Travel Tips

A safe solo trip to New York: The traveler’s guide

Globetrotter, US native, and international settler Sam Morrison shares their best experiences, accommodation options, and safety tips, in this guide to a smart and safe solo trip to New York City. Explore the parks and neighborhoods, find great ways to meet people, and visit museums in the city that never sleeps.

My solo trip to New York left me breathless. Between Broadway, incredible restaurants, and world-famous museums, it was a trip filled with unforgettable memories.

To prepare for the trip, I researched safety tips, the best seasons to visit, and more. From accommodations to the city’s parks, this guide covers everything I learned to help you plan a smart and safe solo trip to New York City (NYC).

In this article

Safety tips for solo travelers in New York

Exploring New York solo was an exciting adventure, but I quickly learned that staying safe is key to making the trip smooth as it is memorable. Here are some of the tips that worked best for me:

I put AirTags on my luggage to make sure my things stayed in the right hands.
I used reputable transportation options, like licensed taxis and rideshare apps, for a safe and tracked experience.
I avoided walking in isolated areas at night — while I generally felt safe during the day in New York, some neighborhoods are less secure after dark.
I stayed aware of my immediate surroundings, particularly on the subway and at night.
I kept my important possessions secure, like my personal bag, passport, and travel documents.
I turned on location services, so my friends and family could keep tabs on my movements if needed.

Travel tip: Turning on location services, utilizing navigation tools, and staying connected to mobile data made my trip much easier. I used an eSIM for New York to avoid roaming fees, but you can also buy a prepaid SIM card.

Planning your solo trip to New York

Planning my solo trip to New York was the first step to an unforgettable experience. To make the most of every moment, I considered the time of year to visit and the overall costs before going. Here’s what I learned:

When is the best time to visit New York?

While New York City is lively year-round, each season comes with its perks and challenges. Here’s what to expect season by season:

Spring (March-May)

✅ Mild weather, blooming parks, fewer crowds compared to summer.

❌ Rain is common, and some attractions may feel a bit chilly.

Average temperature: 53°F (12°C)

Summer (June-August)

✅ Fun outdoor events like free concerts in Central Park, extended daylight, and a lively atmosphere.

❌ Hot, humid weather and larger crowds can be overwhelming for solo travelers.

Average temperature: 77°F (25°C)

Fall (September-November)

✅ Pleasant temperatures, stunning fall foliage, and cultural events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November.

❌High tourist demand in October can make accommodations pricier.

Average temperature: 60°F (16°C)

Winter (December-February)

✅ Magical holiday decorations, fewer tourists post-holidays, and cozy solo exploration.

❌ Cold, snow, and shorter daylight hours can limit outdoor activities.

Average temperature: 37°F (3°C)

Summer in New York City is great for walking and exploring.

How much does a solo trip to New York cost?

When I planned my solo trip to NYC, I found that daily costs ranged from $150–$300+ USD, depending on my choices.

Here’s a breakdown of average costs for budget, moderate, and luxury travelers in New York City:

	Accommodation	Food	Transportation	Attractions
Budget	$60–$150/night	$20–$40/day	$0–$10/day	$30/day
Moderate	$200–$400/night	$50–$100/day	$10–$30/day	$60–$100/day
Luxury	$500+/night	$150+/day	$50+/day	$150+/day

These costs include:

Budget travelers: I stayed in hostels, budget hotels, or shared Airbnbs. For meals, I mostly stuck to street food, delis, and casual spots like pizza and bagels. I used the subway and enjoyed pay-what-you-wish or free attractions.
Moderate travelers: On another trip, I was able to treat myself to a combination of mid-range hotels and private Airbnbs. I paid a bit more to dine at sit-down restaurants or trendy cafés and used a mix of subway, taxis, or ride-shares like Uber or Lyft– a nice break in the rain. I visited a mix of free and paid attractions.
Luxury travelers: You can enjoy luxury hotels or boutique stays, fine dining and upscale venues, private car hires or taxis, and premium seats for attractions.

Travel tip: I saved money by staying in hostels or Airbnbs, using public transit, and exploring free attractions – the city in itself is a sight! Getting a subway pass, and enjoying the city on foot lowered my transportation costs. Walking is one of my favorite ways to see the city — and it’s totally free!

How do you get around New York City?

As a solo traveler, you’re going to want to cover as much ground as possible. Here’s how you do it:

Subway: The subway is the fastest and most efficient way to get around NYC, running 24/7 with a single ride costing $2.90 or $33 for a 7-day unlimited pass.
Buses: NYC buses are slower but offer scenic routes. A single ride costs $2.90, and they accept MetroCards or contactless payments. They’re great for accessing neighborhoods that aren’t well-served by the subway.
Walking: Walking is free and ideal for exploring NYC’s compact, pedestrian-friendly areas like Midtown or Greenwich Village at your own pace.
Ride-shares and taxis: Apps like Uber or classic yellow cabs offer convenience but can be pricey, with fares starting at $10+ depending on distance and traffic.
Citi bike: Rentals cost $4.49 per ride or $19 for a day pass. They’re a fun way to explore the city, especially in parks or along the Hudson River.

Travel tip: Be aware of rush hour (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM). Public transportation gets crowded, taxis are harder to find, and ride-share prices can surge.

Free activities for solo travelers in New York

Traveling to NYC alone gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here are some fun activities to enjoy, all free of charge.

Explore Central Park and other must-visit NYC parks

A stroll through Central Park is a must for anyone on a solo trip to New York. From boating and picnicking to watching street performers, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

But the city has many other incredible parks that are also worth a visit.

Prospect Park in Brooklyn offers a more laid-back vibe, with lush meadows, wooded areas, and even a zoo. Bryant Park offers ice skating from late October to March in the heart of Manhattan.

The rink, called the Bank of America Winter Village, is free if you bring your own skates, or you can rent them on-site.

Travel tip: Add a notebook, pen, and headphones to your NYC packing list, and hang back and relax in one of New York’s amazing parks.

Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do for any solo traveler. Enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Statue of Liberty.

Whether you’re snapping photos or simply taking it all in, it’s a perfect way to live your main character moment. When you’re up there, you’ll see why it’s featured in so many TV shows, movies, music videos– and why you took this solo trip.

Check out New York’s unique neighborhoods

For me, an NYC solo trip wouldn’t be complete without exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods. They’re the best way to dive into the character, history, and charm that make New York unforgettable.

Here are some neighborhoods you won’t want to miss:

Greenwich Village: Known for its bohemian roots, this area offers charming streets, lively jazz clubs, and Washington Square Park for people-watching and soaking up local vibes.
West Village: With cobblestone streets and quaint brownstones, the West Village feels like a movie set — perfect for wandering into boutique shops and trendy cafés.
Upper East Side: This sophisticated neighborhood is known for its elegant townhouses, proximity to Central Park, and cultural gems like The Met and The Guggenheim.

New York City sites never cease to surprise, explore more!

Travel tip: Grab a coffee or a picnic and sit on the iconic Met Steps, featured in Gossip Girl, at the entrance of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in the Upper East Side.

Visit Grand Central Station

Visiting Grand Central Station feels like stepping into a movie scene, and for good reason. It’s where Clark Kent transforms into Superman, Nick Carraway begins his journey in The Great Gatsby — even The Men in Black have made an appearance.

This iconic location is the perfect spot to soak up the city’s energy and marvel at its historic architecture.

Travel tip: If your solo trip is longer than a few days, it’s worth taking a day trip outside of the city from Grand Central Station to Hudson, NY (roughly 2 hours in train and about $30 USD), New Haven, CT (2 hours in train and around $15), or Bear Mountain State Park (Just over an hour by train then a short rideshare at roughly $50 total). It’s a lovely way to get some fresh air and explore more.

Grand Central Station is a must-visit destination in NYC. Source: Unsplash

After visiting Times Square, head to Chelsea

While a New York solo trip is near incomplete without a visit to Times Square, there’s local magic next door.

Once you’ve taken in the bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere, head to Chelsea Market, just a 15-minute walk away. Located in the Chelsea neighborhood, this bustling indoor marketplace is filled with unique food vendors, artisanal shops, and local products, making it a great free way to experience local culture.

Find great gifts, unique jewelry, and clothing at Chelsea Market.

Top 7 activities for solo travelers in New York

With so many things to do in New York, it’s hard to know where to start. From visiting the Statue of Liberty to roaming Greenwich Village, here are six favorite activities for a memorable solo trip to New York City.

1. Go to a baseball game

There’s not much that says a classic American experience more than heading to a good ‘ole baseball game.

Whether you’re for the Yankees, the Mets, or just a good time, New York City has two major league ballparks available for you to join in the fun.

You can visit Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to watch the Yankees play at home, or Citi Field in Queens for the Mets.

As both parks are easily accessed by the subway, you can utilize the New York tourist card for affordable bundled packages with access to public transit.

Sam’s travel tip: Research in advance to save on tickets or catch special events. Yankee Stadium is known to host Taco Tuesdays, College Nights, and do promotions on Mondays and Tuesday nights, as well as Citi Field. Otherwise, general admission is upwards of $15 USD.

2. Try a New York City Meetup

Meetup is an amazing way to add a social element to your solo adventure. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s diverse. You can find everything from tech gatherings to running clubs.

I’ve personally used it mostly for language exchanges, but to each their own!

Meetup as you travel solo Source: Unsplash

Sam’s travel tip: While Meetup is known to host safe group events, it’s worthwhile to remind solo travelers to use smart meet up practices.

This is unfortunately particularly true for solo female travelers, but is wise for all.

Smart and safe general meet up practices:

Never meet new acquaintances in isolated locations.
Always let someone know where you are.
Turn location services on your phone ON.

3. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

For art lovers, MoMA is a must-visit, especially for solo travelers seeking inspiration.

It’s home to masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, a collection of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, and an ever-evolving collection of modern and contemporary art. This was one of my favorite stops on my New York City solo trip, hands down.

Tickets: $14–$25, depending on age and exhibitions.

Hours of operation: Open daily from 10:30 AM–5:30 PM, Saturdays until 7:00 PM.

Travel tip: I strongly recommend booking tickets online in advance to save time and ensure entry.

Taking a break at the cafe inside MoMA.

4. Attend a Broadway show

Broadway is the heart of NYC’s theatre scene, with hits like Wicked, The Lion King, and Moulin Rouge. Tickets range from $50 to $250+, depending on seating and show popularity.

If you’re looking for something different, Off-Broadway offers unique shows like Drunk Shakespeare and Sleep No More. Tickets are typically more affordable, costing between $30 and $100.

On my solo trip to New York City I wanted a mix of time for reflection and fresh interaction.

Going to an off-broadway show gave the time to sit back and enjoy, get inspired, and be quiet while offering a social setting for mixing and mingling afterwards. Only in New York City can you find such great shows and interesting characters– off and on the stage!

Travel tip: For last-minute savings, check online on the day of the show. Just keep in mind that availability isn’t guaranteed, so plan ahead if there’s something specific you want to see.

5. Join guided walking tours

Guided walking tours are a great way to experience the city through the eyes of someone who knows it inside and out. They can be fun, informative, and even tasty — yes, food tours are included here!

Here are a few walking tours worth checking out:

Brooklyn Bridge cinematic photo walk: Enjoy stunning views and have professional photos taken as you walk the iconic bridge.
Foods of New York tours in Greenwich Village: Explore the neighborhood’s rich food history and culture.
Graffiti & Street Art tours in Brooklyn: Discover vibrant murals and graffiti in Williamsburg and Bushwick.

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge, featured in many films and TV shows.

6. Visit cafes and book shops

New York City is teeming with style, culture, and flavor. To get a taste of them all, visit local cafes and book shops. I find this a great move no matter where I travel solo, and thoroughly enjoyed on my trip to New York.

At cafes you get a chance to check out the local culture, interact with people, and of course try some of the delicious coffee.

Sumptown is one of my favorites but what I recommend is to find a neighborhood you’d like to explore, plop yourself there, and use Google Maps to search for “coffee shops” nearby. This gives you a better chance of finding something more local.

As for book stores, New York City is filled with great places to find an unforgettable read! I always find a book as a favoured companion while traveling solo.

Try McNally Jackson or Quimby’s Bookstore for a tale inside of your solo adventure.

7. Visit a place of faith

A global multicultural city, New York city is home to many faiths. While it doesn’t always express tolerance, for the most part it does.

It’s amazing how many different types of people and sets of beliefs live so close to each other.

When I traveled solo to New York City, I enjoyed visiting different temples, churches, and mosques. While I didn’t enter them all, it was a moving experience to take in the architecture, culture, and essence.

I recommend visiting a place of faith– even if that’s one of New York City’s incredible parks– on your solo trip to New York City.

I find it’s a great opportunity to bring meaning to a solo adventure, if not by religious, then cultural and communal terms.

Accommodation options for solo travelers in New York

You’ve followed your New York travel guide to prepare for your trip, but what about accommodation? In this section, I’ll share some of the best options for a solo trip to NYC.

Hostels

Staying at a hostel is a great way to meet fellow travelers on a solo trip to New York. They’re often filled with other people from all over the world, with interesting stories to share.

Many hostels also host events like pub crawls, city tours, and live music nights, providing entertainment while bringing travelers together.

Here are my hostel recommendations in NYC:

Name	Location	Approximate price	Feature
HI NYC Hostel	Upper West Side	$60 per night	Near Central Park
The Local NYC Hostel	Long Island City, Queens	$80 per night	Rooftop bar
Chelsea International Hostel	Manhattan’s Chelsea district	$60 per night	Free breakfast

Note: Prices depend on room choice and seasonal demand — the numbers above are approximations.

Travel tip: Hostels usually offer dorms and private rooms. Think about how much privacy you’ll need when making your reservation.

Hotels

If you’re looking for excellent service and the luxury of rooftop bars and restaurants, treating yourself to a hotel stay is a great option for your NYC solo trip.

Many top New York hotels also have knowledgeable concierges ready to offer recommendations, so be sure to ask!

Here are my hotel recommendations in NYC:

Name	Location	Approximate price	Feature
W New York	Times Square	$300–$400 per night	Easy access to Broadway theaters and Radio City Music Hall
The Standard, High Line	Meatpacking District	$250–$400 per night	Views of the Hudson River
The Roxy Hotel	Tribeca	$300–$450 per night	Live jazz and weekend brunches

Travel tip: Book well in advance, especially during the holidays, when demand is particularly high.

Vacation rentals

If you’re looking for accommodation that feels more like home, vacation rentals are a fantastic choice. They’re ideal for extended stays, offering amenities like kitchens and often providing deals for longer bookings.

Here are some vacation rental recommendations in NYC:

Company	Approximate price	Feature
Airbnb	$150–$300 per night	A range of options, from private rooms to entire apartments
Vrbo	$200–$400 per night	Focuses on vacation homes and apartments
Sonder	$250–$500 per night	Professionally managed, modern apartments in trendy neighborhoods

To find budget-friendly rentals:

Look for rentals in neighborhoods slightly outside tourist hubs for better deals, like Queens or parts of Brooklyn.
Check for discounts on longer stays or off-season travel.
Book well in advance.

Travel tip: Ask your host for local recommendations or read reviews of your rental to make the most of your NYC solo trip.

Best restaurants for solo travelers in New York

Dining solo in New York is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re embracing the thrill of eating alone, grabbing a bite with new friends from your hostel, or meeting up with locals, here are the best restaurants for your NYC solo trip.

Coffee shops

Coffee shops are perfect for meeting other travelers, soaking up the vibe of a neighborhood, or just taking a break during your solo trip to New York. Here are a few top picks:

Dough: A cozy spot for delicious doughnuts and specialty coffee while exploring Brooklyn.

Price per person: $1–$10
Location: Downtown Brooklyn

Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Known for its rich, bold coffee and trendy vibe.

Price per person: $1–$10
Location: Multiple locations, including Greenwich Village and Brooklyn

Ralph’s Coffee: This spot inside Ralph Lauren’s flagship store offers high-quality coffee in a classic, stylish setting.

Price per person: $10–$20
Location: Upper West Side

Casual dining

Fuel your adventure with one of the many casual dining spots in NYC. Here are a few of my favorites:

Pasta Louise Restaurant: A cozy place for amazing Italian food and a warm neighborhood vibe in Brooklyn.

Price per person: $30–$50
Location: Prospect Heights

Joe’s Pizza: Serving foldable and affordable New York-style pizza slices since 1975, Joe’s is a go-to for locals and tourists alike. It’s the perfect spot for cheap, tasty food on the go.

Price per person: $1–$10
Location: Multiple locations across the city

Barney Greengrass: A classic New York deli established in 1908. The smoked salmon and New York bagels are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch near Central Park.

Price per person: $20–$30
Location: Upper West Side

Note: Bring cash — they don’t accept credit cards!

I loved the ambiance, fabulous pasta, and dessert at Pasta Louise Restaurant.

Travel tip: Didn’t make a reservation? No problem. Ask for a seat at the bar. One of the perks of solo travel is how easy it is to snag a spot without a long wait.

Fine dining

Looking for an elegant evening after a long day traveling solo? Look no further than these three fine-dining restaurants in New York City:

The Blue Ribbon Brasserie: This American restaurant focuses on seafood, steaks, and creative entrées. The lively atmosphere offers a refined yet relaxed experience.

Price per person: $50–$100
Location: Lower East Side, Manhattan

Le Bernardin: With three Michelin stars, this seafood restaurant combines French-inspired dishes with an elegant dining experience.

Price per person: $100+
Location: Midtown Manhattan

Sushi Yasuda: Known for its traditional Edomae sushi, Sushi Yasuda delivers perfectly crafted dishes in an intimate, minimalist atmosphere. A must-visit for sushi lovers.

Price per person: $100+
Location: Midtown East, Manhattan

Travel tip: Make reservations well in advance since these restaurants are highly sought-after.

Best ways to meet people in NYC as a solo traveler

Just because you’re on a solo adventure doesn’t mean you have to explore alone. Here are some of the best ways to meet new people during your NYC solo trip:

Stay at a hostel: They’re filled with other travelers ready to explore
Join tours: Guided food tours, history walks, or even AirBnb experiences are great for meeting people with similar interests
Try MeetUp: From running groups and language exchanges to gaming nights, MeetUp is known for bringing people together
Explore Central Park: It’s a hub for people from all over the world, making it a perfect place to strike up a conversation

Stay connected on your solo trip to NYC

For me, a solo trip to New York is all about discovering vibrant neighborhoods, enjoying incredible food, and finding hidden gems.

From exploring Central Park to navigating the subway, staying connected is key to a stress-free experience.

Whether you’re a solo female traveler, male, nonbinary or trans-gendered, traveling smart is important. Don’t walk alone in isolated areas at night, turn on location services as you travel solo, and keep loved ones up-to-date on your plans.

If you’re visiting New York from outside the US, I recommend the Holafly eSIM to stay connected. It’s a great way to get service without worrying about expensive roaming fees.

You can choose from customizable data plans that make it easy to navigate the city, stay in touch, and share your adventures back home.

The setup is fully digital and takes just five minutes, which is great for being on the go. Designed by travelers, for travelers, it gives you peace of mind — even in the city that never sleeps.

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