To go to New York on my own

[SpecialKRocks223]

I'm a fan of holidaying solo and No1 on the Bucket List is NYC. I'd like to go from Monday to Friday in October next year, looking for a hotel that provides a private room and bathroom so not a dormitory or anything. It doesn't have to be anything fancy just central really. I'm hoping I can get this for £800 ish? Also is Expedia trustworthy to book with?!

I want to visit the 911 museum, go for some strolls in Central Park and just eat in diners or cafes etc, I wouldn't want to go to fancy restaurants by myself.

But mainly it'll be a shopping trip... I'd like the equivalent of our high street shops from Primark, New Look etc up to River Island etc. Not sure what they have?!

[MissCharleyP]

I did it a few years ago and would do again if necessary. I stayed at the Avalon, small rooms but private bathroom and about 5 minutes walk from Macy’s. Loads of places to eat and easy to get to everything.

[Ribrabrob]

Do it! I too love to travel alone and New York was one of my favourite solo trips, I hope to do it again one day.

I think £800 is definitely doable and you could probably get it cheaper depending on which airport you will fly from, if you want to take checked luggage etc. sometimes it’s cheaper to book flights and hotel separately rather than as a package as well, so keep that in mind.

Do you like cheesecake? If so make sure you pay a visit to Juniors who do the most amazing cheesecake!

Re the shopping, I can’t really comment I’m afraid as I find the US quite expensive for shopping although I know others think differently.

[steff13]

Yes, Expedia is trustworthy. I don't know what is equivalent to Primary, but NYC has Bloomingdale's and Macy's and Nordstrom and Tiffany & Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue.

[squashyhat]

Do it do it do it. I have been four times - three with friends/family and one on my own. The solo trip was definitely the best. Expedia is fine to book with. The £800 won't get you flights as well as hotel though. Re shopping they have the equivalent of TK Maxx called TJ Maxx. Old Navy is a popular cheap

[BrassTactical]

I went alone for work, met people there but first few days wandered alone, night one I went to an Irish bar (had to be done), and ended up out until 5am with a college reunion party from Pittsburgh.

Made friends with the bodega owner and the florist (had a small fling with an Italian American man), it was absolutely brilliant, the NYCrs are on the whole friendly and great.

I stayed at the Hyatt on 6th Avenue I think it was and could walk to Central Park, Times Square etc. Highly recommended. Was very sorry when I had to start work!

[Tistheseason17]

Just do it! i went to NYC alone - Fab times!
Go at Halloween next October - the parade is something truly special!

[RusholmeRuffian]

I did this last summer and stayed at the Pod Times Square hotel. Rooms are small
as the name suggests but have private bathrooms and are modern, clean and comfortable. They have 2 other hotels all in central locations.

Expedia are fine to book with.

[Scarlett555]

Definitely do it! You'll have a great time. It was smaller than I expected so you can walk around easily. If you like pizza then Lombardi's was one of the best pizzas I've ever had.

[swingofthings]

The great thing about Americans is if they see someone alone, they'll get you to join in as soon as you make eye contact so unless you want to be alone, you can quite easily make company.

My advice is don't go for a hotel in Manatthan. I went for a hotel in Queens only 2 subway stops and 5 mns from Manatthan, brilliant view over the skyscrapers and 1/2 the price (might have been even more!).

[SpecialKRocks223]

I'd like to fly from Heathrow (always wanted to go to Heathrow I'm a bit of an airport geek!) but it's not essential if it costs loads more.

Love cheesecake and pizza! October is my favourite month weather wise and I love Halloween... I have looked at their subway system but to be honest I find it a bit confusing compared to the London Underground, which is easy to me... that's the only thing putting me off a non-Manhattan hotel

[AFairlyHardAvocado]

Do it!! I went for a work trip and stayed an extra couple of days solo, it was so liberating being able to do whatever the fuck I wanted. It was amazing, one of my best trips ever. I'm jealous!

[Ribrabrob]

The subway is confusing, yes, but with the help of Google Maps and asking friendly looking strangers for help then you will be fine and get where you need to be

[sophiestew]

YANBU

I love holidaying alone at least once a year. SO much less stress!!!

NYC is fine for solo travellers. Have fun!

[MummytoCSJH]

Bloody hell I was going to suggest the hotel me and ex stayed at in feb for a week for under £600 but I've just looked for a week next October and it shows as over 2k! I wonder why it's so different. Good luck OP. I wouldn't worry about going alone - I went to Chicago alone and had a fantastic time!

[olivesnutsandcheese]

Norwegian flights are very reasonable

[PrincessRaven]

Do it, also as far as I remember the 911 museum is free on Tuesdays (google) but id get a city pass, as they're really good

[Delatron]

NYC would be fine to visit alone but don’t expect much from a shopping point of view. It’s more expensive than here and no bargains to be had.

[IlluminatiParty]

Hotel 91 in Chinatown is great or was. Cheap but not that far from the touristy places.

I've been a few times on my own.

[GrumpiestCat]

I booked via Experia and got a five day break for around 800 Inc flights but this was a decade ago. Save money by getting the subway to the city from the airport not a transfer coach or taxi.

[Starheart]

Would love a trip like this . Plenty of New York boards on trip advisor to get ideas and advice from . Also there is a visiting nyc Facebook group as well.

[NormaBean]

I wouldn’t use Expedia again. On two occasions they charged me twice for flights, I’m still waiting for the refunds almost a year later.

100% yes to NY on your own though. The trip advisor forums have lots of useful advice and knowledgable people if you need help with anything specific.

[babygrootandstarlord]

I've done NYC alone a few times and it was great. Subway wasn't that confusing, it was well signed. Shopping was decent and the food was amazing!!! I've been in summer and winter - loved looking at all the window displays in the winter time. Did not enjoy the giant cockroaches on the street in the summer (I have a phobia). I think autumn would be a perfect time to go. Once when I went alone I rented a room from someone (pre air b&b days, but similar concept website) and that was fantastic.

[SpecialKRocks223]

NYC would be fine to visit alone but don’t expect much from a shopping point of view. It’s more expensive than here and no bargains to be had.

This is my concern, I want to buy clothes and little things for my house but I'm more Dorothy Perkins and Next than Tommy Hilfiger and Chanel...

[AFairlyHardAvocado]

Also IME people are friendly in general there (more so than other big cities I've visited) so if you're confused about things like the subway they'll help you out - especially if you have a British accent. I found it was like a key to special treatment without realising / trying!

[AFairlyHardAvocado]

Agree not for shopping really unless you want designer bits at lower prices. There's so much more to do in NYC than shopping so hopefully you'd have a fabulous time regardless!