Solo Female Travel in New York

Family travel experience

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to NYC since the past 20 plus years, and I never get tired of going back. New York is one of the most vibrant and rapidly changing cities I know. Every time I go back there’s something new to visit or do. Since the pandemic prices have risen significantly, especially in restaurants so be prepared for it. Even though it’s not the safest city in the world, I’ve never had any problems whatsoever, even at night. I’m am more careful than back home, but won’t avoid walking any place or at anytime. I’ve been to New York during every season of the year (fall is my favorite, springtime is beautiful as well) and visited solo, with friends, family, etc. enjoyed it every time. Plan ahead regarding art exhibits, shows, games, etc, as you might get cheaper tickets that way.

Solo travel experience

I felt pretty safe and I stayed in the hostel titled The Local in Queens close to the bridge to Manhattan. It is pretty safe as a solo female traveler, just stay in lighted very public areas during the evening. Personally I was not out later than 10pm

Couple travel experience

New york was my dream come true. It was everything i expected it to be, BUT it was a cultural shock from the moment i stepped out of JFK.its loud,noisy,smelly and all of that. But i loved it soo much.This has been my dream since i was a kid,so i didnt really care about anything.It was pretty safe but there definitely are some areas which are very unsafe.

Solo travel experience

During my solo trip to New York City, I initially felt overwhelmed and anxious when I visited Times Square on the first day. However, as the days went by, I began to really vibe with the city's vibrant atmosphere. As someone who loves theaters, I felt right at home surrounded by the bright lights of Broadway and the diverse performing arts scene in the city. Despite the initial nerves, my trip turned into an unforgettable experience, and I would love to visit again in the future!

Solo travel experience

Had 2 amazing stays in New York so far. Even tho you’re in a super big city, you feel safe. The locals are super friendly and open to help at any given time. Also the variety from cultures amazes me again and again while being there.

Solo travel experience

Besides from rogue homeless men shouting at me, i felt relatively safe in the day time. Most New Yorkers seem to keep to themselves. However I didn’t dare to venture out after dark, besides on the 4th July with somebody from the hostel- this was a pleasant experience. I would recommend NYC for solo females just stick to the safe well known areas :)

Group travel experience

There’s so much to do and see! Really fun to go to with a group of friends. So many different type of areas where you can find lots to do: shopping in soho, nature in central park, history and politics in the financial district, and also good food everywhere!

Solo travel experience

I certainly felt safe during the day, but not so at night. One of my favorite places was watching the Manhattan Bridge from Dumbo and I would suggest visiting the top during the day and another at night. It really is a wonderful experience.

Solo travel experience

I am local to New York City, I live in the suburbs about 45 minutes away. I’ve visited many times and it is generally safe in crowded areas although it is always good to keep your guard up. I recently visited to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (the annual show with the Rockettes) and I highly recommend it!

Family travel experience

The best trip of my life. Everyone should give themselves a chance for a Blair Waldorf moment on the Upper East Side. Culturally very rich, New York is a universe full of unique options. It may not be as safe if you want to experience nightlife, drink on rooftops, and go to clubs until 3 in the morning.

This is definitely a fast paced city. In higher traffic areas, you need to walk the same speed as the crowd and not look down at maps or else it will be obvious you aren't from here/are a tourist. If traveling alone, this will lead people to take advantage of you. Definitely be aware of all your surroundings

New York is as safe for women as many other big cities, but I would definitely have my guard up especially after night. The public transit is safe, just try and stick to your own business and people will generally leave you alone. As far as food goes, I recommend going to Queens or northern Manhattan for the best foods from a variety of cultures.

Living in EV for the past 3 years and have absolutely loved it! Came here in 2021 right after the pandemic ended and never left! The LES, Williamsburg, Bushwick, and West village are popular places to go out. If your on a budget definitely consider living outside of manhattan because it’s pretty steep. Regardless, transportation is great and it’s easy to get anywhere.

A busseling town with many things to do, NYC is a great spot to see what a real melting pot of the USA looks and feels like. With residential areas connected to touristy spots through public transportation, it’s highly recommended you utilize them instead of driving or taking a taxi, and you can pay for a subway ride through Apple pay now.

New York is safe, just use common sense. I've been living there for years. If you like art museums, go to the Met and from the roof, you'll have a beautiful view of the park. If you like science museums, visit the Museum of Natural History. If you want to see more modern art, go to the Guggenheim. I love the central library, I think it's always worth a visit. The Highline is a nice walk. At the Empire State Building, there can be a long wait, so always check the waiting times. In my opinion, Times Square is not worth more than a 10 minute visit.

High Line is amazing. Times Square in and of itself is fun and worth seeing, but it's very touristy. See it, then move along. 30 Rock (Rockefeller Center) is within walking distance, as are Radio City Music Hall and the Empire State Building. If you like art, MoMA is also within walking distance. Take a short subway or bus ride to Central Park and stroll around there. The subway is safe, but remember that NYC is huge. It can take nearly an hour of train rides and transfers to get from Midtown Manhattan to parts of Brooklyn.

The worst views of the Statue of Liberty are from Liberty Island. She looks better from a distance. The Staten Island Ferry is free, and you can see her from there. Unless you're going to a show on Broadway, Times Square is pointless. It's crowded and just filled with chain stores/restaurants. Rockefeller Center offers a better view, as you'll be able to see both the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. Don't skip the 9/11 Memorial. Central Park and Museum Mile are beautiful. Whatever you choose to see, don't get tricked into visiting Hudson Yards. PS: Buy a MetroCard and use the subway and buses.

My secret suggestions: Typical tourist attractions: Visit Grand Central Station, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall, High Line (including Chelsea Market) Non-obvious attractions: The Morgan Museum is quite a quick stop, but beautiful, and the Rubin is a beautiful museum dedicated to Tibet and Nepal, if you have time. There is an amazing bar at the top of Rockefeller called Bar 60, where you can sneak in to see the amazing city views (without having to purchase a drink if you're on a total savings mission). I also recommend checking out St Mark's Place in East Village - Veselkas is insanely good, a 24-hour Polish place, there’s a lot of weird, good New York in this area. Walk around Soho and West Village, if you want to see a more posh part of town, and in Williamsburg on Brooklyn, watch cool, trendy small shops and cafes (you must HAVE BRUNCH there).

Where to stay: Hotels in New York are very expensive. My favorite budget hotel is the Best Western Bowery Hanbee. It's nothing special, but it's clean and quite alright - great staff! It's located right next to Nolita & Soho, where there are many amazing places to see and restaurants. Whatever you do, don't stay on Times Square. What to do / what not to do: - The view from the Top of the Rock is better than from the Empire State Building (you'll take charming photos with the ESB in the background) - Skip the Statue of Liberty. It takes a lot of time and it's rarely worth it for most people. - Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and check out the park between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge when you get to DUMBO - the view of Manhattan is amazing and the area itself is fantastic. - Check out the 9/11 Memorial. Entrance is free (not for the museum though) - Visit The High Line! It's really cool. - Central Park is a must. It's huge, so if there's somewhere specific you want to go you should do some research first. I suggest the Pond, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, The Boathouse, Belvedere Castle & Strawberry Fields. - Go shopping at a vintage clothing store or visit a flea market in Brooklyn.

From a former New Yorker. Mandatory places in the city: Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center (if you're a gourmand, try Coldstone ice cream and Magnolia bakery), 5th Avenue/Soho for window shopping, Met Museum or other museums (if you're a museum lover). South Street Sea Port (historic part of the city). Then for relaxation, the Brooklyn Bridge, Roosevelt Island, or one of the piers.