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I was lucky enough to travel to New York for work, and managed to fit in five days in the city by myself before and after. It is one of my favourite cities in the world, but not somewhere I had considered as a solo destination before. Yet, it turns out solo travel in New York is a fabulous experience!
NYC is one of those cities that is at the top of many a bucket list, and rightly so. Exciting, iconic, beautiful and just an incredible city. But it might be somewhere you are putting off, as it is not the first city that springs to mind for a solo trip. However, having spent 5 days solo in New York, here is my complete guide to what to do, what to expect, and why solo travel in New York is a fantastic experience!
What is it like to Solo Travel In New York?
In a word? Incredible! New York is a city that might look intimidating on paper; it’s busy, noisy, fast-paced and vast. But once you get there, you realise how brilliant it is as a solo destination, and such an exciting place to explore at your own pace.
The grid system of the streets makes it easy to navigate, and the subway enables you to reach any part of the city. Solo travel in New York means you can explore at your own pace, whether this means neighbourhood by neighbourhood, or haring up and down Manhattan to various locations (like I did!). Solo travel is built for spontaneity, which goes hand in hand with NYC!
Is Solo Travel in New York safe?
New York is generally considered a safe city. It is often cited as one of the safest big cities in the USA. As with all travel, common sense is required, and even more so when it comes to solo travel. But New York is considered cleaner and safer than it has been in years. That being said, there are a few tips to follow.
- People might yell things in the streets, but just keep walking. Rarely will you encounter any confrontation.
- Avoid using the subway after 10 pm, and if in doubt, take an Uber or Lyft.
- Walk with purpose and look like you know where you are going.
- Stick to busy areas. If you are in a touristy, public place, you are less likely to be in a dodgy situation.
- Stay aware in busy areas, like Times Square.
Solo Travel in New York for Females
I found New York to be a great city to solo travel to as a female. As many might, I wondered how safe I would feel exploring the city on my own. But I found my fears unfounded. New York is perfect for a solo trip as a female, as there is so much to do, you will never feel alone. There are thousands of women every day taking on NYC solo. New York has a huge culture of independent people eating and drinking solo. No one will bat an eyelid, and bar staff are generally very good at checking in on solo women
New Yorkers are incredibly friendly. When I was standing awkwardly, clutching my bagel, waiting for a table, a kind couple asked if I wanted to sit with them. It was such a lovely meal chatting to them about their life in the city. I had many experiences like this during my time in the Big Apple.
Of course, as with any solo and female travel, there are extra considerations and the usual precautions to take:
- You can expect to get talked to, as New Yorkers can be forward. But it is generally harmless. A confident “no thanks” and walking on is usually all it takes. You rarely need to engage.
- Once again, it is worth considering Rideshares over the late-night subway. And always a good idea to sit behind the driver.
- Consider the location of your accommodation. Being central means fewer late, quiet walks alone.
- Trust the buzz of the city. New York’s streets are rarely truly empty, and that constant activity is actually a comfort as a solo woman.
Where to Stay in New York as a Solo Traveller
As mentioned above, considering the location of your accommodation when travelling solo in New York will affect how you feel and explore the city. Firstly, look for a place that is located only a few minutes’ walk from a subway station. This will allow you easy access to explore the city. If it is your first time visiting New York, I would recommend staying in Manhattan, since most of the major attractions are located in this borough.
Here are a few of the neighbourhoods I recommend for solo travel in New York:
Midtown: The most convenient location, given its central spot in Manhattan. Perfect for access to Central Park, as well as Lower Manhattan and ideal if you want to catch a Broadway Show.
Chelsea: Perfect for art lovers. This area is known for its great restaurants, trendy scene and home to art galleries. It is also right next to the Highline and home to Chelsea Market.
Greenwich Village: The quintessential New York experience, and home to many iconic filming locations. As well as bakeries, boutique shops and cafes.
If you want to stay in Brooklyn, take a look at Williamsburg. This is the trendiest neighbourhood in Brooklyn, and is only one stop away from Manhattan on the subway.
Top Tips for Solo Travel in New York
If you are embarking on solo travel in New York, here are a few further tips to help you make the most of your time in the city!
Book a Go City Pass
New York is an expensive city, and it can feel even more so if you are travelling there solo. However, booking a Go City Pass is one of the best ways to make your budget stretch further. You can save up to 50% on New York’s top attractions, including the classics such as Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. However, some experiences are perfect for solo travellers wanted to delve a little deeper into the city and meet people, such as a DUMBO walking tour and food tours. I used it to visit the Edge, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a walking tour of Little Italy, Soho and Chinatown and can’t recommend it enough.
The pass is valid for 30 days, and you can book all experiences through the app. Plus, it is super easy to rearrange the time slots if your plans change, making it the perfect, flexible way to see the city. Take a look at how it works HERE.
Top Tip: Choose an Explorer’s Pass to personalise your experience. You can choose how many experiences you have time to visit, from all they offer.
Use the Subway
The subway might seem daunting. But as soon as you crack it, you feel like the whole of New York opens up to you! Given that New York is such an expensive city, the subway (and bus network) is undoubtedly the cheapest way to explore the city. As of early 2026, a single ride on the New York City subway costs $3.00 via the OMNY contactless system. The maximum you will be charged in 7 days is $36. Which essentially means that you ride for free after 12 trips
It is also the most efficient way to get around. Given the traffic in NYC, a subway trip will often be the quickest way to get to your destination. One thing to note is that while it is easy to get up and down, it does seem to be harder to cross from the East side to the West side. So do bear this in mind when planning your itinerary!
Download the Citymapper App
Citymapper is the best app when it comes to navigating the New York City public transport system. Google Maps is good, but Citymapper provides more accurate live information on subway arrival times. As well as being clearer on which entrance you need to use to get the subway going in the right direction (something I learned is important) and exactly which subway exit to use (a small thing that makes a huge difference in a city where the wrong exit can leave you a block in the wrong direction).
Get a SIM Card or eSIM on Arrival
Being connected in New York is a must. It will allow you to get live travel updates, book rideshares, and look up things on the go. As well as giving you the ability to be flexible with your plans. Rather than paying roaming charges, pick up a local SIM card on arrival or, even easier, set up an eSIM before you fly.
An eSIM means you can switch to a local data plan the moment you land without hunting for a SIM card kiosk. Airalo is a great option and can be set up in minutes. A few days of reliable data in New York is worth every penny.
Top Tip: A KnowRoaming eSIM offers you unlimited data plans for different time periods from 1 day to 30, giving you the best flexibility.
Do you need cash in New York?
The short answer is barely. New York is almost entirely card and contactless-friendly. Restaurants, the subway, taxis, markets, virtually everything accepts cards. I hardly used a single note during my entire five days. However, throw a small amount of dollars in your bag just in case you want it for street food vendors and food carts; the famous NYC hot dog and pretzel carts are often cash-only. As well as some smaller delis and bodegas. Equally tipping. While you can tip on a card in most places, some situations, like tipping a porter or handing something to a doorman, are easier with cash.
Do you need to Book Restaurants in Advance?
If you have a specific, popular restaurant in mind, then it would be important to book this in advance. However, as a solo traveller, I found I preferred to eat in more casual settings, think bagels, pizza slices, dumplings, and wine bars. There are also a lot of places that you can’t book, but might need to queue for. If you are happy to go with the flow, then you can eat amazing food without booking a thing!
Stay Aware in Busy Areas Like Times Square
New York’s busiest spots, Times Square, the High Line, and Grand Central, are perfectly safe. But they are also exactly the kind of places where pickpockets and scammers tend to operate, simply because of the sheer volume of tourists passing through. The main things to watch out for are people offering you something for free, a CD, a bracelet, or a photo with a costumed character. These almost always come with a demand for money afterwards. A polite “no thank you” and keeping walking is all you need.
Beyond that, just keep your phone in your pocket when you don’t need it, wear your bag across your body, and stay conscious of your surroundings in crowds. None of this is unique to New York; it is the same common sense you would apply in any busy city, but it is worth keeping in mind. Alternatively, just avoid Times Square, as New York has so much more to offer!
What to do in New York for Solo Travellers
It is almost impossible to talk about everything you could do in New York; you could spend MONTHS in this city and never be bored. However, these are some of my favourite activities that I did in New York and are perfect for solo travellers.
Walk the High Line
Built on a former freight railroad spur in Chelsea in West Manhattan, the High Line is now an elevated park greenway. It runs for just under 1.5 miles through the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Hudson Yards. Formed of gardens, art installations, and city views 30 feet above street level.
It is the perfect activity for solo travellers, as it is free, safe and gives you stunning views of the city. You can enter and exit at 11 various points along the park. Walking the 1.5 miles takes just under an hour, or take your time over several hours to visit nearby attractions like Chelsea Market.
Visit Central Park
A must-do on every New York itinerary, you simply cannot go to NYC and not have a wander through Central Park. No matter what the season, this park offers something. From the stunning colour of the leaves in fall, the ice skating rink in winter, or simply relaxing on the Great Lawn in summer. It really is New York’s ‘back yard’.
Don’t miss the iconic Bethesda Fountain, or rent a boat from the Loeb Boathouse. Wander to the west side to find the Strawberry Fields tribute to John Lennon. And if you are feeling more energetic, how about ticking off a run around the Jackie Onassis reservoir? It is one of my favourite places to explore in the city.
Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
One of those NYC experiences that doesn’t feel real. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise is an absolute ‘pinch me’ moment. This is a perfect activity for early in your trip, when jet lag means the early wake-up call might not hit so hard. I highly recommend starting on the Brooklyn side and walking back towards Manhattan for the best views. To get there, catch the A or C subway line to the High St–Brooklyn Bridge station. It then takes about 10 minutes to walk to the bridge, so make sure to factor that in to be on the bridge during the golden moment.
Top of the Rock / Empire State Building
If it is your first time in New York, then you definitely need to take in one of these classic viewpoints. Personally, I prefer Top of the Rock, as from there you can see the Empire State Building – the icon of the New York skyline. Whereas when you are up in the Empire State, you obviously don’t get that view.
I went up to the Top of the Rock, using my Go City Pass, to try to see the sunset; however, I am not sure I would recommend this. It was very busy, very crowded, and I had to queue for almost 45 minutes to get off the viewing platform, which I found very overwhelming. It also takes much longer than I had planned to actually get to the top, so I missed sunset itself. I would recommend it, but maybe not at peak times as a solo traveller.
The Edge
The Edge opened in May 2020 and is currently the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. This is one of the most unique viewing platforms in the city, and I highly recommend adding it to your New York itinerary. It offers a 360° view of the city from its indoor/outdoor platform, and the outdoor viewing deck that juts out from the building is surrounded by angled glass walls, allowing you to see for miles and miles. There is even a part of the floor that is made of glass, if you are brave enough to stand on it and look down at the street below.
It is definitely somewhere you want to visit on a good weather day, given how high you are and how far you can see. I ended up re-booking it twice through the Go City App to make sure I had the best weather possible when visiting.
Wander the Neighbourhoods of Manhattan
Each neighbourhood in Manhattan has its own distinct personality, and one of the great joys of solo travel in New York is having the freedom to wander through them entirely at your own pace. Midtown is where most tourists spend the majority of their time, and while it is iconic and absolutely worth seeing, make sure you venture beyond it. You can plan your itinerary to encompass one or two a day; each worthy of exploration, but these are some of my favourites!
The West Village is very charming, think cobbled streets, independent coffee shops and beautiful brownstones. It is the kind of neighbourhood you wander into and suddenly lose an hour without noticing. The East Village has a slightly grittier, more bohemian feel and is brilliant for casual eating, quirky shops and soaking up a side of New York that feels far removed from Times Square. The Lower East Side is similarly full of character, with great food spots and a real neighbourhood energy that is hard not to love.
SoHo is perfect for window shopping, as one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Manhattan, and people watching. It is home to the iconic cast-iron buildings, and it is an easy walk into Little Italy and Chinatown, two neighbourhoods that sit side by side. I explored these on a walking tour (of course, booked through Go City!). It was so interesting to learn about the history of these places.
Chelsea, meanwhile, is a great base, central, relatively calm compared to Midtown, and well-connected. I stayed there and would highly recommend it as a neighbourhood to base yourself in.
Go Vintage Shopping
New York is home to some incredibly vintage shops, and you can easily spend an afternoon searching through the racks to find some amazing gems. I am thrilled with my purchases, even more so when two New Yorkers asked me where I got my jacket from, and I could reply, “from a vintage store in the Lower East Side”!
The Lower East Side and East Village are the best neighbourhoods to head to for vintage shopping, with a brilliant concentration of independent stores packed onto the same streets. Brooklyn is also well worth a visit for vintage hunters. Neighbourhoods like Williamsburg, in particular, have a fantastic selection of shops with a slightly different feel to Manhattan, often more spacious and equally well stocked. Each shop has its own personality; some are meticulously curated, others are more of a rummage.
9/11 Memorial Museum
The 9/11 Memorial is a beautiful place to remember and pay your respects to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks, and ideal for solo reflection. The museum has artefacts from the original towers, and from September 11th, as well as a moving video on those who helped evacuate Manhattan by boat. The fountains outside are also stunning.
Staten Island Ferry – Solo Travel in New York
The best view of the Statue of Liberty for free! Catch the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island, and you’ll get fabulous views of the Statue of Liberty along the way. If you want to make it more special, then time your trip for sunset for the most magical experience. You can even take a drink on board, the perfect solo NYC evening.
Go on a Walking Tour – Solo Travel in New York
I took a walking tour, booked through Go City, of SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy, and it was such a great way to spend a morning. You learn so much more about the history of the neighbourhoods (it covered everything from the Mafia to opium dens!), and it’s a great way to explore some additional neighbourhoods.
It is a great activity for solo travel in New York. You get the chance to chat to some new people, and best of all, some local food recommendations. Other great tours to take are ones in Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, or even Christmas lights if you are visiting at the right time of year! It is a great activity for solo travel in New York.
Head To Brooklyn – Solo Travel in New York
While there is so much to do in Manhattan to fill weeks and weeks, it is definitely worth spending a day exploring Brooklyn. It is one of the highlights of solo travel in New York
DUMBO is an absolute must. The neighbourhood, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is one of the most photographed spots in New York, and for good reason. The view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by the cobbled streets is iconic, and the area itself is brilliant for a wander, with independent shops, great coffee spots and a really lovely atmosphere. While you are in DUMBO, make sure to check out the views of the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park runs along the waterfront and is one of the best views of the city.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also well worth a visit, particularly if you are visiting in spring when the famous Japanese cherry blossoms are in bloom. It’s a peaceful escape from the city and a brilliant solo destination. You can wander slowly and take in all the different areas. And yes, you can book through Go City!
Finally, Williamsburg is also worth adding to your Brooklyn day if time allows. It has a brilliant independent food and coffee scene and is particularly well known for its vintage shops.
Visit a Museum – Solo Travel in New York
Where to start? There are so many incredible museums in New York that it is hard to pick ones to visit, and solo travel in New York gives you the perfect excuse to spend as long as you like in each one. But my personal favourites include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This is an absolute must for art lovers. The collection is world-class, and you could easily lose a full morning or afternoon wandering through it.
The Natural History Museum is iconic for good reason. Enormous, fascinating and genuinely brilliant for all ages. Allow plenty of time.
The Guggenheim is as much about the building as the art itself. Frank Lloyd Wright’s extraordinary spiral architecture is worth the visit alone, and the rotating exhibitions mean there is always something new to see.
For something completely different, the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side is one of the most unique museum experiences. It tells the stories of immigrant families who lived in the building, and is deeply moving and fascinating in equal measure. Highly recommend booking in advance as it runs on timed tours.
Other museums worth considering include the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), which is vast and could fill an entire day on its own.
Places to Eat in New York as a Solo Traveller
A big consideration of solo travel in New York is where to eat. I go for more casual experiences, and below are some of my favourites. Yes, you might see a theme!
- Apollo Bagels – The menu is simple, exactly as it should be. I went for the tomato, and it was delicious.
- Pop Up Bagels – Locations all over the city, and brilliantly convenient wherever you are. Simple, yummy and easy to grab and go.
- Tompkins Square Bagels – So many filling choices, including sweet. I wanted to try more and more.
- Joe’s Pizza – A New York institution. Simple, classic, perfect. Queue up, grab a slice or two, and eat it on the go. A classic for a reason.
- L’Industrie – I had one right opposite the hotel in Little Italy, and I ended up eating there twice. The pizza is outstanding, the options are great, and I never had to queue. There are restaurants all over the city. An absolute gem.
- Time Out Market – A huge food hall in Brooklyn with an enormous range of options. Pick whatever takes your fancy, and enjoy the amazing views from the roof terrace.
- Grab a Brunch at Bubby’s – One of the best brunch spots. There is usually a queue, but it is worth it. I had pancakes, and they were so good!
- Bibliothèque – Part bookshop, part wine bar, part restaurant. I sat in the bar area with a glass of wine and snacks. You can also eat in the restaurant if you want something more substantial. Perfect for book lovers and solo travel in New York! You will find people sitting and reading.
Considering solo travel in New York? Here are my other guides on the city to help you plan your trip:
Useful travel tools and links
To help you plan your trip, here are some of my favourite useful travel tools and links I use on a daily basis to travel:
- Hostelworld: The place to book hostels and cheaper accommodation. Perfect for backpacking trips. With 24 hour cancellation options, and easy to manage from your account.
- Booking.com: One of the largest places to search for hotels around the world. Often with free cancellation options.
- Hotels.com: Also a fantastic place to source hotels, and they offer a loyalty programme.
- Expedia: Another option for hotels as well as a great place to search for flights, car hire and more.
- Skyscanner: The best place to search for flights to find the best rates.
- GetYourGuide: Easy access to book a wide range of curated tours, activities, and experiences around the world.
- Viator: A great place to search for group tours and day trips. Part of the TripAdvisor brand.
- KnowRoaming: eSIMs are a game changer for travel. Purchase before you go and be connected as soon as you land. KnowRoaming eSIM plans keep you and your devices seamlessly connected in 200+ international destinations.
- G Adventures: The ‘go to’ for all group travel tour adventures. Perfect for solo travellers.
- Amazon: Link to my storefront with ALL the useful gadgets and items I couldn’t travel without.
Disclaimer: My Go City Pass was complimentary PR, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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