It’s hard to feel truly alone in a city of over 8 million people (unless you want to get philosophical about it).
New York City offers what seems like an endless variety of experiences as a global epicenter for culture, food, fashion and entertainment—but what does that mean for a woman traveling alone? To help travelers, we spoke to a number of local women about how to plan a solo trip to the City, from what to keep in mind when picking a neighborhood to stay to how to make friends during your trip. Read on for what they had to say.
NYC Is Inherently Great for Solo Travelers, Especially Women
New York City is built for convenience. Unlike in London or Boston, you can find a 24-hour pharmacy at 3am for that last-minute phone charger or anything else you might need. The subway runs all night, streets are laid out in an orderly grid (mostly) and many areas have multiple public transit options, reducing the need for taxis.
The best part? Even without an itinerary, NYC delivers. Just book your flight, show up and let the City work its magic. (And for spontaneous plans, our website and social handles are great resources.)
“New York was one of the first cities I explored solo. It’s very walkable—put on sneakers, get lost and enjoy. Even as a first-time woman traveler, you’ll never truly feel lost.” — Amanda L.
Bethesda Terrace, Central Park. Photo: Daniel Harel
Where You Stay Sets the Tone
Your home base matters. Choose a neighborhood based on how much you want to explore, especially on foot. For first-time solo travelers, staying in Manhattan simplifies things—many top attractions are within walking distance. For example, Midtown places you near Times Square, Central Park and Rockefeller Center, while the Upper West Side offers easy access to Harlem, Columbia University and Lincoln Center. Use our hotels page to find the right stay.
While the other boroughs may not have the same concentration of places to stay, they each have pockets of popular areas with accommodation, and all have restaurants and attractions worth visiting as well.
“Create a loose itinerary based on your evening plans and book a hotel nearby. Walking is the best way to experience NYC.” —Erin M.
Staten Island Ferry. Photo: Lucía Vázquez
NYC Is Packed with Free and Affordable Activities
Offset the cost of traveling solo by taking advantage of free or low-cost things to do in the City. Luckily, New York City is a trove of affordable activities that don’t skimp on quality.
Walk through Central Park, along the High Line or around any of our beloved neighborhood parks.
Ride a Citi Bike, or kayak for free on the Hudson.
Hop on the Staten Island Ferry for skyline (and Statue of Liberty) views.
Snag free or cheap event tickets—like for The Tonight Show or, if you’re lucky and plan in advance, SNL.
Visit museums on free/pay-what-you-wish days (eg, Whitney Free Fridays).
Plan your trip around some of our programs such as NYC Restaurant Week, offering prix-fixe menus at some of the City’s best eateries, and NYC Broadway Week, which offers 2-for-1 tickets to Broadway shows. Both take place in January and July and are among the many programs our organization offers, including NYC Must-See Week, NYC Off-Broadway Week and NYC Hotel Week.
For more free and affordable suggestions, see our NYC on a Budget guide!
Coney Island Boardwalk. Photo: Brittany Petronella
Don’t Overschedule; Let NYC Lead the Way
NYC is the type of city that just works, whether your itinerary is planned out to the minute or you’ve hopped on the Brooklyn-bound N train with no particular destination in mind. NYC rewards spontaneity, and you don’t need a jam-packed schedule to have an unforgettable time.
“It’s easy to overload your schedule, but NYC is best enjoyed when you leave room for surprises. Even top restaurants can accommodate solo diners at the bar, and Broadway rush tickets are often available.” —Bianca M.
Brooklyn Flea. Photo: Sam Hollenshead
There’s Something for Everyone When it Comes to Shopping
Is it hyperbole when it’s true? Whether dusting off a pre-loved bauble at a flea market or trying on statement pieces at Bloomingdale’s, NYC offers one-of-a-kind shopping experiences that cater to every closet and budget. (And window-shopping is also slightly more satisfying here.)
Check out this calendar to figure out what sample sales will pop up during your trip.
Browse open-air markets like the Grand Bazaar and Brooklyn Flea.
Visit some of our most famous department stores like Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street, Bloomingdale’s on 59th Street and Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue on—you guessed it—Fifth Avenue.
Madison Avenue boasts haute couture flagship stores like Chanel, Prada, Hermès and Ralph Lauren, among others.
Explore the world of Soho shopping, a balance of independent designers and luxury brands in one of our most famous neighborhoods.
Vintage and consignment shops are overflowing with interesting items from New Yorkers.
“Sample sales are an experience—runway pieces, limited stock and crazy deals.” —Jocelyn W.
Courtesy, Eataly
Finding Your Tribe Is Easy
Just because you arrived solo doesn’t mean every part of your trip has to stay that way. NYC is full of opportunities to connect with fellow travelers or local New Yorkers—you just have to put yourself in the right places. Remember, the best connections tend to happen when you’re doing something you love.
Take a class like one of these cooking workshops.
Join a walking tour; choose from food tours, architecture walks, history-focused excursions and more.
Find your bar! Sports bars, jazz lounges, cocktail bars—whatever your pleasure, we have it. Frequent the same place often enough and you’re sure to make friends with the regulars and the staff.
Attend cultural events: museum lectures, concerts and gallery openings are great for mingling.
Drop into a yoga class or join a running group.
“People think New Yorkers are rude, but they’re incredibly helpful. The City is more welcoming than you’d expect.” —Amanda L.
Bungalow. Photo: Lanna Apisukh
Dining Alone Isn’t Strange—It’s a Rite of Passage
We’d call dining alone a power move if it weren’t such a common sight in New York City. It often means better seats and less waiting time. As a solo diner, you typically get seated at the bar, which makes it easier to accommodate a last-minute walk-in, especially at some of the most sought-after reservations across the City. For more information, see our Savor NYC page.
“Embrace early dinner—many top restaurants have bar seating for walk-ins. You’ll be out by 7, and the City will still be buzzing.” —Erin M.
“Get dressed up, sit at the bar and enjoy your meal. It’s NYC!” —Suzanne D.
7 Line Queens. Photo: Daniel Harel
Yes, Take the Subway!
For exploring beyond your neighborhood, stay near a well-connected transit hub with multiple subway line options. It’s fast, affordable and essential. Here are some pro tips:
Carry a map: Ask a station agent for a physical subway map or download an NYC subway map to keep on your phone; it won’t just tell you what line to take, but help you orient yourself to where you are in the City.
Be aware of night and weekend changes: Trains may run less frequently or have reroutes, so plan an alternate route as well.
Download the City’s transit apps: Check for delays in real time with the MTA app or website. If you’re using Google or Apple maps, make sure to cross-reference it with the latest from the MTA.
Ride in the conductor’s car: Hop in the front or middle car when riding the train late at night for extra reassurance.
Stick to busy exits and train cars: There can be strength in numbers, especially outside of typically crowded times.
Use the Subway Help Points: The red button is for emergencies; green is for general inquiries.
“A basic understanding of the subway is a game changer. And ask for directions—New Yorkers love giving them!” —Emily W.
Astoria. Photo: Vincent Tullo
Apply Your Safety Know-How to NYC
New York City is one of the world's safest big cities. Many of the things one might worry about when it comes to NYC are unfortunately commonplace everywhere. The good news is, that means you’re already prepared! But there are variables intrinsic to New York City to account for when taking the usual precautions.
Be aware of rush hour crowds around major transit hubs, especially while waiting for the subway underground.
Don’t accept unsolicited items handed to you on the street. This can apply to photos as well; if a costumed character takes a photo with you in a visitor hub like Times Square, they expect to be tipped.
Research the neighborhoods you’re heading to; some streets go from bustling to isolated within a few blocks.
If you’re traveling alone at night, stick to well-lit, busy areas and consider rideshares over subways after midnight.
Don’t solely depend on your phone. Carry a power bank, write down key addresses and have some cash on hand just in case your tech fails you.
New York City offers an unparalleled experience for solo women travelers. Whether you plan every detail or wing it, the City will meet you where you are.
