Under $100: Chinatown, NYC

Grab an affordable breakfast before beginning your explorations of the Chinatown neighborhood in New York City at Dimes. Choose between sweet and savory breakfast options such as matcha buttermilk pancakes with blueberry compote and nut and seed granola or the breakfast tacos with eggs, avocado, cheddar and pickled jalapeño. Breakfast is easily had for less than $15.

Explore the Museum of Chinese in America to learn more about Chinese culture and history as it relates to New York City. The museum features one large permanent exhibition and then two or more rotating exhibitions at any one time.

Grab lunch at Wu’s Wonton King, a Cantonese restaurant where the lunch entrees are affordable. You can bring your own beer if you so wish; you certainly won’t be alone if you do. One of the favorite menu items is the crispy garlic chicken.

Enjoy a little window shopping and browsing along Canal Street. This open-air, market-style street is filled with both stalls and shops featuring an array of knock-off designer items. You’ll also find souvenirs, kitchenware, decor and other odds and ends.

Get a little afternoon snack at The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. The family-owned business is well loved for its unique ice cream flavors, like durian and taro. If you’re not feeling especially adventurous, you can enjoy tamer flavors like coconut or mango.

Stop by the oldest Chinese temple on the East Coast, Temple Mahayana. The temple is open to the public, but Buddhist services do take place at the temple on weekends, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Enjoy dinner at 456 New Shanghai. The affordable menu means dinner will rarely cost more than $10. Dim sum is among the favorite menu items.