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.
Posted on
Al Hirschfeld at the Algonquin; Lots of Nakedness Happening; Save Cafe Edison, and More
‘Married at First Sight’: The Ultimate Blind Date
Enraged New Yorkers; Pay Phones Become Free WiFi Hot Spots; Winter in Coney Island, and More
Self-Storage: A New Yorker’s Solution for Small Spaces
K10 says
Love it. Like a mini-vacation for this wannabe NYer.
Sharon Schneider says
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
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
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
Looks like an amazing day in the city, food looks awesome! Thanks for the share, keep up the posts!
Tracy Kaler says
It was an amazing day alone in the city! 🙂
Carrie says
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
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.