We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Sandra, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Sandra is from the UK, and submitted the following report about New York City. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
The snow in Central Park.
Reasons to go: New York is very easy to get around. You can take the hop on-hop off bus for various tours, and to get an overview of the city. The grid layout of the streets and avenues is very easy to negotiate.
My reason for going to New York was to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, because of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, I was unable to get onto Liberty or Ellis Island, so I couldn't do it this time! Take the Staten Island ferry to get your Statue pictures – its free, there and back.
There is plenty to see in the city that never sleeps. Amazing views are to be had from the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre. Avoid 5th Avene especially on weekends if you don't like shoppers – its shoulder to shoulder.
Don't go if you want tranquility. The hustle and bustle can be heard even 17 floors up…. ear plugs do the trick. I stayed on Lexington Avenue a few streets from the Chrysler building. It was a wonderful location for me.
Deli 810 on 7th Avenue just up from Times Square (opposite the Sheraton Hotel) does wonderful fresh bagels. Any of the Cafe Europa chain offer great hot sandwiches and salads. The New York Luncheonette between Lexington and 3rd Avenue – 135 East 50th St – serves a wonderful hot breakfast.
And the architecture? Amazing.
What an amazing view of the city!
The famous Times Square.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)