4 Days of Thrills: Exploring NYC on a Budget

Big Apple thrills without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to New York on a limited budget can still be an amazing experience. From exploring the city's iconic landmarks, such as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, to sampling delicious and affordable street food, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take advantage of free attractions like museums and parks, and stay in budget-friendly accommodations outside of Manhattan to stretch your dollars further.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

First Steps in the Big Apple

  • Stay at Pod 51 Hotel, modestly priced but charming with a rooftop garden.
  • Start off with a New York slice at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village.
  • Walk towards the High Line, an urban walkway with gardens and skyline views.
  • Head to Times Square, where neon lights and bustling crowds are always lively.
  • Catch a Broadway show with discounted tickets from TKTS booth on 47th street.
Day 2

Art, Museums, and More

  • Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest art collections in the world.
  • Walk through Central Park, and admire the scenery, fountains and statues.
  • Check out the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and dedicated to modern art.
  • Visit one of the best coffee shops around, Blue Bottle Coffee, to charge up before exploring more.
  • Grab dinner at Shake Shack, a burger joint that's a favorite for locals.
Day 3

The Boroughs Beyond Manhattan

  • Take the subway to Brooklyn and get breakfast from Peter Pan Donut, an old-school donut shop.
  • Walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and enjoy views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
  • Visit the Brooklyn Museum, home to over 1.5 million pieces of art and artifacts.
  • Have lunch at Roberta's Pizza, one of the best pizzerias in Brooklyn.
  • Head to Queens for the afternoon, explore Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and grab Korean BBQ in the neighborhood.
Day 4

Exploring Lower Manhattan and Beyond

  • Explore World Trade Center Memorial, paying tribute to the victims of 9/11.
  • The National Museum of the American Indian, a Smithsonian affiliated museum.
  • Grab lunch at Xi’an Famous Foods, specializing in Chinese noodles and meat dishes.
  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoy views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the East River.
  • Visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum, detailing the events of 9/11 and its aftermath.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to New York City by plane would be to fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which is the main international airport serving the New York City metro area. Other airports within close proximity include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

Car

The best way to get to New York City by car would be to take the major highways leading to the city, including the New York State Thruway, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike, among others. However, driving in the city can be challenging with heavy traffic and limited parking options.

Train

The best way to get to New York City by train would be to take the Amtrak, which provides both regional and long-distance train service to New York City with Penn Station as the primary rail hub.

Boat

The best way to get to New York City by boat would be to take a ferry or cruise ship, which provides a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in the city. Ferries depart from various ports within the metropolitan area and nearby cities, while cruises usually dock at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal or the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

Bus

The best way to get to New York City by bus would be to take the Greyhound or Megabus, which offer frequent service to New York City from major cities throughout the United States.

Destination

New York

New York, the city that never sleeps, where the only thing taller than the skyscrapers are the egos of the people walking the streets. It's a concrete jungle where the rats are big enough to hail a cab.

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More travel plans

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Experience the magic of the city that never sleeps with a romantic trip to New York. Explore the iconic sights such as Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets to discover amazing restaurants and admire the stunning skyline together.

4 Days of Thrills: Exploring NYC on a Budget

A trip to New York on a limited budget can still be an amazing experience. From exploring the city's iconic landmarks, such as Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, to sampling delicious and affordable street food, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take advantage of free attractions like museums and parks, and stay in budget-friendly accommodations outside of Manhattan to stretch your dollars further.

4-day romantic New York City getaway guide

Experience the vibrant city that never sleeps with your significant other on a romantic trip to New York. Indulge in the delicious culinary scene and explore the iconic sights such as the Empire State Building and Central Park. End the perfect day with a romantic stroll through Times Square before snuggling up in a luxury hotel room.