Last Updated on November 29, 2022
If you are a female who loves to travel solo and you are toying with the idea of going to NYC, well, you are just on the right track. A lot of female travelers wonder if it is safe to travel to New York alone. And as someone who has spent quite a bit of time in NYC as a solo female traveler, let me tell you: Yes, absolutely! In fact, New York is perfect for a solo trip because there’s so much to do that you’ll never feel lonely, and hundreds of thousands of women conquer the Big Apple on their own every single day. And if you’ve never traveled solo before, let me tell you: there’s no better place for a solo trip than to the city that never sleeps.
New York is the perfect place for solo travelers as it is made for solitary people and it is not uncommon to see people eat alone at restaurants, sit at a coffeeshop or at a bar alone, see a Broadway show by themselves or treat themselves to a solo date at a museum. For those who are anxious about their luggage as they explore the city, they don’t need to worry about their belongings if they use Luggage Storage guide NYC. They have hundreds of safe spaces throughout the city where travelers can store their luggage.
Here is a brief guide for the solo female traveler in NYC:
Where to stay :
Look for a place that is within minutes of walking to the subway. For a first-time visitor, Manhattan is the most convenient borough to base yourself in, since most of the major attractions are in Manhattan. Some of the most popular neighborhoods with solo female travelers are the East Village and the West Village, or Midtown (especially convenient if you’re planning on seeing a Broadway show or two). If you want to stay in Brooklyn, check out places in Williamsburg, which is the trendiest neighborhood in Brooklyn and only one stop from Manhattan on the subway. Long Island City in Queens is also just across the East River from Manhattan. No matter if you’re looking to book an Airbnb or a hotel, make sure to read recent reviews before you make a reservation.
How to get around:
The subway is easy to navigate and safe to use, and it runs 24 hours. The subway is usually faster than a taxi because it can’t get stuck in traffic, and it’s obviously cheaper, as well. A weekly pass is $33 and will pay off if you are using the subway more than 12 times. If you feel safer taking a rideshare or a cab after dark – hailing a taxi is easy in Manhattan, or to be on the safe side, use the Uber or the Lyft app.
What to do and see in NYC:
New York has so much to offer for solo travelers! In addition to the must-see sights in NYC, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Washington Square Park, and the Flatiron Building, I recommend:
- A Broadway show- a must-do in New York City! Look into the shows that are playing while you’re in town prior to your trip – there are so many, it can feel overwhelming. Decide if you’d rather see a play or a musical – or both! There are always discounted tickets available for the same day through TodayTix. If you happen to go on a shopping spree before your Broadway evening, you can leave your bags or luggage with LuggageHero Penn Station and enjoy the show with a complete peace of mind.
- Brooklyn Flea or the Grand Bazaar – If you like flea markets, then it is must to check out one of NYC’s amazing flea markets. The Grand Bazaar takes place every Sunday on the Upper West Side, the Brooklyn Flea happens in Dumbo, right on the Brooklyn waterfront, also on Sundays. You will find so many amazing things here to enjoy: vintage, antique, jewelry, art, and food vendors.
- NYC’s many parks – New York has so many green spaces – Central Park is the major outdoor attraction, yes, but also consider visiting Bryant Park, Battery Park, and Riverside Park in Manhattan; Prospect Park, Domino Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn; and Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens.
- New York Public Library – If you love books, head straight for The New York Library, which is free. Find yourself surrounded by an ocean of books and take advantage of the free WiFi and events going on in the library. Don’t miss the spectacular Rose Main Reading Room.
- Single and ready to mingle? I’ve got great news for you: it’s easy to meet people in NYC! Check out Con Fuego in Bronx, Le Bain and The Jane Ballroom in Manhattan, Judy and Punch in Queens and Union Pool and Mood Ring in Brooklyn. The Sofar living room concerts are also a great way to meet new people.
- The main attractions are a Must, of course! If you want to see all of New York’s main sights, consider getting a New York City Pass. Attractions included: the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History, the Top of the Rock Observatory OR the Guggenheim Museum; Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island OR a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise; 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. You’ll get to visit 5 attractions of your choice, but you’ll save 40% of the admission. Check it out here:
Where to shop:
New York City is a shopper’s paradise. It’s known as the fashion capital of the U.S. for a reason, so make sure that you pack your credit card 😉 But even if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on designer clothes, you’ll love shopping in NYC: there are vintage shops galore, where you can thrift designer brands for little money. Here’s a great guide for the best vintage shops in New York City for women.
