Who doesn’t want to take a bite out of the Big Apple?

New York is one of the world’s greatest and most famous cities, and while you may be waiting for someone to tag along, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that now may be the only day we have to seize.

With that in mind, these are a few top attractions you’ll want to see during your solo trip to the City that Never Sleeps.

Going Solo in NYC – Top Sites to See When Traveling the Big Apple Alone

Invest in a Statue of Liberty Harbor Cruise

It’s a great way to view Liberty Island and the great statue that represents the American dream to so many people around the world. And what has become a symbol of liberty to the world can also help you cultivate your own sense of liberty while traveling alone!

Plus, if you’re worried about navigating the city alone, this can be a great way to ease into the experience, with an attraction where there’s safety in numbers.

Most cruises depart from Battery Park and as a solo traveler you’ll be surrounded by families, other singles, couples, and groups.

Visit Grand Central Terminal

Most people view Grand Central Terminal as a staging location rather than a destination unto itself. When you think about it, though, the terminal is a work of art in its own right.

The architecture is stunning and there is no better place in the city to “people watch.” It’s easy to get lost in the crowd and there is relative safety in numbers.

Top it off with a surprising assortment of dining options and this can be a great place to spend the day and achieve a truly authentic New York experience without seeming the slightest bit out of place – you’ll notice that many others here are also traveling alone.

If you need a little more to get your attention, you’ll find excellent shopping opportunities at the Terminal as well as the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store.

It’s certainly worth planning to spend a few hours, if not an entire afternoon at the Terminal during your solo travel to NYC.

Soak Up the Boho Vibe of the East Village

If you have an old travelers soul, you’ll fall in love with the Bohemian atmosphere of the East Village. With plenty of boutique shops, street art, and a hopping nightlife, this little corner of New York City offers a glimpse of the art scene from a modern as well as a historic perspective.

In this part of the city, you can enjoy a wide range of sites and experiences including the Museum of the American Gangster, Strand Book Store, and the East Village Haunted Manhattan Walking Tour just to name a few.

You can even visit one of many speakeasy bars for a shot of adventure during your solo tour of the city. No matter what kind of Bohemian travel vibe you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it in the East Village.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Few things have changed the world in such a profound way as the events of September 11, 2001. On that day, 19 hijackers took the lives of 2,977 others in four separate airliner hijackings. 

For one brief and shining moment, people around the world stood in solidarity with Americans who stood in solidarity with one another as the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were struck by two commercial airplanes and later crumbled to the ground.

This 9/11 Memorial & Museum lies in the footprint of the former twin towers and is a can’t miss addition to any trip to New York City by anyone who still clearly remembers the events of that day in history.

As this is a sombre place of remembrance, many travelers and locals prefer to visit alone, so they can pay their respects and allow time for personal, private reflection.

Getting Around NYC Alone

Getting around New York City can be quite challenging for those who are not from the area. Fortunately, JFK car rentals are easy from the airport and many hotels allow you the option to purchase parking when you book your room.

Of course, it isn’t necessary to rent a car when visiting the Big Apple, and there are plenty of taxis (though expensive), and a fantastic metro system which is what most locals use.

However, many people prefer the freedom to visit surrounding areas that renting a car delivers. Other options for getting around NYC include the subway, hop on hop off bus tours, Uber, Lyft, cab services, walking, and taking the train.

There are few cities in the world where even women traveling solo will stand out less than in New York City. The key is to avoid looking like a tourist while enjoying many of the main attractions tourists love.

You don’t need to wait for a group, a friend, or a romantic partner to take the trip with you. Empower yourself to enjoy the ride and plan your own solo adventure in New York City so you can see for yourself why they call it the City that Never Sleeps.

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 100+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.