I think everyone who has posted has covered it all!
My comment is that I prefer to go to NYC alone.
Sure, it's fun to go with someone. I have had fun with family, friends and coworkers on trips to NYC.
However, NYC has so many options that it is great to be able to be completely selfish and shop where you want to shop, eat where you want to eat, see the show you want to see, visit what you want to visit, etc...
NYC is a GREAT place to be alone!!!!!

cobbie:
I actually heard about the Greenwich Village tour on this site, search previous posts for that. But here is the link to the site that I used.

http://www.foodsofny.com/greenwichvillage.php

NYC is safe. I stay in midtown (52nd Street and Broadway), which is lit up all night. Even when my daughter was seven, we were walking around at night alone. I never gave it a second thought. There were people everywhere!

I have lived here my whole life and NY has never been safer. Wherever you go, it's important to be alert. So, I would advise never walking down a deserted street at night - it's common sense - there are so many people out at all hours, stay on the street where there are people. I've heard police say that women walking around at night while distracted on their cell phones can end up being robbery victims. That is certainly not common here, but again be aware of where you are at night.

We (my daughter and I) just got back from 3 nights in NY and on a city tour we took we met a woman (attractive, 35-ish) who was in NY on her own for 4 nights. She had a one day job-associated seminar at the Hilton and decided that since she was coming all this way (she lives in Utah) and had never been to NY, that she'd spend a few days on her own and see the sights. (Her husband was holding down the fort and watching the kids, much like my daughter's husband!) She was quiet yet open and friendly when different people spoke to her and she said she was having a wonderful time and enjoying herself. I asked if she was staying at the Hilton while here and she said no, that it was not in her price range. She had a room at the St James (?) and that it wss smail but she felt safe and it served her purpose. (I know nothing about her hotel..from here I'm going to look it up just our of curiosity!)

So, it's done, and you can/should have fun doing it. Good luck!!

I also went on the Greenwich Village food/walking tour - it was a lot of fun, and we sampled some really yummy food. The tour gave a nice insight into the local history of the area, as well as getting a feel for how things are today.

In addition to the Greenwich Village tour, the company also offers tours to Chelsea Market/Meatpacking District and Central Village/SoHo areas. Personally, I don't like sushi, but there is an 'Art of Sushi' tour as well. Enjoy! Greg

bookmarking

I love the theater in New York and would go to 10 shows a week if I could.

One advantage of traveling solo in New York, is that you can go to the box office when they open at 10, and you can often get one great seat for a sold out show.

Once I had an empty seat next to me on the aisle, and after the lights went down, Sarah Jessica Parker was seated next to me, for a Wednesday matinee. Of course, I played it cool.

My favorite place to stay is the Algonquin (of Dorothy Parker and the Roundtable fame). They had/have a writer's discount, and as the rooms are cozy, you don't mind having the space to yourself. The doorman has been there for many years and is very kind and protective. There is music at night in the lounge, and I felt comfortable having a drink alone.

I also love museums, and love walking, on days when there wasn't theater, I'd pick a museum, and have lunch in the café and write, or stop in a tempting deli along the route.

And because I walked so much, and didn't eat in restaurants so often, I came home about 5 pounds lighter.