The City Is My Date: A Day Alone in Manhattan

Making the rounds in New York City with a beau or a bestie on your arm is easy enough, but what about those times when you’re flying solo? Is New York really as much fun when you’re alone as when you’re in great company? Although the dynamic is completely different without a plus-one, I can tell you that spending a day alone in Manhattan is pretty thrilling.

Even though I have plenty of alone moments while living in NYC, I rarely take the time to spend a day with my city. With these photos, I hope that you’ll feel as if you are right here in New York City, even if you’re miles across the ocean. Here’s what I did on my day alone in Manhattan.

I meandered through the Upper West Side. I was tempted to make a quick stop in Zabar’s, (I find it tough to walk by and not pick up some cheese and olives), but I was on a mission to cover as much urban territory as I could, so I kept going.

I kept moving south and stumbled upon these lovely trumpet flowers behind a wrought iron fence outside the well-known First Baptist Church at the corner of 79th and Broadway.

Next up –– The Apthorp, which is one of the most prestigious and beautiful buildings in all of New York City. You can find entrances on both the West End side and the Broadway side. I usually peek inside the gates and the guard looks at me as if to say, “Who are you?”

Moving along on Broadway, it was fun to not rush and take in the street scenes. That’s something I rarely do.

I stumbled upon Barney’s where window shopping is always fun.

I can’t tell you how many Mister Softee trucks I saw during my travels! I did not give into temptation.

I had decided that I would not take public transit, but rely on my feet, instead. Still, I couldn’t ignore the 72nd Street subway station or adjacent Verdi Square, one of my favorite landmarks in the neighborhood.

The streets of New York would not be the same without our street vendors.

The Dorilton at 71st and Broadway is a stunning example of Beaux Arts architecture. I can’t help but gaze at this building every time I walk by.

I continued strolling south and found this…

Before I realized it, I was standing outside Lincoln Center.

Meanwhile, food was calling me. I crossed the street and snagged a seat outside at Bar Boulud. I picked a great day to treat myself to lunch because the weather was perfect for dining outdoors.

My lunch was exceptional. All three courses were winners, but the dessert might have been one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The mascarpone was decadent!

Now, with a happy tummy, I made my way to Central Park West.

And then to Columbus Circle, which was bustling with people, as always.

I had to make a stop in the Time Warner Building and visit a few of the many shops. I hit the sale rack at H&M.

And a brief stop in the south end of Central Park was in order since the weather was stellar. Thank you, Mother Nature.

And now, I was on the move again, and this time toward the Theatre District. Times Square was filled with tourists, and traffic was bumper to bumper, probably since many New Yorkers try and leave the city on Friday afternoons in summer. I escaped all of it, however, and dashed through cars and people, in minutes.

No rest for the weary, but I needed to catch my breath after that crowd. I made a brief stopover in this quiet park as I made my way east.

Sixth Avenue was a bit quieter.

On to Rockefeller Center, a landmark that always gives me the “I Love NY” feeling.

My fun day had come to a close, and it was time to head back uptown. I stopped in Riverside Park to take in the action on the basketball courts and relax for a few.

I loved my day, and almost felt like a tourist again, but I was glad to be back in my neck of the woods in peace and quiet. It was 7 p.m. and time for my next date. This one was not with New York, but with two very handsome boys.

Mike, Bogey, and a glass of wine at the 79th Street Boat Basin were the perfect way to end my day.

What’s your idea of a perfect day alone in Manhattan? Please share!

Also, tips for your first trip to NYC, and why I still love living in Manhattan.

Posted on June 29, 2017

Comments

K10 says
August 1, 2014 at 4:33 pm

Love it. Like a mini-vacation for this wannabe NYer.
Sharon Schneider says
August 10, 2014 at 11:56 pm

I enjoyed this post, I was in the city last month for just 2 days and took a walk that led me almost on the same path that you took! I only have 3 and 12 more weeks until I move to New York city permently! My dream since I was about 12 years old(I am now 44) so as you see it has taken me a lifetime to make my dream come true!
Tracy Kaler says
August 15, 2014 at 1:40 pm

Congrats on your move, Sharon! You are going to love living in NYC. Living here was my dream since I was 12, too. Keep in touch and let me know how things are going!
Les Legaspi says
June 29, 2017 at 4:57 pm

Tracy: LOVE LOVE this post! I have been here for a long time & have walked by myself in all those places you walked, but I am STILL in awe & excited of all of them! I have recently situated myself near Time Warner, and oh, what a neighborhood!
Lola says
June 29, 2017 at 4:57 pm

Looks like an amazing day in the city, food looks awesome! Thanks for the share, keep up the posts!
- Tracy Kaler says
  July 12, 2017 at 8:59 am
  
  It was an amazing day alone in the city! 🙂
Carrie says
August 6, 2017 at 11:19 am

What a fun day! Thank you for sharing. I too enjoy exploring a neighborhood in the city solo every now and then. My last adventure was through Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is very liberating.
- Tracy Kaler says
  August 9, 2017 at 8:06 pm
  
  I love Williamsburg! New York is a terrific city to explore alone. You just have to look like you know where you are going at all times.

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