Would you go to New York on your own?

[OriginalM]

Has anyone been to New York on their own?
I've wanted to go to New York for a very long time and after some difficult years I've decided to treat myself. The problem is due to various reasons my partner can't come so I'm looking at going on my own.
Will I enjoy it as much on my own? Or is part of the experience eating out together, seeing the sights together etc?
I know I will be able to do exactly what I want to do and see without my partner moaning about walking or getting up late but I'm worried I will not enjoy it as much as if he was able to come.
Anyone been on their own? Is it a solo traveller destination?

I’ve been as part of a family
I haven’t been on my own but I would.
I’d plan ahead and stay somewhere central and be mindful where I went in the evening. But day time and central I’d feel fine and relaxed.
(Obviously any of us is entitled to go out late, after dark etc but for me I would feel a bit unsafe. Same as I would in London)

I'd happy go anywhere on my own.
Sorry, not helpful!

Yes I would, fantastic place.

My sister went by herself a few years ago. She really enjoyed sitting in Central Park reading a book, spending hours in museums and ate lots of street food or ramen etc when she didn't want to sit in a restaurant alone. She definitely enjoyed it, and is glad she was brave enough.

Yes I’d definitely do it !

It’s one of the few places I’d be happy on my own! Definitely do it.

I've done it and was a bit underwhelmed tbh, but I think because NY doesn't get me very excited. By all means travel alone though, it's great fun!

I have, sort of...I had a friend working there who was around a couple of evenings. The evenings I was alone I did theatre and saw a show taping.

The galleries and museums are amazing - don't miss the Frick, it's such a joy.

But...I gather it's not as pleasant as it used to be to just wander about on a lovely spring day. There's been a major increase in crime recently. I don't think that's necessarily a factor about being alone or not, but I think the days like when my friend lived there were different and it's a lot grittier now.

I was lucky enough not to use the subway. That was partly a choice because I was on the bloody Tube daily so wanted my holiday not to include it. Did it once, I think. I didn't need a lot of cabs because of where I stayed and what I wanted to do.

But I think the subway might also be a bit more rough than it was, my friend used it daily for work, no problem.

I may have a totally unrealistic idea of NY because so many years have passed...you might have a fully up to date one and know all this stuff!

I would! I have been on my own but for work but had spare time for sightseeing on occasion. I loved it.

If you do it, don’t compromise on the location for your Hotel. Stay central and in a safe part of town. I sometimes stayed in airbnbs (not booked by me) in areas I didn’t particularly like on my own especially at night.

No. Horrible place with or without company. Rudest people on earth.

Agree with @EmmaH2022 avoid the subway. A friend went a few months ago with work and her NY company also recommended her to avoid it. Get ubers or walk or do a day of hop on/hop off.

I have. Was due to go with a friend and she had to pull out as her brother sprung a surprise wedding on her.

Anyway it was excellent. Each day I headed in a different direction. I took my film camera, loads of film and got some of my best ever photos. It was the week before Christmas and so, so cold. But I had wanted to go since forever and being on my own was not going to stop me. I've been back since with my OH but that first trip was so, so good.

I'm going there on my own this Wed. It's fine. I like having the freedom to do what I want when I want.

I first went there on my own on business over 20 years ago. I've been back many times (both for pleasure and for work), sometimes alone and sometimes with partners/friends/colleagues. I have friends and colleagues there now so sometimes I meet up with them but I'm also happy on my own too.

If you worry about what to do in the evenings alone, I'd recommend the theatre (I have a ticket for Hamilton) or booking a small group tour (I'm doing a mafia food tour one evening).

In a New York minute! 😀

This is one of my dreams, I'd complete suit myself and enjoy every second

I did, years ago, after a month on a ranch and a long three days on a Greyhound bus. However, I was house-sitting so there was a cat to welcome me. And one or two distant relatives came into the city to meet up for coffee or lunch - so I wasn’t completely without company. But I was perfectly happy - hadn’t really considered my solo state. I was definitely more concerned by my ridiculously impecunious condition and the fact I couldn’t afford to go to the Met.

Spent my days wandering around the shops and galleries, or just walking. But it was equally entertaining watching American TV in the flat, with the cat.

My dream is a month in NYC alone. Not sure dh and dcs would be happy about me ditching them for a month!

I'd love to just be there as a not-tourist.

I did it on my own on my mid 20's did a bit of a tour Chicago, Washington and New York. Loved it stayed in hostels and met some lovely people that I ended up going out for dinner with or having drinks with. Did a broadway show on my own and lots of touristy things and found ppl to chat with. Go for it

Yes, and I did exactly that a few years ago. The joy of solo city breaks is that you can see the sights and do the things you want at your own pace, in your own way and in your own time. You don’t have to pander to anyone else’s likes, dislikes or wishes. As for eating out solo, I just take my book or my iPad and I’m good. Or get a delivery to my hotel room if I’m tired.

Downsides? The cost of accommodation is obviously higher for a single traveller.

Yes - I more or less did - went as part of a group of girls who were doing the whole mall shopping thing - not my scene so I pottered around my favourite places.

I'd been a few times previously so knew my way around but do your research OP & you can plan the things you want to see and do before you go.

Walking is by far the best way to soak up the atmosphere - I just love the place and i'd be on a plane back there tomorrow for an visit number 8 if I could 😊

Always met friendly and interesting people every time I've been too and not experienced any rudeness 🤷‍♀️

I did and loved it, but it was over 20 years ago. I've heard it's a lot worse there now crime wise etc.

I was cabin crew for 2 decades. I’ve spent so much time happily wandering around New York on my own. It’s great exploring something alone. You get to do exactly what you want when you want! Enjoy- it’s a wonderful place.

LOVE NYC! Definitely a place where you could enjoy yourself alone, plenty to do. No one would bat an eyelid at you eating out or going places alone . Do it!

Yes, I went there two years running for a cheap January solo week in 2018 and 2019. Stayed somewhere cheap and charmless, but well-located in mid-town. The subway was fine, but I find its signage poor, so tended to avoid it and walk or take buses. I went to every possible art gallery, the opera, an off-Broadway play, did a lot of general exploring (though it was cold and snowy), and ate really well. I had a marvellous time. It’s the perfect city for solo exploration. I don’t think it needs any more common-sense precautions than London.

@MrsSkylerWhite

No. Horrible place with or without company. Rudest people on earth.

I found them very friendly but I'm a Londoner who finds Londoners friendly!

MrsSkylerWhite
No. Horrible place with or without company. Rudest people on earth.

What, all of them??!