The Perfect NYC Budget
Itinerary For First-timers
The surprising thing about New York City is the amount of things you can do on a budget. Many of which are even free! Save where you can so you can spend more on the must do attractions. New York City is a bustling city known for its many Broadway theatres, shopping and iconic attractions. There’s a reason why New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. It’s the ultimate destination for a romantic getaway weekend. It is also the ideal city to go to for a girl’s NYC getaway shopping excursion. Top that off with fine dining and Broadway musicals, New York City has it all. Did you know that New York City is also incredibly kid-friendly too? It’s one of the reasons why we love New York City so much. It’s one of those rare places in the world that really seems to have it all.
If you happen to be a first-timer planning your very first ‘budget friendly’ weekend getaway trip to New York City well you’re in for a treat. We’ve pulled together the perfect New York City budget itinerary that has it all for you first-timers.
The quick summary
Here’s a quick summary of our recommended line-up. We’ve covered a lot of ground here but it will be well worth the experience and you’ll save a bundle too. Save even more on many of these highlights with your Eat and Play Card.
Day 1 – Downtown and city highlights of New York City
1. Gray Line CitySightseeing New York hop on hop off tour
2. Empire State Building and do the Empire State Building/Skyride combo
3. Chelsea and see the High Line and Chelsea Market
4. Little Italy and have a late lunch at La Mela Ristorante
5. Rockefeller Center and do some shopping along 5th Ave
6. Last stop for a late dinner at Bourbon Street
Day 2 – Central Park and Uptown
1. Central Park Zoo
2. Then take an early quick lunch at Original Soupman (the official Seinfeld “Soup Nazi”)
3. Central Park Bike Rentals
4. Then Guggenheim Museum
5. Dinner at Café Grazie
6. Head to midtown for Chicago the Musical
7. Cuban themed party and cocktails at Havana Central
The detailed summary
1. Gray Line CitySightseeing New York hop on hop off tour
(Highly recommended – Do the full Downtown Loop and get off at the following recommended stops) This is such a great way to experience New York City at your own pace which is why we 100% recommend this tour. Simply hop-off the double decker bus stops listed and discover New York City. There is no better way to see New York City on a budget than the Gray Line CitySightseeing New York tour. We bring even more savings with the purchase of your Eat and Play Card. Head back on your bus tour to the Empire State building.
2. Empire State Building/Skyride combo (SAVE 50%)
While on the Gray Line CitySightseeing New York tour we recommend you get off at the Empire State Building/Skyride combo. Yes, you definitely want to do this. This is both a great time and money saver combination as it features two of New York City’s most popular attractions. Save 50% with your Eat and Play Card. Head back on your bus tour to Chelsea.
3. Get off in Chelsea and see the High Line and Chelsea Market (both FREE with great sights)
The Chelsea Market has a long history of culture and food. Complete with stripped-down brick architecture, the unique charm of the Chelsea brings some of the greatest indoor food halls the world has ever seen. Head back on your bus tour to Little Italy.
4. In Little Italy have a late lunch at La Mela Ristorante (SAVE 15%)
La Mela is a famous staple of Mulberry Street in New York’s Little Italy. This is the place where they treat you like family, so you know to expect lots and lots of great food and company. Head on back your bus tour over to Rockefeller Center.
5. Rockefeller Center and do some shopping along 5th Ave
The Rockefeller Center is home to a remarkable collection of arts. With over 100 unique shops this is one of the premier shopping destinations in New York City. Head on back to your bus tour for your final destination on day 1 for a late dinner.
6. Dinner at Bourbon Street
The Bourbon Street Bar & Grille is an American bar & grille with its own Cajun flair. A gorgeous tribute to Old New Orleans and the French Quarter in the middle of NYC.
Day 2 – Central Park and Uptown
1. Central Park Zoo (SAVE 10%)
The Central Park Zoo exhibit is surrounded by the picturesque Manhattan skyline and the trails of New York City most famous park, Central Park. Here you get to stay cool with penguins and polar bears and then warm up with in tropical rainforest. The Central Park Zoo features more than 150 species from around the globe and they have it all here for you in central New York.
2. Quick lunch at Original Soupman (SAVE 15%)
The official Seinfeld, the “Soup Nazi” spot. Remember that tiny restaurant that made a name for itself around the world on this hit TV series? Well this is it. A must try is Al’s Lobster Bisque. Save 15% with your Eat and Play Card.
3. Central Park Bike Rentals (SAVE 50%)
Exploring Central Park on bike is one of the most refreshing and efficient ways to tour through New York City. They supply the helmet, a color coded map, basket and chain lock. They even have baby seats and baby trailers available for families. Everything you need to make your exploration of Central Park successful and memorable.
4. Guggenheim Museum (SAVE 10%)
The Guggenheim Museum is an internationally renowned art museum and one of the most significant architectural icons of the 20th Century.
5. Lunch at Café Grazie (SAVE 15%)
An Italian restaurant and wine bar conveniently located just steps from the Metropolitan Museum and Guggenheim Museum.
6. Chicago the Musical (SAVE 30%)
Chicago is one of Broadway’s most popular and thrilling smash-hit musicals and you get to see it right here in New York City. Save 30%.
7. Cuban themed party and cocktails at Havana Central (SAVE 15%)
Havana Central evokes the 1950s golden era of Cuba. Through its festive ambiance, vibrant décor and mouth-watering food, dining at Havana Central is like taking a mini-vacation in itself. The must try traditional dishes are: VacaFrita, RopaVieja and Arroz con Pollo. These are unmistakable Cuban cuisine at its best. Well there you have it! We weren’t kidding. There’s a whole lot to do in two days in New York City and we jammed packed it all in for you with the savings too!
This is without a doubt a tried tested and true ideal first-timer ‘budget friendly’ weekend getaway trip to New York City. One that you won’t be disappointed with. We would love to hear what you think. Drop us a line sometime and let us know what you think or share some pictures with us on Twitter @EatandPlayCard
Happy Travels!
