3-Day Itinerary for Exploring New York City on a Budget
Sunwalking in Central Park. Cruise on the Statue of Liberty. One million city lights from the peak of the city. Placing America's position where a thousand TV shows and movies were shot with real locations sitting right next to 8.5 million. You are a stranger to the city, or would rather come up with a different method of acclimating to the Big Apple. Travelling there for the first time or encountering the Big Apple frantically, this guide will be a tremendous help to you.
Exploring New York City on a Budget
A destination where all your fantasies come true. Its museums and skyscrapers, clubs and neighbourhoods are a sight to behold. New York is the world's most costly city, but don't make your heart pound every night — it’s not worrying! The magic of the New York Holidays is not going to make your pockets empty; it will give you memories of a lifetime.
Here is the 3 — day itinerary for exploring New York on a budget.
Day 1: Manhattan
Morning: Central Park
Central Park: You can utilise your morning walk around the park. While walking, you can view the Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Afternoon: Times Square and Midtown
Times Square: Visit NYC's wacky centre of action and acclimatise yourself to the in-your-face illumination and wacky atmosphere. Great place for some good people-watching and some good shoot photography.
Bryant Park: Unwind here in this lovely park, which offers something to do for nothing each night, such as yoga and movie night. Indulge yourself with a few dollars to a street vendor coffee cup and enjoy a peaceful oasis from urban madness.
Evening: Classic scenes
Rockefeller Centre: Get retro shots of Rockefeller Centre. As an observation deck, Top of the Rock charges $0; get street shots for free, like the retro ice-skating rink (winter) and architectural marvel.
Dinner: Go to Joe's Pizza and have the New York slice for a low charge ($3/slice). Alternative 2: Have the American classic at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park for an excellent burger and fries ($10-$15).
Day 2: Downtown Tours
Morning: Financial District
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: You need to ride the Staten Island Ferry. It is accessible from Whitehall Terminal. You see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan view during the ride. Take these rides at economical prices and be careful of the beauty of newyork.
Afternoon: Greenwich Village
Washington Square Park: Head downtown to Greenwich Village and stroll through Washington Square Park, famous for its iconic arch and park performers' freestyle improvisational form of entertainment.
Night: Chinatown and Little Italy
Chinatown: Enjoy good and affordable food in Chinatown. Enjoy dumplings at Dumpling House (4 for $1.50) or buy a pork bun at Mei Li Wah Bakery ($1.20 each item).
Little Italy: Rest at Little Italy's nice street on good weather. Enjoy a gelato at Ferrara Bakery for around $5.
Day 3: Cultural attractions
Morning: Upper West Side
American Museum of Natural History: Suggested admission $28 adult, $22.50 senior and student, $16.50 child, but it's a pay-when-you-can-pay-what-you-can museum. See incredible exhibits, such as dinosaur fossils, the Hall of Ocean Life, and the RosCentreer for Earth and Space.
Afternoon: Harlem and East Side
Harlem: Walk through the older parts of the neighbourhood and by the Apollo Theatre. Theatre tours are $17, but walking by and through it is worth every penny.
High Line: Stroll this park promenade constructed high above a former freight rail spur along Manhattan's west side. Open to walk through and worth the view of the Hudson River and city skyline.
Evening: Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge: Cross the Brooklyn Bridge in the evening to see wonderful views of Manhattan. Free and a photo stop.
Dinner: Enjoy a classic New York pizza with pies starting at $16 at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or explore Middle Eastern flair at Heights Falafel for their chicken or beef shawarma sandwiches under $10.
Extra budgeting tips
Subway: Purchase a MetroCard at an affordable price for convenient travel. Pay $2.75 for a one-way trip or buy an unlimited travel pass (7 days, $33).
Street food: Dine at NYC street food for cheap meals. Try a New York hot dog ($2-$3), a pretzel ($2-$4), or street food Halal ($6-$8 per meal).
Free: Make use of the free NYC public park and free spots such as Central Park, High Line, and street performances.
Final Thoughts
If you are travelling to New York for the first time, then it may be a bit too much. Don't worry, though, because it will be done only once, because it's an adventure and a fun-loving country. Whether it's an itinerary or you chalk out your travel schedule, you will have a ball of a time here. So wear something comfortable and something which you are okay with, and have a wonderful Big Apple holiday!
