A solo trip to NYC may sound daunting.. actually, a solo trip anywhere in the U.S. feels a little like unknown territory. When we think of hostels, backpacking, and exploring alone, the U.S. typically doesn’t spring to mind.
New to solo travel? Here are my top tips for your first trip!
Thanks to the city’s immense population, diverse neighborhoods, and expat communities, NYC is actually one of the best places to plan a solo trip in the States. There’s nothing worse than a solo traveler walking around quiet streets at night, but in the city that never sleeps, this is rarely an issue. A creative escape, bustling metropolis, and easily accessible from many other States, here’s why NYC should be on your list if you’re planning a solo trip!
Hotels Designed For Solo Travelers
During my time in New York City, I had the pleasure of staying at the Moxy Hotel in Times Square. With five locations across the city, each offering its own unique vibe, Moxy is a perfect choice for solo travelers. From the moment you walk in, the playful energy and bold design of the hotel are immediately evident. Most of them also have food and beverage options on-site, and the vibrant bars are the ideal spot for mingling! The standard rooms are designed with solo travelers in mind—compact, functional, and thoughtfully arranged like a cozy studio apartment. For those traveling in groups, there are larger rooms with bunk beds and other flexible sleeping arrangements.
If you’d rather a little luxury in a centralized location for solo travelers, the Hilton Times Square is in the heart of Times Square. For me, one of the things I’m usually worried about the most when visiting NYC alone is walking home at night. During my recent trip to the city, I stayed in the hotel’s double rooms and Lion King Suite with a friend, and would definitely go back again solo. You walk outside to the lights of Times Square, restaurants, bars, and everything you need within walking distance. There’s even a bar on-site if you feel like staying in with nibbles and crafty cocktails!
Another New York contender that are sure to make any solo trip to NYC cozy and inviting are the CitizenM Hotels. While I’ve only stayed at the new location in Boston’s Back Bay, the Hotel brand is catered to business travelers and solo travelers. Rooms are compact for those traveling alone, and feel like a little home-away-from-home in a big city. CitizenM Bowery and CitizenM Times Square are both a good choice for a city stay. Close to everything with restaurant/bar offerings.. What more do you need if you’re planning a solo trip to NYC?
Safety Tips for A Solo Trip To NYC
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
While this safety tip is true for anywhere you travel alone, New York is a bustling metropolis with A LOT going on at any given time. It can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first time visiting, so that’s why it’s super important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Every sense is stimulated in the city, and there’s a certain “flow” locals have become accustomed to.
2. Stick to Well-Lit, Busy Streets at Night
I could visit a city multiple times and still always stick to the busier streets when walking home at night. You’d never believe it since it’s so hectic, but Times Square often feels like one of the safer neighborhoods in New York. Even if you’re heading back to the hotel after midnight, police presence is quite high and there are always people around in the streets.
3. Keep Your Belongings Secure
Staying aware of your surrounding and keeping your belongings secure go hand-in-hand. Like any major city, pick-pockets are a concern in New York so it’s advised to always keep everything secure and only take out the items you absolutely need. A cross-body bag or anti-theft bag are my go-to’s when I’m on a solo trip to NYC. Since it’s so busy everywhere, it’s easy to miss if someone comes up behind you to grab your belongings.
4. Plan Your Routes in Advance
When I’m solo traveling, I never like to have my phone out looking at directions- this immediately makes you an easy target to anyone walking by. Instead, map out your route before you leave the hotel and make note of the streets you need to turn down to reach your destination! If you need to glance back at it to ensure you’re not getting lost, do so on the corner of a street away from prying eyes and hands!
Best Neighborhoods In NYC For A Solo Trip
One of my favorite things about New York are the diverse neighborhoods within the city and how different they each are. From luxurious brownstones and tree-lined streets to quirky areas with thrift stores- there really is something for everyone here.
- East village & Lower East Side: For foodie lovers
- Chelsea: For LGBTIQ+ travelers
- Upper East side: For museums
- Chinatown: For budget travelers
- Williamsburg: For music culture
- Times Square: For first-time solo travelers
- Greenwich & West Village: To see famous movie sets
