New York is one of the world’s great solo travel destinations. There’s always something going on in this big vibrant city, and surrounded by millions, you never need to feel alone. Plus, there’s so much to do in the Big Apple that no matter what you enjoy, you’re sure to find something worth doing.
The fun can start the moment you arrive in the city. Grand Central Station is ideally placed to take advantage of some of the best of what New York has to offer. Just a short walk away from the station itself, you’ll find some of New York’s most iconic attractions. And thanks to the city’s incredible transportation infrastructure, you can get to just about anywhere easily from here.
Drop off your bags at a luggage storage facility in Grand Central Station and get ready for an unforgettable solo trip in New York. Try some of these nearby attractions to get your vacation off on the right foot.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you don’t mind walking for a little over half an hour, you can visit one of NYC’s most famous museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-see for any solo traveler as it houses an impressive collection of art from around the world, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, European masterpieces, and modern American works. With over 2 million works of art on display, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Central Park
Central Park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city that will only take about 20 minutes on foot to reach Grand Central Terminal. The park covers 843 acres and is packed full of attractions, including the Central Park Zoo, the Bethesda Fountain, and the Strawberry Fields Memorial to John Lennon.
Whether you want to relax on a park bench, go for a jog, or participate in one of the many events held in the park, Central Park has something for every solo traveler.
Times Square
Times Square is a must-see destination for any solo traveler visiting New York City. Located just a few blocks from Grand Central Station, Times Square is a vibrant and bustling area filled with theaters, restaurants, and shops. The square is known for its giant LED billboards and its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, which attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
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The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a beautiful and historic building that’s roughly a five-minute walk from the station. The library’s main branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is a National Historic Landmark, and when you see it, you’ll understand why. It has a stunning reading room with soaring ceilings and ornate decorations. The library also has an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other resources, making it a great place for solo travelers to spend a quiet afternoon.
The High Line
The High Line is a unique and picturesque park located on an elevated railway track on the west side of Manhattan. The park stretches from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street and offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. The High Line is a great place for solo travelers to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the outdoors, and as you walk, you’ll be treated to a variety of art installations, performances, and events.
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The Empire State Building
Few landmarks are as well-known in the US as the Empire State Building. This is an iconic New York City landmark that offers breathtaking views of the city from its observatory deck. Also located just a short walk from Grand Central Station, the building is open to the public and offers guided tours as well as a self-guided audio tour. The observatory deck is open until 2:00 AM, so if you need something to do at night, this one’s a winner!
The Morgan Library & Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum is a beautiful and historic building located just a few blocks from Grand Central Station. The museum houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and other cultural artifacts, and it’s a great destination if you enjoy literature, art, and history. This museum is always up to something as well, so even if you’ve been here before, there are different events and exhibitions throughout the year that will be new to you.
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The Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a world-renowned institution that houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal, and the museum features work by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali, as well as a variety of temporary exhibitions. If you’re an artist yourself, there are a few better places in the city to come for some inspiration.
The New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum can be a fun solo activity for those interested in transportation history and technology. The museum is located in Brooklyn, about a 30-minute subway ride from Grand Central Station. The museum’s main attraction is its collection of vintage subway cars and buses, which visitors can explore and learn about the history of the city’s transportation system. You’ll also be able to explore exhibits on the history of the city’s subway system, the role of transportation in shaping the city, and the future of urban transportation. While it may not sound like it from the subject matter, this spot is surprisingly dynamic and engaging as well as educational.
Conclusion
This list is by no means exhaustive. But as you can see from the sheer amount of things there are to do, you won’t be bored in New York. In fact, traveling solo may be the ideal way to experience this big and busy city since you can see exactly what you want and create an itinerary just for you.
Leave the heavy bags behind, and you’ll soon see why New York is one of the best places in the world to explore by yourself.
