New York is a wonderful city to visit as a solo traveler or explore on your own! There are always people around, great food, shopping, shows, museums, parks – the list goes on. Exploring the city alone really is a different experience because there’s always something to see or notice that you might not pick up on when you’re paying attention to the people you’re with.
So if you’re planning a solo trip to New York or are just looking for things to do alone in New York City, keep reading!
1. Get Lost in the Met Museum
You could spend a lifetime exploring the Met Museum. It’s 2.2 million square feet (40 times larger than the White House!) and is filled with paintings, artifacts, armor, and even an Egyptian Temple. Whether you wander around or come with a plan, it’s a great place to spend some time alone, enjoy art, and people-watch.
2. Eat Through A Market
If you’re intimidated by eating out alone or want to try a little bit of everything, check out one of New York’s food halls! In Manhattan, there’s Chelsea Market and Essex Market and in Brooklyn, there’s Time Out Market. Each market has it’s own flavor and flair so you could totally hop around and try them all.
3. Read a Book in Bryant Park
Bryant Park is the perfect place to cozy up with a good book. It’s right near New York Public Library and there’s an “outdoor reading room” in the park where you can borrow books or newspapers and enjoy a dedicated quiet reading area. Or bring your own book and lay out on the lawn.
4. Go to a Broadway Show
What’s more New York than a Broadway show? Going to a Broadway show solo is definitely an “alone but not alone” type of experience. And, you’ll probably have better luck scoring a good deal on a single ticket. If you want to be surprised, head to the TKTS booth an hour or so before the show and see what discounted last-minute tickets you can snag.
5. Enjoy a Bike Ride
Biking is one of the best ways to explore the city. It’s fast enough that you can cover a good amount of ground but slow enough that you can catch all of the sights. Some good bike routes are the Central Park loop (or you can start at Central Park and bike all the way downtown), the West Side Highway along the Hudson River, or over one of the bridges to get over to Brooklyn.
6. Go Shopping
Who doesn’t love to spend a day shopping? And what better place to do it than New York? If you like department stores, head to Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Ave. For mainstream and designer stores, head to SoHo. For small shops, boutiques, and thrift stores, head to East Village.
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7. Go to a Live Taping
This is a fun way to meet friends and make a memorable experience! It takes a little bit of planning, but with some effort, you could score tickets to be in the audience for an iconic show like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, or SNL. Plus it’s free!
8. Go to the Ballet
A visit to the ballet is such a lovely New York experience. The New York City Ballet puts on classic dances like The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream mixed in with contemporary dances too. Tickets can be a little pricey but they offer $30 tickets to those 30 years old and younger.
9. Go to the Spa
Treat yourself to a spa experience at QC Spa on Governor’s Island. It opened just a few months ago and has saunas, relaxation rooms, massages, and a rooftop infinity pool looking over the Manhattan skyline. Talk about an oasis!
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10. Go to the Movies
New York has some fabulous independent movie theaters featuring indie films you might not catch elsewhere. And these theaters are so charming too, our recommendations are: Angelika Film Center, IFC Center, and The Paris Theater.
11. Watch Tennis in Central Park
Did you know there are tennis courts in Central Park? Many people overlook this tucked-away section of the park, but there are over 25 courts with games going all hours of the day. There are benches nearby, making this the perfect place to watch some good tennis. It can get intense!
12. Go to a Bookstore
One of the best parts about spending a day alone is being able to read during quiet moments. With all of the great bookstores in New York, you’ll be sure to find a recommendation for a book you’ll enjoy. The Strand is the largest and most popular New York bookstore but the staff at Three Lives & Company has incredible recommendations and Sweet Pickle Books is a quirky used book gift shop.
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13. Volunteer
This is a great way to connect with locals, make some friends, and give back to the city. Some ways to volunteer are delivering meals through God’s Love We Deliver, helping maintain a local park (Central Park and Hudson River Park), or distributing food at NYC Food Bank.
14. Spend a Few Hours at a Coffee Shop
There’s always a buzz in New York and a coffee shop gives you a front-row seat to that vibrant energy. I always see/overhear the most interesting people when I’m at a coffee shop. Grab your work or a book, enjoy a cup of coffee, and be part of this very New York moment! Some favorite coffee shops where you can easily spend a few hours are Cafe Kitsune, Think Coffee, Variety Coffee, Arabica, Partners, and Maman.
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15. Go on a Walking Tour
This is a great way to learn or experience something new. Check out neighborhood tours or something like an art tour, food tour, or historical tour. Plus, it’s a likely spot to meet new people with similar interests!
16. People-Watch in Washington Square Park
There’s always something happening at Washington Square Park. It’s a great spot for people-watching, listening to live music, watching dogs play in the dog park, and striking up conversation with new people!
17. Treat Yourself to Tea at the Plaza Hotel
Because you deserve an Eloise moment. The Plaza Hotel has immaculate tea service that’s absolutely delightful. Wear a fancy outfit, bring a book or a journal, and soak in a luxurious tea time with the most special company, your own!
That wraps up 17 things to do alone in New York City. Exploring the city alone is such an exciting and enriching experience. Here’s to solo adventures!