18 Best Things to Do as a Solo Traveler in NYC

New York City, a metropolis teeming with life and brimming with possibilities, might seem like a destination best experienced with companions. However, the allure of the Big Apple extends far beyond group adventures. In fact, venturing into this vibrant cityscape as a solo traveler unlocks a unique and deeply personal experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic energy at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and indulging in spontaneous adventures without the constraints of group dynamics.

The beauty of solo travel in NYC lies in its freedom. You can curate your itinerary based purely on your interests, linger longer at captivating exhibits, and spontaneously change course based on your whims. The city, with its endless offerings, becomes your personal playground, ready to be explored and savored. This article delves into 18 exceptional activities that will transform your solo trip into an unforgettable New York City experience.

1. Enjoy Live Theater on or off Broadway: The magic of Broadway is a quintessential New York experience, and it’s just as captivating when enjoyed solo. The Theater District, centered around Times Square, pulsates with energy, its marquees ablaze with the names of renowned productions. Attending a show alone offers the advantage of potentially snagging a single, coveted seat at the last minute, especially at the TKTS booth, which offers discounted tickets.

   Beyond Broadway, the city’s vibrant off-Broadway scene presents a treasure trove of theatrical experiences. Smaller, more intimate theaters throughout the five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island—showcase innovative and experimental works, often featuring emerging talent. Exploring these hidden theatrical gems adds a layer of authenticity to your cultural immersion.

2. Eat Your Way Around Town on a Food Tour: New York City is a culinary melting pot, and a food tour is the perfect way to sample its diverse flavors. Embark on a guided walking tour through various boroughs, each boasting unique culinary landscapes. In Queens, explore Astoria’s Greek delicacies or Flushing’s vibrant Asian cuisine. Manhattan offers a plethora of options, with tours focusing on specific neighborhoods or culinary themes.

   Venture beyond Manhattan to the Bronx’s Arthur Avenue, the borough’s "Little Italy." Arthur Avenue Food Tours provide an immersive experience, allowing you to savor fresh bread, creamy cannoli, and authentic Roman-style pizza while delving into the area’s rich history. Across the East River, A Slice of Brooklyn offers a pizza-themed bus tour, stopping at famous pizzerias, Coney Island, and other iconic Brooklyn landmarks. For a truly global culinary experience, Eat Your World’s walking tours in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst in Queens allow you to sample flavors from India, Colombia, Tibet, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Ecuador in a single afternoon.

3. Visit the Outer Boroughs by Ferry: Escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan with a scenic ferry ride to one of the outer boroughs. The Staten Island Ferry, a free service, offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline as it sails between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island. Disembark in Staten Island to explore local shops and restaurants, or simply enjoy the round trip for a refreshing break.

   For the price of a subway ride, the NYC Ferry system connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Discover the artistic enclaves of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, explore the vibrant waterfront of Long Island City in Queens, or venture into the historic neighborhoods of the Bronx. Each ferry route offers unique perspectives of the city’s diverse landscape.

4. Explore the Frick Collection: Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Frick Collection, housed in the opulent former mansion of industrialist Henry Clay Frick on the Upper East Side. This intimate museum showcases a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the late 19th century.

   Wandering through the Frick Collection’s elegant rooms as a solo visitor allows for quiet contemplation and a deeper connection with the artwork. Take advantage of the complimentary docent talks and audio tours to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the collection.

5. Eat Solo at a Bar: Indulge in New York City’s culinary scene without the pressure of securing a reservation by dining at a bar. Many restaurants with notoriously long waitlists offer bar seating on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a more relaxed and spontaneous dining experience.

   Balthazar in SoHo, a bustling French brasserie, is a perennial favorite for solo diners. Enjoy classic French bistro fare while soaking in the lively atmosphere and people-watching. Gramercy Tavern, another NYC institution, offers a more casual tavern menu at its bar, where you can savor seasonal American cuisine without a reservation.

6. Circumnavigate Manhattan on a Scenic Cruise: Experience New York City from a unique vantage point with a scenic cruise around Manhattan. Several companies offer cruises that showcase the city’s iconic skyline, bridges, and landmarks from the water.

   For a comprehensive experience, consider Classic Harbor Line’s three-hour cruise that circumnavigates Manhattan, sailing under all 18 of the island’s bridges. This immersive journey provides a panoramic perspective of the city’s diverse architecture and vibrant waterfront.

7. Take Yourself to a Movie: Enjoy the simple pleasure of a movie night in New York City. Whether you’re craving the latest blockbuster, a thought-provoking foreign film, or a groundbreaking indie release, the city’s diverse cinemas cater to every taste.

   Beyond the traditional megaplexes, explore smaller, independent theaters like Film Forum in the West Village, New York City’s only independent nonprofit movie theater, or Alamo Drafthouse, which offers themed menus and a unique dining-in-the-dark experience. During the summer months, take advantage of outdoor movie screenings in parks like Bryant Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

8. Get Lost on the Streets of New York City: Embrace the spirit of exploration by wandering aimlessly through one of New York City’s many vibrant neighborhoods. Without a set agenda, you’ll stumble upon hidden gems, charming cafes, and unexpected moments of beauty.

   Greenwich Village and Brooklyn Heights are particularly well-suited for this activity, with their picturesque streets, historic architecture, and eclectic shops. Allow your curiosity to guide you as you discover the city’s hidden corners.

9. People Watch in the Park: New York City is a melting pot of cultures and personalities, making it a prime destination for people-watching. Find a comfortable spot in one of the city’s many parks and observe the diverse tapestry of urban life.

   Bryant Park, Central Park, and Washington Square Park offer ample seating and captivating scenes. For an indoor option, find a window seat at a local coffee shop and watch the world go by as you sip your latte.

10. See the City on Two Wheels: Explore New York City at your own pace with a bicycle. Citi Bike, the city’s bike-sharing program, makes it easy to rent a bike for a few hours or the entire day. Cycle through Central Park, along the Hudson River Greenway, or across the Brooklyn Bridge for a unique perspective of the city.

    For a guided cycling experience, Bike the Big Apple by Unlimited Biking offers small group tours that delve into the history and culture of various neighborhoods.

11. Take a Double-Decker Bus Tour: Get a comprehensive overview of New York City’s iconic landmarks with a double-decker bus tour. These tours provide a convenient and informative way to see the city’s highlights, with the option to hop on and off at various attractions.

    The open-air format allows for panoramic views of the city’s skyline and landmarks. These tours often attract a diverse mix of visitors, providing opportunities for interaction and shared experiences.

12. See One of the World’s Best Collections of Modern Art: Immerse yourself in the world of modern art at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This renowned museum houses an unparalleled collection of iconic works by artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock.

    Explore the museum’s galleries at your own pace, taking time to contemplate the groundbreaking works of art. Admission includes guided and audio tours, as well as film screenings and access to PS1, MoMA’s contemporary collection in Queens.

13. Browse the Met’s Galleries After Dark: Escape the daytime crowds at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) by visiting during its extended weekend hours. On Fridays and Saturdays, the museum’s galleries are open until 9 p.m., offering a more tranquil and intimate viewing experience.

    Wander through the museum’s vast collection of art from around the world, taking your time to appreciate the masterpieces without the hustle and bustle of large tour groups.

14. Browse an Independent Bookstore: For book lovers, New York City offers a haven of independent bookstores. Lose yourself in the stacks, discover new authors, and soak in the atmosphere of these literary sanctuaries.

    Explore Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, McNally Jackson in SoHo, Three Lives in the West Village, or the Strand near Union Square, each offering a unique selection of books and a welcoming atmosphere.

15. Take a Fitness Class at a Hip Studio: New York City is a hub for innovative fitness studios, offering a diverse range of classes to suit every interest and fitness level.

    Test your endurance at Mile High Run Club, try an upbeat boxing class at Overthrow Boxing, or embrace the zen vibes at Sky Ting Yoga. These studios provide a fun and engaging way to stay active while experiencing the city’s unique fitness culture.

16. Spend a Relaxing Day at the Spa: Escape the stresses of city life with a relaxing day at one of New York City’s many spas. From luxurious hotel spas to casual bathhouses, there are options to suit every budget and preference.

    Indulge in a massage or facial, or simply relax in the sauna and steam room. For a unique experience, try Brooklyn Banya, Russian and Turkish Baths in the East Village, or Spa Castle in Flushing, Queens.

17. Hit the Beach: During the summer months, escape the city heat with a trip to one of New York City’s beaches. Coney Island in Brooklyn offers a classic boardwalk experience with amusement park rides and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.

    In Queens, the Rockaways offer beautiful stretches of sand, a selection of restaurants and food vendors, and an affordable ferry that will take you from lower Manhattan directly to the beach.

18. Gallery Hop in Chelsea: Immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art by gallery hopping in Chelsea, Manhattan’s art district. This neighborhood is home to a concentration of art galleries showcasing works by both established and emerging artists.

    Admission to most galleries is free, making it an affordable way to explore the city’s vibrant art scene. Time your visit for Thursday evening, when many galleries open their new exhibitions and offer complimentary wine and cheese.

New York City is a city that embraces individuality and rewards exploration. As a solo traveler, you have the freedom to curate your own unique experience, discovering hidden gems and creating lasting memories. Embrace the spontaneity, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture, and allow New York City to captivate your senses. A solo trip to New York City is an opportunity for self-discovery and unforgettable adventures.