47 Best Things to Do in New York Alone You’ll Love

New York is a bustling metropolis of opportunity with plenty to do and see along the way. Although this city is fantastic for couples and families, you may want to explore the Big Apple alone.

So whether you decide to live it up on Broadway or shop till you drop at 5th Avenue, you’ll never truly feel alone in the city. And with so many things to do in New York alone, it can be challenging to pick your ideal activity.

But don’t fear, you’ll discover some true gems for solo travellers below. This list has something for everyone, from the best historical places in New York to the top coffee shops you’ll absolutely love.

And who knows, you might just meet that special someone during your adventures in the Big Apple.

47 Best Things to Do Alone in New York

Before I jump right into the nitty gritty details, there is one thing I should mention. Although New York is a city teeming with adventure at every turn, some areas of the city aren’t ideal for solo travellers.

That’s why I highly recommend joining a tour when you can. And if you do decide to do it alone, try and stick to the activities I’ve listed here. These excursions tend to stick to public spaces in safe neighbourhoods.

Now, let’s start exploring!

1. See a Broadway Show

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Seeing a Broadway show is possibly the most fun you can have alone in New York. Firstly, you’ll be sitting in a dark room and won’t see anybody besides the actors. Secondly, who doesn’t want to see a Broadway Show?

Most showings are in the evenings, so you can spend the day exploring the city. The plays tend to occur at one of the theatres between 6th and 9th Avenue and West 41st and 59th Street. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to see historical musicals, like The Lion King or Moulin Rouge. But keep in mind these are some of the top showings on Broadway, so tickets sell out quickly.

Top Tip: Check out tickets for some of the best musicals like Wicked on Broadway and The Phantom of The Opera.

2. Splurge on a Shopping Spree

Like many scenes in famous Hollywood movies – I’m looking at Sex and The City – New York is a shopping destination for everyone. The most popular spot for spending is 5th Avenue in Manhattan, where you can find all the major luxury brands.

That said, if you’re traveling on a budget but still want the New York shopping experience, head to the East Village. Here, you’ll find all the best vintage and thrift stores, with most offering bargain deals.

3. Take in the Views From the One World Observatory

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There’s nothing quite like looking down on the bustling city below. And where better to do so than at the highest point of New York’s skyline at the One World Trade Centre?

At the top, you’ll have 360° views of the city, from the Hudson River to the West and the Brooklyn Bridge to the East. Standard tickets start at $44 and can go up to $74, depending on the package chosen.

Aside from mesmerising views between the 100th and 102nd floors, you can also indulge your senses in a sky-high meal. The One Dine restaurant is lovely to have dinner amongst the stars as the city below dazzles in nighttime lighting.

4. Visit Lots of Coffee Shops

Now, for the next best New York pastime. Drinking lots of coffee. New York has loads of quaint coffee shops you’ll absolutely love.

If you’re in the West Village on 6th Avenue, visit the aesthetic O Cafe with homely breakfasts and a wide range of coffee options. For a more french feel, Maman NYC is the perfect patisserie-based cafe with all your desires in mind at several locations in the city.

And for a farm-to-table vibe, have your cake and eat it too at Devoción. What I’m getting at is that you’ll never be short of options, and a coffee shop is the best place to meet friendly faces in New York.

5. Explore the Oculus

For any architecture lover, paying a visit to The Oculus is a no-brainer. Designed by genius architect Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus is much more than just a transportation station.

It was completed in 2016 and is a representation of hope, with the abstract form of a bird taking flight. It nestles within the World Trade Centre Path Station and is home to 12 subway lines.

You’ll most likely use the subway during your travels, so visiting The Oculus is highly likely.

6. Explore Central Park

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The heart of all cities has to be their parks, which serve as a moment of calm and serenity amongst a busy lifestyle. Central Park is arguably one of the most iconic parks in the world, so it’s a place you simply have to visit.

There’s plenty to see as you walk through the park, so here are a few you can keep an eye out for:

• Conservatory Water – It has beautiful statues of Hans Christian Anderson and Alice in Wonderland.
• Wollman Rink – Perfect place to skate your troubles away if you visit in winter.
• Conservatory Garden – Get some respite from the city in this fragrant and beautiful part of the park.
• Bow Bridge – You simply have to snap a photograph at this iconic bridge.
• Belvedere Castle – Take in panoramic views at a castle in the middle of the city.

Top Tip: If you want to see all this and more, join this Central Park guided tour.

7. Join a Staten Island Ferry

Another simply delightful thing to do is join a Staten Island Ferry ride. The ferry connects Whitehall Street in Manhattan to St. George on Staten Island. It’s also one of the last running ferry services in New York, so it’s kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The ferry ride takes roughly 25 minutes. You can also admire the views of the city and the Statue of Liberty from the top deck. And once you get to the island, you can visit the Staten Island Museum or the Chinese Scholar’s Garden. 

8. Stroll Across Brooklyn Bridge

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For a simple yet lovely experience, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. You can access the bridge’s walkway from the east side on Washington Street. The westside entrance is at the intersection between Boerum Place and Tillary Street.

You’ll have breathtaking views of the East River as well as the Manhattan Bridge. And once you’re done with your walk, take a rest and admire the views from the Brooklyn Bridge lookout.

And then check out the places to go to get the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge at night.

9. Go to the Colour Factory

Now, this is a real gem that’s hidden from the masses. If you want to snap some memorable photos of you enjoying a world of vibrancy, go to the Colour Factory for a truly unique museum experience.

This is an interactive art museum in the SoHo district. Explore the coolness of the sky in the “Slide into the Blue” exhibit, or experience NYC through Carnovsky’s perspective at the kaleidoscope-like installation.

And you don’t have to worry about awkwardly asking someone to take photos for you. The museum takes professional pictures for you and then emails them free of charge.

10. Walk at the High Line

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For a park experience above the city streets, visit the 2.3 km long Highline park. It’s an old railway track turned park and garden space that is perfect for the solo traveller who wants a bespoke New York experience.

You can join a free tour on Wednesdays or Saturdays to learn about the different park spaces and secrets each holds. When you’re not walking, visit the High Line website to discover what art-based events and activities are on show during your stay.

Top Tip: For more stunning community-based spaces, read my post on the most beautiful places in New York.

11. Relax on a Bus Tour

If you want to explore New York in comfort and with ease, book this city explorer pass. You’ll be able to join the bus tour, where you can choose to explore either Upper Manhattan or the city’s downtown region.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll discover some hidden and popular sights of the city, from the 9/11 Memorial to Columbus Circle. Buses leave every 15 minutes, so if you want to explore a certain landmark for longer, you can just hop back onto the next bus.

Top Tip: With this city explorer pass, you can also book up to 10 other experiences and tickets throughout New York.

12. Spend Some Time at Little Island

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If you’ve never been to an artificial island before, now is your chance. Little Island at Pier 55 is a quiet and serene park space that appears to float in the Hudson River atop cone-shaped structures.

It’s a space of ever-changing gardens with flowing paths, comfortable benches, and magical views. You get the free audio tour from the Little Island website and if you want a dazzling sunset display, visit the Northwest Overlook.

13. Visit the Iconic NYC Pizza Spots

Pizza and New York go hand in hand, so trying out all the best pizza joints in the city is a must. From Di Fara Pizza in Midwood to Lucali in Carroll Gardens. Even the classic Margharretes are off the charts.

The best area for your taste-filled journey is in the Downtown region, with a particular focus on Carroll Gardens. Take your pick from buying a single slice from Giardini Pizza to Sal’s Pizza Store. By the end, you’ll find a regular pizza spot that’s perfect for you.

14. Go to the Painting Lounge

For a nighttime activity that’ll bring your creativity to the fore, visit the Painting Lounge. Take your pick from four spots in either Chelsea, Midtown, Harlem, or Williamsburg.

You don’t need to worry about art supplies or having any previous painting experience. All you need is a bottle of bubbly and a positive attitude. Your instructor will keep you entertained as you spend the night painting, sipping drinks, and laughing the night away. 

Who knows, you may even make some new, life-long friends.

15. Visit the Statue of Liberty

It would be crazy not to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, one of America’s most iconic landmarks. This massive neoclassical statue represented the success of democracy after the American Civil War in 1865.

This colossal copper sculpture has rusted into its iconic turquoise colour, and a visit to Liberty Island to get up close is an unforgettable experience. It’s a short 15-minute ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island, where you can then spend the day exploring.

Top Tip: Join this sunset boat cruise to the Statue of Liberty for a breathtaking afternoon.

16. Discover New York City’s Catacombs

You may think of New York as an ultra-modern city, but you may not know it’s one of the few cities in America with catacombs. These 200-year-old crypts are under the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral and can only be accessed on a guided tour.

The best tour on offer is done in candlelight, so you can explore the ominous and grand passageways in dim light. You’ll learn all about its history, from it being a burial place for the wealthy to seeing the resting place of John Connolly, the city’s first bishop.

17. Admire New York at The Rock Observation Deck

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New York isn’t short of towering skyscrapers, and one of the best for magical views of the city is at The Rock. The observation deck is at the Rockefeller Center on West 49th Street and 5th Avenue.

The glass wall allows you to take in panoramic views of the entire city, from Central Park to the north and the Hudson River to the west. And if you get peckish while amongst the clouds, dine in style at the Rainbow Room on the 65th floor.

Top Tip: Pre-book your observation deck ticket to skip the lines.

18. Hit the Skies on a Helicopter Tour

Seeing New York atop its many skyscrapers is amazing, but why not take it one step further? Glide above the high-rising buildings on a guided helicopter tour for a single experience you’ll never forget.

Feel the roar of the propellers as you depart Pier 6 and spend 30 glorious minutes soaring above the Big Apple. You’ll spot all the city’s top attractions as your pilot’s in-flight commentary tells you about New York’s unique history.

You’ll even be able to see some of the most famous streets in New York during your helicopter tour.

19. Visit the American Museum of Natural History

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If you’ve watched “The Night in the Museum,” then you’ll know about the American Museum of Natural History. This interactive space has 45 massive museum halls for you to explore.

You’ll see all the iconic attractions from the famous movie, from the full Teranisaurus Rex skeleton to the Easter Island head. So if you’re in New York alone and want to spend the day learning about Earth’s history, grabbing a museum ticket is a no-brainer.

20. Join a Delicious Food Tour

I think it’s safe to say that discovering a city through its food is one of the best ways to explore. So joining a tasty food tour is something you’ll absolutely love.

The tastes of New York are distinct and delicious, from the iconic corn dogs from street vendors to classic breakfast bagels. One of the best areas for a food tour is in the Greenwich Village, as it caters to just about every flavour the city offers. 

Who knows, you may just become a regular at all the restaurants and street vendors in the area.

21. Take a Day Tour of Niagara Falls

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As beautiful as the city is, there are some days that you may want to escape its neverending buzz. There’s no better way to do this than by joining a scenic full-day tour to Niagara Falls. 

It’s a long eight-hour journey, but the countryside is a majestic site, and the final destination is even better. You’ll have three hours to explore the top viewing points like Gorge Walk.

You’ll also get the chance to join the Maid of the Mist boat cruise and feel the true power of the Falls from up close. Just keep in mind the boat cruise runs from April to December. So make sure you visit sometime between those months.

22. Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a unique space with works from five continents, ranging from Ancient Egypt to Expressionism. Across 2.2 billion square feet of exhibition space, you’ll see works by Van Gogh or ancient ruins from Pompei.

This is a truly expansive space with over 5,000 years of history, something not many museums can boast. Join this skip-the-line tour and discover everything the space has to offer. 

You can also explore the rooftop garden and admire Central Park from here.

23. Walk Through Wall Street, Little Italy, and Chinatown

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New York has a vast range of cultures and history worth exploring. So, join this walking tour through Wall Street, Little Italy and Chinatown to use your time effectively.

Wall Street is the oldest part of Manhattan but is also well known for its participation in the New York Stock Exchange. You can see landmarks like the Bull Statue and Fearless Girl Statue, all in the area.

Then there’s always Little Italy and Chinatown, both notorious for their food, cultural differences and gangster history. China Town has wide walking streets with authentic restaurants. On the other hand, Little Italy has buildings painted in red, green, and white, as well as American-Italian-style restaurants at every turn.

Simply put, all three spots are well worth a walk-through.

24. Visit the Meow Parlour Cafe

Quietly resting on 46 Hester Street is a cafe like no other. If you love cats, you’ll want to visit the Meow Parlour Cafe every morning for your coffee.

You can spend a couple of hours petting, stroking, and falling in love with New York’s cutest felines. It also is a non-profit organisation that rescues stray cats and provides a space for them to stay. You may even end up adopting a kitten or two after visiting.

25. Explore Times Square

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Times Square needs no introduction. You’ll be umming and awing at the dazzling lights and colourful billboards of this iconic region in Midtown. But aside from the billboards, shops, and restaurants, there are a couple of hidden treasures worth exploring.

Discover the wax figure Madame Tussaud, or immerse yourself in the Ocean Odyssey by National Geographic. Dive into a miniature world at Gulliver’s Gate, or take in the best views of Time Square at R Lounge. It’s also the best spot to view the Midnight Moment when fifteen screens shut down at 11:57 pm and start showing art for three minutes.

26. Discover the City by Bike

New York is a fast-paced city where everything must be done now. So why not slow things down and explore the sights in a new way with a bike tour?

You’ll take this 9-mile ride in Harlem and travel through the city, ending in downtown’s South Street Seaport. See some peculiar sights, like the Flatiron Building or The Intrepid, and some iconic ones, like Madison Square Park. And don’t worry. It’s not a race. The tour is designed to be a leisurely ride through the city.

27. Visit Bryant Park and the New York Public Library

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For the perfect combination of a green park and striking architecture, visit Bryant Park. For starters, Bryant Park is surrounded by the skyscrapers of New York’s Midtown. You can relax on the park’s green lawns and admire the blooming daffodils in spring.

You might as well visit the New York Public Library, seeing as it’s directly in front of Bryant Park. This building is a piece of artistic wonder, with the Rose Main Reading Room having ceiling frescoes that could put the Sistine Chapel to shame.

It’s also the perfect place to extend your knowledge, as the library has over six million books.

28. Enjoy a Giggle at a Comedy Show

Laughter is the best medicine, and that’s certainly the case when you’re in New York. The city has always had a stellar reputation for its comedy clubs, and that’s still very much the case to this day.

So why not visit either of New York Comedy Club’s venues in Midtown or the East Village for a night to remember? They currently have comedians such as Romesh Ranganathan and Rachel Lenihan, so you know you’re guaranteed a night of fun.

29. Be Amazed at Sleep No More

Shakespeare is a genius of his time and someone the world still reminisces over through his plays. But, if you want a truly unique experience of Shakespeare’s Scottish play Macbeth, visit the McKittrick Hotel.

With the Lens of Film Noir, you join an interactive theatre piece that invites you into the dark and ominous world of Sleep No More. This award-winning production is well worth the visit, and by the end, you’ll be as much a part of the play as you are in the audience.

30. Visit the 9/11 Museum

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The attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, was an event that rocked the entire globe. And in honouring those who passed away on that traumatic day, the 9/11 Memorial was set up within the World Trade Centre.

Explore the building and read the stories of the survivors and heroes of “Stairwell B.” Immerse yourself in the events of that traumatic day through the photos, posters, and newspaper articles that covered everything that happened.

Top Tip: The World Trade Centre gets busy, so it’s a good idea to grab this 9/11 Memorial ticket.

31. Join a Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise

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With so much to see in New York, people often pass up exploring the Hudson River. Join this sightseeing cruise to discover the river’s scenery and historical landmarks.

Step onto the Rip Van Winkle and set sail for an unforgettable journey down the Hudson River. Admire the buildings that help sailors navigate the waters, like the Little Red Lighthouse or the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse. You’ll also pass picturesque villages like Irvington and Peekskill. 

32. Explore Outside Manhattan on a Guided Tour

New York has five Boroughs that make up the city, and although Manhattan is the most famous, the city offers so much more. The Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn are all vibrant boroughs that you simply have to explore, so why not do it on a guided tour?

Discover Manhattan’s uber-rich area of the Upper East Side before continuing through to Spanish Harlem in the Bronx. Admire the Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Museum of the Arts before venturing past Randall’s Island in Queens.

You’ll meander through the tree-lined streets of Queens before reaching Brooklyn, where you’ll visit Williamsburg and Greenpoint. You’ll enjoy all this with the help of a fantastic tour guide, who lets you in on all the little secrets of each borough.

33. Discover the MET Cloisters

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Jump back to the Romanesque and Gothic periods of history at the MET Cloisters. This museum is located at Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan and provides a truly unique day outing.

You can start off by walking through the glorious Cloister lawns before entering the medieval walls of the MET Cloisters. The museum has a courtyard surrounded by picturesque arches, similar to what you might find in Rome. You’ll also find ancient European artifacts like the Tudor archives and other global artifacts.

34. Explore the New York Botanical Garden

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The New York Botanical Garden, or NYBG, is located at Bronx Park. This space has a glorious Victorian-style greenhouse and 250 acres of pristine plant life to explore.

You’ll have more than 86 different plant families and 3,500 species, all contributing to the NYBG research institute. NYBG is one of the leading conservation and plant research institutes, and you can spend as much time as you like exploring this garden’s beauty.

35. Visit Strand Book Store

For all my fellow book lovers, you simply have to visit Strand Book Store for some fantastic deals. Strand is a three-and-a-half-story independent bookstore at 286 Broadway, just off Union Square.

It’s a place you can get lost in exploring all the old and new books up for sale. In fact, Strand has an impressive collection of over 2.5 million books for sale, from new releases to rare editions.

You can even rent out the Rare Book Room for an event, whether a birthday or a wedding.

36. Ride the Unique Seaglass Carousel

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This may seem like a slightly childish activity, but trust me. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to pass up. This is a fish-themed carousel in Battery Park that will have your imagination running wild.

Take a ride on one of the dancing fish at night (the last ride is at 6 pm), when the carousel lights up in a warm glow of blues and purples. Tickets cost $6 per ride, and once you’ve had some fun, you can always explore Battery Park afterwards.

37. Wonder Through Castle Clinton

If you’re interested in America’s history, then visiting the Castle Clinton National Monument is a must. This monument is now in Battery Park in southern Manhattan and was first used in 1812 as a fortification against British invasion.

After this, the building was used at New York’s immigration station from 1855 to 1890, allowing some 7.5 million people into the city. This circular sandstone fort now stands as an iconic building within Battery Park and a distinct reminder of America’s past. 

38. Take a Day Trip to the Storm King Art Center

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For an amazing day filled with nature and art, visit the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor. It’s about an hour and 45-minute drive from New York City and is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4:30 pm.

You can explore the park and see permanent works such as Ra by Oliver Andrews and A Moment in Time by Chakaia Booker. The space also hosts temporary exhibitions every year that focus on land use in relation to the artist and artwork. Tickets range from $20 to $100, depending on the number of visitors.

39. Join a Graffiti and Street Art Tour

Discover the bright and wonderful world of New York’s Graffiti scene in Brooklyn. This graffiti tour in Bushwick will show you iconic murals by artists who travel from across the world to leave their mark on the Big Apple.

The Bushwick Collective is the leading provider of these mesmerising murals, as they host several international artists each year. The most recognisable names you’ll see during the tour include Lexi Bella, Sipros Naberezny, and Madsteez.

40. Visit the Mohonk Preserve

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For a beautiful day trip to the foothills of the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, visit the Mohonk Preserve. It’s roughly an hour and 45-minute drive from the city and provides a natural oasis for all adventure seekers.

The preserve has five trailheads you can hike, each ranging in difficulty and distance. You can also ski in the winter months or go horseback riding through the mountains. It will cost around $15 for hiking and $20 for horse riding, cycling, and any other activity in the park.

41. Snap Some Photos at Cornwall

It’s safe to say Cornwall is one of the most picturesque towns along the Hudson River, and it’s only around an hour away. What makes it so beautiful? Well, for starters, the town is blessed with mountain vistas and scenic riverside trails.

You can spend the day exploring – and photographing – the Black Rock Forest Consortium. And once your camera has overheated, you can let it cool as you grab a bite to eat at the lovely Canterbury Brook Inn.

42. Explore New York’s Most Iconic Bridges

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I think everyone knows about the Brooklyn Bridge, but New York has many more fantastic bridges worth visiting. For example, the Hell Gate Bridge has a beautiful arch, and the Queensborough Bridge has an equally eloquent cantilever style.

What I’m getting at is that New York is so much more than just the Brooklyn Bridge. So, it’s well worth the effort to explore as many of these breathtaking architectural feats as you can, while you can.

Top Tip: Read more about the best bridges in New York that are all worth visiting.

43. Enjoy Live Music at the Blue Note Jazz Club

A New York Trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of their fantastic jazz clubs. And for a pick of the bunch, head over to the Blue Night Jazz Club at 131 West 3rd Street. 

Not only can you enjoy music from legendary artists like James Carter, but you can also indulge in an absolute feast. The restaurant serves up classics like a New York strip steak and some delightful beverages that cater to every palette.

44. Go Ziplining at the Bronx Zoo

For all the adrenaline seekers, a ziplining adventure at the Bronx Zoo is an excellent idea. There are 90 obstacles and a total of 10 ziplines you’ll take on within the forested region of the zoo.

And to make things better, each ticket purchased goes towards the conservation of wildlife habitats across the globe. So your fun is doing a world of good, literally. You can book your tickets on the Bronx Zoo website.

45. Catch a Game at the Yankee Stadium

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Even if you’re not much of a sports fan, I will convince you to catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Located in the Bronx, this iconic stadium is home to the 27-time world series champions, the New York Yankees.

It’s also the third-largest baseball stadium in America, with a capacity of 54,251. The regular baseball season starts in March and runs until September, with 81 home games played each season.

46. Visit the Morgan Library and Museum

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If you want to visit a building reminiscent of Hogwarts, step inside the Morgan Library and Museum. You’ll find it on 225 Madison Avenue and be absolutely stunned by the stained glass windows, fresco wall paintings, and massive book collection.

The museum also hosts works by famous artists such as Sol LeWitt and George Basalitz. And if you want to take a little slice of the museum home, you can at the award-winning Morgan Shop. 

47. Admire the Cathedral of St. Johns

If you’re searching for a little nugget of architectural wonder, head to 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine has a distinct Neo-Gothic style which sticks out amongst the skyscrapers around it.

The intricate sculptures of its facade are brought into the interior of the building, with beautiful high arches and unique stained glass windows. Although the cathedral is open to the public for Sunday services and religious events, booking a guided tour is a great way to learn about its history.

Top Tip: Discover all the other famous cathedrals in New York you can’t miss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New York Alone

Here are all the answers to some of the most puzzling questions that may be on your mind.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in New York Alone

Let me sign off and leave you with this list of unforgettable activities that any traveller will love. I don’t think anybody can argue that New York isn’t a must-visit city in the U.S.

And with this handy list at your disposal, you’ll live it up in the Big Apple and never feel alone. Seeing as you’re already here, how about learning about the most dangerous cities in America, so you know what to avoid when touring the country?