Weekend in NYC

Hey everyone! I just got back from a weekend in New York City with some friends. We were a group of eight, with five of us (three girls and two guys) staying together in an Airbnb, while the other three had their own places to crash. We wanted to pack in as much as possible without spending a ton, so we went with just backpacks, kept our budget low, and only went back to the Airbnb late at night. Here’s how we made the most of the weekend and a few lessons learned if you’re planning your own budget-friendly trip to NYC.

Day 1: Arrival, Central Park, Times Square, and a Much-Needed Library Nap

We started off with a super early Friday FlixBus ride from Philly, which was cheap and easy. With a full day ahead of us and check-in not until late, we dove right into exploring NYC as soon as we arrived.

Central Park and Breakfast

Our first stop was Central Park, where we grabbed coffee from a cart and some classic New York bagels like true locals. Sitting on a bench with bagels and coffee, looking out over the trees and skyscrapers, was the perfect way to ease into the city’s vibe. Central Park’s blend of nature and cityscape is unlike anything else, and this breakfast moment felt like a quintessential NYC experience.

Library Nap

After walking around for a while, the early morning travel started to catch up with us. We found a nearby library, settled into a quiet corner, and took a quick power nap to recharge. Honestly, library naps are so underrated. This short rest made all the difference and gave us a second wind for the day.

Times Square

Refreshed and ready, we headed to Times Square, which was as loud and bright as you’d expect. The lights, massive screens, street performers, and huge crowds are truly something to see. We walked around, took a ton of photos, and soaked up the high-energy vibe. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re at the center of the universe. Afterward, we finally headed to our Airbnb, crashed, and got ready for a packed Saturday.

Day 2: 9/11 Museum, Wall Street, Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge, and Chinatown Hotpot

Saturday was all about exploring NYC’s iconic spots, and we packed in as much as possible.

9/11 Museum

We kicked off Saturday morning with a visit to the 9/11 Museum, which was incredibly moving. With a $25 student discount, it’s a must-see. The exhibits walk you through the events of that day and the impact it left on the world, making it a powerful, emotional start to our day. We all agreed this was one of the most important stops of the weekend, setting a thoughtful tone for the day.

Wall Street and the Fearless Girl

After the museum, we made our way to Wall Street to check out the famous Fearless Girl statue. Seeing her standing strong in front of the New York Stock Exchange was pretty inspiring. We took some photos and soaked in the Wall Street vibe before heading on.

Staten Island Ferry

Next up, we took the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a great budget option, giving you a nice look at the statue from afar along with an awesome view of the NYC skyline. The ferry doesn’t get super close, but it’s a relaxing ride and a perfect way to sightsee without spending a dime.

Sunset at the Brooklyn Bridge

As the sun started to set, we made our way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking across the bridge as the sky turned colors and the lights of Manhattan started to glow was honestly magical. The view of the skyline at sunset is one of the best in the city, and the bridge itself has this incredible energy that makes you feel like you’re in a movie.

Chinatown Hotpot

After a long day of exploring, we headed to Chinatown for some hotpot, which was the perfect end to the night. Nothing beats warming up with hotpot and sharing a big meal with friends. Chinatown was lively, and the food hit the spot after all that walking.

Day 3: Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center and Photos in DUMBO

Sunday was our last day, so we wrapped things up with a couple more NYC classics.

Rockefeller Center Ice Skating

We started the day at Rockefeller Center for some ice skating. The rink was beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the whole scene felt straight out of a Christmas movie. None of us are amazing skaters, so there were plenty of laughs and almost-falls as we skated around. If you’re in NYC in the winter, skating at Rockefeller Center is a must. It’s one of those experiences that just feels like New York.

DUMBO

After skating, we headed over to DUMBO in Brooklyn for the classic photo spot where the Manhattan Bridge is framed between old brick buildings. It was packed with other tourists trying to get the same shot, but we managed to grab a few good photos. DUMBO has a unique vibe and offers one of the best views of Manhattan, making it the ideal spot to end our trip.

Final Thoughts

Our weekend in NYC was incredible, even with a few hiccups like the long commute to the Airbnb. If you’re trying to explore NYC on a budget, here’s what I’d recommend: stay close to the city to save time and money, pack light so you can be out all day without needing to drop things off, and take advantage of free experiences like the Staten Island Ferry for amazing views. Also, student discounts (like at the 9/11 Museum) really add up.