5 Days New York City, USA Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary offers a balanced mix of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and local favorites in New York City. It's designed for budget-conscious travelers who want to see the best of the city without breaking the bank, focusing on free and affordable activities, delicious eats, and efficient transportation.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$600-1000
Best Time
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months
Activities
29
Daily Avg
$160/day
Pace
Fast
New York City is a global hub with iconic landmarks, diverse culture, and endless opportunities for exploration. From world-class museums and Broadway shows to vibrant neighborhoods and delicious food, there's something for everyone in the Big Apple.
Your itinerary covers 12 of 14 must-have experiences
A Landmark
Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
A Museum
Day 1: 9/11 Memorial & Museum
A Park
Day 2: Central Park
A Food Market
Day 3: Chelsea Market
A Slice of Pizza
Day 1: Dinner at Joe's Pizza
A Broadway Show
N/A
A Borough Other Than Manhattan
Day 1: Staten Island Ferry
A Street Food Experience
Day 1: Wall Street and Charging Bull
A View of the Skyline
Day 1: Staten Island Ferry
A Neighborhood Walk
Day 3: Greenwich Village Exploration
A Burger
Day 2: Dinner at Shake Shack
A Historical Site
Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
A Subway Ride
Throughout the trip
A Religious Site
Day 2: St. Patrick's Cathedral
New York City's food scene is a vibrant melting pot, reflecting its diverse population. From classic street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate and budget. Be prepared for large portions and a fast-paced dining experience!
Must-Try Dishes
Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice, typically topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella. The crust is crispy yet slightly chewy. It's a quintessential NYC experience.
📍 Any pizzeria, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn
A dense, chewy bagel, often boiled before baking, traditionally topped with plain cream cheese. Lox (smoked salmon) is a popular addition. A classic New York breakfast.
📍 Bagel shops throughout the city, particularly in the Upper West Side and Midtown
Thinly sliced, smoked and cured pastrami piled high on rye bread, usually with mustard. A true deli staple.
📍 Delis like Katz's Delicatessen or 2nd Ave Deli
A rich and dense cheesecake, typically made with cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. Often served plain or with fruit toppings.
📍 Junior's Restaurant, Eileen's Special Cheesecake
Food Neighborhoods
Authentic Chinese cuisine and dim sum
Traditional Italian restaurants and bakeries
Diverse South Asian and Latin American food
Korean BBQ, karaoke, and beauty products
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in areas like the East Village and Greenwich Village. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus. Check menus or ask your server about specific dietary needs. Kosher and Halal options are also available in certain neighborhoods.
Tipping is customary in restaurants (18-20% for good service). It's acceptable to eat on the go. Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. Many restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is still useful for street vendors.
Tribeca Film Festival
April-JuneA major film festival that attracts large crowds and can impact hotel availability.
NYC Pride
JuneA large celebration that draws huge crowds and can impact transportation and accommodation.
New York Fashion Week
February and SeptemberA major fashion event that can impact hotel availability and restaurant reservations.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in Lower Manhattan, walk or take the subway (various lines) to Whitehall Terminal for the Staten Island Ferry.FREE
9:00 AM - Staten Island Ferry
Take the free Staten Island Ferry for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. It departs from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
Book on Klook - 🚶The Staten Island Ferry is free and departs from Whitehall Terminal.$24 (ferry ticket)
10:30 AM - Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take a ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Explore the Statue of Liberty museum and learn about the history of immigration at Ellis Island. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Book on Klook - 🚶From the Staten Island Ferry terminal in Battery Park, walk to various lunch options in the Financial District.$10-15
2:00 PM - Lunch in the Financial District
Grab a quick and affordable lunch from a food truck or deli in the Financial District. Try a classic New York slice of pizza.
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- 🚶Walk from your lunch location to Wall Street and the Charging Bull.FREE
3:30 PM - Wall Street and Charging Bull
Walk through Wall Street, the heart of the financial district, and take a photo with the Charging Bull statue. Be aware that it can be crowded.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Wall Street, walk or take the subway (various lines) to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.Free (Memorial), $30 (Museum)
4:30 PM - 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial, a solemn and moving tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks. Consider visiting the 9/11 Museum (ticket required).
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the subway (1 line) from the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village.$5 per slice
6:30 PM - Dinner at Joe's Pizza
Enjoy a classic New York pizza experience at Joe's Pizza, known for its delicious and affordable slices.
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Lower Manhattan (Financial District/Tribeca)
Close to many attractions and transportation hubs, offering a mix of historic sites and modern amenities.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months.
The weather is generally mild and comfortable, with average high temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and average low temperatures around 12°C (54°F). Expect occasional rain showers, so pack accordingly. The humidity is generally lower than in the summer months.
April-May and September-October are considered shoulder seasons in New York City. These months offer a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
Major holidays like Memorial Day (late May) and Labor Day (early September) can affect travel, with increased crowds and potential closures.
Getting Around
Car-centric; major cities have transit
City-specific
Uber/Lyft work nationwide. Rent a car outside major cities.
Travel
$100-200 (depending on origin and transportation)Accommodation
$250-400 (hostel or budget hotel)Food
$150-250Activities
$100-150Utilize NYC's many free attractions, like walking the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring Central Park, riding the Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty views, or visiting free museums on specific days/hours.
Eat smart: opt for delicious and affordable street food, slices from pizza joints, and meals from local delis or food markets instead of always dining in expensive restaurants.
Stick to public transportation (subway and bus) with an unlimited MetroCard or OMNY tap for the duration of your stay; it's vastly cheaper than taxis or ride-shares.
Experience a Broadway show. It's an iconic New York experience that's worth the price, offering world-class entertainment.
Enjoy a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a cocktail with a breathtaking view at a rooftop bar for a memorable evening.
Look for happy hour deals in bars and restaurants, often available from late afternoon to early evening, for discounted drinks and appetizers.
- Purchase a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for affordable and convenient transportation.
- Take advantage of free activities like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting Central Park, and riding the Staten Island Ferry.
- Look for happy hour deals and affordable lunch specials to save money on food.
- Visit museums on their free admission days or evenings.
- Walk as much as possible to explore the city and save on transportation costs.
- Use Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate the city efficiently.
- Download offline maps for navigation when you don't have internet access.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Layers of clothing (weather can be unpredictable)
- 3Rain jacket or umbrella
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Portable charger
- 6Small backpack or crossbody bag
- 7Sunscreen
- 8Hat or sunglasses
- 9Travel-sized toiletries
- 10Camera or smartphone for photos
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
Accommodation
Reserve 3-6 months out, particularly if traveling during peak season or specific events, to secure preferred locations and prices.
ESTA / Visa
Apply for an ESTA (for eligible countries) at least 72 hours before travel, or a visa well in advance if required, to avoid delays.
Broadway Show Tickets
For popular shows, book 2-3 months ahead. Consider rush tickets or lotteries for last-minute deals.
Popular Attractions (e.g., Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, MoMA)
Book 1-2 months in advance, especially for timed entry slots or high-demand experiences, to avoid sell-outs and queues.
Airport Transportation
While public transport is efficient, pre-booking a shuttle or private car can be convenient for immediate arrival or if carrying heavy luggage.
Travel Insurance
Purchase when booking flights/accommodation to cover unforeseen circumstances like cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Dining Reservations
For highly sought-after restaurants, make reservations 2-4 weeks in advance, sometimes even further out for Michelin-starred establishments.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website (airalo.com)
📍 T-Mobile stores, authorized dealers, or online
📍 AT&T stores, authorized dealers, or online
📍 GlocalMe website or Amazon
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas like parks and libraries. Look for 'NYC Free WiFi' hotspots. Many subway stations also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider an eSIM for ease of use and instant activation. Check your current mobile provider's international roaming charges before you travel. Download offline maps for navigation in areas with limited connectivity. Public WiFi networks are generally secure, but avoid entering sensitive information on them.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
120V
60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
18–20% (before tax)
15–20%
$2–5 per bag; $2–5/night housekeeping
Tipping is expected. 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Safety & Travel Advisories
New York City is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take precautions against petty theft.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
911
911
911
911 for all emergencies
Payments
Cards preferred everywhere
Universally accepted
Common
Credit cards accepted everywhere. Apple Pay/Google Pay widely available.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit New York City are during the shoulder seasons, April-May and September-October. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Hotel rates are also generally lower during these periods.
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