30 Things to Do Alone in New York City 2024

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When you think of the places of the known universe worth a visit, New York is high on the list for many individuals. The city that never sleeps has plenty to offer to tourists. While people believe they should visit with a loved one, friends, or family, that’s not the case. There is so much to do and see in the Big Apple when you’re alone too. This article is proof of that. Let’s see what you can do in New York alone, and have the adventure of your life.

1. Stroll The Central Park

Without too much research we can claim that Central Park is probably the world’s most well-known park. It has been depicted in many movies and is a part of popular culture in every part of the globe. Just taking a walk through it can help create memories for the entire life. The best part is that you can explore it alone without fearing anything as it is always filled with New Yorkers and tourists alike. You could meet a few celebrities who love to jog in this area.

2. Rent a Hotel in NYC

When in New York by yourself, you need to act a little bit more recklessly than your usual self. That’s why you came for, in the first place, right? Just rent a room in some of the popular hotels and indulge in the exotic nightlife with all of your senses. Best locations are always in downtown Manhattan, close to all of the fund but you can pick any other location if you have your favourite. For more privacy you can go with Casablanca Hotel or The James.

When the nighttime comes, you could visit some bars and find yourself some company. After all, when in a hotel, you need to make a mess out of your bedsheets. If you end up alone, you could switch to a different type of enjoyment, sex toys from Bestvibe can help with that unexpected situation.

3. Go Shopping

In NYC you can act like some of its most famous television characters. Just like the ladies from Sex and the City, you can spend your Big Apple time shopping. After all, New York is famed for its shopping outlets. Just go down to 5th Avenue, SoHo, or Madison Avenue. You will certainly find a few trinkets to buy and make your NYS visit one to remember long after you’ve left through the clothes you’ll be wearing for years to come.

4. Take a Ride on the Staten Island Ferry

The best part about New York is that it has plenty of monumental daily happenings that it’s hard to try them all out. The one that you should check out is the Staten Island Ferry. There are many ways this ride becomes enjoyable. First of all, it is completely free. Secondly, and more importantly, it will provide a unique view of the city. You’ll be able to enjoy the classic atmosphere of the town by taking this one simple ride.

5. Watch a Broadway Show

The biggest association to this city that never sleeps is its immortal theater. If you desire to soak up the spirit of NYC you must go down to Broadway. It’s one of the events that you can fully enjoy alone. Yes, people usually go in couples, but this is what gives you an advantage. Single tickets are a cheaper option. For a one-time experience that Broadway offers, going by yourself is the right move. There’s no atmosphere like it.

6. Conquer The City From One World Observatory

Millions of people visit New York every year. The majority of them desire to grasp the city in one view. The location that allows you to achieve it is the One World Observatory. It is located on the city’s biggest building, the One World Trade Center and it puts a unique perspective on the Big Apple that you will not find anywhere else. The 360-degree view of NYC is what every person dreams of. Every bigger, both natural and artificial, monument of the city is seen from this observatory starting from the Brooklyn Bridge to the one-of-a-kind Hudson River.

7. Explore NYCs Coffee Shops

If we learned one thing from the famous TV sitcom Friends is that coffee is rooted deep into the culture of this city. You’re not a real New Yorker if you don’t carry your favorite cup while strolling the streets of the city. This is what makes this city so amazing. The number of coffee shops in the city sometimes seems uncountable. There are plenty of coffee shops and many of them offer high-end products worth trying out. Become a New Yorker for a day by trying their best coffee.

8. Walk The Brooklyn Bridge

This bridge is as famous as the city itself. It has been depicted in so many movies that it is hard not to recognize it at first sight. Many of us dreamed of walking down the Brooklyn Bridge. When in NY you must make this dream happen. It offers an amazing view of the city landscape, but also it will leave you in awe by simply looking at it. What we’d like to suggest is to combine our proposal from the point above with walking this bridge. You’ll need that caffeine for the long stroll.

9. Visit The Oculus

If you’re in awe of the Big Apple architecture, you must pay attention to the Oculus. This is probably the best place in the town to enjoy modern buildings and take some cool Instagram photos. The famed Oculus is filled with marvels of architecture and with numerous shops and restaurants. This is what makes it a perfect location for every tourist out there. It is connected by the subway with other neighborhoods making it an ideal stop on your path to explore NYC.

10. Go For an Artistic Exploration

New York City has it all. You shouldn’t doubt it in terms of art and culture. If you are in that sort of exploration, going to one of its numerous museums and art galleries should be what you do. Art is best-enjoyed solo, so being by yourself in the big city makes it ideal for a dose of cultural raising of your personality. If this is one of the things you want to do on your own in the Big Apple, starting from the Museum of Modern Arts should be your next move.

11. Statue of Liberty Exploration

Here, we’re probably speaking of one of the best-known monuments in the universe. How many others can compare? Maybe the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Jesus Christ Statue in Rio de Janeiro. Lady Liberty is the symbol of not only freedom but of the whole city of New York and the United States of America. Being in New York and not exploring this statue would be a sacrilege. You’re only one ferry ride away and there should be no excuses for missing this famous monument.

12. Walk The High Line

We are talking about a second green area in NYC. If you’re in for a little escape from your standard New York City tour you must go to the High Line, and simply walk and relax. We are discussing almost two miles of absolute greenery, flowers, art, and walkways. It is an escape room out in the open. One could find it hard to believe that there’s such a location in this big city. Just take a cup of coffee and enjoy a seamless nature in a city built on stone.

13. Try The NYC Pizza

Which one? Well, many will do the trick. Just like with coffee, the Big Apple has a serious pizza culture. When you’re staying in NYC you will often have to eat on the go. The best route to go is to eat one of the famed slices the city has to offer. There are many options to pick from and you will adore Lucali, Joe’s Pizza, or Di Fara pizza among many other choices. Many of these establishments feature in popular TV shows such as Billions which is a testament to their quality and worldwide fame.

14. Explore the Catacombs

Are you surprised? Catacombs in NYC? That is correct. Under the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, you’ll find them. They’re more than 200 years old. The best part is that New York is a rare place in the States that has catacombs. So, it would be a shame not to pay them a visit upon your visit.  What you should know is that they’re only available as a part of a guided tour. So, even alone, you cannot go by yourself. You’re not Wednesday Adams after all.

15. Color Your Day With Color Factory

Color Factory is a contemporary museum. It is a unique establishment that will alter the way you perceive art and colors. In this immersive place, you will spend time like nowhere else. It is an ideal place to go by yourself and to find new things about yourself. What you must know is that this is a place with high traffic. So, if this is a part of your NYC tour you need to book your visit in advance.

16. Visit the Cloisters

If you want to see a piece of Medieval Europe in the middle of NYC you can do it at The Cloisters which is near Fort Tryon Park. We’re talking about a museum so you do have to be afraid of any Crusade or ideas like those. What you will find is one of the best art collections around. We’re talking of gardens, architecture, and different forms of art. These courtyards are what every art lover should see when in town.

17. Join a Food Tour

New York is famed for many things and we will not make the mistake of not mentioning its food. Yes, we already talked about pizza, but you can take it a step further. NYC is famed for its food tours that offer different tastes to tourists. So, you can try the already mentioned pizza, but go to Chinatown for a bit of Chinese food or to Queens to try some traditional Italian dishes. Just, be careful, the food adventures in the Big Apple are like rabbit holes. You could come back with a few kilos more than you had when you came.

18. A Central Harlem Adventure

One of the districts of this famed city you must visit is Harlem. Here you will not only find one of the world’s most charming neighborhoods. You will also immerse yourself in a piece of history.  The cultural heritage of this place is off the charts. Make sure that you spend some time in the renowned Apollo Theatre. Solo travelers can not only enjoy one of the best atmospheres the city offers but also find company with people who were driven here by the same desires.

19. Whispering Gallery in GCT

One of the biggest hubs in the city that never sleeps is the Grand Central Terminal. But it doesn’t only serve those who are seeking transportation. It is also home to the Whispering Gallery. This is a unique experience for anyone willing to try it out. The magic happens when you stand at one side of the arch and start whispering. Anyone on the other side of the same arch will be able to hear you. This is one of the most unexpected experiences you can have in this city.

20. Attend a Live Jazz Performance

If you’re a fan of good music, this needs to be on your bucket list. If you’re looking for a legendary jazz scene, one of the places where you’ll find it is New York City. The best part is that you’ll find live performances happening outside, on the street in the broad light. But you can also visit locations such as Village Vanguard and Blue Note Jazz Club. If music is your poison, go to NYC and seek jazz musicians. You will not regret making this decision.

21. NYC Helicopter Tour

This city looks best when you see it from the air. If you want an otherworldly experience you need to book a helicopter tour and start making circles around NYC. When you do this, the city will soon be like you’re holding it in the palm of your hand. Seeing the Lady Liberty, Central Park, Manhattan, or the Empire State Building from the air is an experience like no other. Just fly high and have your breath taken from you.

22. Morgan Library & Museum

After visiting the Big Apple, you will have no excuses not to be culturally elevated. One of the many places in the city where you can do this is Morgan Library & Museum. For those who wonder about art, this needs to be one of the stops. Just think of the many manuscripts, books, and art collections you will witness at this location. To have the time of your life and get educated in the process is only possible in a city such as this amazing pearl of the USA.

23. Street Food Sampling

Here we go again with another food activity. We are not exaggerating when we say that NYC has one of the world’s premium street food scenes. This city is, in fact, best experienced through its food. We’re not only talking about the diversity of cuisine and high-end restaurants. Many would argue that the best food in this city is found on its streets. Just go out, get hungry, and learn more about the city not through your mind and eyes but through your belly.

24. Find a Piece of Mind at Bryant Park

Yes, Central Park is the main natural attraction in New York. But, it’s not the only one. Don’t be naive. Enter Bryant Park. This piece of relaxation and peace is found in Midtown Manhattan. Here, you can indulge your escapism if you get the need after witnessing thousands of concrete buildings in the city. In Bryant Park, you can lie on the grass or sit on a bench. Read a book or take a sip of coffee. Also, this park is home to many live performances from many artists. Do not skip on it if you need to have some relaxing time while alone in NYC.

25. Tenement Museum

As we said, this city is home to many artistic and cultural monuments. You should never doubt this. Tenement is one of those museums that you need to have on your bucket list when visiting the Big Apple. When exploring the Lower East Side, this is the place where you need to spend a few hours. This museum is home to a large piece of the domestic history of this town.

26. Visit Coney Island

For this piece of NYC time, you need to spend a lot of it there. To experience Coney Island at its fullest, you need to spend at least one day there. This isn’t too much to ask especially when you see it. This is one of those places where the boardwalk breeds that well-known NYC charm. One of the things you need to experience is some of the most special Big Apple Park rides and rollercoasters.

27. Spend Time at Chelsea Market

It is not about buying anything. It is about experiencing the unique atmosphere of this market. It is an indoor palace that is brimming with food stalls, boutiques, and artisanal shops. If you’re looking for a special NYC souvenir, you’re almost sure to find it here. It is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Make sure to try their boutiques for clothes and for food too. Cheeses, pastries, and sweets you’ll find here are on the charts.

28. Art-Hop in Chelsea Galleries

While you’re at Chelsea, you need to move away from the marketplace and start exploring its art galleries. There are a few worth visiting, and you should try to pay a visit to all of them. Here, you will find one of the most vibrant hubs of modern art in the world. The sculptures and pictures you will see here have shaped the art of the world for at least a few decades. If you want your attention to be captured by massive pieces of modern art, you need to spend some time in the vast galleries of Chelsea.

29. Join a Yoga Class in CP

If you want to be a New Yorker for a day, this is the way to do it. Central Park is famed for many things. One of those that you will notice on every step when the weather is fair is that CP is brimming with outdoor activities. This is an opportunity to join a special group and spend some time with other people rather than solo. Playing with a group of people who are practicing yoga in Central Park will help you feel the atmosphere of the city and become one with it for at least a few yoga lessons.

30. Kayak on the Hudson River

After experiencing it from the air, you should experience New York from the water too. The best way to do it is not from a ferry or a boat. You need to go even lower. This is why we are recommending you to try out kayaking on the Hudson River. Not only is it a great physical activity it will allow you to explore the Big Apple in a really unique way.

Bottom Line

New York has so much to offer to its tourists and residents alike. The fifteen things we listed above are just the tip of the iceberg of NYC activities for people going there alone. But, after all, you need a place to start, and these fifteen points are a great place to do it. As you walk down our list you will certainly find more things to do on your own or make a great combination of the things we already listed.

Q: Is it true that New York’s coffee is so fine that if you do not have a favorite cup while walking the streets, you are not a real New Yorker?

A: Nah, you don’t have to do that, but locals do have serious opinions of their coffee. You’ll blend even with a cup on the go, but having our favorite cup on hand will make you closer to local customs.

Q: Can I reenact Kevin McCallister’s Home Alone adventures at the Plaza Hotel?

A: The Plaza Hotel is one of the best locations to stay in NYC, but be advised– they will not like it if you plant booby traps. On the other hand, what you do in your bedroom is solely up to you.

Q: Is it a crime to visit New York and not try a slice of the famous NYC pizza?

A: While there are no pizza police in NYC, it’s highly recommended to try a slice. You won’t be arrested for not eating it, but it’s a slice you don’t want to miss.

Q: Can I whisper my secrets at the Grand Central Terminal’s Whispering Gallery?

A: Yes, you can, and your voice will reach the other end without a fault. Just be sure you take it as a joke. It’s all fun and games, but you do not want a data breach.

Q: Is attending a live jazz performance in NYC mandatory?

A: Of course it is not mandatory. But, you’ll be missing one helluva ride for your hearing if you miss out on it.

Q: If I kayak on the Hudson River, can I legally claim to have seen the entire city?

A: Kayaking on the Hudson River is a fantastic way to see the city, but it won’t do the trick on its own. You need to cover our list almost entirely.