6 Solo Things To Do In NYC

Going solo in New York isn't the sad scenario people imagine. There's always something happening, you can move at whatever speed you want, and honestly, nobody's paying attention to whether you're alone or not. Everyone's too busy doing their own thing.

Maybe you just moved here and haven't made friends yet, or your friends are slammed with work. Either way, this guide will help you out. From social events and sleepaway camps to sightseeing and cultural trips, here are the six best things to do by yourself in NYC.

6 Solo Activities in New York City

Hot and Social has built a community around one simple idea: everyone deserves meaningful connections, and that includes finding ways to connect with yourself right here in NYC.

1. Go to social events in The Big City

Feel like socializing and meeting new people? Here are some great ways to do just that.

• Attend meet-up events: Hot and Social organizes and hosts tons of meet-up events in NYC for solo folk. From brunches and movie screenings to pickleball parties and dating events, we're on a mission to connect people and spark lasting friendships.

• Join a fitness community: Whether you join a gym or attend a free workout class in the park, there's nothing more social than a grueling workout to connect you with like-minded people.

• Volunteer: There are literally hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations (NGOs) that need volunteers in NYC. Find a cause that's close to your heart and spend a few hours giving back.

Read more: Why You Should Experience Social Events in New York City

2. See the sights

Be a tourist in your own backyard and do some sightseeing. Here are 10 popular NYC sights to visit:

1. Statue of Liberty: Catch the official Statue Cruise ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island; the trip only takes 15-20 minutes!

2. The Brooklyn Bridge: Visit the famous 6,000+ foot landmark connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.

3. Times Square: NYC's iconic bright lights, music, and arts scene that attracts millions of tourists.

4. Empire State Building: A stone's throw away from Times Square, this iconic building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets.

5. Top of the Rock: Explore the Rockefeller Center's three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks, giving you unobstructed panoramic views of the New York City skyline.

6. Grand Central Station: A national historic landmark with impressive features like Beaux-Arts architecture, the Tiffany clock (valued between $10 and $20 million!), and the whispering gallery.

7. The Summit at One Vanderbilt: In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, next to Grand Central Station, The Summit takes the concept "observation deck" to a whole new level. It's three stories of mind-bending, multi-sensory immersive experiences, surrounded by panoramic views of New York City.

8. One World Trade Center: New York's tallest building (1,776 feet) in Lower Manhattan.

9. New York Public Library: Need quiet time? Visit this historic building filled with tons of books, free Wi-Fi, and loads of quiet spaces to read or work.

10. Wall Street: Visit the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, which stretches eight city blocks! (Walking shoes are a must!)

3. Take a stroll in the park

New York City and beautiful parks go hand in hand. Whether you're packing a picnic basket or grabbing a Starbucks on the go, take some time to wander through the city's iconic green escapes hidden between the chaos of city streets. Best part? The majority of NYC parks are free to enter!

• Central Park: Arguably the most famous park in NYC (and the world!). Visit the first manmade park in NYC between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan.

• The High Line: Built on a former elevated freight line, this public park is situated on the West Side of Manhattan. It's known for its gardens, art, and performance spaces.

• Brooklyn Bridge Park: Stretching along the East River, this 85-acre waterfront park has some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.

• Madison Square Park Conservancy: Named after America's fourth president, James Madison, this community-funded park is a green oasis in the heart of Manhattan, known for its focus on community, art, horticulture, and sustainability.

• Bryant Park: This park is one of the world's busiest public spaces, with over 19 million visitors every year! It has so much to offer, like seasonal displays, free daily amenities, cultural programming, exercise classes, the Winter Village, and more!

• Washington Square Park: Snap a photo under the Washington Square Arch, challenge someone to a game of chess, or cool off in the water fountain on a warm day. This vibey park in "The Village" (Greenwich Village) is one of the true gems of Lower Manhattan.

• First Street Green (FSG) Cultural Park: Not much of a walker? Then perhaps FSG on the Lower East Side is more your vibe. This open-air street art space has become a hub for cultural groups, artists, designers, and architects to create and collaborate.

4. Go to a museum

Museums make perfect solo destinations in The Big Apple.

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: At the World Trade Center in NYC, you'll find one of the city's most moving landmarks. The museum offers a deeper understanding of what happened on 9/11, while the memorial outside provides a quiet place to reflect.

• Metropolitan Museum of Art: Step inside The Met Fifth Avenue and explore more than 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world.

• American Museum of Natural History: Learn about fossils, butterflies, the Milky Way, and tons of other cool facts about the world around us.

• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this architectural icon houses over 8,000 artworks, ranging from post-impressionists to early modern art. Expect to see legends like Picasso, Pollock, and Van Gogh, all in one place.

• Museum of Broadway: Situated in Times Square, this interactive and experiential museum celebrates over 300 years of Broadway history: the shows, the stars, and the stories. While you're at it, why not catch a Broadway show too?

• Museum of the City of New York (MCNY): Learn about NYC's history, culture, and people, spanning a collection of over 1.5 million items from prints and costumes to decorative objects and military artifacts.

5. Attend a show or sports event

There's no better way to soak up NY's energy than by catching a show or sporting event.

• Metropolitan Opera House: Located at Lincoln Center, this world-renowned venue is the largest repertory opera house in the world. Check out their online calendar to see what's happening.

• Times Square: Right in the middle of Broadway's buzz, you'll find theatres showing everything from classics like Wicked and The Lion King to newer sensations like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Great Gatsby.

• Radio City Music Hall: Watch musicals, concerts, ballet, comedy shows, special events, and sporting events in the largest indoor theatre in the world!

• Yankee Stadium: Home of the 27-time World Series Champion New York Yankees, book a tour, attend an event, or soak up the electric atmosphere of game day.

• Madison Square Gardens: Visit the world-famous arena, home of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. This arena hosts many other sporting events and concerts throughout the year, so check if there are any events you might be interested in.

6. Enjoy a solo day out

Some days call for pure self-indulgence, and New York delivers on that front. Here's how to treat yourself to a perfect solo day.

• Amazing restaurants: Go solo and savor it, from fine dining at Eleven Madison Park to cocktails and live music at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. Dining alone has never tasted this good!

• Food tours: Why not take a walking tour, but make it about food? Explore the city one bite at a time. Need we say more?

• Take a cruise: Explore NYC from the water! Book a laidback Hudson River sightseeing cruise or hop aboard the Staten Island ferry and experience the city that never sleeps from a new perspective.

• Retail therapy: Whether it's Chinatown, Fifth Avenue, Macy's, the East Village, or Chelsea Market, there's a shopping spot in NYC to suit every taste and budget.

Conclusion

New York really is perfect for solo adventures, and our list of the best solo things to do in NYC proves that. From Hot and Social's meet-up events and scenic strolls to museum hopping and Hudson River cruises, the city is full of ways to make solo time feel anything but lonely.

Feeling adventurous? Join Camp Social's waitlist for the ultimate 3-day getaway.

FAQs

What can I do alone in NYC?

There are many things to do alone in New York, such as:

• Visiting the Bronx Zoo

• Seeing DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

• Ice skating in Bryant Park

• Daytrips to Ellis Island

• Visiting the Snug Harbor Cultural Center near Staten Island

Is New York a good place for a solo trip?

Absolutely! NYC is great for solo travelers; it's easy to navigate and packed with 100s of things to do and see on your own terms.