If you’re starting to think about travel plans for 2024, conquering the world on your own is worth putting at the top of your bucket list. Once considered intimidating and scary, solo travel is anything but these things. It’s more like freedom at its finest – a once in a lifetime opportunity to set off on a journey that perhaps may even be transformative. By Angela Khoudair
The undeniable allure of accompanying yourself on a world trip enables you to do things your own way and experience a place unlike you would if you were in a group. It’s also a chance to truly immerse yourself in cultures and ways of life and meet some incredible people along the way.
Many destinations lend themselves to an unforgettable solo experience. Right at the top of the list is the serendipitous city of New York with its buzzing hive of energy. It’s one of the best cities in the world to achieve total anonymity!
If you are travelling independently as a woman, it’s best not to take unnecessary risks and use good judgement. But for the most part, don’t head down dark alleyways after midnight on your own, and you will be fine!
Each neighborhood in Manhattan has its own flavor. There is Greenwich Village for its bohemian appeal, Upper East Side for the more bougee part of Manhattan, and the East Village with its cool bar scene.
To help you with trip planning, we have compiled a list of suggestions spanning across the city. We’ll also let you in on a secret. To experience the city that never sleeps in its true magic, don’t be rigid with your plans but rather leave your hotel each morning with an idea of which direction you will go and then let New York guide the way!
Where to Stay
There are dozens of great Manhattan accommodation options. Arguably one of the best neighborhoods to base yourself in is Lower East Side. With its chilled-out vibe and brownstone lined streets, each nook and cranny is scattered with cool finds.
One of the top hotels if not the hottest in LES, is boutique Indigo LES; situated on Ludlow Street and opposite Ludlow Coffee Supply, a great place for your morning cup of Joe. Indigo is a chic, urban Oasis with a rooftop that has a view of the city skyline that one could say is the best in Manhattan.
From the minute you arrive, you are greeted with exceptional customer service and a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, large windows, and luxurious double sized showers in the bathrooms. The location situates you within walking distance to some of the best local bars and restaurants and there is a pool and bar on the rooftop…poolside cocktail anyone? Indigo is a dreamy home away from home.
Great Eats
Eating solo in New York is trendy. There are hundreds of options no matter what your preferred cuisine or style of meal.
Some top picks complete with menu favourites are:
Nami Nori exquisite and unique Japanese. The classic set Temaki is amazing and for appetizers, order the mushroom dip. You won’t have ever tried anything like it.
JG MELON a relaxed pub vibe with what Bella Hadid might say are the best burgers in Manhattan.
Joes Pizza cheap and tasty New York pizza – nothing beats it and depending on taste preference, everything is good. Extra cheese if you’re feeling spicy.
The Edge Harlem hearty Mediterranean food. If you like fish, the coconut fish burger is delicious.
Souen – wholesome, healthy diner. Tough to choose the best option but the steamed Organic salmon with lemon is hard to beat. Order it with a side of Japanese squash.
Lucien classy French bistro. Trust us and order the grilled octopus.
Where to Shop
Manhattan is full of great shopping. New York is full of good thrift stores, trinket and fashion markets and then there’s Madison and Fifth Avenues. You could be in New York for 365 days and you wouldn’t touch the sides with the shopping offering! Our suggestion is to look at boutiques you may want to visit. We love Anine Bing in Soho, What Goes Around Comes around vintage on West Broadway and Maryam Nassir Zadeh in Chinatown.
Some top areas to explore are:
Mercer and Wooster streets in Soho, and Bleecker Street in the West Village are a fashionistas paradise, and some of the most charming streets in the city.
Saks 5th avenue is perfect for a department store fix and conveniently located amongst all the best luxury stores.
Chelsea Markets is a great spot for vintage finds and stalls full of delicious eats and treats. Do not, we repeat do not bypass Seed + Mill; the Middle Eastern inspired Halva stall.
Great Coffee
If you appreciate good coffee, you will love these cafes all of which offer amazing food menus and top brunch options. There is zero shame if you prefer a double caramel Starbucks macchiato, but these roasters are top notch.
Bryant Park – pick yourself up a bite from Wholefoods and perch yourself on a picnic rug on the grass. Or head in at night and sit amongst the fairy lights.
Visit a famous gallery – The MET or Soloman Guggenheim are our top picks for iconic art collections
Union square farmers market – Eat beautiful produce and hear some cool stories from local growers. The markets are on all year round but be sure to check the hours and days before you visit.
Walk the high line – a former railway track that was turned into an elevated park – It is bliss in Summer!
New York Cocktails
Below is a list of hot spots you would find at the top of Carrie Bradshaw’s list:
Dante – a charming cocktail bar in the West Village owned by Aussies.
Manhatta restaurant – Award winning cocktails; bar Is open daily from midday to 11pm for walk ins.
THE ACE HOTEL LOBBY BAR the perfect place to seat yourself at the bar and let the bartender impress you with their cocktail skills.
Mayamezcal– Some of the hottest Mexican food and cocktails in the city.
New York truly is an exceptional city that everyone must visit at least once in their life! Doing it solo can be both rewarding and transformative, and who knows you may even decide to stay and make NYC your new home away from home!
If you’re starting to think about travel plans for 2024, conquering the world on your own is worth putting at the top of your bucket list. Once considered intimidating and scary, solo travel is anything but these things. It’s more like freedom at its finest – a once in a lifetime opportunity to set off on a journey that perhaps may even be transformative. By Angela Khoudair
The undeniable allure of accompanying yourself on a world trip enables you to do things your own way and experience a place unlike you would if you were in a group. It’s also a chance to truly immerse yourself in cultures and ways of life and meet some incredible people along the way.
Many destinations lend themselves to an unforgettable solo experience. Right at the top of the list is the serendipitous city of New York with its buzzing hive of energy. It’s one of the best cities in the world to achieve total anonymity!
If you are travelling independently as a woman, it’s best not to take unnecessary risks and use good judgement. But for the most part, don’t head down dark alleyways after midnight on your own, and you will be fine!
Each neighborhood in Manhattan has its own flavor. There is Greenwich Village for its bohemian appeal, Upper East Side for the more bougee part of Manhattan, and the East Village with its cool bar scene.
To help you with trip planning, we have compiled a list of suggestions spanning across the city. We’ll also let you in on a secret. To experience the city that never sleeps in its true magic, don’t be rigid with your plans but rather leave your hotel each morning with an idea of which direction you will go and then let New York guide the way!
Where to Stay
There are dozens of great Manhattan accommodation options. Arguably one of the best neighborhoods to base yourself in is Lower East Side. With its chilled-out vibe and brownstone lined streets, each nook and cranny is scattered with cool finds.
One of the top hotels if not the hottest in LES, is boutique Indigo LES; situated on Ludlow Street and opposite Ludlow Coffee Supply, a great place for your morning cup of Joe. Indigo is a chic, urban Oasis with a rooftop that has a view of the city skyline that one could say is the best in Manhattan.
From the minute you arrive, you are greeted with exceptional customer service and a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, large windows, and luxurious double sized showers in the bathrooms. The location situates you within walking distance to some of the best local bars and restaurants and there is a pool and bar on the rooftop…poolside cocktail anyone? Indigo is a dreamy home away from home.
Great Eats
Eating solo in New York is trendy. There are hundreds of options no matter what your preferred cuisine or style of meal.
Some top picks complete with menu favourites are:
Where to Shop
Manhattan is full of great shopping. New York is full of good thrift stores, trinket and fashion markets and then there’s Madison and Fifth Avenues. You could be in New York for 365 days and you wouldn’t touch the sides with the shopping offering! Our suggestion is to look at boutiques you may want to visit. We love Anine Bing in Soho, What Goes Around Comes around vintage on West Broadway and Maryam Nassir Zadeh in Chinatown.
Some top areas to explore are:
Great Coffee
If you appreciate good coffee, you will love these cafes all of which offer amazing food menus and top brunch options. There is zero shame if you prefer a double caramel Starbucks macchiato, but these roasters are top notch.
And of course, Ludlow Coffee Supply.
Classic New York Experiences
New York Cocktails
Below is a list of hot spots you would find at the top of Carrie Bradshaw’s list:
New York truly is an exceptional city that everyone must visit at least once in their life! Doing it solo can be both rewarding and transformative, and who knows you may even decide to stay and make NYC your new home away from home!
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