Visiting NYC is always exciting, but if you’re going to be traveling alone, there are things to think about when planning your trip, to ensure you get to see everything you want to see, whilst remaining safe for your trip.
From navigating the busy neighborhoods and public transport, to knowing where to stay, how you’re going to get around efficiently and what to expect day to day, there’s a lot to think about, especially when you’re a solo traveler.
Choosing The Right Area To Stay In
Where you stay in New York City will shape your entire trip, how safe you’ll feel walking home at night and how long you’ll spend on the subway each day.
Start off by deciding what kind of neighborhood vibe you want for your trip; busy, artsy, low-key, residential or quiet.
Make sure you compare the New York City hotel options in a few different areas before you book. In Midtown or near Times Square, you’ll be close to major local attractions, but you will pay more and have a lot of crowd issues.
Check what you can walk to during the day, like museums, parks, bookstores or waterfronts, and look at the nearby dining options, from the grab-and-go takeaway options to the sit-down spots you’ll feel comfortable eating alone.
Getting Around NYC On Your Own
Although the size of New York can feel intimidating, but traveling solo is relatively straightforward once you know your options.
You’ll use a lot of public transport as well as walking. Write down in your phone the address of your hotel and download an offline map that you can check at all times, even if you have poor signal, like when you’re on the subway.
Walking is usually the easiest and fastest way to move around, and you can always join up with themed walking tours to learn about NYC locations and meet other travelers.
For more solo activities, you can even use the bike share stations, which are also budget friendly too, at $25 for a fully day’s use.
What To Know About Using The Subway
The subway is your best tool for crossing the entire city. Before you buy any tickets, check the fare options available to make sure you’re getting the best value for money, as an unlimited pass might be a better option if you’re going to be using the subway multiple times a day whilst you’re in NYC.
There is subway etiquette to think about, like letting people off before you try and board, moving into the car and avoid blocking any doors. During the peak hours (7 to 10 am and then 4 pm to 7 pm on weekdays), the subway trains are very crowded, so plan extra time and expect to have to stand.
Study the colored lines and letter/number designations, and then focus on the directions: Uptown/Bronx or Downtown/Brooklyn. You can use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to help you confirm which platform you should be using, when/where you need to be switching trains.
Keep your valuable zipped away at all times, hold onto the poles so you stay steady and avoid standing near to the door edges when the trains are super packed during peak times.
Staying Safe While Exploring Solo
Before leaving your hotel for the day, ensure your phone is fully charged, and keep a powerbank in your bag so you can keep your phone charged throughout the day.
Stick to the well-lit streets at night and always trust your instincts. If a place feels off, leave and head to somewhere else.
Only carry the essential items you need for each day, and ensure you have a secure bag with a zip to keep your belongings as safe as possible.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying a large amount of cash. You can also learn local customs, like standing to the right on escalators and stepping aside before you check your map, so you don’t block the crowds.
Always travel with travel insurance which will cover your medical care, if you need it, and any trip interruptions. If you’re eating alone, sit at the bar, keep your bags secured, always watch your drink and try and pay with a card instead of cash.
