New York City by myself
 

I will be in New York City by myself for 2 or 3 days before my 31 year old daughter joins me. I am not afraid as I am a cautious person, but I wonder if there are particular things that I should be aware of in order to be safe. I am thinking of staying at the Super 8 in Times Square. I want to spend a lot of time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for one thing. Any helpful suggestions will be appreciated! By the way, I am 59 years old and have traveled a lot.

You can download and print a magnificent bus routes map at the NYC Transit website. Best to crop the area you plan to visit (for larger print), then print. Then, you can fold it up and tuck it into a pocket. It's best not to be wandering all about referring to a huge map.

You can pick up a metrocard in any subway station. For $10 you get $12 in fares. Bus is $2. Without a metrocard, you need exact change, no bills.

I prefer the buses for the scenery and for avoid the long hallways and stairways of the subway. When traveling in NYC alone, I just feel more comfortable on the buses.

I highly recommend the Greenwich Village food tasting walk. Best to get tickets online ahead of time, though, as they sell out quickly ahead of time. See
http://www.foodsofny.com/contentbuil...ctory1.content

A wonderful place for lunch and exploring the Upper West Side is Avenue Bistro. You could take a bus there, explore a while, then bus through the park to the MMA.

Another fabulous art destination is the Frick Collection (a personal collection housed in his glorious mansion).

Here's a big second for the Greenwich Tasting tour and the Frick. Loved them both.

I'm about your age, my oldest daughter is in her 30s, and my annual week in NYC by myself is a treat that is much-anticipated!

As you might already know, your admission fee for the Met also entitles you to visit their uptown outpost, the Cloisters, which is readily accessible by bus and well worth the trek. The Met is open evenings on Friday and Saturday; the view of Central Park from the rooftop cafe/bar is lovely, especially at sunset. If you're already spending a lot of time at the Met, the Frick might just be gilding the lily, though it's a charming place.

Instead of the $10/12-ride pass, you should consider the $21 pass, which is good for unlimited rides for 7 days. Those 12 rides could be eaten up, and then some, in just your first 3 days; what will you and DD be doing?

If you are an experienced traveler, then you probably don't need any safety tips; NYC is remarkably clean and safe these days.

Similiar to you in the age group but no kids. I would travel to NY on business thus have the days before/after available for myself.

I've stayed at the Super 8 as well. VERY convenient. It's less than 2 years old so still looks good. The biggest drawback seemed to be getting a table for their free breakfast on the weekends. It's continental but still decent (unless you're on a low carb diet.)

I'd walk one way to the Met/Frick if your feet can stand it. It's a great way to see the lay of the land and the people who make NYC well NYC.

Depending on the day and time, you can check out one of the morning shows as they will be either close (ABC is on Times Square) or on the way to the Met (NBC and CBS). Not exactly high brow but a part of the city.

Lower Manhattan is always an interesting trip. I like the Smithsonian Native American collection. It's in a great building (old Treasury?). Plus, a few yards away is the Staten Island ferry. Cruise over and back for free and see some great skylines. This is the area of history as it was the center of so much ie revolution, immigration, etc. I haven't been but understand there is a new 'Irish Garden' of sorts on the lower West side.

I didn't mind the subway. I'm from Chgo so tend to like subways better.

New York is the safest large city in the country. So all you need to do is follow basic principles - awareness of where you are and who's around you. (Actually Times Square is one of the few places you do need to be really careful - not in terms of safety - but more in terms of avoiding pickpockets.)

I would reco not riding the subway by yourself in the small hours - its still safe, but the waits can get long and the platforms can be empty - I generally do a cab after midnight if I'm going home alone.

Other than that just enjoy yourself.

Marsh, if we start listing things not to do, the thread will start to sound scarey and ominous. If you've traveled a lot you know the ropes :S-

Since you say you want to spend a lot of time at the Met, I'll make a couple of suggestions. Remember they're closed on Mon. and open late (til 9) on Fri. and Sat. If you're there during warmer weather, don't miss going up to the roof terrace for a drink. Check the events calendar for anything special going on during your stay
http://www.metmuseum.org/calendar/in...ink=calendar_l

Consider becoming a member. In addition to perhaps saving on entry fees if you go several times, it also gives you discounts in their stores.

Have a great time and post back with any specific questions.

From many solo business trips to Manhattan I will be honest and tell you the dangers I've encountered that still to this day stops me in my tracks.

That danger is the damage I've done to my credit cards in the shoe department at Bergdorf Goodman. The makeup counter at Saks is almost as frightning but I've lived through it and come out alive.

For gods sake, stay out of Prada in SoHo.

Do not go in Sephora after having a glass of wine.

Have fun and you will love NYC solo!

GoTravel, that's SO funny and SO to the point !! I also had severe problems with Henri Bendel and MAC makeup stores !

I travel to New York each year as a solo trip. I don't take the subway late at night. With regard to the Super 8, you may want to check www.biddingfortravel.com and see if you can get a nicer hotel for the same price through Priceline.

Have a wonderful trip.

Having gotten sacked at the Saks makeup counters, I try out lots of products but resolve to buy only one or two while there. The artists/reps all have business cards and will offer to ship anything additional once you get home with no shipping charges (and you save the sales tax if you live outside NY).

GoTravel you crack me up =D>

I am near your age, have lived here a long time. It's not very dangerous anymore. You're getting good advice.

The only times I can think of when I felt unsafe in recent years were walking around in empty-isn subway stations. The ones you'll want to use won't be empty until after 11 pm, and probably not then either, later on you get restaurant and other shift workers going home.

I love buses & walking, I like that advice. Nice rides for you - up Madison, down Fifth; down Lexington.

I imagine you know this but will say just in case - don't go in the park on foot alone after dark, unless you're going to a concert or play there where you can walk in and out with a mob.