Weekend Solo Trip to New York City

I booked a trip to New York City for a pretty specific reason: to see James Smith and Chris Williamson live on their U.S. & Canada tour. I've watched their videos and listened to their podcasts for ages, so getting to see them in person was something I couldn't miss. Originally, I planned to stay with my cousin who lives in SoHo, but at the last minute, she had to go out of town.

So, what was meant to be a visit with family turned into a solo adventure in NYC. I was a little nervous to tackle the city on my own. Would I be able to navigate the subway system without getting completely lost? What if I took the wrong train and ended up in Queens when I meant to go to Brooklyn?

But what followed was a classic New York solo adventure: Christmas magic, bucket-list landmarks, and a whole lot of walking. Here's what I did, what I learned, and tips you can use if you're planning your own trip to NYC.

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Check out the vlog

Follow along on the vlog to see my solo trip to New York.

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Why New York Is Perfect for Solo Travel

New York can feel intimidating because of its size and energy, but that's actually what makes it a great solo travel destination. You can blend in with the crowd, explore at your own pace, and there's always something to see. I never once felt out of place being on my own because everyone is busy doing their own thing.

If you're new to solo travel, NYC is a city that will keep you entertained, distracted, and inspired without you needing a packed itinerary.

Getting Around is Easier Than You Think

My biggest worry before the trip was navigating New York's public transportation. I'd heard horror stories about confusing subway maps and getting on trains going the wrong direction.

However, it was surprisingly straightforward. I was able to tap my credit card directly on the turnstiles. So there was no need to figure out MetroCards, passes, or loading money onto anything. Just tap and go. This small feature made me feel so much more confident moving around the city, especially when I was already adjusting to being solo.

NYC Neighborhood Guide

New York is really many cities stacked on top of each other. Each neighborhood has its own personality, and spending time in just one area means missing so much. Here's a quick breakdown of the ones most worth knowing about as a solo traveler:

Midtown Manhattan is tourist central — Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center. It's overwhelming and expensive, but you should spend at least a few hours here, especially at night when it's lit up.

SoHo (where I stayed) is a shopping and brunch paradise. Cobblestone streets, cast-iron architecture, and more boutiques than you'll have time for. Also where you'll find great people-watching over an almond latte.

Greenwich Village and the West Village are among the most charming and walkable neighborhoods in Manhattan. Great for wandering, great for food, and home to Washington Square Park. Less touristy feeling than Midtown despite being very popular.

Chelsea has the High Line, the Chelsea Market, and tons of excellent restaurants. It's also home to NYC's gallery scene if contemporary art is your thing.

Brooklyn (DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights) offer some of the best skyline views in the city, plus a completely different pace. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot and spend a few hours on the other side — it's worth it.

Chinatown and the Lower East Side are where you go for cheap, exceptional food and a gritty, authentic slice of the city that feels nothing like Times Square.

Trip Highlights

James Smith & Chris Williamson Live

This was the main reason for my trip, and it was six years in the making. I've been following James Smith since 2017 when he was just starting out as an online personal trainer. Since then, I've watched him write three books, expand into helping others build their businesses, and launch Neutonic. But being native to the UK and living in Australia meant his live events were always out of reach for someone based in Nashville.

So when he announced his U.S. tour, I jumped at the chance, especially since it meant I could visit my cousin in NYC at the same time. The fact that Chris Williamson joined him made it even better. Two podcasters I've followed for years, together on one stage? It felt like a two-for-one event I couldn't pass up.

In true James fashion, they invited everyone to the bar across the street for an after-party. This is where the magic of traveling solo really hit me. After scrolling Instagram, I found that people I'd known through James's old Facebook group from his PT days were also at this event. We were able to meet up at the bar, turning years of online friendships into real, in-person connections. I went to the event solo, but I ended the night surrounded by like-minded people who felt like old friends.

Solo travel tip: Don't be afraid to plan a trip around one event, especially if it's something you've been waiting years to experience. You might be surprised by the community you find there.

SoHo Shopping

One of the unexpected benefits of staying in my cousin's SoHo apartment was being surrounded by incredible shopping. As someone from Nashville, I was like a kid in a candy store with so many brands and boutiques that we simply don't have access to in Tennessee.

I spent time in stores like Uniqlo, trying on different pieces to confirm sizing instead of guessing based on online size charts. When you're used to online shopping being your only option, there's something so satisfying about knowing exactly how something fits before you buy it.

Union Square Christmas Market

New York transforms into a festive wonderland in December. I explored Union Square’s Christmas Market with rows of vendors selling handmade crafts, cozy holiday drinks, and unique gifts. It felt less touristy than other markets and had a real New York charm.

The variety of local vendors and the cozy vibe was perfect for browsing solo without feeling rushed. It can get busy in the evenings, so mornings or weekdays are better if you want to stroll at your own pace.

The Statue of Liberty (via Staten Island Ferry)

Instead of buying a ticketed tour, I hopped on the Staten Island Ferry, which is completely free and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. It's one of NYC's best hacks for budget travelers. I will say that I didn’t expect the statue to be so tiny compared to the buildings that surround it. Growing up, I also imagined that it was as tall as the sky scrappers in the city. In real life, it is a lot smaller. However, it was still awesome to see in real life.

Pro tip: Stand on the right side of the ferry leaving Manhattan for the best photos. The return trip gives you skyline views that are equally stunning.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

No trip to New York is complete without walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. The combination of skyline views, architecture, and sheer energy of people crossing makes it one of the best free experiences in the city.

Free Things to Do in NYC

I discovered the Staten Island Ferry by accident researching free hacks before my trip, and it ended up being one of my favorite moments. Here are more free (or nearly free) experiences that solo travelers shouldn't miss:

The High Line. This is a former elevated railway line on the west side of Manhattan, now a beautifully landscaped walking park. It's about 1.5 miles long, has great views of the city and the Hudson River, and is always buzzing with street performers and vendors. Best walked in the late afternoon for the light.

Central Park. It sounds obvious, but Central Park rewards slow exploration. Wander to the Bow Bridge, sit by the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, or just find a bench and read a book. You could spend an entire day here and not see it all. In summer there are free concerts and outdoor movie nights.

Washington Square Park. Greenwich Village's main gathering point. There are almost always impromptu musicians performing, people playing chess, dogs running around, and a general feeling that the whole world has decided to take the afternoon off. It's one of my favorite spots in any city.

The 9/11 Memorial. Free to visit (the museum costs extra, but the outdoor memorial is always accessible). It's a sobering, beautiful, and important place.

DUMBO. Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and end up here for the iconic Manhattan skyline shot framed between the bridge arches. There's also a great food hall and carousel nearby.

The Strand Bookstore. Over 2.5 million books across 18 miles of shelves. Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth a wander. The $1 cart outside is dangerous for your budget in the best way.

Is NYC Safe for Solo Travelers?

I was nervous about this too. Yes, NYC is very safe for solo travelers, including solo women. It's consistently ranked among the safer large cities in the world. That said, being street smart goes a long way.

Walk with purpose. New Yorkers move fast and with confidence. Even if you're not sure where you're going, look like you do. Duck into a coffee shop or hotel lobby to check your maps rather than stopping in the middle of a sidewalk.

On the subway: The NYC subway runs 24/7, which is incredible. During the day and evenings it's totally fine. Late at night, stick to busier stations, stand near other people on the platform, and avoid empty subway cars. If a car is empty, there's usually a reason. Trust your gut.

Keep valuables secure. Use a crossbody bag that you can hold in front of you in crowded areas. Don't flash your phone while walking and be aware in tourist-heavy spots like Times Square where pickpocketing is more common.

You won't feel out of place being alone. This is genuinely one of the best things about NYC for solo travelers. Everyone is in their own world. Nobody is watching you eat alone, explore alone, or wander alone. It's freeing.

This trip helped me grow as a solo traveler. I thought I'd feel self-conscious eating alone or walking around by myself, but New York has this energy where everyone is focused on their own journey. You quickly realize that nobody is paying attention to whether you're alone. They're all just trying to get where they're going or do their own thing.

If you've been thinking about visiting New York alone, take this as your sign. Whether you go for the holiday magic, the iconic landmarks, or just to chase something that excites you, NYC is always a good idea!

Nervous about traveling solo? Check out my step by step guide for traveling solo for my tips on getting out of your comfort zone and exploring the world.

Ciao for now!

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