100 Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC

North AmericaUnited StatesNew EnglandNew YorkNew York CitySolo travel
Written By Tony

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Visiting New York City alone can be a wonderful experience. The city has great solo activities from iconic food to world-class attractions. We have 100 ideas to get you started.

100 Solo Things To Do in New York City: (Jump To)

Iconic Landmarks & Observation Decks

Empire State Building

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC

Ride up to the 86th or 102nd-floor observatory for sweeping views of NYC. Going solo means you can take your time soaking in the skyline without feeling rushed.

Top of the Rock

The open-air deck at Rockefeller Center offers a prime view of the Empire State Building and Central Park. It’s a great alternative to the Empire State Building if you want fewer crowds.

One World Observatory

Located at the top of One World Trade Center, this observatory has an interactive digital experience alongside stunning views. Try the "Sky Portal" for a unique glass-floor view of the city below.

Summit One Vanderbilt

This newer observation deck features mirrored floors and an immersive art installation. Perfect for a solo visit if you love photography and unique perspectives of the city.

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Take the ferry from Battery Park and explore these historic sites. Visiting alone allows you to spend as much time as you want reading personal immigration stories at Ellis Island.

Read our post about going to the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

Museums & Cultural Attractions

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - MET

The Met is massive, so being alone lets you wander at your own pace. Don’t miss the Temple of Dendur or the rooftop garden (seasonal).

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

A paradise for art lovers, featuring works by Van Gogh, Warhol, and Monet. Going solo allows you to linger at your favorite pieces without distractions.

The Whitney Museum of American Art

This museum focuses on contemporary American art and has a fantastic rooftop terrace with views of the Meatpacking District.

The Guggenheim Museum

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Guggenheim

The spiral structure itself is a work of art. Walk to the top while admiring pieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Pollock.

Banksy Museum New York

See the world’s largest collection of the works of elusive street artist, Banksy.

The Morgan Library & Museum

This hidden gem features an ornate private library that looks straight out of Beauty and the Beast. A peaceful retreat for book lovers.

The Museum of the City of New York

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - The Museum of the City of New York

Deepen your knowledge of the city with a visit to The Museum of the City of New York. Interactive displays and exhibits chronicle the stories of the people and places that shaped the city.

The Frick Collection

A small but stunning museum featuring Old Master paintings in a historic mansion setting. Perfect for a quiet, reflective visit.

The Tenement Museum

Take a guided tour through restored immigrant apartments on the Lower East Side. The intimate experience is great for solo travelers who enjoy history.

The American Museum of Natural History

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - The American Museum of Natural History

From the massive blue whale to the dinosaur fossils, this museum is fun to explore alone at your own pace.

The New Museum

A cutting-edge contemporary art museum in the Lower East Side with ever-changing exhibitions. The rooftop view is a bonus.

New York Transit Museum

See vintage trains and learn the history of the massive New York transit system located in a decommissioned subway station.

Outdoor Spaces & Parks

Central Park

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Central Park

Walk through The Ramble, visit Strawberry Fields, or sit with a book by the Bow Bridge. You can also rent a bike and explore hidden corners.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

A peaceful escape with a stunning cherry blossom display in spring. The Japanese Garden is a must-visit.

The High Line

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - The High Line

A scenic elevated park built on an old railway line with great views, art installations, and seating areas to people-watch.

Prospect Park

Brooklyn’s version of Central Park, with fewer tourists. Check out the boathouse, Prospect Park Zoo, or the Brooklyn Museum nearby.

Bryant Park

A great place to relax with a coffee, watch street performances or join free public events like yoga and chess.

Visit the Hallett Nature Sanctuary in Central Park

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Hallett Nature Sanctuary

A quiet, less-visited section of the park with winding trails.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Brooklyn Bridge

Walk along the historic Brooklyn Bridge. A dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path rides above the cars. The walk offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Stroll Through Roosevelt Island's Southpoint Park

Offers fantastic views of Manhattan and a peaceful setting.

Explore the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden

A hidden, serene garden inside Staten Island’s Snug Harbor.

Walk the Green-Wood Cemetery 

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Green-Wood Cemetery 

One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country, filled with history and stunning sculptures.

Visit Little Island at Pier 55

A floating park with unique landscaping and great river views.

Check Out the Irish Hunger Memorial

A quiet, thought-provoking park in Battery Park City designed to resemble an Irish countryside.

Walk Along the Gowanus Canal

This formerly industrial area is now home to trendy bars and street art.

Explore Socrates Sculpture Park

A waterfront park in Queens with rotating outdoor art installations.

Find the Hidden Waterfall in Midtown

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Greenacre Park

Greenacre Park is a small urban oasis with a 25-foot waterfall.

Go Birdwatching in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

One of the best birdwatching spots in NYC, perfect for a peaceful solo escape.

Food & Drink Experiences

Take Yourself on a Pizza Tour

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - new york pizza

Try classic NYC slices at Joe’s Pizza (Map: Google Maps), Prince Street Pizza (Map: Google Maps), and Scarr’s Pizza (Map: Google Maps).

Try a Michelin-Starred Restaurant for Lunch

Many high-end spots like Le Bernardin (Map: Google Maps) offer affordable lunch prix-fixe menus.

Go to an Underground Food Market

Visit Turnstyle Underground Market in Columbus Circle for unique eats.

Explore Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Explore Arthur Avenue in the Bronx

NYC’s real Little Italy, full of old-school bakeries, delis, and pasta shops.

Have a Solo Sushi Bar Experience

Sit at the counter at Sushi Nakazawa (Map: Google Maps) or Sushi Yasuda (Map: Google Maps) and let the chef decide your meal.

Try a Cookie from Levain Bakery

Their legendary giant cookies are worth the wait.

Find a Hot Dog

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Nathan's Hotdogs

There’s nothing more iconic than a New York hot dog. Find one at a cart in Central Park or make a pilgrimage to the original Nathan’s Famous.

Go to a Midnight Diner

Eat late at spots like Veselka (Ukrainian food) (Map: Google Maps) or Sarge’s Deli (pastrami sandwiches) (Map: Google Maps).

Visit an Old-School Jewish Deli

Get a matzo ball soup and a pastrami sandwich at 2nd Avenue Deli.

Indulge in an Over-the-Top Milkshake

Black Tap Burgers serves Instagram-worthy milkshakes topped with candy, cookies, and even slices of cake.

Chelsea Market

Wander through this indoor food hall with endless options, from tacos to artisanal chocolates.

Katz’s Delicatessen

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Katz’s Delicatessen

Order a pastrami on rye and savor it solo while enjoying the old-school atmosphere.

Smorgasburg

An outdoor food market with dozens of vendors serving unique street food, perfect for sampling a variety of flavors.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Dominique Ansel Bakery

Home of the original Cronut. Going solo means you don’t have to share your treats.

Russ & Daughters Café

Enjoy a classic NYC bagel with lox in a historic setting.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

Great for solo diners who love ramen and pork buns.

Café Sabarsky

A Viennese café inside the Neue Galerie, serving excellent pastries and coffee.

Unique NYC Experiences

Ride the Roosevelt Island Tram

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Roosevelt Island Tram

A scenic cable car ride with skyline views for just the cost of a MetroCard swipe.

Visit the Washington Square Arch

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Washington Square Arch

A monument to the country’s first president and the democratic ideals of the USA The Washington Square Arch is a beautiful spot in the heart of the city.

Take a Sunset Cruise

Solo travelers can enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the skyline with a cocktail in hand.

Explore DUMBO

Wander through this artsy neighborhood, visit Jane’s Carousel (Map: Google Maps), and snap photos from Pebble Beach (Map: Google Maps).

Go Thrifting in Williamsburg

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Go Thrifting in Williamsburg

Explore secondhand shops like Beacon’s Closet (Map: Google Maps) and L Train Vintage (Map: Google Maps) for unique fashion finds.

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Entertainment & Nightlife

See a Broadway Show

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Broadway Show

Many theaters offer discounted solo tickets, making it easy to grab a great seat. Last minute deals can be found at the TKTS booth (Map: Google Maps) in Times Square or on their useful app.

Attend a Comedy Show

The Comedy Cellar (Map: Google Maps) is legendary, but UCB (Map: Google Maps) and The Stand (Map: Google Maps) also offer fantastic lineups.

Listen to Live Jazz at The Village Vanguard

One of NYC’s best jazz clubs, perfect for a solo night out.

Attend a Poetry Reading at The Bowery Poetry Club

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Bowery Poetry Club

A cool, intimate space for spoken word and live storytelling.

Watch a Drag Show at Pieces Bar

A lively, welcoming environment with fantastic performances.

Neighborhood Exploration

Chinatown Food Crawl

Things To Do Alone in New York City Solo Trip to NYC - Chinatown

Try soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai (Map: Google Maps), scallion pancakes at Vanessa’s (Map: Google Maps), and egg tarts at Golden Steamer (Map: Google Maps).

Little Italy's Cannoli Tasting

Head to Ferrara Bakery (Map: Google Maps) for classic Italian desserts.

Day Trips & Hidden Gems

Governors Island

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Governors Island

Take the ferry and rent a bike to explore this peaceful getaway.

Coney Island Boardwalk

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Coney Island Boardwalk

Visit Coney Island’s attractions like the rides at Luna Park. Take a waterside stroll on the boardwalk.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center (Staten Island)

Features a stunning Chinese Scholar’s Garden.

Wave Hill (The Bronx)

A serene garden overlooking the Hudson River.

New York Public Library (Main Branch)

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - New York Public Library (Main Branch)

Admire the grand architecture and visit the Rose Reading Room.

The Met Cloisters

A medieval art museum in Upper Manhattan with beautiful gardens.

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Offbeat & Quirky Activities

Explore the Abandoned City Hall Subway Station (via Tour)

A hidden gem beneath NYC.

Visit a Cat Café

The Meow Parlour lets you sip coffee while playing with adoptable cats.

Go to a Speakeasy

Try hidden bars like Please Don’t Tell (PDT) (Map: Google Maps) or Attaboy (Map: Google Maps).

Take a Ghost Tour

Learn about NYC’s haunted history on a nighttime walking tour.

Explore the Mmuseumm

A tiny, rotating museum inside an old freight elevator in Chinatown. The exhibits are bizarre and fascinating.

Check out the Morbid Anatomy Library

A collection of books, taxidermy, and oddities related to death and the macabre.

Take an Underground NYC Walking Tour

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Underground NYC

Explore the city’s hidden tunnels, forgotten subway stations, and Prohibition-era speakeasies.

Go Inside a Historic Bank Vault at Trinity Place

A bar inside a former bank vault, with original steel doors intact.

Visit The Earth Room in SoHo

A room filled with 280,000 pounds of dirt—an ongoing art installation that has been in place since 1977.

Find the Hidden Rooftop Garden at Rockefeller Center

A small but peaceful garden tucked away above the busy streets.

Look for the Berlin Wall Segments

Pieces of the Berlin Wall are scattered around NYC, with notable sections at the United Nations (Map: Google Maps) and 520 Madison Avenue (Map: Google Maps).

Historical & Cultural Experiences

Explore the African Burial Ground National Monument

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - African Burial Ground National Monument

A powerful tribute to free and enslaved Africans buried in Lower Manhattan. The visitor center provides deep historical context.

Tour the Federal Hall National Memorial

The site where George Washington took the oath of office as the first U.S. president. It’s a small but significant stop in NYC’s history.

Visit the Stonewall Inn

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Stonewall Inn

Visit the Stonewall Inn, a bar and National Historic site to learn about the 1969 Stonewall Riot and the birth of the gay rights movement.

Visit Fraunces Tavern Museum

A Revolutionary War-era tavern where Washington bid farewell to his troops. Enjoy a meal in the historic dining area afterward.

Check out the Museum of the Moving Image

Located in Astoria, this museum covers the history of film and television. Don’t miss the Jim Henson exhibition with original Muppets.

Visit the National Museum of the American Indian

Free to enter, this museum in Lower Manhattan offers exhibits on Indigenous history and culture.

Take the Brooklyn Navy Yard Tour

Learn about the history and future of this once-bustling shipyard. You can even explore some of the innovative businesses inside.

Check out our other posts about things to see and do in NYC or New York State!

Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.

Wander through the Merchant’s House Museum

A well-preserved 19th-century home that offers a glimpse into old New York. Some say it’s haunted!

Walk through the Stone Street Historic District

One of the oldest streets in NYC, now home to lively outdoor dining.

Take a Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Grand Central

Learn the secrets behind this iconic train station, including the Whispering Gallery.

Visit the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute

A lesser-known historic home where Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt once lived.

Solo-Friendly Activities

Take a Silent Disco Walking Tour

Dance your way through NYC streets with a guided silent disco experience.

Attend a Free Taping of a TV Show

Shows like "The Daily Show" and "Saturday Night Live" offer free tickets in advance.

Join a Public Dance Class at Bryant Park

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Bryant Park

Free dance lessons in salsa, swing, and tango are available in summer.

Go Book Hunting at The Strand

This iconic bookstore has 18 miles of books to browse.

Check Out a Secret Cocktail Bar

Try hidden bars like Bathtub Gin (Map: Google Maps) or Angel’s Share (Map: Google Maps) for a unique solo night out.

Things To Do Alone in New York City: Solo Trip to NYC - Staten Island Ferry at Sunset

Ride the Staten Island Ferry at Sunset

A free way to see the skyline and Statue of Liberty at golden hour.

Visit a Japanese Arcade

Try Up One in Queens for classic claw machines and rhythm games.

See a Free Shakespeare Performance in Central Park

Shakespeare in the Park offers free shows in summer.

Take a Walking Tour in a Neighborhood You’ve Never Explored

Whether it’s Brighton Beach’s Russian community or the Dominican culture of Washington Heights, there’s always something new to discover.

Sit on the Steps of the Met and People Watch

A classic NYC solo experience, complete with a pretzel from a street cart.

Tony
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