traveling to nyc alone as a woman

This post may contain affiliate links. Globally, London was the most popular destination. Not only can they set you up with a debit card, but they are international and facilitate cheap money transfers between countries (way cheaper than PayPal). Read on . One of the biggest disadvantages of solo travel is that there is no one to take your photograph. The majority of the time, they stop when you dont react. So, if you ask for a table for a party of one, nobody will bat an eyelash. 124 Things to Do in Harlem, New York City. CheckSkyscannerfor flights to New York; they tend to have the best rates. Visit New Yorks less famous museums. Exactly! The Staten Island ferry is a service that is provided by the city of New York absolutely free of cost. Dont listen to your headphones at night. Z New York Hotel in Long Island City, Queens This hotel has unbelievable panoramic views of the city, especially from the rooftop bar. Subway stations. See a show by yourself. Plus it is the perfect opportunity to get some great photographs of the NYC skyline. Walk away and say that you have to go, that youre late. Plus, between the MET on 5th Avenue and the Cloisters, you could literally spend several days here, taking in all the magnificent artifacts that call the MET home (can I call the MET home? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I get it. That makes me laugh. Do men catcall in New York? . Okay, Ill still be your friend but only because I can eat all of your cheese. Well, believe it or not, youre not actually here for the books, even though they have a great selection \ to choose from. All amazing, all popular images of New York. Its up to you to do your homework and not book an illegal rental. The subway runs 24 hours a day (albeit less often late at night) and its safe to take 24 hours a day. Dont feel weird walking in and asking for a cool ass, to go cup of coffee. I`m sure that my experience there will be one of the most memorable moments in my life. One item that is particularly heavy and bulky: shoes! Well, never fear because this carousel is located in the one and only Battery Park. Nearly all the subway lines route through Times Square; its the center of the city. I was trying to stay under $250 a day for a hotel in New York but I see that is impossible. Mention that youre going to Cambodia, or Bosnia, or South Africa, and people will often react like Pol Pot is still alive, Serbian bombs are falling, and Apartheid ended yesterday. Neither do any other of the hundreds of thousands of single women ( married or not) who travel alone about the city. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. Learn how your comment data is processed. New York embodies everything international and awesome. Glad we agree on this. Even if the guy seems nice, never leave your drink unattended. While some of these people are genuinely in need, a great many of them are scammers. But as youve probably heard, the former City Hall station is insanely gorgeous (so basically totally different from the nasty one we use now. Dont be afraid to spend more money to feel safer. Use the TodayTix app for the best prices and get $10 off your first purchase with the code AELAA. And the result is amazing. Since NYC offers so much and means so much to many different people, visiting New York alone might feel overwhelming at times. In Queens I recommend Long Island City (amazing Manhattan views along the water) and Astoria (fantastic Mediterranean food). The Jane Hotel in the Meatpacking District If you want a cool but affordable place, the Jane is where you should stay. esteemedescapes.com. Its a city built for the solitary person. 5. Yes, Its Possible. In particular, go to the East Village neighborhood for all the trendiness bars and clubs. Use taxis and rideshares safely. This is something I do everywhere, not just in New York. You can save around 50% by taking an Uber Pool or Lyft Line, where you share the vehicle with other riders. Get away from it all at The Cloisters. 22. A place where charmingly historic and insanely exquisite townhouses dominate the urban landscape. Unsubscribe at any time. 21. Enoteca Maria is special because the food is cooked by Italian grandmothers. Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf. We all know Im weird and have some morbid fascination with all things that go bump in the night. Just be aware of the difference between local (stops at every station) and express (stops only at certain stations) trains. In second is New York City, with an overall score of 9.71 - dropping from the first position from 2022. . Destination #3 - Spain Plaza De Espana in Seville, Spain Another amazing country for women traveling solo is Spain. The Travel Industry Association reports that an estimated 32 million American women travel alone every year. Le Bain at The Standard, Meatpacking District, Manhattan, The Village Tavern, West Village, Manhattan, House of Yes, Bushwick, Brooklyn (closed right now but should open again soon), Check out the used books at Strand Bookstore, Explore the MET (aka the Metropolitan Museum of Art), Listen to some music on the historic barge. I would also only stay with a host when doing an Airbnb rental in NYC. While writing this post, I came up with ten reasons why you should not only travel New York alone, but also why youll fall deeply in love with the city on your independent adventure. See a lecture or two. The only answer to this question is no, they do not. And if youre not sure where to get a second debit card, try Wise. 8. Aloft Brooklynin Downtown Brooklyn Sleek style and cool design in the center of downtown Brooklyn with 24-hour food available. Oh man. Eating a slice while standing at a table may be the easiest way to eat alone. A Miami-based real estate developer's extravagant proposal plan was ruined when an immigration official in the Bahamas erroneously assumed his Moldovan model girlfriend, 25, and her sister, 36 . Spend a day exploring the biggest Chinatown in Flushing, Queens. There are so many different ways to network and make new friends. Or infrared saunas? Check out Harlem hotels here and see all Harlem Airbnbs here. I could literally spend an entire day inStrand Bookstore! I mean, Ive traveled to well over thirty different countries, have lived all over the world, have visited countless cities, and still consider NYC to be one of the safest cities in the USA, even today. You have instant camaraderie with your fellow watchers. 10. What if youre a woman who wants to travel New York alone? For an extra reassurance, I highly recommending buying travel insurance for your solo trip to New York City. Alternatively, visit Le District in Battery Park for some Sancerre and brie before perusing their fromagerie, or the new Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards for Rioja and jamon iberico. Enjoy wine, cheese, and groceries, Italian-, French- and Spanish-style. Here are 11 New York restaurants where I enjoy eating alone: The Meatball Shop (many locations) This is my go-to post-theater spot (Hells Kitchen location) and I often take out-of-towners here. Grab a cup of coffee at Pietro Nolita, 18. You may want to double-check that youre close to a subway line that youll actually use. The Empire State Building. 23. I am a HUGE theater lover and truly feel that you cannot solo travel NYC without seeing at least one Broadway or off-Broadway show. Where to start? Please see mydisclosurefor more information. Its not necessary to buy any special travel clothing. If you want to blend in with New Yorkers, wear a lot of black. Yes, talk to the locals and make new friends while you're traveling. Youre in lucky. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The East Village and the Lower East Side are best for exploring nightlife (and can be loud at night). Yup, people here really do dine solo all the time. I recommend joining the weekly Reddit meetup at Peculier Pub in the West Village! Feel like being a kid again without schlepping all the way to Coney Island? You are not obligated to give them anything, either. Get lost in the stacks at The Strand. Theyre also extremely chic enough to work in a fashion-conscious city like New York. Coming here, you will be transported into a bizarre world where the dirt, grime, and total chaos of New York City are almost completely absent. Whether youre spending 2 days in New York or an entire week, youll discover at least one museum that appeals to your personal interests. Both are great options for anyone who is new to eating alone and feels a little awkward about it. I believe that with the proper research and preparation, almost anywhere in the world can be safely traveled by a woman on her own. Further Reading Violent crime against tourists is rather rare. If your next destination is a 30-minute walk away, why not just walk it? Now you understand why my financial struggle is real! A food tour could include cuisine from Ecuador, Mexico, Nepal, the Dominican Republic, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and more. Link Copied! Do you plan to visit the city in the near future? Ive visited the city many times by myself and never encountered a dangerous situation. Just be forewarned that they open at around 11 am on Saturdays. You have countless cool neighborhoods to explore. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Hit up the Bronxs Little Italy (far more authentic than Manhattans Little Italy) for a meal if you choose the former; an eatery along Flatbush Ave. if you choose the latter. This has worked for me on dozens of trips, lasting from four days to four months. Areas to Avoid in NYC for Solo Travelers Manhattan 1st/York Ave and 11th-13th Ave (theyre just far from the subway), East Harlem (not great at night), Brownsville/East York in Brooklyn, Jersey City/Staten island/Hoboken (theyre safe but just hard to get to and so youll waste a lot of time and money during your commute), and the Bronx (Parts of the Bronx are really nice but the Bronx as a whole is just really far away from everything). However, I can confidently say that if you use common sense, that you will be safe in New York City. Check out hotels in Brooklyn here and see all Brooklyn Airbnbs here. Pro Tip: Since the MET is located on the East side of Central Park, definitely visit Central Park, the Frick Collection, the Guggenheim, and Albertine French bookstore while youre here. Broadway. New York is fantastic for other reasons, too. And while I know you may think that Broadway shows are expensive, but theyre really not. Ask for help if you need it. Yup, probably one of my favorite buildings to visit and photograph. Be sure to check Google Maps beforehand because it will tell you how long each way will take. Experience the weirdness at Sleep No More. This is one of the great information for me today. I recommend only staying with people who have been verified and have lots of positive reviews. Other iconic shows are Dear Evan Hansen (a poignant production about difficult topics. Thats why visiting the Color factory is one of the epic things to do alone in NYC. My top recommendation is the West Village. Vegas' upside is that you don't have to be exposed to the "grittier" parts of the city if you don't want to be, since transportation is 99% by car or bus. What are some good neighborhoods? Chill out, order some food, pet some cats, and live the dream for about a half-hour while you enjoy some of the best things to do alone in NYC. Not only are museums peaceful, but I think its easier to appreciate the paintings and sculptures without other peoples commentary jarring your thoughts. Have you traveled solo in New York? Get there when they open; the coolest stuff (like dragonfruit juice served right out of the fruit) goes quickly. If they dont get to the point in the first sentence or two, they are likely going to ask you for money or try to sell you something. Plus, this fantastic park is centrally located, right near Times Square, the New York Public Library, the Morgan Library, and Grand Central Terminal. You wont regret it. 3. Be vigilant when in crowded areas. Dumbo was once a heinous beast of a neighborhood! Sorry, I just had to get all Karate Kid up in here. Share expert tips on how to get around while you solo travel NYC. Of course, I am! So do, gasp, plenty of free things to do in New York City. Rank City / Country Country Ranking Change Since 2022 Overall; 1: Dubai, United Arab Emirates: United Arab Emirates: 7.00: 8.12: 2: Madrid, . Always Carry an Extra Debit Card Again, this is just a really good general travel safety tip but Im throwing it in this New York solo travel guide because I think its super important. The shows are just as good as Broadway shows but cheaper because they are off-Broadway and are therefore in smaller theaters. Can you tell I have a thing for books? New York City London . NYC is just too damn big. Rent a CitiBike and ride through a park. There are so many wonderful and safe attractions for families, like museums for children, awesome zoos like the Bronx Zoo and Central Park Zoo, entertainment like theatre for children and lots of options for fun restaurants and parks. Want to challenge yourself? Now, formerly gross, centers of industry have been transformed into trendy, hipsters hotspots, Im actually not quite sure Im hip enough to hang out here but whatevs. A place that you probably wont find in any solo travel NYC guidebook. Its a place that feels safe, is in a good location, and provides good value for money. Bring a camera and stop to smell the roses. I love World Nomads and have used their insurance on several trips, and never had any issues. Quirky vintage Wes Anderson-esque decor, a short walk from the Hudson, and easy access to the West Village. Despite its crowds, New York Citys energy rejuvenates me and inspires me even when I dont have any cool solo trips planned for the immediate future. Truly an enchanting place in NYC and one of the many great things to do alone in NYC. So did you actually expect to sleep? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This way, if something does happen, theyll know to call the police and come looking for me. Hang Out in Greenwich Village Known as The Village, this neighborhood is awesome for solo travelers. Packing light is the mantra of many seasoned travelers, but it's especially important for women traveling solo. Pro Tip: Once you get to Staten island you will probably be hungry. New York on a Shoestring Budget? Its especially vital if youre visiting from outside the United States due to our overpriced and unfair medical system. She traveled the globe and wrote of her. Governors Island is just south of Manhattan with historic buildings, incredible city views, and lots of bikes to rent. And Boroughs of the Dead is epicallygood. Thats not the case. 8. Spend a little extra money for a hotel on a well-populated street rather than down a quiet alley. Not only is the coffee at Pietro coffee delicious, butit is served in a to-go cup that says, Pink as [emailprotected]$k. Yup, its as amazing as it sounds. Grab some coffee at Porto Rico Importing Co. 15. Second, New York is a huge city that may be confusing, so it's crucial to have a strategy and be familiar with the area. Okay, not really since Im not homeless but you get the idea. Check out some great views and street art in DUMBO, 8. Avoid the area around Brownsville and East New York in Brooklyn. New York has all of those and more. Tip: dont just read books about rich white people in New York; the city is so much more than that. Whether you want to spend time on your own or meet cool people, whether you want to browse quirky museums or take the hardest fitness class in the city, whether youre visiting New York for the weekend or staying for a full month, whether youre on a budget or the skys the financial limit, New York has something for every solo female traveler. This bagel place offers an assortment of bite-sized, bagel flavors that are filled with a variety of different cream cheese options. Fifth Avenue. In terms of cabs, I rarely take them because they are just so damn expensive, And if I do take a car of some sort, Its usually an Uber or Lyft. 01:00. What tips would you add to the list? They also sell super cool, super quirky bags that I almost bought impulsively. Comfortable but fashionable shoes I have bad arches and live in comfy but cute shoes from The Walking Company. Okay, so if youre doing a bit of NYC solo travel and are looking for love in all the wrong, I mean right, places, then there are a ton of different ways to meet other NYC singles. In Manhattan, you should be covered unless youre staying far west (think 11th-13th Ave) or far east (think 1st-York Ave). Look for exits. In New York City, you will feel like youre starring in a popular TV show. So, keeping all this in mind, here are my fave places to stay for anyone planning to solo travel NYC. This is one of the best burgers in the city; the gnudi is terrific too. Where to eat? Here you can procure the perfect cappuccino or other, expresso-related beverage of your choice. are well decorated and spacious too. Bring a book with you or just your phone. Just use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings, stick to more populated neighborhoods, and always walk with a purpose. Be extra vigilant in isolated places where there arent other pedestrians. Amazon has lots of affordable options. Visit the Oculus and World Trade Center, Best Hotels for People Who Want to Solo Travel NYC, How to Solo Travel NYC and Get Around Safely, Additional NYC Travel Resources Youll Love. So, if youre a digital nomad and receive payments from clients all around the globe, then they are an ideal choice too. 2. Super helpful. Just keep your wits about you, don't trust anyone you feel might be giving you one, and listen to your instincts. Guard your belongings closely, especially when youre in crowded situations like on the subway or at a touristy place like Times Square or a museum. Just do yourself a favor and dont hoover a delicious waffle from Waffle and Dinges, right before you ride on this piece of childhood nostalgia. This way, you can get awesome ideas for your next solo date in NYC. 6. New Yorks extensive subway system runs twenty-four hours unlike many other cities. 16. The subway makes everything so convenient, you dont need to plan your hotel depending on what you want to do. Korean? I say this because I have taken the train into and out of Grand Central so many times, that I completely forget about the architectural beauty of this building. Time to stand out, my friends. I mean, obviously. Thankfully, he walked away but if this happens to you (note, it probably wont) just duck into basically any store and use your cell phone or a phone in the store to call for help. So put on your comfy pants and try some fan faves like the truffle brie, Murrays Cavemaster Reserve Hollander Special Edition, Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor, the Fourmage Gouda, the Bleu Mont dairy bandaged cheddar, and like ten thousand more. New York is a great place for women solo travellers! Tone House is infamous for being the toughest workout in New York. Adventuring alone as a woman can empower you to see the world on your terms. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Because even if youre not into musicals in the traditional sense, I pinkie promise that there is still a Broadway show out there that will eb perfect for you (Ummcan you say The Book of Mormon?). The only way to guarantee you avoid violent crime is to live underground in the middle of nowhere and never leave. This is especially good if youre staying in an apartment rental or staying in a hotel far from your departure point. Though Stacy Schwartz is a born-and-raised New Yorker, the urge to quit her full-time gig to travel the worldalonefor three months struck her hard and she hasn't looked back since . This ultimate guide to solo female travel is meant to help any woman (or non-woman) who has ever dreamed of traveling alone do so with confidence! Huh? Because is this dude seems to only host women, then that probably means that hes using Couchsurfing as a hookup service. Spend a day at a Korean spa. Nearly all of Manhattan and the cool parts of Brooklyn are so sanitized, the safety is on par with a theme park. Spa Castle in Queens is the biggest and best (theres a shuttle from the Flushing stop); Premiere 57 is a smaller spa in Manhattan. 4 colorfull women shared their experiences, ti. Well nothing! Well, you could nab some rather expensive tickets from the Transit Museum, or you can do as the locals do and basically duck down, hide, and stay on the 6 train past the final stop at City Hall. Indians are braving war to study in Ukraine. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The drinks are yummy but super sweet. Because regardless of the day and time, there are ALWAYS a ton of amazing things to do alone in NYC. Solo Travel New York = awesome experience. But I promise its real and Not some New York City-induced mirage! I've gone from a bit bummed about the solo experiences to pumped. 2 Days in Savannah: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary. However, when traveling alone as a woman, you do need to be safe. Despite what you see on TV, only wealthy New Yorkers take cabs all the time, and today Uber, Lyft, and Via are more popular options. Like I said, lot of cutting edge and new designers attempt to get their names out to the public by opening shops in New York, which means youre able to buy clothing that no one else in your social circle owns. Just try and beat the crowds by going on a weekday or as early as possible on a weekday or weekend. Sign up for my bi-weekly e-mail list and get a free, compact New York Packing List from a local now! Just walk around. But if youre at all worried about traveling alone in NYC, you can check out thisNYC safety guideand follow some of my fave safety tips below! Daybreakers are sober dance parties taking place early in the morning before work. Even so, its smart to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night. Their pho is so good I havent been able to psych myself up to try any other entrees! Thanks for what you have shared about the post here. The Ramble is my favorite part of the park its dark, mysterious, and the closest thing to a forest in the middle of the city. So are you tight on money? He used his winnings to buy recording equipment and the rest is history. Go to Amateur Night at the Apollo in Harlem. Cheer on your favorite performers and boo the others they say its the most fun you can have for under $30! Trust me, it works. The website will show you locations near you. You just need to know where to go and what to do because trying to make friends with a Wall Street trader at 2:00 pm on a Tuesday is a total no go since were (the collective NYC we) busy people and generally dont; have time for small talk while were on the go. Honestly, you cannot go wrong staying anywhere in New York City. Not only is there a super Instagramable, neon sign that reads, sweet moment, but this Chinatown coffee, tea, and dessert Mecca (think Bingsoo, waffles, cake, ice cream, etc.) Events vary widely, but Resident Advisor is a good source for finding them. No really, unless youre lactose intolerant, I just cannot fathom how any human CANNOT appreciate the salty, rich, and creamy goodness that is cheese. Dont stress about this; nobody will think youre weird or even unusual for eating by yourself. I recommend staying around 110th-120th near Frederick Douglass or 140th-155th between Riverside and St. Nick. Just picture the library in Beauty and the Beast and youll have an idea of just how magical this vastly underrated library really is. Its actually a French American bookstore on 5th Avenue ( right across the street from the MET). Its gorgeous, safe, and has easy access to Central Park. But guess what? And when you arrive just check in at the front desk, sign a waiver, take your shoes/coat off, go over the rules, and sanitize your hands. "My clients like the idea when the world's availability says "no," they know I am . Chelsea, Flatiron, and SoHo have a similar ambiance to the West Village. Prospect Park is a great option in Brooklyn. And definitely dont stop in the middle of the sidewalk! Buildings that are adorned with a diverse assortment of botanical life; plants that helpremind you that New York City really can expertly intertwine the beauty of manmade and natural structures. Bono (Hamilton Heights) Italian food, but unexpectedly amazing Italian food. I know it sounds weird but it is honestly one of the best bagels that I have ever had. Looking for the weird, beyond hipster parties? Yeah, visiting the memorial is always emotional, and it took me YEARS to visit the 9/11 Museum amazing and extremely well done but definitely a difficult place to visit. The entire store has this historic feel since they use open old-school potato sacks that are filled to the brim with whole coffee beans. Did you know that there is no need to buy tickets? 18. Curious about reiki? Youre a Celebrity as in New York. If you need anything else just let me know! Downtown Brooklyn is central and convenient. Dont Leave Drinks Unattended and Limit Drinking Again, this is something I practice regardless of where I am in the world. NYC is Actually Safe for Solo Travelers Believe it or not, New York City is very safe for solo travelers.