I visited New York City from June 13 to 15, 2024, for a short two-day trip. To be honest, it is an expensive city. However, I had an amazing time and didn’t encounter any safety issues. If I were to go back, here’s the itinerary I would follow. Feel free to adjust it based on your preferences!

Day 1: Exploring Manhattan

Morning:

• Central Park: Start your day with a stroll through Central Park. Visit Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and the Central Park Zoo. (Free entry, Zoo: $13.95 for adults)
  • Subway Station: 59th St-Columbus Circle (Lines A, B, C, D, 1)
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: (Book Here) Spend a couple of hours exploring one of the world’s largest art museums. (Entry: $30 for adults)
  • Distance: Central Park to The Met – 0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
  • Subway Station: 86th St (Line 4, 5, 6)

Afternoon:

• Lunch at a Local Café: Enjoy a meal at a nearby café or restaurant.
• Fifth Avenue: Walk down Fifth Avenue, famous for its luxury stores and historic landmarks. Don’t miss St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center.
  • Distance: The Met to Fifth Avenue – 1.5 miles (30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi)
  • Subway Station: 5th Ave-53rd St (Lines E, M)

Evening:

• Times Square: Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square with its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. (Free entry)
  • Distance: Fifth Avenue to Times Square – 0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
  • Subway Station: Times Sq-42nd St (Lines N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7, S)
• Broadway Show: (Book Here) End your day with a Broadway show. (Tickets: $50-$200, depending on the show)

Day 2: Cultural and Historical Highlights

Morning:

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: (Book Here) Take a ferry from Battery Park to visit these iconic landmarks. (Ferry and entry: $24.50 for adults)
  • Distance: Times Square to Battery Park – 5 miles (20-minute taxi or 30-minute subway)
  • Subway Station: South Ferry (Line 1)

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Lower Manhattan: Try some local cuisine at a restaurant in the Financial District.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum (Book Here): Pay your respects and learn about the events of September 11, 2001. (Entry: $33 for adults)
  • Distance: Battery Park to 9/11 Memorial – 0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
  • Subway Station: World Trade Center (Lines E, A, C, R, W, 2, 3)

Evening:

• Wall Street and Charging Bull: Walk around the Financial District and see the famous Charging Bull statue. (Free entry)
  • Distance: 9/11 Memorial to Wall Street – 0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
  • Subway Station: Wall St (Lines 2, 3)
• Dinner in Chinatown or Little Italy: Enjoy a diverse culinary experience in one of these vibrant neighborhoods.
  • Subway Station: Canal St (Lines J, Z, N, Q, R, W, 6)

Day 3: Art, Shopping, and Views

Morning:

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): (Book Here) Start your day with a visit to MoMA. (Entry: $30 for adults)
  • Distance: Times Square to MoMA – 0.5 miles (10-minute walk)
  • Subway Station: 5th Ave-53rd St (Lines E, M)

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Chelsea Market: Head to Chelsea Market for a variety of food options.
• High Line: Walk along the High Line, an elevated park offering unique views of the city. (Free entry)
  • Distance: MoMA to Chelsea Market – 1.5 miles (30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi)
  • Subway Station: 14th St (Lines A, C, E, L)

Evening:

• Empire State Building: (Book Here) Visit the Empire State Building for stunning views of the city. (Entry: $48 for adults)
  • Distance: Chelsea Market to Empire State Building – 1.5 miles (30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi)
  • Subway Station: 34th St-Herald Sq (Lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W)
• Dinner in Midtown: Choose from a range of dining options in Midtown Manhattan.
• Nightlife in Greenwich Village: End your trip with some live music or a comedy show in Greenwich Village.
  • Subway Station: West 4th St-Wash Sq (Lines A, C, E, B, D, F, M)

Smart-Spending Hostels

1. Hi New York Hostel: Located in Manhattan, offers dormitory-style rooms. (Approx. $160 for 3 nights)
   • Address: 891 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
   • Subway Station: 103rd St (Lines 1)

Total Expenses

• Accommodation: $160 for 3 nights (Hi New York Hostel)
• Food Budget: $200
• Central Park Zoo: $13.95
• The Met: $30
• Broadway Show: $50-$200
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: $24.50
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: $33
• MoMA: $30
• Empire State Building: $48
• Subway Pass: $33 (7-day unlimited ride MetroCard)

Total (minimum): $160 + $200 + $13.95 + $30 + $50 + $24.50 + $33 + $30 + $48 + $33 = $622.45

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