New York solo 7 days March 2024 (+)

[Yongala35]

Hello,
I am a 61 year old woman. I have had a challenging few years and feel I deserve a special treat. I think I will fly with Aer Lingus because of immigration and customs pre-clearance into USA via Dublin. Flying from NW England.
Can anyone help me with a suggested itinerary and travel passes? I am a museum and theatre person. I would like to visit Guggenheim and 9/11 Museum. Not too fussed about shopping but would be grateful for "must see/purchases"
My budget will be about £4k including flights. I'd hope to spend less but I am realistic about prices and value of £.
Many thanks.

That sounds fantastic OP! For the 9/11 museum it gets really busy, there are some tickets machines (look like ATMs) round the corner from where the ticket office is, save yourself half hour queuing and get a ticket from the machine in the wall! Go early as you can, by mid morning it's very busy.

Thanks to mincepieandcustard-love the name.
I found this discount pass -appears to cover most of my day requirements.
https://www.citypass.com/new-york?mv_source=911memorial&campaign=tickets-citypass
Any recommendations for a solo dining experience....preferably earlier in evening 6pm ish? I will be 62 whilst away.
I am looking for hotel recommendations-i accept this is going to be expensive. I am prepared to pay unto £250/night including all taxes(resort fees?) My requirements are
easily accessible from public transport
gym (!)
good views
safe area especially at nigh
not too big
Is an open top bus tour a good idea to get some sort of orientation?
Many thanks for any advice.

We got on an open top bus but the traffic is so bad we got off and didn't even complete half a loop. NYC is very easy to get around, the subway is safe and occasionally we used Uber to get to restaurants when we couldn't be bothered with the subway.
Due to the type of city it is I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid at a solo diner in any restaurant. I can't remember restaurant names sorry that we went to.
Location wise, Times Square is a dump (lights are impressive at night but in day time it's a dump!) Chelsea and Greenwich are nice and felt very safe pottering around, although I was with friends, but I would have felt safe around there if you know what I mean.
The highline is a nice walk. Get on at Chelsea market... Chelsea market is like borough market in London, amazing food! Go there for lunch and then walk the highline!

Regarding restaurants, I found a number of lovely and quite affordable places in NYC, also suitable for solo dining, just looking at the non-starred options in the Michelin guide. Go to viamichelin.com and do a search by neighbourhood.

Years ago when I went with DH we had a Big Apple Greeter who spent a morning with us howling us how to use the subway as well as taking us around Grand Central. It’s free, but we bought coffees and gave him a tip when finished.

Sounds fabulous OP!

For a good view of the Statue of Liberty, I recommend the (completely free) Staten Island ferry. Upon returning to Manhattan, walk along the East River to the Brooklyn Bridge, and either cross it on foot or walk back inland through Chinatown.

There’s a path from the 9/11 memorial to Wall St where you can see Hamilton’s Grave in the churchyard.

Greenwich Village is lovely. There are lots of Friends and SATC/AJLT filming locations to spot if of interest.

We went back couple of years ago and “zoned” the areas eg Staten Island/911 Memorial and Museum/Brooklyn for pizza and walk over the bridge one day, The High Line/Chelsea Market/Friends apartment block another.

Years since I went, but Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) was a stand out for me, as well as Grand Central Station. I would go to Happy Hours as, in addition to vastly reduced drink prices, you get amazing "nibbles" which are free. I used to fill up on them & then not need any dinner.

ooh watching with interest as DH and I also going to NYC in March 24.

We have been before 10yrs so looking forwards to returning!

As tempting as it is to go up the Empire, Id recommend going up the Rock and seeing the Empire! much more impressive! or do both! 😆

The Met is completely worth going to. You can spend all day there.

I'd think about staying around the Upper West Side if going alone. Very safe for eating and walking around. We stayed in the Koreatown area (W32 St) but had a fussy child with us so didn't take advantage of being there but loads of lovely looking places to eat. But also handy for Bryant Park and Herald Square which had lots of good street food stalls when we there.

What time of year are you going??

I personally wouldn't bother with open top, as the traffic is awful, mentioned already upthread

I'd do:

The Met
Free ferry to statue of liberty
The museum on Ellis Island
Chinatown
Staten Island
Central Park

Don't bother with the high line

Highline is great. Chelsea Market good for a bite to eat on your own - lots of different food places with general tables.

I loved the cheesecake at Eileen's Bakery in SoHo. Juliana's pizza at Old Fulton Street in Brooklyn.

Walk over Brooklyn Bridge if you can, amazing views. I also really like the Circle Line boat tours for amazing views of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty.

If you've 7 days, I'd definitely walk the High Line. Just amble and get different perspectives for photos.

I'd do a tour of the UN as well - wish I'd thought to do that.

I agree going up the rock as you get the view of empire and Central Park in the other side. Go to rainbow rooms for a cocktail at top of the rock as a more grown up sophisticated way of doing it rather than going to the viewing platform. We booked a table early evening and had some food and a few drinks and watched the sun set over the city, it's one of my favourite memories

www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/rainbow-room/

Many thanks for your suggestions.
I have booked my flights. I am excited about my trip- 6 months away! I am going to use public transport to my accommodation when I arrive at JFK.
Not sorted a hotel yet.
I am going to be really cheeky and ask if anyone can suggest a daily schedule.I am fairly fit. It is 20+ years since I had an adventure like this and unfortunately I think I've lost some of my mojo for planning and confidence.
I am going to book 2 Broadway shows and a solo birthday meal. Rainbow Rooms sounds ideal. I hope to go to Katz Delicatessen for lunch because When Harry Met Sally is one of my favourite films but I won't waste time if queue is too long.
I am concerned about tipping etiquette. I believe it is essential to add 15-20% to restaurant bills. Do I tip chambermaids? Taxis?
I have heard about Big Apple Greeter scheme or something similar and will do further research.
I am going to do my best to get tickets for The Late Show.....I live in hope!
Again many thanks for your advice.
I hope to provide a trip report when I return.
Please keep your suggestions coming.

Tipping etiquette is
16% minimum expectation- service was satisfactory/poor

18% - normal expectation for decent service

20% - good service

My friend lives in nyc and talked me through it. I was shocked that I was expected to leave 16% for crap service!

If you like steak book a table at Gallagher's steak house just off Times Square. Beautiful wood panelled, think opulent 1920's vibe. We went before going to a show. Loved it!

Or if you don't want to sit and eat a steak just go in and have a cocktail at the bar

I Know NY well! Try Mary Lane in Greenwich Village for a nice dinner. Subway is great but I would splash out on a taxi from airport. There are fixed charges. Yes tipping is shocking. 20% tips plus sales tax all very quickly adds up.

Thanks for your help.
I've decided to mentally add 20% to any bill. I will prepay as much as possible.
A friend has offered to use "points" to pay for my stay at a hotel on 37th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. I am humbled by this generosity. Is this an accessible area? My understanding is 4 minutes from Empire State Building.
I can see a cocktail at Rainbow Bar and a steak at Royal 35 Steakhouse

I just got back from NY. Really enjoyed the 9/11 museum, I wasn't sure what to expect but it was very well done and very interesting.

The $32 three-course set lunch at Gallaghers is one of the best value meals you'll have in NYC.

Progress ...
I have booked and paid for flights. As friend is (generously)
sorting out hotel for me I have treated myself to business class flights (£1700 return) Flying into Newark and home from JFK. I will use shuttle bus service to hotel.Arriving mid afternoon.
I have contacted Big Apple Greeter service and asked for their assistance.
Arranged travel insurance-eye waveringly expensive as result of pre existing conditions £300 for entirety of trip.
Please be careful when arranging ESTA. Carelessly I used "an affiliate" site. Cost $80 instead of $21. Hopefully only error I will make.
Will look at Gallagher's. Thanks
As I sort out my schedule I will update with it and associated costs.
Thanks for your help and guidance.

I rooting for you to have the most amazing trip OP! Enjoy!