Seasoned solo travelers know that often, the busiest places are the best places to see by yourself. New York, in general, and Manhattan, in particular, are far too big and busy and vibrant to ever get bored, whether you’re traveling alone or with companions. And seeing Manhattan by yourself can make it easier to get around and enjoy everything you want to do without having to compromise.
Drop off your bags at a Manhattan luggage storage, and you’ll be able to enjoy everything this neighborhood has to offer unencumbered. Manhattan is just waiting to be explored, and there are few better destinations for a solo trip.
Explore by Bike
Manhattan may be a terrible place to drive, but it’s a great place to explore on two wheels. More and more bike lanes are popping up in Manhattan all the time, and there are plenty of bikes available to rent. $15 will get you a Citi Bike for a full day, making it easy to explore the city at your own pace. Download an app to guide you to some of the best locations in Manhattan, or just go with the flow and see what you discover for yourself.
If you’d like to meet new people, you can also take an organized bike tour of several locations in Manhattan. These bike tours make a great way to hang out with fellow travelers and discover the city together.
Visit Food Markets
You have to eat anyway. So why not do it at one of New York’s many fascinating food markets? There are plenty of great options to choose from, whether you’re looking for fresh produce, international cuisine, or gourmet goods.
The Union Square Greenmarket is one of the most popular food markets in Manhattan, and for good reason. This market has been around since 1976 and features more than 140 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to grass-fed beef and artisanal cheese.
If you’re looking for something a little bit different, check out the Chelsea Market. This market is located in a former factory and now houses more than 35 food vendors selling everything from seafood to baked goods. There’s also a wide variety of shops selling art, clothing, and other goods.
No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it at one of Manhattan’s many food markets. And exploring these markets is a great way to get to know the city and its people. Food halls like the Essex Market, with its communal tables, are also great places to meet new people while you enjoy a bite to eat.
See a Show
Manhattan is known for its theater scene, and there are plenty of shows to choose from, regardless of your taste or budget. Broadway shows are always popular, but they can be expensive.
If you’re on a budget, off-Broadway shows are a great option. These shows are often just as good as Broadway shows but are much less expensive. You can also check out discount ticket websites to find deals on both Broadway and off-Broadway shows.
Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can line up for lottery tickets to Hamilton or another popular show. This is a great way to see a show without spending a lot of money, but it does require some patience and luck.
No matter what kind of show you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Manhattan. Seeing a show is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Check for Outdoor Events
New York is famous for its parks, including the iconic Central Park. And these parks can make great places to wander and hang out by yourself. But if you’re visiting New York in the summer, you’ll also find that many of the parks host outdoor events like plays, concerts, comedy shows, and festivals. Taking in one of these events is a great activity to enjoy while traveling solo in Manhattan.
There are also a number of other outdoor events that take place throughout the city, from street fairs to farmer’s markets. Check the event listings in your hotel or on the internet to see what’s happening during your stay.
Go for a Hike
When most people think of Manhattan, they think of busy streets surrounded by towering skyscrapers. And that’s accurate. But it’s not the whole story. You may be surprised to find there are some great hiking trails, even in densely populated Manhattan.
The Ravine in Central Park feels a long way from the chaos of the city. Inwood Hill Park also offers a great landscape away from the busy streets of New York. And if you’re willing to travel to the other five boroughs, such as Staten Island, you’ll find some remarkably unspoiled natural areas where you can recharge your batteries and take a break from the frantic pace of the city.
Take a Food Tour
There’s no denying that New York is one of the world’s great food cities. With so many different cuisines represented, it can be hard to know where to start. A food tour is a great way to get an overview of the city’s culinary scene.
You’ll sample some of the best food the city has to offer while learning about the history and culture of New York’s many different neighborhoods. And you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat or what to order. Your guide will take care of all that for you.
Food tours are a great way to experience Manhattan’s vibrant food scene. And they’re a lot of fun too.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list, there are almost endless things to do in Manhattan by yourself. And we’ve just scratched the surface. The truth is, you can spend a lifetime in this city without running out of things to do, and lots of people do just that. So get out there and explore Manhattan by yourself. No matter what, you’ll never be bored.