Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
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Planning a solo trip to New York? Here are the best things to do in NYC!
New York is easily one of the best places in the States for solo trips. There is so much to see & do in the city that never sleeps. You most likely need to visit a few times just to see everything.
As someone who loves New York & an excellent solo trip, I’m giving you the best itinerary for a solo trip to NYC.
You’ll learn about solo traveling to New York, including things to do alone in NYC for free, things to do at night, and top things to know on how to plan a solo trip to New York.
After reading this post, you’ll be well prepared for your New York City solo trip.
This post is all about a solo trip – New York.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Solo Trip New York
Things to do alone in NYC for free
Walk along the High Line
Take a nice walk along the 1 ~ mile trail in High Line Park. This elevated park, created on an old New York railroad, is becoming wildly popular among locals & tourists; it’s completely free!
So, grab a cup of coffee, your headphones, and get a nice stroll in.
Explore Times Square
You CANNOT leave NYC without exploring Times Square. It would be a crime.
Times Square is easily one of the most iconic landmarks in the States. So naturally, it’s a bit of a tourist hotspot. But for good reason.
Tons of stores, billboards, cartoon characters, yummy eats, and more. Whether you spend an hour or a whole afternoon in Times Square, you definitely have to visit.
Bonus tip: Go during the night! The lights & billboards are stunning.
Visit Central Park
Another iconic spot in New York that you can’t miss is Central Park. The park is the place to be during the summer, with free events, outdoor movies, walking trails, concerts, and more. And during the winter, the park turns into a winter wonderland where you can ice-skate the night away.
So, Central Park is where to go if you’re looking for free outdoor adventure.
Get Up & Close with the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the best things to do alone in NYC for free is walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. Not only can you get epic views of famous landmarks like the Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building, and The Statue of Liberty from the bridge, but you also get to see the detailed masterpiece of the Brooklyn Bridge itself.
So, grab your selfie stick & get some great photos while you explore the Brooklyn Bridge.
Take a stroll in Bryant Park.
Another insanely popular park in New York is the gorgeous Bryant Park. Every year, the park attracts millions of visitors & is known to host several events throughout the year.
During the warmer months, you can catch a free movie at sunset & in the winter, free ice skating!
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Things to do in NYC alone at night
I know what you’re thinking: why should the fun stop just because it’s nighttime?
Generally, I do not recommend traveling alone at night, especially as a woman. However, if you want to go out at night, stay in well-lit, well-populated areas while traveling alone. And always tell someone where you’re going!
While walking alone at night in NYC is safe, make sure you always stay aware of your surroundings.
Luckily, if you’re looking for something to do at night, New York has you covered. There are plenty of options for all those night owls to explore, and here are some of my favorites.
See a Broadway Show
Broadway is one of the top experiences in New York for all travelers. Even the locals love a good Broadway show. The talent is phenomenal, and the stories are even better, so catch a show while you’re in town.
The top theatres to catch a Broadway show include:
- Lyric Theatre
- New Amsterdam Theatre
- Gershwin Theatre
- Winter Garden Theatre
- Majestic Theatre
Attend a Yankees Game
New York City is home to the Yankees, so if you’re a baseball fan, you have to catch a game. Honestly, even if you’re not a fan, it’s an experience that comes with visiting New York.
Baseball season runs from March to October, so if you’re visiting during those months, get a ticket & see what all the hype is about!
Get a Late Bite to Eat
New York is full of great food; it’s truly a paradise for a foodie. Almost every cuisine you can think of is in the city, Asian, American, Caribbean, and more. So, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a late bite to eat.
Shop in a Night Market
NYC is also known for its exciting night markets. Summertime is extremely popular for these; however, some epic holiday markets are also in the winter months. These markets are full of yummy food, live music, and artisan crafts.
Best markets to check out in NYC:
- Uptown Night Market
- Queens Night Market
- Brooklyn Night Market
- Bronx Night Market
- Vegan Night Market
So, if you’re a night owl or out wandering late, you MUST hit up a night market.
Go to a Live Recording of a TV Show
Have you ever been to a live recording of a TV show?! It’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.
Some of the best tapings to catch are:
- Saturday Night Live
- The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
- The Today Show
- Late Night with Seth Meyers
- The View
See a Comedy Show
New York has some of the best comedy talent around. So, you’re in for a real treat if you attend a comedy show!
Here are some of the best comedy clubs in NYC:
FAQs - Solo Trip New York
Is New York good for solo trip?
YES! New York is an excellent destination for solo travel. The city is practically designed for solo travelers. It’s common to see people dining alone, attending events alone, etc.
So, you’ll fit right in and probably meet some cool people while exploring.
However, New York is one of the more expensive destinations to visit, especially if traveling solo. To offset the high cost, I suggest visiting during the off-season when lodging and transportation are more affordable.
How can I have fun alone in NYC?
There is so much to do & see in NYC; there’s something for everyone. I recommend starting with doing what you want to do most in the city. Do the activities that interest you the most.
Then try doing something outside the box, something you maybe wouldn’t do at home. This is vacation, after all…
To get you started, try out the activities I listed in the post. New York is also full of museums, concerts, free events, and more.
How much is a solo trip to New York?
As I stated earlier, traveling to New York is on the expensive side, but it’s definitely not unattainable.
A solo trip, on average, ranges from $1,900 to $2,100 for roughly 7 days. Now, you can knock this price down some if you travel during the off-season or book cheaper lodging & transportation.
You can also save some extra funds but not eating out for every meal. Try to pick up some things from the grocery store or eat cheaper meals throughout the day. Also, skipping the cocktails will help you stay within budget as well.
How to get around in NYC?
The most common way to get around in NYC is by subway or walking. You can also ride the bus, take a taxi or get a ride through rideshare apps like Uber & Lyft.
Walking is a great way to see the city; plus, you get some exercise. Taking the bus is also a great way to see the city.
The subway is pretty easy to use & is an efficient way to get around. Now, you may wonder, ‘Is it safe to take the subway alone at night?’ I would avoid riding the subway late at night alone; anytime after 11 pm, try for another mode of transportation.
When traveling at night, I recommend taking an Uber or Lyft.
How do I find other solo Travellers?
Luckily, there are several ways to meet solo travelers, especially in this day & time. Apps like Meetup & Facebook are great for finding people with similar interests as you in the same area.
Additionally, booking group tours are perfect for meeting other solo travelers. Not only do you get to do something fun, but you can meet some cool people doing it.
Another great way to find other solo travelers is by staying in hostels. Many solo travelers are known to stay in hostels, so you can meet a lot of people that way. Plus, most hostels have pub crawls & other events so travelers can mingle.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with a solo trip to New York!
This post is all about a solo trip – New York.
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