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?!

Consider Airbnb too. Go to the Highline park. And the Staten Island ferry, which takes you past the Statue of Liberty and is free. As is people-watching in Union Square.

I’ve just spent two weeks in the US and found it really expensive for shopping. I am a regular visitor and while this time I picked up a few things in the outlets, it was noticeably more pricey than previous visits. In NYC itself you’ll likely be more limited for finding bargains. If the big department stores have sales on you might be in luck. Brand-wise I like American Eagle and Banana Republic but they are more expensive than Primark etc. Forever 21 is the more direct comparator to Primark but it depends on your style. Target supermarkets have a decent fashion range too.

just avoid half term in October, prices are crazy. Our currency is down the pan and unlikely to soar, shopping won't be cheap, I've been with the $ at 1.65 and found it expensive.

especially if you have a British accent. I found it was like a key to special treatment without realising / trying!

Having a British accent in America must be what it’s like to be a minor celebrity. I’ve been walking down the street (talking to my wife) and people have stopped us because of the accent. In coffee shops people have suddenly migrated to our table just to talk. A lady half my age described my accent as ‘cute’. But my peak accent moment was the time I asked a New York cop for directions, which he provided and then added ‘god save the Queen’

Go to America, if someone sees you looking lost they I’ll ask if they can help (well they did for us anyway.) Go to Central Park, go to Macy’s, go to the flea markets, go to the flea markets again , go to the High Line, Coney Island, take the free Staten Island ferry just for the views.

And this time last week we were somewhere around Times Square . Rats

I went alone in my 20s, I stayed in a nice hostel on the upper west side (but I did share with 3 other women).
It was great, I loved that I could disappear into the city and no one knew me. And I would end up talking to people in bars/restaurants etc. I only did a few days though.

I've lived in New York. For clothes on a budget, I would recommend Old Navy, Loft, Target, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, NY and Company, American Eagle.

All of these stores have locations in Manhattan- there is also a great budget mall in NJ called Jersey Gardens that I highly recommend, we used to go several times a year. It's called Jersey Gardens and is a 35 minute bus ride from PABT. We bought all our Christmas presents and lots of clothes from there.

For home goods, I would recommend TJ Maxx, World Market and Target. If you are looking for bargains, you are unlikely to find them in the large department stores, though they are fun to go and look in.

Download a subway app you can look at offline, and make sure you're going in the right direction (i.e uptown or downtown) and you'll be fine.

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?!

No words

New York is amazing but to go there primarily to shop in the Primark end of the market is madness. For one thing the exchange rate is rubbish atm. Secondly, just why buy crap and lug it home. There is so so much more to NY than shopping. Go and enjoy the city not the shops.

And if you are into any variant of crafting, my wife says that Michaels Is the place to go (there are two stores in the city, 93rd street and 23rd street (I think!)

@lovemenorca - why the bitchy comment?

Century 21 near the World Trade Center site is a great shop full of bargains

I went on my own and loved it (I've been a few times but it was the first time by myself). I stayed near the Lincoln centre and Central Park which was good for Moma, the Frick and Guggenheim. I also went to Ground Zero and saw the sunset at the top of One World or whatever it's called. I agree the subway is confusing so I relied on mostly walking and cabs.

I've been on my own and would love to do that again.

It used to be great to shop in the US but bargains now seem harder to find. Old Navy is pretty good for cheaper clothes though, and Century 21 is definitely worth a look. There's also an outlet mall, Woodbury Common, about an hour out of the city and there's transport between there and the city.

Yes, go go go! I’ve been to New York 3 times but would love to go again and would go by myself.

Getting and staying there that time of year could be expensive but you can save during your time there. There is so much to do for free or cheap in New York.

Happy planning!