Under $100: New York

New York City is known as an expensive city to spend time in, but you can have a good time on a budget if you know where to go.

Start your day with a Mexican breakfast at Downtown Bakery, where the portions are huge. Get some $7 tamales with black beans and you’ll be full for hours, or plump for a $5 sandwich. Walk off your food at Central Park, where you can watch street performers at the Bethesda Fountain.

Dip into the American Museum of Natural History for a few hours to see exhibits such as the life-sized model of a blue whale. You can pay whatever you can afford at the door, so you don’t have to smash your budget ($15 suggested donation).

Later, go for lunch at classic American diner Utopia, just a few blocks away. Order a hamburger or a grilled sandwich and enjoy the quintessential diner experience ($20).

In the afternoon, take the subway down to Chinatown for a wander around and then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s great for photos, especially at sunset.

Head to George and Jack’s Taproom in Williamsburg for a couple of beers ($5 each) before dinner at Best Pizza. The gourmet take on a New York classic is guaranteed to hit the spot thanks to the century-old oven used to prepare the pizzas ($15).

Now it’s time for a few drinks at Blue & Gold Tavern, where you can while away the evening playing pool and getting to know the friendly locals.