📜 Introduction.

They call it “The Big Apple” because, even though there are many apples on the tree of success, when you pick New York City, you pick the biggest one of all.

And it is big, indeed. However, in this 2-day itinerary in New York, I will show you how to enjoy it and make the most of it, even in such a short time and on a (very) limited budget.

In fact, when I visited New York in 2019, I had just completed my postgraduate placement in Vancouver. From Canada, I took a bus to Seattle, where I spent a few days, and then landed in New York with a completely drained wallet (my scholarship only covered me for four months!).

Still, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit New York City before returning to Europe. New York is not a city to just bypass, but if you happen to be visiting another city in the US or Canada, a stopover here is a brilliant idea. With this intense 2-day itinerary, you will manage to take a small bite of The Big Apple.

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Day 1: The Most Iconic New York.

A Slow Start & An Afternoon Cruise.

I landed at JFK Airport not too early in the morning and headed straight to my hotel, thoroughly sleep-deprived from jet lag. I slightly regret it now, as I technically wasted half a day sleeping, but I desperately needed to recharge given the time difference, the long flight, and the intense itinerary I had planned for the next 48 hours.

After my nap, I went to eat a pastrami on rye for lunch at the one and only Katz’s Delicatessen, made famous by the movie When Harry Met Sally. With my stomach full and my brain rested, I was finally ready to start my tour.

I took the subway from a station close to Katz’s and headed to Pearl St/Fulton St Station to embark on my Statue of Liberty Cruise. Since I had the New York Pass, there was no need to book a spot. I simply checked the timetable on the sightseeing pass website, as departure times depend on the time of year and the pier. I arrived about 30-40 minutes early for boarding. On this leisurely 50-minute ferry trip, I passed every sight twice, enjoying the fresh breeze. Unfortunately, the option of getting off at Ellis Island to admire the statue up close was not included in this specific cruise, but the views from the water were still spectacular.

Evening in Brooklyn.

After my cruise, I visited the 9/11 Memorial Site. It was an emotional and powerful experience that every visitor to New York City should make time for. Walking up to the Reflecting Pools, where the Twin Towers once stood, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of quiet remembrance in the middle of such a bustling city. Due to a lack of time, I couldn’t visit the Museum itself, but the pools alone were deeply moving.

I then proceeded to one of the best ways to experience New York: walking across the Brooklyn Bridge for a unique view of the skyline. Once across, I wandered until I found the famous photo spot on Washington Street, where you can see the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framed between two buildings. I relaxed by the waterfront embankment for a moment before taking a taxi back towards my hotel to grab dinner in Chinatown.

Daily Plan.

• h 13.00 – Lunch at Katz’s
• h 14.30 – Ferry Cruise to Liberty Statue
• h 16.00 – Visit to 9/11 Memorial Site
• h 17.00 – Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge
• h 19.00 – Stroll around Washington Street
• h 20.00 – Dinner time

Day 2: Nature, Art and Neon Lights.

Morning in Central Park.

There is no better way to start the day in New York City than with a refreshing morning bike ride through Central Park. As the city slowly wakes up, the park feels like an oasis of calm. I rented a bike and pedalled along the park’s scenic loop, passing iconic spots like Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. The winding paths, lush greenery, and the occasional street performer create the perfect mix of nature and urban charm.

As an Italian, I couldn’t miss the chance to taste some uniquely American twists on Italian cuisine: specifically, pasta and pizza combined. I stopped at Uncle Mario’s Brick Oven Pizza to have two slices, including one topped with Mac & Cheese. It was a true carb-on-carb experience! Unfortunately, this specific restaurant is now closed, but you can find similar ‘fusion’ slices all over the city.

If you are an art lover, there are dozens of museums to visit in New York City. The most famous is probably The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which is the one I chose to visit. It is an absolute must-see. I spent a couple of hours wandering through its incredible galleries, soaking in masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Monet. Seeing The Starry Night in person was mesmerising.

Evening with a view.

After MoMA, I headed to Times Square. Walking through here in the afternoon is a completely different experience from its famous night-time glow, yet the streets are still buzzing with energy: tourists snapping photos, street performers entertaining crowds, and the iconic billboards flashing above.

After a while, I made my way to Junior’s Restaurant for a well-deserved treat: a slice of their famous New York Cheesecake. Creamy, rich, and with just the right amount of sweet strawberries, it was the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle. I enjoyed each bite sitting on the sidewalk while watching the energy of the city: a moment of pure NYC bliss.

If you want to see New York City from above, visiting both the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building in one day is an unforgettable experience! I went first to the Top of the Rock just in time for sunset. Then I run to the Empire State Building, riding the lift up to the 86th-floor observation deck. It is the perfect spot to watch New York by night. Both experiences were incredible, and if you have the time (and the budget), I highly recommend doing both.

There are many restaurants in the area. I suggest you Luke’s Lobster Garment District where price are quite accessible and lobster is absolutely a must-try here in New York. At Luke’s, it is served as a bread roll.

Daily Plan.

• h 09.00 – Cycle at Central Park
• h 13.00 – Lunch at Uncle Mario’s Brick Oven Pizza
• h 14.30 – Visit MoMA
• h 17.00 – Explore Times Square and have a Cheesecake slice
• h 17.30 – See Nee York from above from Top of the Rock and Empire State Building observation decks
• h 20.00 – Dinner time

🛏️ Where to Stay in New York.

New York is notorious for its sky-high accommodation costs, but if you are willing to sacrifice luxury for a central location, there are still bargains to be found.

I stayed at U.S. Pacific Hotel, in the heart of Chinatown. Back in 2019, I paid around €169 (approx. $172 ) for three days and two nights, which was an absolute steal.

While prices across the city have inevitably risen since then, this hotel remains one of the few genuinely affordable options in Manhattan.

It is not available on Trip.com currently, but here you can find rooms starting from roughly €100-€120 per night, depending on the season.

🎁Use the refer code below to register on Trip.com to unlock your €10 discount🎁

U51IZ5

🍜 What to Eat in New York.

New York City is a food lover’s paradise, offering flavours from every corner of the world. You can start your day with a classic New York bagel topped with generous cream cheese, grab a slice of New York Style pizza for lunch, treat yourself to a slice of cheesecake for an afternoon snack, and perhaps enjoy some crispy chicken drums for dinner, or lobster. Since I only had two days and a very limited budget, I prioritised curiosity over hunting for high-end cuisine.

In my view, the US doesn’t have traditional food in the same way Europe does. Instead, its culinary identity is built on iconic signature dishes served at legendary institutions.

🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.

I originally purchased the NY sightseeing pass, which was a fantastic deal at the time. For about €150 I had access to hundreds of attractions, incuding the cruise. However, please note that this specific pass has suspended operations and is no longer available.

But don’t worry. You can still save a fortune. The best current alternative is theGo City All-Inclusive Pass for New York. A 2-Day Pass costs $224 (under €200, depending on the exchange rate). It works exactly like the one I used: you pay a flat fee and get unlimited access to practically every major attraction in the city. This pass covers over 100 attractions, tours, and activities such as:

• Cycling: Full-day bike rental in Central Park.
• Cruises: The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry.
• Transport: The Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour (Downtown & Uptown loops).
• Culture: A Harlem Gospel Concert by Harlem One Stop, or even New York Yankees game tickets.
• Guided Tours: Walking tours of Chinatown, Little Italy, food tours, and much more.

💡 Travel Tips.

It is important to clarify that my trip took place in 2019, just before the pandemic changed the world. At that time, New York felt more welcoming and largely safe, even for a budget travel girl.

However, the reality of New York City (and US in general!) today is different. Due to the complex current situation (ranging from political instability and immigration challenges to frequent protests and social unrest), New York is currently not considered one of the safest destinations for carefree travel, particularly for women or solo travellers.

While it remains a magnificent city, the atmosphere has undeniably shifted. If you are planning to visit now, please take these extra precautions:

• Be vigilant on the subway. In 2019, I felt quite comfortable taking the subway everywhere. Today, it is advisable to be hyper-aware of your surroundings. Avoid empty carriages, do not stare at phones or maps openly, and if a situation feels volatile, leave the station immediately.
• Avoid protests. Demonstrations and political riots can occur with little warning. If you see a crowd gathering or a heavy police presence, move in the opposite direction. Do not get involved or stop to take photos.
• Night-time safety. For women especially, walking alone at night is more risky than it was a few years ago. Stick to main avenues where there are plenty of people and lights. If you are returning late, spend the extra money on a yellow taxi or an Uber rather than walking or taking the subway.
• Homelessness and mental health crisis. You will likely notice a significant increase in visible homelessness and individuals suffering from mental health crises compared to pre-pandemic years. While often harmless, their behaviour can be unpredictable. The best advice is to keep walking and not engage.

New York is still the city of dreams, but currently, it requires a street-smart attitude that wasn’t as necessary back in 2019. Keep your wits about you, and prioritise your safety over your budget.

🎈 Conclusion.

There is no denying the magnetic pull of this city. It remains incredibly beautiful, vibrant, and overflowing with things to do. However, despite its undeniable majesty, it is not a place I would choose to visit again, at least, not during this difficult historical period.

For now, I will cherish the small bite I had in The Big Apple, but I prefer to admire its skyline from afar until the world feels a little safer.

💬 And you? Would you take a small bite of The Big Apple right now, or would you rather wait for sweeter times?

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