What to Do In NYC Alone

Planning a trip to the Big City is exciting, and many people find themselves traveling to NYC alone. While there is definitely safety in numbers, you won’t feel alone in New York for long since this is one of the top destinations in the United States. Whether you are traveling solo for work or just like the freedom of exploring new places on your own, it is smart to start thinking about how to spend your time during your stay. Figuring out what to do in NYC alone involves thinking about safety and which activities will bring you the most happiness as a solo traveler.

What to Do in NYC Alone at Night

In a city that never sleeps, you are practically guaranteed to find something to do at any hour. Taking a solo bar tour is a fun way to explore the nightlife in NYC. Since you’ll be alone, it won’t be hard to score a seat at the bar. You can simply order a drink and small appetizer and move on to the next bar whenever you’re ready.
You might enjoy taking a jet ski tour towards the later part of the evening too. Our Jet Ski Rental company is in Jersey City, NJ, about 10 minutes from Manhattan. Our tours take place until 9 pm, which gives you the chance to see a beautiful New York sunset as the city begins to light up. After your tour, you can catch a bite to eat or enjoy one of the many theater shows that are going on every night in the city.

Traveling to NYC Alone (Tips and Safety)

The biggest thing to know about staying safe while traveling here alone is to always be aware of your surroundings. For the most part, the people that you meet in New York are friendly, but you will want to be on guard against theft. Knowing how to use public transportation alone is an effective way to stay safe.
People use taxis, buses and subways every day in NYC without any problems. However, there are a few safety risks to know about before your trip. Thieves do sometimes target tourists and others who don’t appear to be on guard. Your cell phone and other electronics are hot-ticket items for thieves. Always make sure that these are as secure as possible, and avoid advertising that you have the latest gadget by keeping it out of sight. The best place for your laptop is your hotel room. If you must bring it along for an important purpose, then keep your bag close to your body at all times.

On a subway, you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a crime by choosing safer seating. Try to avoid sitting by the doors since this spot is known for being targeted by bag snatchers. If possible, try to find a seat in the conductor’s car where you can receive a faster response in an emergency. You’ll also want to avoid getting into an unmarked taxi. A legitimate NYC taxi is clearly identifiable, and you should see the ID number on the hood.

How to Walk Safely in NYC

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get around in NYC, but it can pose a few safety risks when you are heading out alone. Always make sure to plan your route ahead of time. You can use map apps to chart out where the main crosswalks are, and saving your route gives you a way to double-check that you are heading in the right direction if you start to feel lost.

You’ll want to stay alert throughout your trip. Put your cell phone away, and only stop to look at a map when you are in a safe and uncrowded location. As you walk, make sure to follow the flow of pedestrian traffic—much as you would while driving. Most people walk on the right side of the sidewalk. If you need to stop, try to move as far over as possible. People in New York walk fast and stopping abruptly in the middle of a walkway could cause someone to run into you.

Things to Do in NYC Alone During COVID

Following COVID safety protocols are harder when you are in a crowded city, but there are still lots of ways to have a good time. Our jet ski tours take you to all of the top tourist hot spots, and they help you to avoid big crowds and having to stand in line for hours. During our tour, you can see some or all of these amazing sights.
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island
Empire State Building
Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges
Freedom Tower
Everything’s an Adventure in The Big Apple

You’ll find tons of parks and other outdoor activities where you can safely maintain your distance from other people without feeling alone. Even walking around feels like an adventure in NYC, and exploring new paths could lead to you finding your new favorite NYC place to pick up a few things for a picnic in Central Park.

Another hot thing to do in New York (especially if you are budget-conscious) is to go thrifting. One of the best places to do it is at the Williamsburg shops in Brooklyn. Thrift stores feature a large collection, and you’ll generally find a unique item that’s perfectly suited to you while you are having a blast picking through the merchandise. What’s more? Since you’re solo, you don’t have to worry about anyone else’s schedule or them putting in their two cents about buying vintage vs. new. In addition, you can go thrifting over and over because the selection is ever-changing.

Things to Do Alone in NYC for Free

As with many vacation destinations, you’ll come across many expensive attractions in NYC. Yet, there are some hidden gems throughout the city if you take the time to check. Central Park is one of the most well-known, free places to go. Like most city parks, you can spend as much time as you want to meander around and enjoy a beautiful day.

You can also take a trip to Times Square, but beware that you may feel a sense of deja vu. Many people feel like they’ve been here before since they’ve seen it on many movies and TV shows. While you’re there, you can take in street performances, explore some nearby stores and experience the amazing flavor of a slice of authentic New York pizza.

One of the most iconic free things to do in NYC is to take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. After spotting the bridge on your jet ski tour, it’s amazing to view it from another angle. With over 30,000 pedestrians walking across the bridge a day, you’ll be safe enjoying this activity alone up until the traffic drops off in the late evening.