont Circle)

Enjoy affordable burgers and shakes at this reliable NYC favorite expanded to DC.
USD 12, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool

Walk along the National Mall to see iconic monuments and by the tranquil Reflecting Pool.
USD 0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Good Stuff Eatery

Enjoy affordable burgers and shakes by celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn near Capitol Hill.
USD 15, 1h
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Day 9: Capitol Hill & Georgetown

Washington DC, USA on July 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Baked & Wired

Enjoy delicious and affordable coffee and pastries in Georgetown’s famous bakery.
USD 7, 45m

10:00am

Capitol Building & Library of Congress

Take a free tour of the US Capitol complex (book ahead), then visit the historic and impressive Library of Congress.
USD 0, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at We, The Pizza

Savor affordable New York style pizza in Georgetown, with vegan and gluten-free options.
USD 12, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Georgetown Waterfront & Shopping

Walk along the charming waterfront, relax by the water, and browse local shops and markets.
USD 0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Filomena Ristorante

Finish your day with reasonably priced Italian fare at this iconic Georgetown restaurant.
USD 20, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Prep & Last Strolls

Washington DC, USA on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Founding Farmers

Enjoy a hearty and affordable farm-to-table breakfast at this popular restaurant.
USD 15, 1h

10:00am

Visit the National Gallery of Art

Explore stunning classic and modern art collections at the National Gallery which offers free entry. Open 10am-5pm.
USD 0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at District Taco

Grab affordable and tasty Mexican food at District Taco, an easy casual dining option.
USD 10, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at the U.S. Botanic Garden

Spend a calm afternoon wandering the beautiful free public botanic garden near the Capitol.
USD 0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel & pack

Prepare for your departure the next day by packing and resting.
USD 0, 2h

7:00pm

Light Dinner at Your Hotel or Nearby Takeout

Keep dinner simple and light as you relax your final evening in the US.
USD 10, 1h
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