NEW YORK CITY: A DETAILED ITINERARY TO A SOLO EXPERIENCE
I remember stepping out in New York City (NYC) for the first time as a teenager. No one could have prepared me for my very 1st experience in Times Square. As the buildings lit up at night, so did my heart. I walked around Midtown in awe; so many people, so many lights, and so much excitement. We all felt connected to each other because that was the magic of Times Square. For those few days, I felt inspired, even ‘brand new’, may I add, and that was something I never wanted to lose. I’ve returned for a weekend in NYC every year after since 2021. In 2025, I visited twice!
This year would be different because I was dreaming of a solo trip to NYC. As an avid solo traveler, I wondered what the City had to offer post-pandemic. I did a lot of research on what was open and the Covid-19 protocols put in place to keep us safe. The City has done a great job enforcing social distancing across town. Most establishments require vaccination cards upon entry, so I felt more confident about my decision to travel. It was indeed time for NYC.
Culture is important to me, and NYC offers a lot of that. I wanted to experience NYC in a new light and the glory of its culture. I also wanted to curate an itinerary for you guys because NYC is just that special to me.
The cool breeze of fall and the lovely pigeons greeted me upon arrival. I enjoyed every second of my time, from the Apollo Theater to Harry Potter New York and more. I loved how accurate the subway system is in NYC, top tier. I mean these trains arrive on time!
Here’s a detailed itinerary of my stay; I included my hotel recommendations because it genuinely shaped my overall experience. I took the Amtrak from Washington D.C. to Penn Station in NYC for the first time, and I had the best experience. What I enjoyed the most was how spacious and comfortable it was in there. I was able to knock out some work, all while taking in the views.
SOHO MANHATTAN
5TH AVENUE
CLASSIC HARBOR CRUISE
333 LOUNGE
TRANSPORTATION: Amtrak
I took the Amtrak from Washington D.C. to Penn Station in NYC for the first time, and I had the best experience. What I enjoyed the most was how spacious and comfortable it was in there. I was able to knock out some work, all while taking in the views.
Most Amtrak routes offer café service. The Café features roomy tables and comfortable seating for having a bite or just sharing time with friends and new acquaintances. It’s a great way to meet people, especially as a solo traveler.
I traveled Business Class to and from Washington D.C. This is an enhanced experience offered on many trains across the country. While the specific features vary by train, many include extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. On my way back, I took the Business Class Acela, a high-speed service train offered by Amtrak. It’s a faster trip with fewer stops. Business Class on Acela also includes reserved seating. That is particularly special if you’re always running late, like me.
HOTELs: Andaz 5th avenue
I had the pleasure of staying at a luxury boutique hotel, Andaz 5th Avenue. The location was perfect, especially if you want to trek everywhere around Uptown. Talk about luxurious accommodation with priceless views. My room faced the New York Public Library, so every morning, I watched the pigeons congregate in front of the library as the sun rose around the building. I walked to and from Flat Iron a few times. The location couldn’t be more perfect.
The rooms are spacious, and the bathroom is exquisite. The bathroom tiles had a black matte finish that gave poise and luxury, which is a combo I love.
Andaz has a private bar + restaurant called The Bar Downstairs. That alone is a stellar dining experience. Traveling solo sometimes, we don’t always feel comfortable getting dressed and going out on the town on the first night. The Bar Downstairs is perfect for a night in/night out vibe.
Since that trip, I’ve stayed at — and also highly recommend — a few other NYC hotels depending on the vibe you want.
Tempo by Hilton Times Square is perfect if you want to be right in the heart of Times Square with sleek, modern rooms.
M Social Hotel Downtown gives you all the downtown energy near the waterfront and FiDi.
NoMo SoHo is great for a chic, boutique, artsy stay.
Royalton New York is timeless and stylish, and
Motto by Hilton Times Square is compact luxury with smart design. Each offers its own version of NYC magic.
8 THINGS YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST TRY!
It’s essential to get the best of all worlds in NYC. I care about my culture as a Black woman, and I also care about my obsession with Harry Potter, but I will never forgo a rooftop lounge. The keyword here is ‘range.’ I have an Instagram highlight up with my itinerary in real-time, just in case you want to see it for yourself.
Book a history tour with Billy ‘Mr. Apollo’ Mitchell at the Apollo Theater.
Don’t pass up on the opportunity to explore the legendary history of the Apollo Theater and gain behind-the-scenes access to this iconic theater. I’ve only dreamt of such an iconic moment in my NYC travels. Billy was astounding! I love every minute of it, and I learned so much.
Enjoy a spectacular, unobstructed 360 view of the city skyline at The Top of The Rock.
The view of the NYC skyline is non-negotiable. The Top of the Rock is at Rockefeller Center, so lots of history there. Also, Radio City Music Hall is across the street, so add to your itinerary. I booked my tour through Go City.
Spend an afternoon at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
I was very excited to see The Obama Portraits by Kehinde Wiley.
Have an Ice cream party at the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC).
This is an experience that inspires imagination and connects the universal joy of ice cream.
‘Expelliarmus’ at Harry Potter New York.
I had the BEST time exploring and doing the VR experience.
Relax and Recoup at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
I fell asleep in this garden—the end.
Watch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty with Classic Harbor Line.
Peaceful, scenic, perfect.
And because NYC never stops evolving, I added even more recs since that first solo trip:
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and explore DUMBO for the best iconic photos.
Spend a day in the Financial District, Wall Street, and the World Trade Center area.
Book a spa day at NYC QC Spa for the ultimate reset.
Head up to The Edge or Top of the Rock for more skyline views.
Wander Central Park for a little peace in the chaos.
Catch a Broadway show — truly, a must.
Grab a nightcap at the Conrad Rooftop, or stop by The Dead Rabbit or Spring Lounge for that downtown energy.
And yes, you can even stop by Tempo by Hilton Times Square again at night for the rooftop vibes and views.
PLACES TO EAT: A foodie’s journal
When in NYC, unapologetically eat all the pizza, bagels, and pasta you can eat. I’m recommending these places because I tried most of them, and I loved them.
IL Pastaio di Eataly — still top tier.
333 Lounge — still a vibe.
Aunt Jake’s — still on the list.
Bravo Pizza — the slices still deserve a standing ovation.
Stage Door Pizzeria — the best pizzeria by the World Trade Center.
Lincoln Station — still a favorite for Brooklyn mornings.
And here are my updated NYC favorites — because the food journey continues:
Delmonico’s for an iconic New York steakhouse experience.
Osteria Brooklyn for hand-made pasta and cozy vibes.
Song E’ Napule — if you love Neapolitan pizza, this is the one.
Rubirosa — that vodka pasta never misses.
Da Nico Ristorante — elevated Italian I think you’ll love.
Leon’s Bagels — because NYC bagels are their own love language.
Citizens of SoHo — brunch girls, this is for you.
Bibble & Sip — matcha + pastries that feel like a treat.
Bagel to Sandwich — perfect for a grab-and-go morning.
Ribalta — Napoli in Manhattan.
Ulivo — rustic, fresh pasta dishes.
Oceana Restaurant — for seafood lovers.
This wraps up my guide to the perfect trip in NYC as a solo traveler. With this line-up, you’ll experience the heart of the City as it welcomes you with open arms. Be sure to grab your ‘New York Pass’ through Go City and schedule a few of these activities on each day. NYC GO also has tons of resources you can pull from, from BROOKLYN IN ONE DAY to THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN NYC and more!
As always, happy traveling friends! Let me know if you have any questions about NYC or anything else.
Xx Kris