The Ultimate Budget Friendly 7 Day Itinerary for New York City
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This post shares a detailed 7-day itinerary for visiting New York on a budget.
So, you would like to visit New York, but are on a budget?
Don’t worry! With careful planning, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer without paying a fortune
This 7-day itinerary is designed to help you explore many of NYC’s top attractions, hidden gems, and local favourites.
While staying budget-conscious.
Pack your comfiest shoes, and let’s get into the ultimate, budget-friendly, 7-day itinerary to New York City.
Day 1: Arriving in New York City and Checking In
You have arrived! Yay!
Depending on your arrival time and airport, grabbing a taxi or an Uber will be the fastest way to get to your accommodations, but the most expensive.
You’re visiting New York on a budget, public transit is your budget-friendly option.
Purchase your unlimited 7-Day Metro Card ($35.00), and away you go.
After checking in find a fun bar to treat yourself, for a long travel day, and have a drink and some appetizers.
If there’s time, wander around the neighbourhood.
Wash off your travel day and head to bed early. You’ll want to be well-rested for your first day in the city!
Total spending for Day 1: $35.00 + Food
Day 2: Checking out Midtown and Enjoying the Manhattan Skyline
Your first official day in New York will take you to Midtown Manhattan.
You’ll be hitting the ground running and packing in a lot of fun, budget-friendly, attractions in the same area.
Rockefeller Center: Rock Pass Tour
Your first stop of the day will be Rockefeller Center and a guided tour. This tour is a fantastic way to learn about the city.
You will need to pre-book the tickets. They are $56.00, but worth it.
A guide will show you famous landmarks around the area and share the history and fun facts about the city along the way.
After the tour, you will be taken to the top of Rockefeller Center, also known as, Top of the Rock.
The views are just as you’d expect, stunning!
You can see Central Park and the Manhattan Skyline.
The famous Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty in the background.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the New York Skyline, take a 2-minute walk across 5th Ave to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The Cathedral stands out with its Gothic Revival architecture.
As it is an active church, open to the public, attendants may ask for a small donation, to view the beautiful interior. I would suggest $5.00 if you can.
Lunch Suggestions
- Little Beat on E51st St.
- Duke Eatery on E49th St.
- Vanderbilt Market on Park Ave. – This food hall has several different food stalls. Which means there is something for everyone to grab and go.
Christie’s New York
Your next stop, after lunch, will be Christie’s New York, an auction house, part of Rockefeller Plaza.
Essentially, a museum with a selection of art mediums, old and new, for sale. There are multiple galleries to wander through too.
It’s free, if there isn’t an auction event taking place. Perfect for seeing art in New York on a budget.
Bryant Park
Either take the Metro or walk towards Bryant Park.
A relatively small park that backs onto the New York Public Library. Where there is always something going on.
From live music, various classes, and during the holiday season the popular Holiday Market.
Sit down and rest or walk through as you walk towards Grand Central Station.
The Chrysler Building and New York City Public Library
As you make your way down W42nd St. look up and you will have a fantastic view of the Chrysler building.
Another distinctive building of the Manhattan Skyline.
For a quick detour, take a right on 5th Ave to see the front of the NYC Public Library.
Take photos of the iconic lions, Patience and Fortitude, who stand guard at the library entrance.
Tip: Free tours are offered at the library between 11 am-2 pm. You could always start your morning there instead.
Grand Central Station
According to Guinness World Records, Grand Central Station is the largest train station in the world and has been in operation for over 100 years.
When you enter the main concourse you will get the most breathtaking view of the celestial ceiling mural of constellations.
From the main concourse head towards the Whisper Gallery.
If you stand close to the corners even the quietest voices sound crystal clear.
This is located on the lower floor of the terminal, outside of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant.
Dinner Suggestions
- P.J. Clarke’s on 3rd Ave.
- Burger & Lobster Bryant Park on W43rd St.
- Connolly’s Irish Pub on W45th St.
Time Square
You will be closing out the evening exploring Times Square.
It truly feels like the hub of Manhattan to any tourist. No matter what time of day there are always people and performances in Times Square.
Seeing it at night with all the billboards lit up is spectacular. If you go at 11:57 PM all the billboards go dark and then have a special display show until midnight.
Tip: The tourist shops in the area have marked-up prices. There are plenty of shops around the city, so try to avoid the tourist areas for your souvenirs.
Total spending for Day 2: ~$60.00 + Food
Day 3: The Met, Central Park, and Roosevelt Island
Today will be spent in the Upper East and West side of Manhattan!
The Metropolitan Museum
Even if you may not be a big museum person, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Like Rockefeller Center, you will have to book ahead and the cost is $30.
Take in the Greek statues, Egyptian artifacts, Monet and Van Gogh paintings, modern and contemporary art, and much more.
You could spend all day here and you can if you want! I would recommend three hours though.
TIP: Get there as close to the opening, as there will be a line, but the galleries aren’t as busy.
Lunch Suggestions
- Milano Market on the corner of E89th St and 3rd Ave
- Halo Deli on 6th Ave.
- Via Quadronno on E73rd St.
These deli’s are all within walking distance to Central Park! So, grab your lunch to-go to enjoy the park.
Central Park
When you enter Central Park, head towards the Mall and Literary Walk.
It’s the main promenade lined with elm trees and benches. A perfect place to enjoy lunch!
While you eat and rest your feet, people watch. It’s one of the most entertaining pastimes.
After you’ve re-fuelled, go and explore the beautiful park.
Don’t miss Belvedere Castle, John Lennon’s memorial Strawberry Fields, and the Bethesda Fountain.
The Roosevelt Tramway
Once you’ve had your fill wandering around Central Park head towards E60th St and 2nd Ave. where you will hop on the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
The best part? You can use your metro card to get there for free.
The tramway will take you across the Queensboro Bridge. See views of the East River and the Manhattan Skyline.
As you arrive you can tour around the small island.
There’s no need to take the tram back either. There’s a metro station on the island to make it easier to get to your next destination. Dinner and live music!
Dinner Options with Live Music
Find a jazz club for some entertainment while you enjoy a meal.
There are a lot of great places where cover is low, and the food is good. It’s a great way to experience the local flare in New York on a Budget.
- Tomi Jazz Bar on E53rd St – A $10 cover per person, first come first served.
- The Shrine Harlem on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd – No real cover but bring cash just in case. With live music every night, not always jazz. Remember to bring your I.D.
- Prohibition on Columbus Ave – No real cover. With Live music every night. Reservations are recommended.
Total spending for Day 3: ~$40.00 + Food
Day 4: A Walking Tour of New York on a Budget and a Broadway Show
Halfway through your trip, it’s time to have a slow morning. Enjoy sleeping in and resting.
Today you will take a free walking tour and enjoy a broadway show.
Free Walking Tour
There are so many great apps and places to find free walking tours.
This tour is called New York Crime: A Tour of the City’s Most Infamous Scandals on the SmartGuide app.
The tour takes you through well-known neighbourhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho, and the Flatiron District.
All the while you listen to New York’s gossip!
This specific tour will take about 3 hours if you walk the whole way. To save time, and your feet, taking the metro helps.
I would stop at a café for a quick bite and caffeine refuel at around stop 10.
Tip: Before you start the tour walk a block up from Finn Square, towards the corner of Varick St. and N. Moore St., to see the Ghostbusters Headquarters!
Lunch Suggestions
- Café Delia or Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company on 8th St.
- Whistle and Fizz on Greene St.
- THISBOWL on Bleecker St.
Accommodations and Getting Ready
After completing the guided tour, return to your accommodations to relax and prepare for your evening out.
Dinner Suggestions
For dinner, try an inexpensive restaurant near your accommodations or in Hell’s Kitchen; a neighbourhood near many Broadway theatres.
- Kashkaval Garden on 9th St.
- LumLum Thai on W49th St.
- Tavola Hells Kitchen on 9th Ave.
- Norma Hell’s Kitchen on 9th Ave.
Enjoy a Broadway Show on a Budget
You can’t go to New York without seeing a Broadway show.
Here are the different ways to purchase Broadway tickets at a discounted rate.
The first way is to head to the tkts booth in Times Square or check out their website.
You will be shown a list of all the productions, with available seats, for that evening. You can then pick which production you would like to see. These can be up to 50% off original-priced tickets.
The second way is by Broadway Roulette.
This is very much a gamble. You won’t know what show you will get tickets for but it’s a flat rate. You pay $50, input the date you’d like to see the show and spin the wheel.
A friendly reminder: There is no guarantee that the Broadway show you would like to see will be available, or that you will get the best seats.
Total spending for Day 4: ~60.00 + Food
Day 5: Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn
On today’s agenda, you will be exploring Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. With a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty.
A day where you truly are exploring New York on a budget. All you need to pay for today is food!
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Start the day by walking around the 9/11 Memorial pools and seeing where the famous Twin Towers used to stand.
Right across the street stands the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the USA.
If you would like to go through the 9/11 museum, remember to bring tissues. It’s hard to keep the tears at bay.
The Battery (Park)
Battery Park stretches along Lower Manhattan. Named after the artillery batteries used to protect the settlement.
Take your time and decompress from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
As you walk towards the lower tip of Manhattan, through the park, look out for all the monuments.
Such as the American Merchant Mariners Memorial, Battery Park Cannon, The Immigrants and the SeaGlass Carousel.
Staten Island Ferry
Hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free! When boarding the ferry stay on the right-hand side of the boat. This is the side that the Statue of Liberty is on.
Even though she will look tiny, zoom will be your best friend.
Upon arrival at Staten Island, loop through the terminal to hop on the same boat you got off and head back to Manhattan.
Lunch Suggestions
- NAYA on Whitehall St.
- Tacombi on Broad St.
- Liberty Bagels Wall Street on Broadway
Charging Bull (Bowling Green)
Walk up Whitehall St./Broadway, to see the Charging Bull Monument in Bowling Green. After you’ve taken your pictures make your way to the nearest metro station and head to the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge
Starting from the Manhattan side of the Bridge begin your journey across.
It should take about 40 minutes to cross, but that depends on how often you’re stopping to take pictures!
DUMBO
Once you have walked across the bridge into Brooklyn you are going to head towards the iconic neighborhood of DUMBO.
Short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, this neighbourhood has a unique view of the Manhattan Bridge.
Yes, it’s a popular social media spot but it’s still worth the stop
Dinner With a Front Row View of New York on a Budget
Just a short five-minute walk from DUMBO you will head towards Time Out Market. There are plenty of choices for food and a rooftop bar.
Depending on the day there may be live music but you want to head to the 5th floor for the New York skyline at night.
Seeing the whole city skyline from afar is beautifully picture-perfect.
Total spending for Day 5: $33.00 (If you are going through the 9/11 Memorial Museum.) + Food
Day 6: Spend the day in the West Side and Comedy Show
This will be your last full day exploring New York on a budget. You will be walking the High Line, poking through Chelsea Market, and wandering around Greenwich Village.
The High Line
An elevated walkway, originally a railway to Hudson Yard, takes you through the west side.
Start your journey at the W34th St. entrance. Stop and look at the Vessel and The Shed.
As you make your way along the trail stop at the viewing areas. You will catch glimpses of the Hudson River and New Jersey on one side and Chelsea on the other.
It’s a lovely walk with pieces of history, murals on buildings, and small art installations along the way.
The end of the walk will lead you down to Washington St. and Gansevoort St.
From there you will make your way over to Chelsea Market.
Chelsea Market
In the centre of the Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is a mixture of food, shops and arts and culture under one roof.
There are a lot of different places to eat so bring your appetite!
I would also look for souvenirs here. There are a lot of shops with many showing off the local artists.
Tip: Visit on a weekday and avoid the lunch rush between noon & 1:00.
Lunch Suggestions
Your options are endless in Chelsea Market from ramen to pizza and burgers to doughnuts.
Greenwich Village and the West Village
Make your way to Greenwich Village. You can explore vintage and different record shops.
If you’re a Sex in the City fan, head towards Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment building at 66 Perry St.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the show the street is beautifully lined with row homes.
A peaceful neighbourhood in the West Village.
90 Bedford St. is the apartment building of Friends, and around the corner, on Barrow St., is Grove Court.
A quaint area for fun photos.
Head towards Washington Square, where you will see the Washington Square Arch. Another iconic monument to see while visiting the city.
Comedy Cellar
The Comedy Cellar on MacDougal St. is where you will enjoy dinner and a comedy show!
What better way to end your amazing New York trip than with drinks and laughs?
It’s a $14 cover along with ordering two items per person. So, dinner and a drink for everyone!
Remember: Make a reservation so you’re guaranteed a spot.
Time to Pack
After, it’s time to head back to your accommodations to pack for your departure. Take the time to go through some photos and relax.
Total spending for Day 6: $14.00 + Food
Day 7: Checking out and Going Home
It’s checkout day and depending on your flight you will have time for one more wander around your neighbourhood. Maybe grab one last coffee at a local café.
Give yourself plenty of time with public transport to get to the airport and safe travels home!
Total spending for Day 7: $0.00 + Food
Total Spending for the whole Week: ~$210.00 + food per person or $29.00 per day + food.
Know Before you Go
When to Visit New York
The best time to visit New York City is from April to May and September to October.
The weather is still pleasant and there aren’t as many tourists visiting. Which means lower prices.
No matter the time of year, though, try to avoid weekends.
Where to Stay When Visiting New York
When looking for accommodations stay away from Midtown, like Times Square, when starting to look. These are tourist areas, so prices are inflated.
Look for places near a metro station. It will make getting around the city much easier.
Hostelworld, AirBnb, and Kayak are great resources to find exactly what kind of accommodation you would prefer.
Finally, try and find accommodations that offer free breakfast, whether that’s a hotel or hostel!
The Unlimited MetroCard is a MUST
This is the ultimate way of travelling around the city.
For $34, you can get a 7-day Unlimited Metro Card, which allows you to travel around the city without worrying about cost.
Once you’ve arrived in NYC make this the first thing you do; you can get them at any metro station.
There you have it,
A full week in New York City, on a budget! Not as scary as you thought, right?
New York City is known for its bustling streets and iconic landmarks.
This itinerary was designed to see as much of what the city has to offer.
Just remember that there are a lot of public spaces to visit, explore, sit and rest.
Grabbing something from a local deli or food truck and people-watching is always a great pastime.
The options for visiting New York on a budget are endless, so go and explore and have fun!
This post shared the ultimate budget-friendly 7-day itinerary in New York City.
Further Reading Suggestions:
I have included e-books that could help add to this New York itinerary I created for you.
Add them to your phone or Kindle and away you go!
- DK New York City
- Lonely Planet New York City – Free Kindle edition
- Frommer’s New York City 2025
- History of New York City: A Captivating Guide to Historical Events and Facts You Should Know About NYC (U.S. History) – Learn about New York’s History
