1 Day in NYC

New York City is a dream destination for foodies, but even spending 1 day in NYC can be pricey.

My husband and I recently spent one day eating our way through NYC on a budget. We found happy hours and affordable eats that weren’t too expensive, and still had a blast!

We also made sure to see a few of the iconic sights along the way. So this 1-Day in NYC itinerary is perfect for any foodies looking to explore the city!

This post is all about spending the perfect 1 day in NYC.

Restaurant in New York City - Grand Boucherie

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NYC Tips

Know Before You Go

The subway is your best friend
The subway is an easy and fast way to get around. Grab a MetroCard or use the OMNY cashless system, where you can simply tap your credit card or phone to pay. Plus, riding the subway is like a rite of passage for NYC visitors. Just make sure to check the train schedules in advance, because some late-night or weekend routes can be tricky due to maintenance.
Use Ubers and Taxis minimally
New York is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and relying on walking combined with public transport is not only cheaper but faster. Traffic can be a nightmare, especially in Manhattan during peak hours. If you must use a cab or ride share, try to book it outside highly congested areas.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Like all big cities, it’s important to stay alert. When walking around, especially in crowded areas or on public transit, keep your belongings secure and avoid flashing cash.
Get to the airport early
The NYC airports are large, and can take some additional time to maneuver. We noticed the TSA lines at La Guardia were particularly long during our last trip, even with TSA Pre Check. So get there early and don’t cut it too close.

Curious how my husband and I both flew free (just the $5.60 taxes and fees) for the last 4 years?
✈️ Check out my blog post How to Fly Free
🚘 My Favorite Site for Cheap Rental Car s

Here’s the exact 1 Day in NYC itinerary we used to explore the city and eat our way through it on a budget.

Staying longer? Check out the bonus section for more activities and things to do in NYC.

1. Breakfast and Coffee: Toastique

We were staying in Hoboken with a friend and didn’t want to venture out for breakfast. So we ordered in from Toastique, and it was fabulous! We shared an ovacado toast, but our friend ordered a caprese toast and it looked amazing! A delicious and nutritious breakfast was the perfect way to start the day.

There are a few Toastique locations, including a Bryant Park location coming soon (2025).

What we ordered: Avocado toast and a fresh juice

Cost: $28

2. Ferry into Manhattan

We took the ferry from Hoboken into Manhattan. Not only was it a cheaper way to get into the city, but it was a beautiful view and lovely experience! Highly recommend taking the ferry if the weather is nice enough.

You can view the NY Waterways schedule and rates online.

Cost: $10/adult

3. Walk to Times Square

After arriving at the Midtown ferry station, we decided to walk to Times Square. It was fun to see the iconic Times Square billboards, jumbo screen and overall chaotic awesomeness. Especially since it was a beautiful, sunny day.

You probably won’t need much time here, but especially if it’s your first time in NYC, it’s a must-see!

We were on the fence about trying to get last-minute Broadway tickets from the TKTS booth. But we eventually decided to skip it and enjoy more of the city’s food scene instead (priorities).

4. Brunch/Happy Hour at La Grand Boucherie

When hunger struck, we headed to Grand Boucherie, a dreamy French restaurant with stunning vibes. We sat at the bar and ordered the amazing Croque Madame, a perfectly crispy sandwich and a French classic.

Here’s the trick—arrive during late afternoon on weekends when both the happy hour “Green Hour” menu and the brunch menu are available. Sitting at the bar gives you access to both menus, for a cheap dining hack.

Honestly, the whole restaurant looked like a holiday postcard with its glamorous vibe. We visited in November, so it was also decked out in elegant holiday decor. So charming!

What we ordered: Croque Madame (brunch menu) + absinthe from the happy hour “Green Hour”

Total cost: $39

5. Walk Around Central Park

Of course, you MUST take a stroll around Central Park when visiting NYC. It”s ‘s an easy 5-10 minute walk from La Grand Boucherie to the park entrance.

Central Park is HUGE (843 acres to be exact). So we just strolled around the southern portion, took in the beautiful sunset, and did plenty of people-watching of the ice skaters and other people enjoying the park.

6. Iconic Plaza Hotel

If you’re a fan of Home Alone 2, the Plaza Hotel will spark some nostalgia. And even if you’re not, it’s worth catching a quick glance.

From there, we admired the whimsical Louis Vuitton suitcase building (yes, it really looks like a giant bag).

6. Midday Bagel Snack

Of course, you can’t visit NYC without grabbing a bagel! Liberty Bagel was nearby and the rainbow bagels caught our attention, but there are lots of great choices in NYC as well.

We shared a classic everything bagel smothered in scallion cream cheese, and it absolutely hit the spot. New Yorkers know their bagels, and this one didn’t disappoint—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

Before heading to our next foodie destination, we embraced the NYC experience and took the subway to West Village.

Snack Cost: $6

Metro/Subway Cost: $2.90/person

7. Grab a Drink at a Cozy West Village Wine Bar

We’ve been particularly fond of trying new wines lately. So for an early evening stop, we wandered into Amelie, a cozy and stylish wine bar.

Their happy hour is a hidden gem! We went for the light red wine flight, an exceptionally good deal at only $14. The intimate, local feel made it stand out as a cozy experience in a busy city.

Cost: $14

8. Walk to Olio E Più for Dinner

Dinner was easily one of the most memorable parts of our day. We dined at Olio E Più, which is basically hygge in restaurant form—so warm and inviting.

Event the complimentary bread service, served with olive oil was so good it’s practically sip-worthy. And that was just the beginning. We ordered the Wild Boar and Pork Cacciatore, and I nearly licked the plate clean. The sauce was so hearty and flavorful, perfect for a cold evening in New York.

If there’s one NYC restaurant I’d love to revisit, it’s this one!

Cost: $32

9. Evening Strolls + Sweets in Little Italy

After dinner, we wandered to Washington Square Park to see the arch and then made our way to Little Italy. There’s something magical about walking through this neighborhood at night.

While there, we couldn’t resist grabbing a fresh cannoli from Cannoli King for just $4.

To top it off (literally), we wrapped things up with a slice of pizza from Manero’s Pizza. Thin, foldable, and full of cheesy goodness, it was a classic NYC street food moment.

Cost: $4 for the cannoli, $6 for the pizza

whole pizza - Manettis pizza little Italy

10. Hidden Speakeasy: Please Don’t Tell

Last on our itinerary was a visit to Please Don’t Tell, one of NYC’s coolest speakeasies.

I won’t ruin the surprise of how you get in, but trust me—it’s worth discovering for yourself. We’re big fans of speakeasies, and this was one of the harder ones to locate (hence the name), which always adds to the fun.

Once we got inside, the bar is small, cozy, and full of charm. The cocktail menu was adventurous and innovative, with each drink feeling like a tiny masterpiece. What a way to end the night!

Cost: $18 for a cocktail to share

Uber back to Hoboken: around $50

More Fun Things to Do + Eat in NYC

If you’re lucky enough to have extra time, here are a few more must-visit spots to add to your New York City itinerary:

Rockefeller Center and FAO Schwartz Toy Store

Famous Banana Pudding at Magnolia Bakery

Explore Bryant Park — charming mid-town market. Beautiful at Christmas time!
Top of the Rock Observation Deck

See the real Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal — on display for free at the NY Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
Happy Hour at Pebble Bar

How to Book Hotels on a Budget

How to Take a Free Companion on Every Flight

My Favorite Foodie Travel Itineraries

Total Cost: 1 Day in NYC Foodie Crawl

Transportation: $75.80

Food + Drinks: $147 (before tax and tips)

Total Per Person Cost: $111.40 — Not bad for a full day filled with food in NYC!

*Prices are approximate menu pricing, and not including all taxes, tips, etc. I don’t like doing math.

Make your own 1-Day NYC Itinerary

One whirlwind day and so many amazing eats later, we chatted on the way home about how much we’ll remember this day!

Exploring NYC on a budget doesn’t mean skimping on incredible food or experiences. With happy hours, local gems, and some strategic planning, you can craft a foodie adventure that feels rich without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a local looking for fresh ideas or planning your first trip to the city, this itinerary brings together the best of food and culture in 24 hours.

Happy travels and happy eating!

-Hannah

1 Day in NYC – An Inexpensive Food Crawl Itinerary