New York City is one of those places that is hard to visit in a day. There are always more neighborhoods to explore and hidden treasures to find, but here are two great ways to spend a day in New York for $25 or less.

9 a.m.

Grab an apple from the Union Square Greenmarket and a cup of coffee as you walk to Washington Square Park.
Cost: $2.50

9:30 a.m.

Arrive at Washington Square Park and enjoy the morning with some people-watching.

10:30 a.m.

Start walking south toward SoHo. Stop and window shop at all of the beautiful boutiques you can never afford to shop at.

11:15 a.m.

Keep walking through SoHo and Little Italy, making your way to Chinatown’s Golden Steamer (143-A Mott St.). Get one pork bun and one steamed pumpkin bun. Find a nearby street bench or stoop to sit on while you eat.
Cost: $1.40

11: 45 a.m.

Walk west from Chinatown until you reach the Hudson River Park. Once you reach 14th Street, veer into the city and walk to the High Line.

1:15 p.m.

Walk up the steps and emerge on the old elevated railway tracks that have been converted into a public park space. Walk along the High Line to 23rd Street.

1:30 p.m.

Stop in to some of the Chelsea galleries to see what the most current commercial and noncommercial artists are up to.

2:00 p.m.

Walk into the heart of Chelsea for your afternoon snack at Doughnut Plant (220 W. 23rd St.). Try the square peanut butter and jelly donut.
Cost: $2.63

2:30 p.m.

Begin looping back toward NYU by walking through West Village. There are a few fun hidden spots and great window shopping. Stop by Sockerbit (89 Christopher St.), a Swedish Candy Store, where you can treat yourself to some sweets, such as  marshmallows.
Cost: $3.25

4:00 p.m.

As you near Washington Square Park, stop at Yoga to the People on St. Marks Place for a free yoga class.

6:30 p.m.

Meet friends in Union Square. Get on the subway and head to Brooklyn. Ride the train all the way to Sunset Park, where you’ll find Ricos Tacos (505 51st St.).
Cost: $2.50

7:15 p.m.

At Ricos Tacos, definitely try the cabeza (beef head), carnitas (fried pork) and buche (beef stomach) — you won’t regret it. Note: The tacos are small in circumference, but are piled high with fillings. Three will make a full meal.
Cost: Around $8

8:30 p.m.

Head back to Union Square.
Cost: $2.50

9:00 p.m.

Head home, knowing that you saw a great deal of lower Manhattan and part of Brooklyn and ate cheap, delicious food.

Total Cost: $22.78 

A version of this article appeared in the 2014 Food and Fun Guide. Emily Bell is a managing editor. Email her at [email protected].