Things To Do In NYC For Solo Traveler On Vacation

By Go City Expert

Top Things to Do in NYC for a Solo Traveler on Vacation

Don't be intimidated by the idea of a solo trip to New York City - it's one of the best cities in the world to experience on your own. New York City will challenge you as a tourist. You'll have to navigate the city (and quickly learn why it's so commonly referred to as a 'concrete jungle') on your own, entertain yourself, and choose your own itinerary--entirely. The perfect destination for a little you time and self discovery. Traveling alone in NYC is an entirely different experience than traveling with a partner or in a group. When visiting NYC alone you have total control over what you see and do. No compromising over restaurants, sightseeing tours, or afternoon outings. Yet to make the most of your solo travels to New York City, you want to choose things to do that are geared at single people. Here are some of the best activities for a solo traveler to help guide your itinerary.

Free Entry with The New York Pass®

Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.

New York Art Galleries

Spread out across six neighborhoods in NYC are locally procured art galleries, which are perfect for a solo traveler with an artistic curiosity. After all, when you are by yourself you can fully immerse yourself in the art without feeling pressured by others to move to the next activity. Admission: the galleries are totally free to get in to and open to the public. They are located in Chelsea, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, Soho, Williamsburg/Bushwick, and Dumbo located in Brooklyn.

Shopping at Cobble Hill

Whether you are into books at Books Are Magic, prefer the hip finds at Refinery, or want to nosh out at Stinky Bklyn, Cobble Hill is where it’s happening for shopping in NYC boutiques. For all of your trendiest New York shopping needs, the Cobble Hill shopping district along Smith and Court offer a smorgasbord of delights. Shop til your heart is content without any guilt from tagalongs as a solo traveler in NYC. This is a great place to grab souvenirs for family members whom you left behind for your trip. Admission: getting into the shops is totally free, the shopping however, is unfortunately not.

Luxury Spa Days

Where is the one place where silence is golden? Why, at a luxurious spa, of course, and New York City is full of these. Consider booking a spa experience at your hotel, or splurge for the Sleeping Beauty treatment at Joanna Vargas Skin Care. And, no, spa days aren’t just for the ladies. Solo male travelers can strive for Brad Pitt’s face with a treatment by the Tracie Martyn Fifth Avenue salon. After all, this is who gives Brad his Hollywood shine. Admission: to experience NYC spa luxury, you'll have to book a treatment or appointment with a spa before you go.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

If you visit NYC, then you must experience the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The memorial is on the World Trade Center grounds and features a pair of reflecting pools. Then in the museum in Foundation Hall, you can see a wall that was an actual part of the retaining wall used during the recovery after the 9/11 attacks. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum are solemn places where you will be glad you are visiting alone. Admission: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Museum of Modern Art

MoMA is one of the world’s most famous modern art museums and a grand adventure for any solo traveler. See works of art by the most famous modern artist of New York City—Andy Warhol—including the Gold Marilyn Monroe painting. Other artists on display include Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, and Willem de Kooning. It is a must-see for any NYC visitor, and when visiting alone you have no pressure to rush through the 250,000 plus photos on display at the Museum of Modern Art. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Brooklyn Bridge Bike Ride

When is the last time you tried riding a bike with your kids tagging along, or your parents for that matter? If you are traveling with a group, trying to enjoy a bike ride is nearly impossible. Someone’s always complaining or getting left behind. Well, now that you are traveling NYC solo you are in the driver’s seat. Test your bicycling chops with a bike rental and tour over the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy the sights and sounds of New York City including the Statue of Liberty and NYC Harbor. Admission: Brooklyn Bridge Sightseeing Bike Tours and Rentals tickets included with the New York Pass.

SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown

Instead of sticking close to your hotel and Times Square, venture out into the melting pot that is NYC. Three of the most cultural neighborhoods in the city are SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Best of all, you can take a walking tour of all three and soak it all in. As a single visitor, you won’t have to fret with getting split up from your group. Instead, you can spend as much time meandering vendor stalls and people watching while you dine alfresco. Admission: SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

As you look for a place to rest your tourist-tired feet, consider a stop at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Tucked away in the midst of a bustling city, the BBG features an array of flora that will give your spirit a lift. From the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden to the Shakespeare Garden, there are several small gardens nestled throughout the property. There’s also a Children’s Garden where kids have been gardening for more than a century, inspiring tourists of all ages. Admission: Brooklyn Botanical Garden tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Museum of Sex

Let’s be honest, sometimes you want to see the sites of a city, but you are too embarrassed to ask others in your group to join you. Here we have the Museum of Sex, which is educational and enlightening if not a bit eye-catching at times. And if you typically travel with children, now is your opportunity to experience this 18-and-over museum on your own. Plus, for solo travelers in NYC, there is the Jump For Joy exhibit. Here you can unleash your energy and bounce around in a room with strangers. The interestingly shaped round bouncy balls are made to encourage bumping into one another. Admission: Museum of Sex tickets are included with the New York Pass.

Remember To Save On Attraction Admission

There's always something to do in New York City, hence the nickname "The city that never sleeps". Being that there are so many different activities and attractions to visit in the city, you can end up spending a ton on admission fees. However, if you purchase the New York Pass, you'll gain free access to over 90 attractions in New York. This will allow you to save more money and visit more attractions. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.

Continue reading

intrepid school trip
Blog

School Trip Attractions in New York

Teachers, assemble! Are you looking to take your kids on a trip to New York? Are you hoping they'll learn more than a textbook will ever teach them? Do you simply need to get out of the classroom before you have a nervous breakdown? Never fear; we're here with our recommendations for the best school trip attractions in New York! Read on, and get inspired; the children are our future, after all. Including: Empire State Building 9/11 Memorial and Museum American Museum of Natural History Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island The Museum of Modern Art and more! Higher State of Learning The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmarks, and that alone may be enough to take your class there. The views from the 86th floor are breathtaking, and let you look down on the entire city. But there's learning to be had there too, thanks to the building's new interactive museum. Over 12 galleries, your kids will learn all about the building's history - when it was conceived, how it was built, and the work that has gone into it over the years to keep it updated. You can even take them to the observation deck on the 102nd floor, but that will set you back extra. And really, are they worth it? That's for you to decide. Never Forget Sometimes, learning can be fun, and other times, not so much. However, that doesn't mean the latter isn't any less important. In the wake of the tragedies in 1993 and 2001, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum was erected, ensuring that future generations never forget. It might not be fun, but it's an important turning point in the history of not just America, but the world as well. The memorial commemorates the nearly 3000 victims who lost their lives during the attacks, as well as the first responders who put their lives on the line to save many more. Then, once your class has paid their respects, you can explore the museum, where they'll experience the entire story of 9/11 through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Awe-inspiring History Nothing fascinates kids quite like the ancient behemoths that used to walk our planet. So why not tickle their curiosity with a trip to the American Museum of Natural History? Over 5 million history fanatics visit every year, so do yourself a favor and let your kids join them! They'll gawp at the 94-foot whale, the 563-carat Star of India sapphire, and the 2000-year-old giant Sequoia tree. But there's plenty more to see too. In the Earth and Space halls, they'll get up close and personal with meteorites while they learn about space exploration. Or head to the Human and Culture halls to help them learn about humankind's origins, and how we spread out across multiple continents way back when. Easily one of the best school trip attractions in New York, as it covers such a massive length of history and species! Lady Liberty Another of New York's most prominent landmarks, and arguably its most famous, is the Statue of Liberty. So why not take your learning clan across to Ellis Island by ferry and explore the beauty up close? Stoll around the Statue of Liberty National Monument and let them take some quick social snaps from ground level. Then, enter the statue itself and learn all about its history - from its construction to its meaning, and where it came from. There are a wealth of interactive exhibits and artifacts for them to enjoy up close, such as a copper model of the lady's face. Then, if you have time, take them to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn about how immigrants helped make New York the city is today. After all that, hop on the ferry back to the mainland and pat yourself on the back for an amazing day out they won't soon forget! MoMA Lisa The art teachers out there might want to show your students how contemporary artists get it done. If so, take your class to the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA. It houses one of the best collections of modern art on the planet, including some instantly recognizable pieces. Van Gogh's Starry Night and Warhol's Campbell Soup Cans are arguably the highlights, but there are many more pieces by world-renowned modern artists too. Monet, Gauguin, Seurat, and Cézanne are just some of the many artists celebrated at this magnificent museum. If you're taking your art class on a school trip to New York, this is one of the attractions that should be on top of your list! Image courtesy of Ark Neyman/Shutterstock City History Of course, with all the learning and history available in New York, you may want your class to learn more about the city itself. If so, head to the New York Historical Society Museum & Library, and learn more about this crazy city we call the Big Apple. They'll explore artifacts from throughout the city's history, from 16th-century arrows to 3000-year-old-toys. It's a quirky and disparate collection, for sure, but that's just what New York deserves! Besides all the older historical items, they'll find exhibits dedicated to pop culture, NYC's links to celebrity and cinema, and in the Center for Women's History, how important a role women played in the New York we know and love today. New York has a fascinating history, and you'll find it all here and more! War on the Water And finally, we'll end our list of the best school trip attractions in New York with a floating paradise of information. That's because our final recommendation, the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum and Space Shuttle, is uniquely housed on an old aircraft carrier! The Intrepid was a WWII vessel that survived torpedo strikes and kamikaze attacks, and now, you can explore the history of America's maritime warfare over its massive 150,000 square feet. Your kids will get up close with 28 aircraft and helicopters from throughout the 20th century, the space shuttle Enterprise, and a submarine called a Growler. Don't ask. And those are our recommendations for school trip attractions in New York! Wherever you take them, we hope they have fun.
Dom Bewley
Blog

Things to Do in NYC on New Year's Eve for Tourists

Most people say that there is no place more magical to visit over the holidays than New York City – and we think they’re right! If you’ve never been to 'The Big Apple' for New Year’s Eve, 2018 is the perfect opportunity to experience NYC on New Year's Eve as a tourist. With so many distinct neighborhoods, famous landmarks and the excitement of a new beginning, we’re sure there's something for everyone in your group to enjoy this year. Whether this is your first visit to New York City or you’ve been to here a few times before, experiencing the sights on New Year’s Eve is one trip that you’re sure to remember for many years to come. Make sure you get the most out of your time in NYC with this comprehensive guide to enjoying the holiday festivities with the ones you love most and be sure to have a very Happy New Year! 10 Things to See and Do in NYC on New Year’s Eve for Tourists Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. 1. Check Out the Empire State Building No trip to New York City would be complete without a visit to the historic and beautiful Empire State Building. This attraction draws about 3.5 million visitors each year and never disappoints! You and your group will be able to experience NYC with breathtaking, 360360-degreenoramic views and feast your eye on the historic city skyline. Getting in: Empire State Building tickets are included on the New York City Explorer Pass®. 2. Meet the Stars at Madame Tussauds New York Spend a few hours hanging out with your favorite Hollywood actors, singers, and celebrities as you explore Madam Tussauds New York. This interactive wax museum features more than 200 lifelike figures that are waiting for their next selfie opportunity. Before you head out on the town for your holiday celebrations, be sure to stop in and snap a pic with your favorite stars. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass. 3. Take a Food Tour New York City is one of the major food capitals of the world and with so many great dining options, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, Food on Foot Tours is here to take the guesswork out of planning your meals! Learn all about the delicious meals being served all over the city –one bite at a time. With so many different culinary styles to choose from in NYC’s great melting pot, we’re sure you won’t go hungry. Getting in: Food on Foor Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. 4. Rockefeller Center Tour Most people have seen the historic and beautiful Rockefeller Center on their TV and movie screens at some point and admired this beloved landmark for all it’s grandeur. Now, you can discover the treasure that is Rockefeller Center for yourself with this incredible guided tour. Learn about John D, Rockefeller’s visions and aspirations for this timeless space and have fun with the iconic holiday decorations too. Perfect for a few great holiday snaps, this is one tour in NYC that you won’t want to miss. Admission: guided Rockefeller Center Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. 5. Top of the Rock Observatory Once you’ve taken in the sights on the ground at the Rockefeller Center, be sure to head on up to the observation deck for another spectacular view of the city. After taking a few snaps of the gorgeous crystal chandelier in the lobby, head on up to the 70th floor to feast your eyes on the true jewels of NYC. Here, you’ll be able to get a look at everything from the famous skyscraper’s that dominate the city’s skyline to beloved landmark’s like Central Park! Admission: Top of the Rock observation deck tickets are included with The New York Pass. 6. Graffiti & Street Art Tour This cool and interactive walking tour highlights some of the most interesting and iconic pieces of street art and graffiti that are located all throughout the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn. Get a real feel for NYC’s urban culture by taking a look at the artwork of some of the city’s most talented underground and alternative artists. Getting in: Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included on The New York Pass. 7. Grand Central Terminal Audio Tour Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand in the center of New York City’s famous Grand Central Terminal at rush hour? Thousands of people pass through the station each day on their way in and out of the city, making for a breathtaking sight at any time of the day. Since 1871, visitors have marveled at the majestic ceiling design in the terminal and now, with this interesting audio tour, you can learn all about the grand history of this NYC landmark. Admission: Grand Central Terminal Audio-Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. 8. Brooklyn Children’s Museum Have the little ones with you on your NYE adventure? Why not take some time out to ensure they’re enjoying the trip just as much as you are? Take a few hours to explore and play at the Brooklyn’s Children Museum before heading out to your evening activities. With fun interactive exhibits and plenty of opportunities for learning, everyone in the family will have a blast here! Getting in: Brooklyn Children's Museum tickets are separately ticketed and not included on The New York Pass. 9. Dave and Buster’s Times Square Planning on seeing the ball drop in Times Square? Then you should definitely make a pit-stop at Dave and Buster’s first! This huge indoor arcade is fun for the whole family with great food, drinks, games and more. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission Lots of the fun things to do in NYC on New Year's Eve for Tourists mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in learning more about art and culture, you want to check out the city’s skyline from multiple angles or you’re all about the fun and games –there really is something for everyone in your group to enjoy during the NYE holidays. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Casey Makovich
Blog

Things to Do in NYC for European Visitors on Vacation

Looking for things to do in NYC for European visitors? New York City is one of the top destinations in the United States for Europeans. If you're traveling to America from this area of the world and are looking for the top things to do in the city, we've got you covered. Our recommendations for our European visitors include: The Statue of Liberty The Met Cloisters One World Observatory The High Line Food on Foot Tours Broadway And more Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is an American icon that represents the freedom immigrants find when they arrive in the country. A gift from France, this is the perfect place for Europeans to get a glimpse into what makes the United States what it is. If you have ancestors who traveled to the US, you may even find their names in the American Family Immigration History Center found on Ellis Island. Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum and ferry tickets are included on The New York Pass. Please note: tickets for access to the pedestal and crown levels in the Statue of Liberty are sold separately and require advanced reservations. You will not be granted admission with The New York Pass. Times Square Many people are familiar with Times Square and its popular New Year's Eve celebration, but this area of New York is a true sight to behold throughout the year. As you walk through this busy area of the city, you will notice a vast array of people, making it ideal for people watching, along with costumed characters, bright lights, flashy billboards, musicians and more. It's the perfect place to spend some time shopping and taking in the unique sights of this popular city destination. Getting in: Times Square is free and open to the public. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour A fully-guided hop-on hop-off bus tour is one of the best ways to start your trip. It's one of the most popular things to do in NYC for European visitors in particular because you can listen to pre-recorded narration of the tour in your choice of 10 languages. You'll learn all about some of NYC's most important history, see all the biggest landmarks and sights, and get a feel for the layout of the city so you can make a note of the attractions and areas you want to come back to and explore after the tour or later in your trip. Getting in: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass. One World Observatory Get sky-high views of the city skyline from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Even though the observatory is located above floor 100 in the building, it takes a mere 60 seconds to get to the top via the unique elevators that allow you to look around while you are on your way to the top. This observatory is located at the top of the new One World Trade Center building. Getting in: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately. Food on Foot Tours The food you will find in New York City is diverse and unlike anything you have likely experienced anywhere in Europe. The Food on Foot Tours have earned a number of awards and is a great way to get a taste of the various types of foods available throughout the city. On the tour you'll get to walk through many of New York City's boroughs and experience the various culinary styles that can be found in each one. Getting in: Food on Foor Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour New York truly is a melting pot of cultures, and it's quite evident when you spend time touring some of the most cultured areas of the city. The SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown walking tour is the best way to learn more about the variety of customs that have made this city what it is. This tour is operated by experienced guides who can tell you a little about each area and its history and significance to New York culture. Getting in: Soho - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. Go to Yankee Stadium One of the most American things you can do is take in a New York Yankees baseball game. If you're an avid sports fan or simply want to immerse yourself in this popular American pastimes, consider taking in a game while you are in the city. Even if you are here during the offseason, you can get a glimpse into this important part of American culture by taking a tour of the stadium. Not only will you see one of the most famous stadiums in the country, but you will learn all about the 27-time World Champion team. Getting in: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass - all games and other events are separately ticketed. The High Line By David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsIn a major metropolis like New York City, finding green space can be difficult. While most people are familiar with Central Park and it certainly is a must-do for most visitors to the city, the High Line can offer a unique experience in a similar atmosphere. Build on an old railway line that went out of service in the 1980s, this park runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea, creating the perfect place for hikers to take in the sights and sounds of the city in a luxurious green space. Getting in: The High Line is free and open to the public. The Met Cloisters By Jose olivares (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsThe Met Cloisters is an interesting type of museum that will rival many of the museums that are commonly found throughout Europe and a favorite museum among NYC natives. This museum is home to the Met's medieval arts and architecture and consists of beautifully designed gardens and a castle that looks like it came straight out of medieval Europe. Even though this castle was built fairly recently, it was constructed from stone acquired from several French cloisters, giving it an authentic feel. Getting in: The Met Cloisters tickets are included on The New York Pass. Broadway Shows You haven't seen a show until you've taken in one of Broadway's finest - catching a Broadway show is one of the most popular things to do in NYC for European visitors-or any visitor of that matter. In this area of the city, you will find a vast array of show options, including musicals and plays. You will enjoy some of the most popular musicals and plays ever written, all performed by seasoned actors and actresses. This is an experience that is unlike any other theater event you will ever see.. Getting in: Broadway shows are separately ticketed events. Learn about Graffiti as an Artform Graffiti has become somewhat of an icon in a major American city like New York City. While Europeans aren't as used to the presence of this type of art, it has become an essential part of New York culture and truly makes the city unique. In fact, when you take the Graffiti & Art walking tour in New York City, you will be exposed to some of the most expressive pieces of street art in the country, all created by talented New York artists who have taken their art to the streets in a new medium. Getting in: Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included on The New York Pass. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission Lots of the fun things to do in NYC for European visitors on vacation mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in going on guided tours of the city, going museum hopping, or getting out on the water, an NYC sightseeing vacation that the whole family will enjoy is easy to plan with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
Casey Makovich

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon