How I navigated my first solo trip in New York City
Day 1: Getting around
I went to New York City for my first solo trip, eager to explore!
New York City has always fascinated me. It could be the glamorous media, the art scene, or just the skyscrapers and layers of the city. Every moment, every hour it seems like somethings going on. You can’t be a stranger or just a fly on the wall in this city, chances are you’ll bump into someone or strike up a conversation somewhere. You’re bound to meet or bump into somebody walking around, that is as long as you’re open to it.
I took the AirTrain from the airport with a man I met on the plane. I walked up the stairs at Penn Station and caught the last bit of sunset spilling down the streets. It was a Friday evening and my travel friend and I parted ways. I had a hostel in mind I could stay at and thought I’d walk to it with my little bag and backpack to check out other places along the way. As I walked, I watched the sunlight reflect purple and pink tones across the skyscrapers. I passed by the Empire State Building just as the sun went down.
First solo trips are the best. I was so happy and undeniably overstimulated by the city and my lack of planning. I stopped into Whole Foods to unwind from the travel, journal, and grab a hot bar dinner.
I found floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the intersection from the Whole Foods in Nomad. I sat at a table and enjoyed my meal while soaking in the intersection view. I set some intentions as I journaled, but most of all I was open and excited to experience a solo trip in the city.
I used the Airtrain to get from the airport to the city, walked by foot, took subways & bus rides as needed to get around.
Day 2: Exploring: DUMBO & Pace Gallery Art Pop-Up
In the morning, I tried to extend my stay at the hostel, but the weekend was fully booked. Unsure of my next move, I grabbed coffee and fruit in the shared kitchen and struck up a conversation with a few older filmmakers and artists from the U.S. and Europe. We connected over a trip I’d taken to Jerome, Arizona, and swapped stories before I headed out.
Dressed in blue jeans, a silky white button-up, and an oversized leather coat, I walked toward the Flatiron for a cappuccino. Outside the coffee shop, I shared a table with a few women my age. One told me about an art pop-up in Chelsea. I wrote a note in my notes app.
After coffee, I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, it was tourism central but I did get to take in some beautiful views of New York City. When I got to DUMBO, I sat on Pebble Beach by the shoreline, I let the sun warm me through my jacket and long-sleeve top. I felt grounded, and was reconnecting with what I loved doing, which was exploring. I also was noticing that even in a city this big and full of noise, there’s space for stillness and quiet. I felt like this trip was full of purpose, even if that just meant reconnecting to myself, whatever the feeling was, was special.
I took photos under the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn, and checked out the Time Out Market, a popular food hall before I went to the Pace Gallery pop up — Media Artist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Common Measures, an interactive pop up event that felt like stepping into a living piece of art.
Later I checked into an Airbnb for the rest of my stay. The apartment had a window to the fire escape, the air was cold at night so I didn’t keep it open, but on a walk I discovered Empanada Mama, where I stopped for a few empanadas.
Day 3: Cobblestone streets – Soho, Tribeca, & the West Village Hidden Gems
I wandered through Soho and browsed the shops.
I loved Tribeca’s cobblestone streets and boutique shops. Wandering through cobblestone streets from park to park I felt calm and at ease.
That evening, I booked a foot reflexology appointment at Perry’s Street Reflexology in the West Village. This place has been there for years and it was a TREAT. My reflexologist was so knowledgable.
Day 4: Dancing in the Rain
A few nights later, I was standing outside La Pecora Bianca in NoMad when it started raining. I was planning to go back to my Airbnb but as I waited to cross Broadway, the double doors swung open, and a wave of warm air and the smell of Italian food drifted past me. The rain poured harder, and I decided to go inside and took an empty seat at the bar.
The restaurant had a good lively energy. I ordered a plate of cacio e pepe. Around me, people swapped stories, networked on a Monday night, and laughed. I met other people meeting for the first time. Manhattan’s energy, I realized, comes from these constant human connections, a drive for a better future, and lots of ideas. I really like this about people in this city.
I shared a tiramisu with a new friend and walked home alone in the rain, stopped to admire Grand Central Station’s starry ceiling, and passed through a nearly empty Times Square. The wet pavement reflected the neon lights, making the street glow even brighter.
Day 5: Table service coffee shops & walks in Central Park
On my last morning, I woke up early and headed to Ralph’s Coffee on Madison Avenue, one of my favorite coffee spots with table service.
I woke up early to walk through Central Park to clear my mind. I invited a stylist to meet me for coffee. We had recently connected but hadn’t met in person yet, we talked about life and work in the city. After we finished, I headed back to gather my things for the flight.
On my walk back, I walked by a school group of kids having recess in central park. And just before leaving, I got a call from an old friend who happened to be nearby. We met for a quick lunch and she walked me to my train.
Before this trip, I was traveling and working constant overtime, driving 12-14 hours a week from Los Angeles to Arizona. Something about that Arizona desert, then a weekend in Sedona, and the change of life and work environments all sparked a deeper curiosity to do another trip. Each trip I’ve done since this time in my life (NYC) has built a deeper courage in me. I recently took a leap and moved to a flat in London for the summer. With each trip, my courage grows and my love for healthy adventure and solo time flourishes.
