Are you considering a solo trip to New York City? I’m here to help.
New York is one of my favourite places in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to spend extended time there, including several months after finishing university.
I’ve visited more times than I can count, and most of those trips have been solo. So, I think it’s fair to say I’m a bit of an expert when it comes to solo travel in New York City.
However, I know any solo trip can be scary, especially to gigantic cities. But, I genuinely believe New York is an excellent destination for a solo traveller. There is so much to do to keep you busy, and no one cares that you’re alone. It’s entirely normal.
In this guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about a solo trip to New York, including safety tips, where to stay and what to expect. I’ve also shared some ideas about what to do alone in New York.
Enjoy!
Solo travel to New York: What’s it really like?
Many people seemed overwhelmed by the idea of travelling alone in New York. Will I look silly by myself? Can I eat out alone? What will people think?
But honestly, it’s unlikely that anyone will notice you’re alone.
New York isn’t nicknamed the ‘concrete jungle’ for no reason. The city is enormous, and everyone is too busy to worry about anyone else.
I often find solo travel in cities much easier than in local destinations, mostly because it’s so much easier to blend in. It’s not uncommon for locals to eat out alone or to travel between places by themselves. Quite frankly, no one cares that you’re alone.
Of course, there are a few disadvantages to traveling solo in New York. The biggest one is that you might feel you can’t make the most of the nightlife or feel uncomfortable going to fancy restaurants alone.
After five years of solo travel, I have no issue doing pretty much anything alone. But the one thing I rarely do is go to bars or upscale restaurants. I just don’t think it’s fun by yourself. But hey, that’s just me. It’s not to say you can’t.
I sometimes find hostels in cities less social, especially in New York. There’s such a range of ages, and people tend to be focused on exploring rather than being social.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of solo travel in New York.
PROS:
- You can explore on your terms
- You can do what you want to do
- No one cares that you’re alone
- NYC is a solo travel-friendly city
- It’s easy to blend in
CONS:
- The hostels aren’t always the most social
- It can be more expensive
- There may be some things you don’t feel comfortable to do alone
Is New York safe for solo female travellers?
It’s challenging to answer the question, ‘Is New York safe?’ There’s no denying that crime is increasing in some US cities, and travelling in any big city can involve risks.
However, New York is generally safe for solo female travellers, provided you stick to busy and touristy areas and follow a few safety guidelines. This is true for most US and global cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris. New York is no different.
Serious crimes against tourists are rare in New York, but that’s not to say they can’t happen.
I feel no different travelling solo in New York than in my home city of London. Overall, I feel safe. But there are areas to avoid.
Safety tips for traveling alone in New York
Here are a few safety tips to consider for solo travel in New York City.
Consider if it’s safe to walk alone at night. The usual advice for solo female travellers is not to walk alone at night. However, that’s not always realistic in cities. Should you just stay inside as soon as the sun sets? That would be no fun.
However, most crimes take place at night, so it’s essential to consider your options. If you feel taking a cab is safer, take one. Otherwise, try to stick to well-lit areas, let someone know where you are, and avoid leaving the tourist areas.
Spots like Times Square and Midtown are busy throughout the day and night (after all, this is the city that never sleeps), and there’s often a heavy police presence. However, walking through places like Central Park or the East Village by yourself at 3 in the morning probably isn’t the best idea.
Keep your belongings safe | Petty crimes like phone snatching and pickpocketing are rife in New York City. Ensure you keep your phone and valuables secure. I love these types of cross-body bags, they sit right in front of you, making it difficult for anyone to get into your bag.
I also do my best to avoid walking around with my phone out. This can be hard when you don’t know where you’re going, but it’s easy for someone to snatch the phone.
Finally, try not to carry a lot of cash with you, and leave any valuables you don’t need in your hotel room (and safe if you have one).
Research areas to avoid | Most high-crime rate areas are away from the main tourist places. Do some research before your New York trip to decide where to avoid. Certain areas of Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx are known to be more dangerous than other places.
Be careful on the Subway. Although crimes on the subway are uncommon, they do happen. Be mindful of your surroundings, keep your belongings safe, and move to a different carriage if uncomfortable. Try to avoid empty carriages and stick to the busier areas.
It’s not uncommon for people to ask for money on the trains, but you are not obligated to give them anything.
Be aware of scams | There are quite a few scams against tourists in New York. A common one is for someone dressed up as a character, such as Mickey Mouse, to approach you for a photo. Afterwards, they ask for a large sum of money.
Put simply, don’t interact with anyone asking you to do something or offering you the chance for a photo without agreeing on a cost in advance.
Consider if drinking alcohol is sensible | It’s no secret that alcohol can cause our judgement to be impaired. If you’re by yourself, consider if it’s sensible to drink more than a glass or two of alcohol (or any at all).
If you are drinking with strangers, make sure you trust them and have a plan to get back to your accommodation.
Drink spiking is also relatively common in New York. Don’t leave your drinks unattended, and keep the top covered if possible.
Trust your gut | Trusting your gut is the most important thing when it comes to solo female travel safety. If you don’t feel 100% safe, get yourself out of the situation. Even if you feel silly doing so, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Never compromise your safety to save money. It’s not worth it.
Things to do alone in New York City
Looking for solo things to do in New York? Well, I hate to break it to you, but… you can do pretty much anything by yourself in NYC. Sure, some experiences might be more fun when shared with others, but you can still have fun alone.
Here are a few of the best things to do alone in New York.
Visit an observation deck
Have you even been to New York if you haven’t visited an observation deck? I first visited New York in 2012, and several new observation decks have opened since then.
But which ones are worth it?
I personally think the best observation deck in New York is Top of the Rock. It might not be the highest, but the views of the iconic NYC skyline, the Empire State Building, and Central Park are unparalleled. The building also has a fascinating history.
The Empire State Building observation deck is excellent, but I don’t think the views are quite as good. As you’re already in New York’s most iconic building, you don’t get to see it as part of the skyline.
Another favourite observation deck of mine is One World Trade. It offers panoramic views of Downtown Manhattan, Jersey, the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. The journey up to the observation deck and the reveal of the view is certainly something special.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a bit of an Instagram attraction, but the views on offer are still fantastic and the experience is arguably more engaging.
NYC Edge at Hudson Yards has also recently opened. I visited here in 2024, and if I’m being entirely honest, it’s not worth the money. Sure, the suspended glass floor is a cool experience, but the views don’t compare to the other observation decks.
Wander Central Park
Central Park is my absolute favourite place in New York City. Whenever I visit, I always stay as close to it as possible. I love starting each day with a walk through the park. It’s such an escape from the chaos.
You could spend a whole day in Central Park and still not see everything.
Here are a few of my favourite places in the park:
- Walk across the iconic Bow Bridge and admire the beautiful pond.
- Walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, my favourite place in the city. From the top of the lake, you can see epic skyline views.
- Get lost in the Ramble, a beautiful wooded area of the park.
- Visit the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, an especially beautiful spot in the sunshine.
- Check out the Imagine Mosaic at Strawberry Fields, a memorial to John Lennon.
- In the winter, go ice skating in the park.
- Hire a bike and explore Central Park on wheels.
- Stroll through the Conservatory Garden, a serene part of the park.
- Climb Belvedere Castle for views of Turtle Pond (and spot turtles).
- People watch in Sheep Meadow.
Explore the food courts
It’s no secret that New York is home to some world-class food, but most people assume they need to visit expensive restaurants to experience this.
Luckily, there are several great food halls in New York, each home to various vendors serving tasty and delicious food.
Here are a few of my favourite foodie spots in NYC:
- Grand Central Market: Located under the historic Grand Central Terminal, this food hall offers high-quality options ranging from fresh seafood to gourmet sandwiches and sweets.
- Chelsea Market: This is one of the most famous food halls in NYC. It’s set inside a beautiful building and offers a range of foods, from tacos to baked goods.
- Smorgasburg (various locations): This is America’s largest weekly open-air food market. There are endless vendors serving mouthwatering dishes, including everything from ramen to burgers.
- Time Out Market Brooklyn: Here, you’ll find a trendy food hall right in the heart of DUMBO. Time Out Market features some of the best local vendors, offering everything from BBQ to sushi and pastries.
- UrbanSpace Vanderbilt: A popular food hall with a selection of vendors offering everything you could possibly want.
Cross Brooklyn Bridge and explore Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York, offering stunning views of the skyline and East River.
The bridge’s design is a beautiful mix of arches and steel cables, and it’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Once on the Brooklyn side, you can explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, enjoy scenic views along the waterfront, or grab a bite to eat in DUMBO.
I recommend going early in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds. It’s also especially beautiful at night.
Visit a museum
There’s estimated to be well over 150 museums in New York, and many of these are known to be some of the best in the entire world.
Even if you’re not the biggest museum person, I recommend visiting at least one or two.
One of my favourite museums in New York is The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the most prestigious museums in the entire world. Here, you’ll find a vast collection of artefacts and artwork spanning over 5,000 years. It would be easy to spend an entire day here.
The American Museum of Natural History is another interesting museum in NYC. It has extensive exhibits on display, covering everything from dinosaurs to space.
I love the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, mostly because it is so unique. Located on an aircraft carrier in the Hudson River, this museum showcases military history, aircraft and space exploration, including the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
Other museums to consider include the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), The Guggenheim Museum and the 9/11 Museum.
Explore Downtown Manhattan
Downtown Manhattan is sometimes overlooked by visitors to NYC, but I have no idea why! It’s where you’ll find the best views of the Statue of Liberty (besides being on a boat), the renowned Financial District & Wall Street, and the iconic One World Trade.
This part of the city can feel quiet at night and weekends, so I recommend visiting on a weekday.
Don’t miss visiting Battery Park for the best views of the Statue of Liberty, visiting the 9/11 Museum or taking a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
Go on a boat cruise
A boat cruise around Manahattan is a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective and truly appreciate the scale of this concrete jungle.
Here are a few of my favourite boat trips in New York:
Circle Line Cruises | This tour operator offers several cruises, including full island tours and a nighttime City Lights tour. My personal favourite is the complete island tour. As you travel along the Hudson and East Rivers, you’ll get up close to the Statue of Liberty, enjoy views of the Empire State Building, and pass under the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Staten Island Ferry | If you’re on a budget in NYC but still want to see the iconic skyline in its full glory, consider the free ferry to Staten Island.
Statue of Liberty | This tour is a fantastic option to see the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, without having to get off the boat.
Whale Watching | Did you know you can go whale watching in New York? This is the first place I ever saw Humpback Whales. A young whale leapt out of the water with the skyline in the background. It was so magical.
Be dazzled by Times Square
There’s nowhere quite like Times Square…
Right in the beating heart of New York City, Times Square is lit up by dazzling lights and electronic billboards. It’s filled with street performers, iconic shops and famous restaurants.
I can’t lie; this isn’t my favourite place in the city. It’s very touristy, and I don’t think it truly represents the culture of New York.
Even so, visiting Times Square is a right of passage when it comes to being a tourist in New York. It’s one of the most recognisable attractions in the world, and a trip there is a must.
Wander the streets of NYC
One of my favourite things to do in New York is to wander the streets. It might sound odd, but New York is filled with hidden gems and unique sights, and it’s nice to explore independently without a specific destination in mind.
Here are a few of my favourite areas to explore:
- Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and Meatpacking District: This trendy area of NYC feels much more residential, and it’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly. Don’t miss visiting Washington Square Park, a lively area of the city.
- The High Line: This was once an elevated train line that’s now been converted into a park. It stretches from Hudson Yards down to the Meatpacking District, and it’s an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the city.
- Chinatown: A vibrant and bustling area, New York’s Chinatown is filled with markets, authentic Chinese food and unique shopping experiences. Don’t miss a trip to the Courthouses before hitting the streets of Chinatown.
- Upper West Side: I love this area of New York! It offers a much more local feel, and it’s filled to the brim with trendy bars and epic brunch spots.
- See the sights of Midtown: Midtown Manhattan is home to endless iconic sights, from Grand Central Station to the Flatiron Building, there’s no end to see. Don’t miss a stop at Bryant Park, home to the impressive Public Library.
Go to a Broadway show
Broadway is at the heart of New York culture. It’s home to some of the most famous theatre shows in the world, and it’s launched the careers of many renowned artists.
Watching a Broadway show in New York City is truly an unforgettable experience, offering world-class performances in some of the most iconic theatres.
There are so many memorable shows to choose from. There are long-running musicals like Wicked, The Lion King or Hamilton, or you could watch a new short-term theatre show.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in NYC
I’ve already written a guide on the best places to stay in NYC, sharing the pros and cons of various locations.
However, for solo travellers, I would personally stick to the Midtown area. That way, you don’t need to worry too much about getting around the city alone, especially at night.
The main downside is it’s also the most expensive area, and many solo travellers won’t have the budget to pay for rooms here.
Another option is the Upper West Side. It’s still well-located, and the area is known to be safe (plus the hotels are cheaper).
You could also consider looking at areas like Queens and Brooklyn, where many of the hostels are. You’ll rely on the subway more, but it can save you money.
Best hostels in NYC
It’s no secret that staying in hostels is one of the best ways to meet people when travelling solo.
But, despite its huge size and popularity, there are not a great deal of hostels available in New York. But here are a few well-rated hostels to consider:
Hi Hostel | This is one of the most popular hostels in New York, with a range of rooms on offer. It’s located on 104th Street, so it’s pretty far out of the way, but you’re close to Central Park and subway stations. I stayed here once and had no issues with the location, but I wouldn’t recommend wandering too much further North.
Nap NYC | This is my personal favourite hostel in New York. It’s clean and modern, and the location is unparalleled. I didn’t find it overly social, but when you’re close to Times Square and Central Park, that doesn’t matter.
The Local NY | This is another popular hostel in New York. It’s found in Queen’s so you’ll need to travel into Manhattan, but it’s well-connected.
Chelsea International | Affordable private and dorm rooms in a great location.
NY Moore | This is the cheapest hostel option on this list, but it’s still great quality. It’s in Williamsburg (Brooklyn), a fun place to explore.
Other tips for solo travelers in New York
Eating out alone | Don’t be afraid to eat alone in New York – it’s completely normal. It can be a weird feeling, but no one truly cares. I’ve eaten out so many times by myself, and no one bats an eyelid.
If you are a bit nervous, try to choose places that are a little bit more casual to begin with, such as pizza or burger places.
Consider taking something like a book with you or have your phone charged to keep yourself entertained (if you need that).
Stay in touch with your family & friends | Solo travel can be lonely sometimes, so stay in touch with your family and friends. Let them know where you’re going, just in case something goes wrong.
Get a SIM card | If you’re an international visitor, consider getting a SIM card to stay connected. This means you can check maps and message people while out and about. Although I prefer local SIM cards, an eSIM is a much better option in the USA.
What to pack for NYC | Make sure to pack for the season you’re visiting. The summers can be hot, and the winters can be very cold. Almost anything goes in NYC, but I suggested packing some comfortable shoes for all the exploring.
How to meet people | Hostels are normally the easiest way to meet people when travelling solo, but I know they won’t be for everyone. Other ways include joining free walking tours or food tours.
Enjoy it | Don’t forget to enjoy your solo travel experience. Solo female travel is incredible; it’s one of the most liberating experiences. Don’t stress over the fact you’re alone. No one cares. Enjoy it as much as you can.
Don’t forget travel insurance | Make sure to always have travel insurance when you travel abroad. Medical care in the USA is costly, and travel insurance helps to protect you from high costs. I love Safety Wing and True Traveller.
Summary: Solo travel in New York
I hope this article has encouraged you to book that solo trip to New York City.
New York is one of the most wonderful cities in the world; there’s nowhere else quite like it. And travelling alone in NYC is such an empowering experience. Whether you’re strolling through Central Park, enjoying a Broadway show, or exploring a museum, the city is filled with unique experiences perfect for solo travellers.
I know the idea of a solo trip can be scary, especially for solo female travellers. But, I do genuinely believe that New York is a great destination for solo travellers. It’s accessible, easy to navigate and there is so much to do. Most importantly, no one cares that you’re alone.
I can’t wait for my next solo trip to The Big Apple.
Thanks for reading!
