Planning a 4 Day New York City Itinerary is no easy feat. Choosing from the copious number of sights and endless options of delicious food can be overwhelming.
Visiting NYC on a budget adds even more angst and anxiety to the planning process.
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We personally understand how challenging it is to plan a NYC trip for cheap. We are all too aware of how quickly the costs add up – even on short visits to the city.
However, thrifty travelers need not worry. There is plenty to do and see (and eat) in New York without breaking the bank.
We’ve created this 4-Day Budget NYC Itinerary to show how you can experience iconic sights, celebrated districts and classic cuisine – all at a low cost.
In fact, our outlined 4 Days in New York City Itinerary showcases a vacation plan that completely eliminates sightseeing expenditures.
Once you arrive, you’ll only spend money on public transport, cheap meals and an affordable place to stay. Yet, you will still have tons of fun!
Planning 4 Days in NYC on a Budget
Planning a New York Budget Itinerary certainly put our money-saving trip planning skills to the test! But here’s the honest truth: Trips to New York City do not have to be expensive.
Below, we outline a succinct day-by-day itinerary that shows you exactly how to plan a budget trip to NYC.
That said, in order to plan your absolute best trip to New York on a budget, we also recommend reading our in-depth Money-Saving NYC Travel Tips!
About this NYC Budget Trip
We believe this is the Best New York Itinerary for budget travelers. It will save you tons of money, as it highlights the Top Free Things To Do in NYC.
In our outline of how to spend 4 days in NYC on a budget, we reveal the absolute cheapest way to visit New York. And, even while it’s low cost, it delivers big on experiences.
It just so happens that the activities that we feature in this NYC vacation plan are also some of the truly best things to do in the city!
In addition to the day-by-day 4-Day New York City itinerary planner, we include tips for a New York budget trip – such as where to find an affordable hotel, how to get there and what to pack.
Planning a longer stay? Read our detailed One-Week New York Itinerary for advice on what to see in 7 days. No matter how long you decide for your NY trip, use our Travel Planner to track all the details!
4-Day New York Budget Travel Itinerary
Our robust Budget New York Itinerary for 4 Days outlines how you can see major attractions and distinct neighborhoods, all while getting a taste of the city’s best food.
For each day of our Budget Itinerary for NYC, we highlight what to do in the morning, afternoon and evening.
The ideal way to get around is on your own two feet. We group sights together and provide free, self-guided walking tours to make it easy to find your way.
However, you’ll need to pay for public transportation to get to Brooklyn and Roosevelt Island. The Weekly MetroCard or paying by contactless (with a weekly cap) are the best options.
Later in the article, you will find our map that pinpoints the location of all the sights and attractions.
Day 1: Must-See Manhattan
On the first day of New York Vacation on a Budget, begin by getting a view of the Statue of Liberty. Then, embark on a walk through Lower Manhattan and Midtown to the most iconic NYC buildings and sights.
MORNING: Lower Manhattan
Often referred to as downtown, Lower Manhattan is the most southern section of the island. The district is both historic and modern – and it is the perfect place to kick off your NYC Budget Itinerary!
Start by hopping on the free Staten Island Ferry – a ride that is much more about the journey than the destination.
Sit on the starboard (right) side so that you can take in the sensational view of the Statue of Liberty as you sail by. When you arrive in Staten Island, disembark and board the next Manhattan-bound boat.
This time, sit on the port (left) side, so you can get another glimpse of Lady Liberty and the iconic skyline in the background. It’s the perfect first-thing-to-do on your budget NYC trip!
Back on dry land, spend the remainder of the morning on our Free, Lower Manhattan Self-Guided Walk. See the Charging Bull, check out Wall Street and pay tribute at the 9-11 Memorial.
AFTERNOON: Midtown
Walking among the classic skyscrapers is one of the best things to do for a New York trip on a budget – because it’s absolutely free!
Start your exploration just south of Midtown at Madison Square Park. Grab an inexpensive burger from Shake Shack, the fast-food chain’s original location.
Then set off on our Self-Guided Walk of Midtown Manhattan. Step inside the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then admire the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall.
The tour ends in Times Square, where you can revel in the bustling atmosphere. Pause for a moment to take it all in from the Red Stairs.
DINNER: NYC Budget Eats
With all the walking and exploring, you have undoubtedly worked up an appetite! The good news is, Midtown is home to some of the top places to eat in NYC on the cheap.
The Halal Guys Food Cart at West 53rd and 6th Avenue is – far and away – our favorite street food in the city. We recommend ordering the chicken or gyro sandwich topped with their secret ‘white’ sauce.
Alternatively, stop by Xi’An Famous Foods, where they serve a delicious combination of Chinese and Middle Eastern fare. Try the excellent Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger – or splurge a little for the tasty dumplings.
EVENING: Cheap Theater
End your day in the Broadway Theater District. Although there is only one Broadway Theater, there are actually 41 theaters in New York’s Theater District that are collectively known as Broadway.
Highly regarded as the top theater district in the world, tickets are extremely expensive. However, even on a cheap NYC trip, you might be able to catch a show.
The TKTS stand in Times Square sells deeply discounted day-of theater tickets. You might also find affordable seats to Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows.
Alternatively, eat dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Although the food is slightly overpriced, the singing waitstaff entertain guests with Broadway hits.
DAY 2: Central Park, Roosevelt Island & East Harlem
On the second day of your Budget New York 4 Day Itinerary, get a good look at the city’s beloved and largest green space: the legendary Central Park.
You should also have time to explore two often-missed New York neighborhoods: Roosevelt Island and East Harlem.
MORNING: Central Park
This wouldn’t be the best NYC Itinerary on a budget if we didn’t include Central Park!
Because the space itself is free to visit – and most of the landmark sights are too – it’s the perfect place to spend a day on a budget trip to New York. We have created a Self-Guided Central Park Walk that outlines the top things to see.
Start in the northwest corner and stroll south along the western boundary. Explore the North Woods, the Reservoir, Belvedere Castle, The Ramble and Strawberry Fields.
If the weather’s bad, consider spending the morning at a museum. Although rather expensive, the American Museum of Natural History is excellent. The American Folk Art Museum is also nearby and always free to visit!
LUNCH: Central Park Picnic
A picnic in Central Park is a quintessential experience (and one of our best tips for how to visit NYC cheap!).
Street food vendors line the walkway along the southeastern corner, but some (like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Cart) charge obscene prices.
Instead, walk a block south to Halo Deli on 6th Ave. There, you can purchase stacked deli sandwiches and sides for fair prices. Back in the park, eat at one of the benches overlooking The Pond.
If it’s not a good day for dining outdoors, then head to Ritz Diner (which is near the next stop on our itinerary). Ritz is a classic NYC greasy spoon with moderately priced meals and heaps of classic charm.
AFTERNOON: Roosevelt Island
Before exploring the rest of Central Park, walk 5 blocks to the Roosevelt Tramway Plaza. Hop on a ride to Roosevelt Island, which sits in the middle of the East River.
The ariel tram transports passengers to the island in just 3 minutes. The ride costs the same as subway fare – and is included in the weekly unlimited MetroCard.
In the 1800s, the island was used to conceal the ill and poor from the rest of society. A smallpox hospital, almshouse, penitentiary and asylum were built on the small spit that was renamed Welfare Island.
Today, a few historical structures remain – along with a memorial dedicated to President Roosevelt. What we love about Roosevelt Island are the sensational views of the Manhattan skyline!
LATE AFTERNOON: More Sights in Central Park
In mid-afternoon, resume your tour of Central Park. Walk north to the tree-lined Mall and take in the grandiose fountain from Bethesda Terrace.
Seek out the Hans Christian Andersen statue, find the Alice in Wonderland sculpture and see an ancient Egyptian Obelisk.
Then, continue toward the quieter northeastern corner, where you will find Conservatory Garden, an old fort and Harlem Meer.
If the weather is foul, there are several museums along the park’s eastern boundary. The Met is, by far, the most impressive – but tickets are not cheap.
The Guggenheim offers a pay-what-you-wish ticket on select days and the Museum of the City of New York is free on certain days of the week.
EVENING: Dinner in East Harlem
End the second day of your New York City trip on a budget in East Harlem. Also called Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, the district lies between the Upper East Side and Harlem proper.
Once settled primarily by Italians (and earning it the nickname Italian Harlem), the area saw an influx of Puerto Rican and other Latin American immigrants in the mid-1900s.
Today, it’s a diverse neighborhood filled with bodegas, inspiring street art and a variety of Latino restaurants. Our go-to place for Puerto Rican soul food is Cuchifritos on 116th Street.
If you’re interested in dining at a historic establishment, try one of the Italian restaurants still operating here. For a truly classic place, go to Patsy’s Pizzeria.
Opened in 1933, Patsy’s legendary regulars included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Francis Ford Coppola (who used the restaurant as inspiration for The Godfather films).
The place is authentic, the food is delicious and the price is affordable. However, they don’t accept cards, so be sure to bring cash!
DAY 3: Manhattan Districts and Gems
Day 3 of this NYC trip itinerary is dedicated to visiting distinct districts and getting a taste of the diverse cuisine. Start by strolling through an innovative park, then immerse yourself in a few of New York City’s best neighborhoods.
MORNING: The High Line
Begin Day 3 of your Budget NYC 4-Day Itinerary like many New Yorkers do, with a bagel. While there are an endless number of bagel shops in the city, we like the old-fashioned, hand-rolled, kettle boiled ones at Liberty Bagels.
With bagel in hand (or already in belly) head to the north end of The High Line. There are access points at 30th Street and Hudson Yards.
The elevated park, which occupies former railway tracks, was developed in the late 1990s, when the train route became obsolete.
The renovated green space features flower beds, benches and shade trees. One of our favorite things about the park, however, is the incredibly unique vantage points.
Stroll south 1.5-miles, leaving the High Line at 16th Street and pop into Chelsea Market. The factory-turned-market is a chic space, complete with hip eateries and boutique shops.
Now make your way to the Hudson River. Along the riverside there are two exceptional free attractions: Pier 57 Rooftop Park and Little Island. Both of these modern, outdoor spaces provide sweeping views.
Continue south along the Empire State Trail into Greenwich Village. Consider visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art (they offer Free Friday Nights and Second Sundays).
If you want to see a familiar sight, seek out the Friends building or Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex in the City apartment as you wander the tree-lined streets.
LUNCH: Inexpensive Greenwich Restaurants
If you have worked up an appetite, you’re in the right place! Three of the best cheap places to eat in New York are located in atmospheric Greenwich Village.
If you are in the mood for pizza, grab a $3 slice from Percy’s Pizza. For a neighborhood classic, indulge in a veggie-packed sandwich at our long-time favorite Mamoun’s Falafel. Alternatively, sink your teeth into an inexpensive Banh Mi from Saigon Shack.
Whatever you decide on, get it to-go and eat in Washington Square Park, which has the most interesting history of any NYC park.
The area was originally marshland, then farmland, and then a graveyard (20,000 bodies are said to still be buried below!). After a brief period as Military parade grounds, it was renovated into a public park.
The notable features are the Washington Square Arch (which perfectly frames the Empire State Building) and the large fountain.
It also has free public restrooms, just be sure to keep your wits about you. Recently, WSP has become a hangout for some nefarious characters.
AFTERNOON: More of Manhattan
After lunch, embark on a walk through two more districts in Manhattan: SoHo and Little Italy.
In SoHo – short for South of Houston Street – the highlights are the architecture, luxury shops and art galleries.
Admire the distinctive cast-iron buildings (72 Greene Street is most impressive and 102 Prince Street was Molly’s apartment in the movie Ghost).
Window shop at designer stores and boutiques on Broadway. Or visit The Drawing Center – the best free gallery in the area.
Continue your exploration in Little Italy. In 1910, it was estimated that 10,000 Italian immigrants lived here, but that has dwindled and just 3 blocks remain.
The shops and restaurants in Little Italy mostly cater to tourists who are enthralled by the tales of NYC’s crime families. It can still feel a bit like stepping onto a mafia movie set.
Make sure to walk down Mulberry Street, go inside St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral (where The Godfather baptism scene was filmed) and marvel at the hand-crafted pastries at the historic Ferrara Bakery.
EVENING: Chinatown
The final stop on Day 3 of your NYC Trip on a Budget is Chinatown. The vibrant district is dazzling, with unfamiliar scents and chaotic sounds coming from every direction.
Walk down Pell Street, where paper lanterns dangle overhead and the glow of neon signs shine bright. Step into cramped shops overflowing with cheap trinkets or seek out a spa offering inexpensive foot massages.
Plan to stay for dinner – because even those planning a cheap trip to NYC can eat in Chinatown! We prefer to graze, making multiple stops for small bites.
The inexpensive pork dumplings at Fried Dumpling are crave-worthy and you can’t go wrong with baked pork buns at Mei Li Wah Bakery.
That said, for a full meal, look no further than May Wah Fast Food, where the no-frills hole-in-the-wall serves complete meals for less than $10.
DAY 4: The Best of Brooklyn
To wrap up your amazing 4-day trip to New York City, spend time exploring Brooklyn before ending your stay with a classic NYC deli meal.
The Brooklyn borough is three times larger than compact Manhattan. Spending a day there will only scratch the surface!
In recent years, the once inexpensive area has seen a sweep of gentrification. Still, there are many interesting enclaves in Brooklyn that fit into a cheap New York trip budget.
MORNING: Prospect Park and Brownstones
A coveted Brooklyn green space, Prospect Park was designed by the same landscape architects that created Central Park. It’s comprised of winding paths and spacious lawns.
The must-see sights are the elegant Grand Army Plaza, the lush Ravine, the Lake, the Bandshell and the historic merry-go-round.
If you’re visiting on a summer Sunday, feasting at Prospect Park’s Smorgasbord food event is a must. No worries if your trip falls on any other day of the week; we’ve got great food recommendations for Brooklyn!
After wandering through Prospect Park, dip your toe into the Park Slope neighborhood. Here, you will find beautiful historic Brownstones.
The term comes from a type of sandstone building material used in many structures in NYC. However, it also refers to the architectural element of a staircase rising from street level to the front door.
From Prospect Park, take Carroll Street to 8th Avenue, then Garfield to 7th Avenue. Both Park Slope streets are lined with gorgeous Brownstones.
LUNCH: Brooklyn Markets
There are so many things to love about Brooklyn – and the food scene is most certainly one of them. On cheap trips to New York, we eat at one of the borough’s legendary markets.
The Dekalb Market Hall is a true foodie gem! Located in an inconspicuous basement, the bustling food hall is jam-packed with vendors doling out international fare and NY classics.
Our top picks for an affordable lunch are Polish fare from Pierogi Boys or German street food from Kotti Berliner Doner Kebab.
The Time Out Market is another exciting Brooklyn food hall. The concept brings together some of the best NYC eateries under one roof. The Mac and Cheese from Jacob’s Pickle is Southern comfort food at its finest.
In addition to the food, Time Out hosts cultural events, art exhibitions and has an open-air rooftop. The stellar views are not to be missed!
AFTERNOON: DUMBO and East River Views
It’s time to discover DUMBO! This enclave, which stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” was once completely industrial. Today, the warehouses have been transformed into artist galleries and tech firm offices.
Along the East River, inviting public spaces line the water’s edge. Spend some time at Pebble Beach, watch Jane’s Carousel spin around and take in the unparalleled views of New York City from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Eventually, make your way to the most famous intersection in DUMBO. At the corner of Water and Washington Streets, you will find an epic view of the Manhattan Bridge.
If you are seeking a bit of culture, be sure to stop by the free A.I.R. Gallery dedicated to women artists. The nearby Center for Brooklyn History holds intriguing and free exhibits detailing the area’s past.
To get off the beaten path in Brooklyn, take a bus or subway to The Bushwick Collective. This creative space is dedicated to street art murals. Large and small, whimsical and meaningful, the graffiti artwork is nothing short of astounding.
The highest concentration of murals can be found between Jefferson and Starr from Cypress to Irving. It’s completely free, making it a unique thing to do in New York on a budget.
LATE AFTERNOON: Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall
Spanning the East River and connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan – the Brooklyn Bridge has been an icon of the city since in 1883.
Through the center of the bridge is a 1-mile-long pedestrian path, and walking the route is a must during your four days in New York. It’s free to walk across; an estimated 4,000 people do it every day!
Once in Manhattan, make your way to City Hall Park. Formerly called The Commons, the grounds have been used as a gathering place since colonial times.
Set your eyes on New York City Hall, the oldest city hall building still in use in the United States. (Free tours are offered on a limited basis.)
Weave through the leafy park along the pathways, soaking in the serene space. Don’t miss the Jacob Wrey Mould Fountain in the southwest corner.
DINNER: Katz’s Deli
On the last night of your low-budget New York trip, splurge a little (ok, a lot) for a meal at Katz’s Deli. In our option, it’s definitely worth it!
With a history that dates to 1888 – and meat that takes 30 days to cure – Katz’s Delicatessen is legendary in New York City.
Many movies and TV shows have been filmed at Katz’s Deli, including the famous (and recently rebooted) scene from When Harry Met Sally.
Pastrami on Rye is the thing to order, but it’s a budget-buster, costing nearly $30. However, stacked with meat, one sandwich can easily be shared by two people…and is oh-so tasty!
If the prices of a Katz’s Deli pastrami sandwich break the budget for your New York trip, opt instead for the Frankfurter or Chili Dog; each cost less than $10.
Or skip Katz’s altogether and find inexpensive international eats at Punjab Deli (Indian take away), Café Himalya (Tibetan food) or Los Tacos No. 1 (tasty Mexican fare).
EVENING: McSorley’s Old Ale House
The final stop on our budget NYC travel itinerary is a classic and much-loved New York bar, McSorely’s Old Ale House.
Claiming to be NYC’s oldest continuously operated pub, McSorely’s was established in 1854. The historic boozer, which was “men’s only” until 1970, has been visited by many famous people, including Abe Lincoln, Dustin Hoffman and the New York Rangers after they won the Stanley Cup in 1994!
Inside the cozy tavern, newspaper articles and old photos cover the walls, sawdust covers the floor and classic bartenders pour the beers. They keep it simple with just two choices of house beer – light or dark – and it’s cash only. Cheers!
4 Days in New York City Budget Itinerary Map
Use this Google Map for an online version of our Budget Trip NYC Map below. LEGEND: Day 1 is Red; 2 Orange; 3 is Green; 4 Blue.
New York Itinerary Planner Tips
Now that you know what to do in New York on a budget, we have some honest advice that will help you plan your itinerary.
Getting Around
Our suggested itinerary for New York covers some ground; up to 10 miles a day! In order to keep up, you will need two things: comfortable travel shoes and a MetroCard.
An unlimited weekly MetroCard – which is good for the subway, buses and Roosevelt Tram – costs $34, plus $1 for the card.
You can also use a contactless payment method – and, as long as you use the same card for each ride, the system automatically caps your weekly fare. Find out more on the official MTA Website.
NYC Sightseeing Map
Above, our New York Itinerary map plots out each day’s adventures. However, if you’re visiting for the first time, a pocket NYC map may be useful. Having a separate NYC Subway Map could also help.
Sightseeing in New York City on a Budget
The big (not so) secret tip on how to do NYC cheap is to skip the expensive attractions. In our outlined 4-day New York trip plan, we fill each day with free sights and cheap restaurants.
Personally, we believe there are enough things to see and do in New York City without paying for pricey tickets! That’s why you won’t find any skyscraper viewing platforms on our New York trip itinerary.
That said, our NYC sightseeing route passes by many high-dollar points of interest, so they’re easy to visit if within your budget.
Sightseeing Passes
You can still visit New York on the cheap – and partake in top ticketed attractions – with a money-saving sightseeing pass.
Don’t be fooled; they’re still pretty pricey! But with a solid plan, a multi-attraction pass can be monetarily beneficial.
Each one works a little bit differently, so do some comparing to find out which will work best for your trip.
The 3 passes we recommend are the New York Sightseeing Pass, the New York Pass and the New York CityPass.
Bathrooms and Water Fountains
Our 4-Day New York Itinerary on a Budget includes long stretches of being outdoors and eating on-the-go. You will undoubtedly need a restroom at some point. We use Got To Go NYC to find free toilets!
With so much walking in our budget New York trip plan, it is also important to stay hydrated. There are numerous public drinking fountains where you can fill up water bottles along the way.
New York Budget Trip Logistics
When planning a budget NYC vacation, you will need to factor the complete cost of the trip – including how to get there and where to stay. We have some money-saving advice for those, too!
Cheap Ways To Get to NYC
Flying to New York is likely the fastest (and possibly most economical) way to travel to the city – and there are three airports to choose from.
We recommend starting your search on Skyscanner, which allows you to quickly compare fares to all New York area airports in one fell swoop. Read more hacks in our guide to Getting Cheap Flights.
If you’re making a multi-stop East Coast trip, the train might be cheaper than flying. Rail connections to Boston or Philadelphia can be quite affordable.
Budget Hotels in NYC
Finding cheap NYC hotels is a big struggle; especially in Manhattan. The Nap York Hostel in Midtown is ideally located; but even dorm beds cost in excess of $100 per night.
As an alternative, we recommend searching in the Bronx, Queens or even New Jersey. Just be sure to book a place near a subway station, so you can easily access the city center. We share more in our article, How To Find Hotels for Cheap.
Packing Checklist
Of course, packing right will save you money, too. Use our free planning checklist and our trusted packing hacks for your NYC getaway!
Durable Shoes
A good pair of walking shoes are a must for your 4 day trip to New York City. I go with these everyday sneakers and Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes.
NYC Weather Gear
Nearly all the sights on our 4-Day NYC Itinerary are outdoors. Make sure you are prepared with appropriate gear.
In the summertime, pack sunscreen, your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. If precipitation is in the forecast, bring an umbrella and travel poncho – or an actual raincoat.
If you’re visiting NYC for Christmas, you will need to bundle up! A proper winter coat is a must along with gloves and a warm cap.
Anti-Theft Day Bag
For your long days out and about, you will want to carry a zippered bag that is designed to deter pickpockets. We share honest reviews for various styles in our article, Best Day Bags for Travelers.
Start planning your trip to the USA! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Need More Ideas for Quick US Trip Destinations?
We highlight our favorite USA Weekend Getaways in this article. Also check out our top Underrated US Destinations for your next adventure!
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