Exploring Nyc Solo: Is It Worth The Adventure? (2024)

New York City is a great place for solo travellers, especially women. It is one of the safest cities in the US, much safer than it was in the 90s, 80s and earlier. The city is built for solitary people, with many residents seeking solitude outside their homes.

There are a few safety precautions to keep in mind, such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your belongings, and not walking around unpopulated areas at night. It is also important to blend in with the locals and not walk around with your head buried in a map.

There are plenty of things to do in New York as a solo traveller, from visiting Central Park and taking a stroll on the High Line to seeing a Broadway show and visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). New York also has plenty of great dining options for solo travellers, including small cafes and restaurants, and standbys like Starbucks.

Is it safe to travel to NYC alone?

New York City is a bustling metropolis with a diverse range of attractions, activities, and dining options that can be enjoyed by solo travellers. While the city has a relatively safe track record, it is always important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a pleasant and secure trip. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your solo adventure in the Big Apple!

Planning and Awareness:

When travelling alone to New York City, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay informed about the areas you plan to visit, and try to stick to well-lit and populated places, especially after dark. It is advisable to avoid walking through unpopulated areas or taking the subway alone during late hours.

Transportation and Accommodation:

The New York City subway system can be a bit daunting for newcomers, but it is generally safe to use at all times. Always be cautious and attentive on crowded trains, and consider travelling with others if possible. When choosing accommodation, opt for neighbourhoods that are safe, lively, and conveniently located near subway stations. Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offer excellent options, with areas like the West Village, East Village, Upper West Side, and Long Island City being popular choices for solo travellers.

Dining and Socialising:

Dining alone in New York City is commonplace, and you will find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and diners welcoming solo diners. Bring a book or people-watch to pass the time. If you wish to socialise, consider joining groups or tours specifically for solo travellers, such as those offered by NomadHer or Free Tours by Foot. These can be a great way to meet fellow travellers and explore the city together.

Safety Tips:

• Always keep your belongings close and never leave them unattended.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and instead, rely on cards, which are widely accepted.
• Be cautious when drinking, especially in situations with unlimited refills, as it can impair your judgement and make you more vulnerable.
• Be wary of strangers approaching you with lengthy stories, as they may be seeking money or trying to distract you.
• Keep yourself informed about exits wherever you go, so you know how to exit quickly in an emergency.

New York City is an incredible destination for solo travellers, offering a wealth of experiences. By staying aware, planning wisely, and following basic safety guidelines, you can ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city, and don't hesitate to ask for help or reach out to fellow travellers if needed!

Where to stay in NYC when travelling solo

New York City is a great place to visit as a solo traveller. The city is served by three airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark International Airport. When it comes to where to stay, it is recommended to stay in Manhattan as it allows easy access to attractions. Midtown Manhattan is a large area that starts just below Central Park on 59th Street and stretches all the way down to 14th Street. Recommended hotels in this area include The Roosevelt Hotel, The Pod 39, The Pod 51, The Park Hotel, and The Plaza Hotel.

Other recommended neighbourhoods to stay in are the Upper West Side, the East Village, the West Village, Long Island City in Queens, and Cobble Hill in Brooklyn. Recommended hotels in these neighbourhoods include The Ace Hotel, The Jane Hotel, The Library Hotel, and Aloft Brooklyn.

When it comes to safety, New York City is considered one of the safest cities in America. However, it is always important to keep an eye on your belongings and use common sense. It is recommended to stay within a 10-minute walk of the subway and to avoid walking alone at night in certain neighbourhoods, such as East Harlem.

Where to eat alone in NYC

New York City is a great place to dine alone, and you'll be pleased to know that solo dining is very common in the city. Here are some top spots to eat by yourself in NYC.

Ichiran

Ichiran is perfect for solo diners, especially those who are a little antisocial. This Japanese ramen chain has individual "flavour concentration booths" so you can enjoy your meal without any distractions. There's a location in Bushwick, as well as Midtown and Times Square.

Gramercy Tavern

The front tavern area of Gramercy Tavern has a casual feel and an à la carte menu for walk-in diners. Pull up a barstool and enjoy dishes like clam flatbreads, meatballs, and deep-dish apple pie.

188 Bakery Cuchifritos

This Caribbean lunch counter in Fordham Heights is a great option for a quick, affordable bite. Try the chewy alcapurrias, tender pernil, starchy mofongo, or the crisp chicharrones.

108 Food Dried Hot Pot

Join the Columbia students at this Upper West Side restaurant for a dry hot pot, which can be enjoyed alone. Choose from 50 different ingredients, including chicken gizzards, tofu skins, squid, fish balls, and cabbage.

Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

This dining institution has been a fixture in the city since 1913. Enjoy people-watching in the grand, vaulted dining room and tuck into the classic oyster pan roast.

S&P Lunch

The 40-foot counter at this old-school restaurant makes it ideal for solo dining. Pull up a chair and choose from the affordable menu, which includes pastrami, egg creams, and peanut butter and bacon sandwiches.

Villa Brazil Café Grill

This Brazilian buffet-style restaurant in Astoria offers homestyle food by the pound, with a churrasco window serving rotating selections like picanha, frango, and sausages. The intimate dining room is calm, and there are freshly baked desserts behind the counter.

Nonna Dora’s Pasta Bar

This Kip's Bay spot serves perfect, silky handmade pasta. Try to get a seat at the bar, where you can watch the bartender make one of the 10 elaborate varieties from the negroni menu.

Cafe Rue Dix

Spend a leisurely Saturday afternoon at this French-Senegalese spot in Crown Heights. Pop in for breakfast and order some beignets and a pot of Senegalese tea, or try the beef mafe for lunch.

Dashi Okume

This Greenpoint spot is an outpost of a dry goods seller that’s been at the Tokyo Central Market since 1871. Snag a seat at the counter and order the Teishoku set, which comes with grilled fish, rice, a few sides, a cup of tea, and excellent miso soup.

Maxis Noodle

This tiny restaurant in Flushing specializes in Hong Kong-style noodle soup with supersized wontons. Even if you go by yourself, you’ll be knocking elbows with the other customers, so it’s not the best space to bring a friend!

K’Far

This all-day Israeli cafe in Williamsburg is a great spot to hunker down. Grab breakfast in the mornings and slide into a brown suede booth in the dining room after 5 pm to wind down with lamb tartare, grouper chraime, and a co*cktail.

How to meet people in NYC

Meeting people in New York City can be challenging, especially given the large population and busy nature of the city. However, there are several ways to meet people and make friends in NYC. Here are some suggestions:

Join Interest-Based Clubs and Groups:

• Seek out groups and clubs that align with your hobbies and interests. For example, you can find groups for photography, pasta-making, sports, travel, and more.
• Websites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and Facebook Groups are great for finding interest-based clubs and events.
• You can also look for groups based on your ethnicity, occupation, or specific activities like language learning, wine tasting, writing, and networking.

Participate in Classes and Activities:

• Taking part in classes is a fantastic way to meet people with similar interests. Look for classes in activities you enjoy or have always wanted to try, such as cooking, yoga, acting, dancing, art, or a new language.
• Websites like Course Horse and Brooklyn Brainery offer a variety of classes to choose from.
• After class, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone or suggest grabbing a coffee together.

Utilize Social Media and Apps:

• Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook Groups can help you connect with people in your area who share your interests.
• Apps like Skout, Meetup, Meetme, and Bumble BFF are specifically designed for making friends and allow you to connect with people nearby.

Go Out and Explore:

• Don't be shy about going out and doing things on your own. Visit museums, take a walking tour of Central Park, try a new restaurant, or attend a wine tasting or cooking class.
• By putting yourself out there, you increase the chances of meeting like-minded individuals who share your interests.

Get Involved in Your Community:

• Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people while also giving back to your community. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your passions and interests.
• You can also attend networking events related to your line of work or join a local gym or yoga studio to connect with health-conscious individuals.

Be Open-Minded:

• When making friends in NYC, don't be too fixated on demographics like age or background. The city is incredibly diverse, and you can find friends in unexpected places.
• Be open to socializing with people from different age groups and backgrounds, as this will broaden your horizons and expose you to unique perspectives.

Remember, making friends in a new city takes time and effort. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, start conversations, and suggest getting together. You'll eventually find your tribe and build meaningful connections in NYC.

Things to do alone in NYC

There is an abundance of things to do in New York City if you're travelling alone. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Take a walk – Wander into a neighbourhood you haven't been to before and soak up the local culture. Stop in local shops, try new foods, buy a coffee and head to the park, or bring a book.
• Attend a lecture or workshop – The Met, MoMA, and The Drama Book Shop are great places to start. You can also take a coffee class at Coffee Project NY, or learn to paint at Book Club.
• Go on a guided tour – Take a Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn, or a guided cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You could also do a guided bike tour of Central Park, or a tour of the NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
• Visit museums and galleries – As well as the Met and MoMA, you can visit the Guggenheim, the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Ice Cream, Fotografiska New York, and many more.
• See a show – Catch a comedy show at the New York Comedy Club, or a Broadway show like Aladdin or The Lion King. You could also see a concert at Carnegie Hall, or a performance at The Lincoln Center Theater.
• Eat and drink – Try the famous New York pizza, or sample the food in Chinatown and Little Italy. You can also grab a drink at a jazz club, or head to Bryant Park for lunch and a game of chess.
• Relax in nature – Spend time in Central Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Washington Square Park, or Gantry Plaza State Park.
• Shop – Head to Fifth Avenue for luxury retailers and chain stores, or to SoHo for designer boutiques and independent stores. You can also shop at Grand Central, or the Chelsea Market.

Frequently asked questions