New York, New York. Numerous news and media sources rank NYC as the most visited city in the United States. Served by three airports – yes, one if in New Jersey but so is the football stadium for the Jets and the Giants – there are lots of reasons you may be on a solo trip to New York City. And providing all those people a place to eat, sleep, and things to do are the five boroughs that make up the city. If you are traveling to New York alone for work, you’ll likely need to stay in a particular borough for logistic reasons. If you have certain sights to see as a solo tourist, you’ll likely be doing the same. So, I’ll do my best to guide you through some ideas and tips, but there are seemingly endless options in The Big Apple.
Where To Stay
701 7th Ave
New York, NY 10036
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I know, I know…Times Square is only for tourists! There is some truth to that, but also if you are a tourist, why not check it out? The reason I love this place for a solo traveler is because you won’t feel out of place here, and your room may have a fantastic view of Times Square. It is also one of the few hotels in Times Square with balconies.
Rooms
If you are lucky enough to get one of these rooms, it is a great way to experience the hustle, bustle, neon lights, and glitz and glam that is Times Square. The interior appointments are luxurious and sophisticated. The bathroom is another highlight, with a nice size (especially for New York) and a roomy shower.
Eating & Drinking
The common area of The Edition features a cozy yet sophisticated bar. It is a fantastic option to enjoy a Manhattan while in Manhattan. After a day of walking all over Manhattan, it is a great place to end the night with a cocktail knowing your room is but a short elevator ride away.
Nearby
You will be able to find about any type of restaurant you desire within a 15-minute walk of The Edition. Do not overlook Havana Central, Playwright Celtic Pub, and Don Antonio Pizza.
225 River St
Hoboken, NJ 07030
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Located in Hoboken NJ, this swanky hotel offers plush accommodations with an amazing view of Manhattan which lies just across the Hudson River. Hoboken is a historic city that features excellent dining options and is easily walk-able.
Rooms
The Rooms as the W Hoboken vary in size, and correspondingly price, with even the most basic room giving you a spacious feeling with modern appointments and comfortable beds. The bathroom and shower areas are modern with luxurious appointments.
Eating & Drinking
If you are traveling solo and looking for that NYC vibe but do not want to wander far from the hotel, you absolutely should visit The Living Room, the bar located on-site with a fantastic atmosphere and delicious cocktails and drinks.
Nearby
Aside from The Living Room mentioned above, there are some excellent eating and drinking places within an easy 10-minute walk of The W. Check out La Isla, Fat Taco, and Cork City Pub.
Fun Fact
Fun Fact: Hoboken is known as the Birthplace of Baseball, having hosted the first officially recorded baseball game way back in 1846.
60 Furman St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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A modern, clean, and elegant hotel located along the East River and featuring incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Skyline, this hotel is an excellent option if you need to stay in Brooklyn. With an on-site restaurant, lounge, spa, and rooftop pool, you can experience so many things without ever leaving the property. If you do desire to get out and about, you are located at the intersection of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Transportation options abound depending on your exact destination.
Other Mentionable Hotels
- The Roxy Hotel – Tribeca
- The Empire Hotel – Upper West Side
Where To Eat
New York City is known around the world as a culinary destination. This makes it easy to find a great meal but can also be challenging based on the sheer number of options. I will attempt to guide you though some options that I find particularly enjoyable.
The River Café
Brooklyn 
1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
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One of my most memorable meals took place at The River Café, nestled at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge and giving diners an incredible view of the bridge and Manhattan skyline. Do take note of the dress code, as a suit jacket is required for gentlemen. If you happen to be without while in town, they do have loaner jackets available. A Michelin starred restaurant, the food here is nothing short of delicious. A prix fixe menu, this will be on the pricey side of dinning but is well worth it based on the quality of food and overall atmosphere and experience. If you are a wine or cocktail enthusiast, you will absolutely enjoy the offerings at The River Café.
McSorley’s Old Ale House
Manhattan, East Village
15 E 7th St
New York, NY 10003
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This is an experience that would be on the other end from The River Café, but every bit as enjoyable. Cash only, McSorley’s offer two types of beer (light and dark) as well as some basic food items such as fish ‘n chips or a ham sandwich. You will find the menu on a chalkboard, which adds to the essence of this old-time bar. I enjoy sitting at the bar, especially if you are solo, as it is a fantastic place to soak in the scene and enjoy a cold brew.
McGee’s Pub
Hell’s Kitchen
240 W 55th St
New York, NY 10019
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If you are a fan of the TV show How I Met Your Mother, then this is a must-stop if you are in New York City. The bar that is a central figure in the show is based on McGee’s, which is located just a few blocks south of Central Park. Beyond the TV show appeal many will find, McGee’s features a very tasty food menu and a classic bar atmosphere that is a perfect stop for a solo traveler out seeing the sights of NYC. If you are visiting Central Park and want to grab a meal or a cold beverage, look no further than this friendly Irish neighborhood pub.
What To Do
With a seemingly endless list of options for activities, traveling alone in New York City may not be as intimidating as you think. From indoor museums to outdoor adventures and everything in-between, New York City offers a wide range of solo activities that are perfect for either a business or pleasure trip by yourself.
Central Park
Manhattan
From 59th to Central Park N, and between 5th Avenue and Central Park W
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In a city filled with skyscrapers and paved streets, Central Park offers over 800 acres of green space, walking paths, lakes, and nature that allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. As the first landscaped public park in the United States, Central Park has both a National and International reputation as a place to visit when in New York. With a multitude of restrooms and restaurants within the park, Central Park is a fantastic place to spend time without getting out of the city. If you enjoy running, this is the best place in Manhattan for that.
Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
Pier 86, W 46th St 
New York, NY 10036
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If your are an aviation or history buff, this is a must see when in New York City. Berthed on the Hudson River, the Intrepid is an Air Craft Carrier that served in WWII, The Vietnam War, and also served as a recovery vessel during the Apollo program for NASA. When visiting The Intrepid, you can see a guided missile submarine, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, and a Concord super-sonic airplane, plus many other military from multiple countries.
The Empire State Building
20 W 34th St.
New York, NY 10001
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An iconic building with a memorable view that spans the New York City Skyline (see the top of this page for my photo), The Empire State Building (ESB) is an excellent way to appreciate the size and scope of New York City. Reservations are required, and can be easily booked online via their website. There are multiple experience options, and I really enjoyed just the basic trip to the 86th floor. There are more expensive options that may get you through the line quicker, but the view is the same. My advice, save that money for a really nice meal or Broadway show. In fact, skipping the line will mean you miss out on some of the history and facts about The ESB. So enjoy the AC and soak up some knowledge, all while you save some money.
Take in a Show on (or off) Broadway
With over 40 Broadway Theatres and many more off-Broadway, taking in a show while in New York City is a great way to experience just some of the culture that NYC has to offer. For Broadway shows, I would recommend buying a ticket in advance as they can be difficult to come by last-minute. There always is the options to line up in Times Square at the TKTS ticket booth, but I prefer the advances option so I’m not spending time standing in line. For off-Broadway, you can usually find day-of tickets to some very quality shows and musicals. It is a fantastic way to spend an evening in the city.
The High Line 
A former elevated train track on the west side of Manhattan, the High Line is now an open air park that spans almost a mile and a half and runs through the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen. You can take in gorgeous views of the city, the Hudson River, and other attractions such as The Vessel in Hudson Yards. The park is free to enter, and has multiple points of entry including some elevators if stairs are not convenient for you. There are also a few restroom located along the route, but also many business and restaurants as well should you need a drink or bite to eat along the way.
Getting Around
Depending on your exact itinerary and transportation comfort level, there are a number of ways to make your way into and around New York City.
Public Transportation
The Metro Transit Authority – MTA – is the managing body for New York City’s subway and bus system. Covering all five boroughs of the city, utilizing public transportation can be an affordable and efficient way to travel around NYC. Personally, I am a big public transportation fan and utilize it often when traveling. However, not everyone is comfortable with public transportation when traveling alone. This can be especially true if traveling late at night. So use your best judgement when deciding how to transit the city. The MTA provides excellent maps and route information on their website, in addition to the information available at stops and transit station.
Ride-Share/Taxis
When you picture the streets of New York City, you probably imagine at least on Taxi traversing those streets. You will see them everywhere and they operate essentially the same as they do in every other major city. Uber and Lyft also have a strong presence around NYC, and can be an excellent alternative to the traditional Taxi service. The biggest benefit I’ve found with Ride-Share apps in NYC is the lack of need for local knowledge. I have taken a Taxi before where I had to use my Google Maps to direct the driver exactly where I needed to go. Ride-share apps remove that need.
Driving Your Own/Rental Car
While driving your own car or a rental car is certainly an option in New York City, I would recommend you only do that if your itinerary absolutely requires it. Traffic is usually heavy, navigating can be tricky, and parking is limited and often expensive in popular areas. If you do need to drive in the city, it is helpful to keep in mind the importance of yielding to pedestrians when they have the right-of-way and to not “block the box”, that is stopping in an intersection to block the flow of traffic. And your horn, well locals use it liberally for every situation imaginable so feel free to blend in and honk it at least twice each trip!
