SOLO DAY TRIP IN NYC 

Hey everyone, and welcome to our first-ever NYC guide. Today’s blog post is going to be a bit different, something that I especially love doing - a solo day out in New York City. As a University student in NYC, I’ve found that it's the perfect place to build independence, explore, and try new things, even if you're not the biggest fan of doing things alone (like me). When I first started university, I made it a personal challenge to plan solo days once a month; sometimes, I forget. And now, I want to share one with you in hopes of inspiring you to do the same. 

Come with me to my solo day in NYC. 

A Few Tips Before You Start: 

• Start with tourist spots: If you’re a little anxious about being alone, begin your solo trip in a tourist attraction. They’re usually full of people doing their own thing and you’ll blend right in. 

• No one is actually paying attention to you: This is the hard truth, but it's an important one to realize. Especially in New York, people are so busy with their own lives that they won’t focus on being alone. So, just relax and enjoy yourself. 

• Capture the moment: I know it's cliche, but don’t forget to take pictures for your memories. It's a great way to look back and know which places to visit again.

For my solo days, I like to start with a specific point and then let the day unfold from there. For this solo trip, my starting point is Chelsea Market, a vibrant food and retail marketplace in Manhattan. 

Stop 1: Chelsea Market 

I wandered around the market for about 30 minutes, checking out the different vendors and shops and looking at the unique and interesting items I most likely wouldn’t find anywhere else in Manhattan. While I didn’t eat anything, I asked my friends for some recommendations for next time. Here are a few must-try spots:

• Very Fresh Noodles: Famous for its Taiwanese beef noodle soup (expect a line) 

• Saxelby Cheesemonger: This is perfect for cheese lovers. They have delicious sandwiches, but the highlight is the grab-and-go section, which is ideal for picnics or charcuterie boards. 

• Los Tacos #1: The tacos are fresh, delicious and flavorful. They also have multiple locations around Manhattan. 

Stop 2: Art Galleries

After Chelsea Market, go up a few streets to 23rd with 10th Ave to explore nearby art galleries. There are around 300 galleries in Chelsea, mainly concentrated on 10th Ave, 23rd Street, and 24th Street. Many of them are open to the public for free, so I took my time hoping in and out, mesmerized by the incredible artwork. I love doing this solo because it allows me to enjoy at my own pace, with no rush. 

Tip: If you’re in town during an opening night at the galleries, don’t miss it. They’re usually buzzing with people dressed up for the occasion, and it is a fantastic way to meet new people. I went last year with a few friends, and we had a fantastic time. 

Stop 3: The High Line & Central Park 

Afterward, I took a little detour to the High Line, the elevated park stretching along the west side of Manhattan, on my walk to Central Park. On my 40-minute walk, I enjoyed the views and taking notes of all the restaurants I passed by that I want to try in the future. 

Once I made it to Central Park—I know it’s a bit cliché, but it’s iconic for a reason—I spent an hour sitting on the grass and reading the third book of the Crazy Rich Asians series. It was a perfect way to relax after walking so much and be in contact with nature in the middle of the city. 

To wrap it up, I met up with a few friends in the park and played with their adorable dogs. It was the perfect ending to a great day.

And that is it for my solo day filled with exploration, art, and relaxation. I hope this inspires you to plan your own solo day in the city or decide to recreate mine (or add your own twist); I’d love to hear about it. Share your experience with us, and maybe we’ll feature it in a future post. 

Happy exploring!

I didn't take many pictures on my solo day, but here they are: