The Ultimate New York Travel Guide for Solo Travelers

We can all agree that the first time arriving in New York City is a pinch me moment. However, with so much to do and see, it can be difficult to narrow down the list of things to do in New York to fit your schedule- especially if your traveling solo. This New York travel guide has you covered with the best time to go to New York, how to get around New York, places to go to in New York,  where to stay in New York and more! By the end of my New York Travel Guide you will learn what you need to know about NYC to make your trip much easier- especially if you’re looking for places to go in NYC alone!

When is the best time to go to New York?

Whether you prefer a warmer climate or want to celebrate Christmas in the city, there is no bad time to visit New York City with many experiences for you to enjoy throughout the year. 

The best travel times for pleasant weather are fall (September to early November) and spring (April to June). Mid-January to the end of February is the best time to travel, if you are looking for the cheapest travel time. 

Insider Tip: chances are it’s going to snow if you’re visiting New York City during the winter months! Bring along your down jacket or warmest coat and pack enough layers to keep warm while you explore.

New York City Travel: How to Get Around

There are many ways to get to your favorite NYC destinations in this metropolitan city. The most popular ones are: 

1. Trains: One of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world is the New York City Subway. It connects the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan and passes through Staten Island. Each trip costs $2.75. A seven-day pass is available for $33 and is valid on buses and trains.
2. Bus: The bus network provides easy access to rare places that nearby train stations don’t serve and also New York’s LaGuardia Airport. A seven-day transit pass costs $33 and covers buses and trains. A one-way bus ride costs $2.75. Traffic sometimes makes buses easy to navigate on foot even though buses can be comfortable.
3. Ferries: Ferry is one of the ideal ways to travel between the New York areas when the weather is nice. Ferries connect the east side of Manhattan, the west coast of Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens. Trips are usually $2.75 each. The New York ferries do not accept Subway and bus tickets. The Staten Island Ferry is for free.
4. Taxi: It can be difficult to find taxis in parts of the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn even though taxis are available throughout Manhattan. Green Cabs offers rides in the suburbs and northern Manhattan. To hail a taxi, look for a taxi with its lights on and put up your hand. All New York taxis use meters and use credit cards
5. Ride Share: Lyft and Uber are available throughout New York and offer similar prices. A great way to travel to Queens and to parts of Brooklyn.

Places to go in NYC

In a city bursting with atmosphere and activity, narrowing down the best places to go in NYC is one of the hardest things you can do. Especially with all the Reels and TikToks of NYC bloggers posting the latest, trendy spots. In my New York travel guide, I’m going to remind you of the classics places to visit because there’s no shame in being a tried and true NYC tourist.

Stroll through Central Park 

The best thing about Central Park is that it’s easy to walk for hours or have a picnic between the trees. The park itself stretches for 40 blocks, is free, and withholds plenty of little trails to walk on. When the summer months reach, theater performances and free concerts are often held here. You can also find free walking tours with a New York travel guide on Saturdays, from spring to fall during the day when it is safest for a solo female traveler especially.

You’ll enjoy lounging in Sheep’s Meadow on a warm sunny day with food, a bottle of wine and a book. Join a Get Your Guide tour ($26), if you’d like to take a guided tour of the park to learn more about the famous film locations, sculptures and statues and gardens, and ponds.

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Freedom Tower

Formerly the World Trade Center where nearly 3,000 people were tragically killed on September 11, 2001, the building is now known as the Freedom Tower. Visit the museum to learn more about 9/11 and the events that took place. It houses a moving exhibit explaining the significance of the tragedy and the scope.

You can also get a panoramic view of the city from the new Freedom Tower. Here you will see images of the historical development of the city and how it has changed over years on the elevator to the top. 

The memorial can be visited free of charge; Admission to the museum is $26 (admission is free on Mondays from 3:30-5:00 pm, but tickets have to be ordered online).

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

If it’s your first time in New York, seeing the Monets, Pollocks, and more in one of the most important art collections in the world is a must. Which is why the Met should be a priority if you only have time to see one museum in New York. The iconic NYC museum houses a wide variety of paintings, artifacts, statues and many other exhibits. 

You will love the extensive impressionist paintings and the Greek sculpture exhibits. Now on the weekends it does get crowded and chaotic, but you can usually find a quiet spot away from the crowds because it’s so big. Admission is $25 and we recommend you plan at least one day in NYC here as a few hours is not enough.

See the Ellis Island/ Statue of Liberty

The large neoclassical Statue of Liberty that seems to watch over the city at 95 meters high was given to the United States of America by France in 1885. Although the metal structure was built by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), it was designed by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.

The Statue of Liberty is amazing to look at up close and also as big as you can imagine, though Ellis Island is the highlight of this combination. 

Here you can get a sense of the people who helped build New York (you’ll even find my last name on the wall) and learn more about the immigrant experience. You will definitely be impressed with the great sense of history and the admission is just $24.

Where to stay in New York

New York has so many beautiful neighborhoods, each one with its own uniqueness. The best places to stay in NYC are also often the most expensive like the West Village and Greenwich or Lower East Side and Upper East Side, so you may have to stay outside of lower or mid-Manhattan if you’re on a budget. However, thanks to a short metro ride, it is possible to visit different parts of the city.

Here’s New York City best places to stay:

Apartment rentals: Airbnb and VRBO rentals are the best NYC room or apartment rentals sites in New York. Whether you’re looking for a studio with panoramic rooftop views or for a SoHo loft, there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from. But be sure to book a place months in advance as

Freehand New York: One of New York City’s most popular boutique hotels for solo travelers is Freehand hotel. Hotels like Freehand are a good choice because they come with 24/7 assistance in an area with plenty of access, making it one of the safest places to stay in New York City. This particular NYC hotel has a rooftop bar, a 24-hour fitness center, five on-site restaurants, and game room. As you take in the hotel’s beautiful décor and custom-made artwork, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to mingle with other travelers.

Pod 39: Pod 39 is one of the best budget hotels in New York. Head up to the rooftop terrace for views of the city and the sunset or spend the evening playing board games in the lobby.

It’s time to travel to NYC with your New York travel guide!

So whatever your plans may be, whether it’s seeing the top view of the Empire State Building, One World Observatory or Rockefeller Center. Starting your museum tour beginning at the northeast end of Central Park Metropolitan Museum of Art. Heading to the Museum of the City of New York to learn about the history of the Big Apple. Or going north to the Guggenheim Museum you should feel empowered to visit the City, whether it’s a NYC solo trip or a group excursion with this NYC Guide New York City travel guide. Don’t forget to come back for updates and checkout out the Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel if you want to take your next trip international!