The Big Apple offers something for everyone who takes a bite. For some, it’s sweet and tangy, for others it does a disservice to the palate. For certain, New York is very popular. According to Forbes, it attracted 66.6 million visitors in 2019, and has rebounded nicely “post-pandemic.”
But it isn’t suitable for every personality.
There’s plenty to see and do, and even if you plan multiple visits, you’ll never be able to see it all. If you’re coming from a smaller city or town, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially in densely populated areas like Times Square. Shops, restaurants, bars, live shows and costumed characters trying to hustle you for a few bucks. Tourists are enthralled by all that, but locals? Hard pass.
Here are some ideas to consider for a solo date in New York.
Love Up On Yourself With A Spa Day
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What better way to show appreciation for yourself than going to the spa?
Some of the top-rated ones include Oasis Day Spa, Great Jones Spa, Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel and the spa at Mandarin Oriental.
Shout out to some fantastic Black-owned spas as well, such as Body by Brooklyn, Joire’s Spa and Studio and Cynergy Spa.
Dangle Off A Skyscraper
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Dude, what? Mmmmhmm.
If your idea of fun involves your heart dropping to your stomach, try a one of a kind experience at City Climb.
After being properly strapped into a harness, you’ll climb an outdoor staircase angled at 45 degrees. Before you start that climb, you’ll be hooked up to a rail along the side of the stairs.
You’ll stay strapped to this rail as you lean over the edge of the building. Feast your eyes on some of the finest views of the city.
The cost may be a little steep for some, but by most accounts, it’s totally worth it.
Explore Beyond NYC
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The city is cool, but even native New Yorkers get fed up with the hustle, bustle and loud honking sometimes.
You can drive upstate, but a train or bus is less hassle (you won’t have to worry about insane gas prices).
Look at the majestic Adirondacks and the Catskills. Hike in Green Lakes State Park and Chittenango State Park, with its 167 foot waterfalls.
Binghamton and Ithaca are charming university cities with some beautiful scenery.
Paint The Town Red
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There’s some superb nightlife in New York.
Webster Hall and The Copacabana are both performance venues and clubs which have been around long enough to be called institutions.
When New York millennials were old enough to get into Webster Hall in the early to mid 2000s, the rooms were divided into techno, Top-40, dancehall and Latin. Good times.
The DL (that’s Delancey and Ludlow) is on the lower east side of Manhattan. There are areas for lounging, mingling and dancing. Monarch Rooftop is a great spot for after- work drinks and dancing.
In Brooklyn, House of Yes has a different theme just about every night. Everything from amateur burlesque night to entire evenings dedicated to 90s music.
Bellhouse also has a fantastic 90s night and offers live performances sometimes.
For local DJs in the electronica genre, head to TBA. Friends and Lovers has a dope 60s night, or at least it did before the pandemic.
Bike, Jog Or Just Chill In The Parks
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The best way to explore New York is to do it on foot.
And if you don’t feel like biking or jogging, grab a slice of dollar pizza and take a seat in the grass or on a bench.
There are so many parks to choose from. Central. Prospect. Hudson River. Tompkins Square. And so on.
Don’t be surprised if you can smell marijuana in such places, especially at night. Folks wasted no time lighting up when it was legalized in 2021.
Bike along the East River and the Hudson River, which also has designated paths for runners and walkers.
Take Yourself Out To Dinner
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Where can you grab some grub? Well, anywhere, really. And a lot depends on how much money you’re willing to throw down.
Fast food? Duh. Bar fare? Absolutely, and the kitchens tend to stay open late. Craving a steak? Wolfgang’s and Smith & Wollensky are two of the best. Vegan? Bet. Shout out to Urban Kitchen, Peace Food and Red Bamboo.
What about the major chains? Yep. Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Applebee’s, the list goes on.
Dallas BBQ is both tasty and cost-effective. But they are most known for their frozen alcoholic drinks.
Go Bowling, Play Ping Pong Or Throw An Axe
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New York loves bowling. It’s a fun way to take the edge off a hard day, and you can do it alone.
Lucky Strike faces the West Side Highway. During the day, it’s more family-oriented, but at night, it attracts a young adult crowd.
Bowlero in Chelsea Piers offers not just bowling but laser tag and arcade games. There’s a great bar, too.
Frames Bowling Lounge is a vibe and is conveniently located in Port Authority Bus Terminal.
If you want to play a few rounds of ping- pong with a new friend, head to SPiN New York on 23rd between Madison and Park.
Lastly, what better way to tap into something primitive than throwing an axe? Check out Kick Axe, Bury The Hatchet and Hatchets and Hops.