I remember stepping out in New York City (NYC) for the first time as a teenager. No one could have prepared me for my very 1st experience in Times Square.  As the buildings lit up at night, so did my heart. I walked around Midtown in awe; so many people, so many lights, and so much excitement. We all felt connected to each other because that was the magic of Times Square. For those few days, I felt inspired, even ‘brand new’, may I add, and that was something I never wanted to lose.  I’ve returned for a weekend in NYC every year after that, pre-pandemic.

This year would be different because I was dreaming of a solo trip to NYC. As an avid solo traveler, I wondered what the City had to offer post-pandemic. I did a lot of research on what was open and the Covid-19 protocols put in place to keep us safe. The City has done a great job enforcing social distancing across town. Most establishments require vaccination cards upon entry, so I felt more confident about my decision to travel. It was indeed time for NYC.  

Culture is important to me, and NYC offers a lot of that. I wanted to experience NYC in a new light and the glory of its culture. I also wanted to curate an itinerary for you guys because NYC is just that special to me.

Last month, I spent four days in the City. The cool breeze of fall and the lovely pigeons greeted me upon arrival. I enjoyed every second of my time, from the Apollo Theater to Harry Potter New York and more. I loved how accurate the subway system is in NYC, top tier. I mean these trains arrive on time!

Here’s a detailed itinerary of my stay; I included my hotel accommodation because it genuinely shaped my overall experience.

TRANSPORTATION: Amtrak

I took the Amtrak from Washington D.C. to Penn Station in NYC for the first time, and I had the best experience. What I enjoyed the most was how spacious and comfortable it was in there. I was able to knock out some work, all while taking in the views.

Most Amtrak routes offer café service. The Café features roomy tables and comfortable seating for having a bite or just sharing time with friends and new acquaintances. It’s a great way to meet people, especially as a solo traveler.

I traveled Business Class to and from Washington D.C. This is an enhanced experience offered on many trains across the country. While the specific features vary by train, many include extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. On my way back, I took the Business Class Acela, a high-speed service train offered by Amtrak. It’s a faster trip with fewer stops. Business Class on Acela also includes reserved seating. That is particularly special if you’re always running late, like me. 

HOTEL: Andaz 5th avenue

I had the pleasure of staying at a luxury boutique hotel, Andaz 5th Avenue. The location was perfect, especially if you want to trek everywhere around Uptown. Talk about luxurious accommodation with priceless views. My room faced the New York Public Library, so every morning, I watched the pigeons congregate in front of the library as the sun rose around the building. I walked to and from Flat Iron a few times. The location couldn’t be more perfect.

The rooms are spacious, and the bathroom is exquisite. The bathroom tiles had a black matte finish that gave poise and luxury, which is a combo I love.

Andaz has a private bar + restaurant called The Bar Downstairs. That alone is a stellar dining experience. Traveling solo sometimes, we don’t always feel comfortable getting dressed and going out on the town on the first night. The Bar Downstairs is perfect for a night in/night out vibe.

8 THINGS YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST TRY!

It’s essential to get the best of all worlds in NYC. I care about my culture as a black woman, and I also care about my obsession with Harry Potter, but I will never forgo a rooftop lounge. The keyword here is ‘range.’ I have an Instagram highlight up with my itinerary in real-time. Just in case you want to see it for yourself.

1. Book a history tour with Billy ‘Mr. Apollo’ Mitchell at the Apollo Theater. Don’t pass up on the opportunity to explore the legendary history of the Apollo Theater and gain behind-the-scenes access to this iconic theater. I’ve only dreamt of such an iconic moment in my NYC travels. Billy was astounding! I love every minute of it, and I learned so much.

2. Enjoy a spectacular, unobstructed 360 view of the city skyline at The Top of The Rock. The view of the NYC skyline is non-negotiable. The Top of the Rock is at the Rockefeller Center, so lots of history there. Also, Radio City Music Hall is across the street, so add to your itinerary. I booked my tour through Go City. Go City gives you access to New York’s top attractions. It’s helpful when trying to save money and stay organized in a shorter time frame. They’ve also done a great job of sharing restrictions on attractions that might pique your interest.

3. Spend an afternoon at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.  I was very excited to see The Obama Portraits by Kehinde Wiley. The portraits are on a five-city tour across the United States, so this is your opportunity to view these remarkable paintings. The ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ exhibition is live till February 20, 2022. It brings to life Dior’s many sources of inspiration, from flowers to contemporary art, so you don’t want to miss this!  

4. Have an Ice cream party at the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC). This is an experience that inspires imagination and connects the universal joy of ice cream. I enjoyed the candy-themed bright colors and interactive games, along with the endless serving of ice cream you could have at multiple stations.                

5. ‘Expelliarmus’ at Harry Potter New York. When I say experience the wizarding world like never before, I mean it. I had the best time exploring the most extensive collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof. I bought a House of Gryffindor wand because that’s who I belong to. Don’t judge! I even took a step further; I became part of the adventure through their Virtual Reality experience. I flew in the skies above Hogwarts before meeting Hagrid. I know this could sound nuts, but check it out!     

6. Relax and Recoup at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I fell asleep in this garden—the end.

7. Most importantly, watch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty with Classic Harbor Line. I took a sunset cruise ride on the New York harbor past the Statue of Liberty and watched the sun dip beyond the horizon with a glass of champagne. What a pamper experience, especially after running around the City. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and well worth it.

8. Have a nightcap at the Refinery Hotel Rooftop. After a long day, it’s very nice to relax and vibe to some excellent music. As a solo traveler, I’m keen on meeting new people. The Refinery Rooftop is a vibe. I grooved to good music, enjoyed a beverage, and took in the views. No better way to end a Friday night.                                                 

PLACES TO EAT: A foodie’s journal

When in NYC, unapologetically eat all the pizza, bagels, and pasta you can eat. I’m recommending these places because I tried most of them, and I loved them. Without a doubt, NYC prices aren’t a joke, but there’s a price point for everyone on these menus.  

1. IL Pastaio di Eataly. By far the best Italian restaurant I’ve been to in NYC. It’s located on 5th Ave by Flat Iron. All the pasta is made from scratch before you, and the vibes are immaculate—very solo traveler-friendly. I can’t wait to return!

2. 333 Lounge. This black-owned restaurant is a vibe for brunch in Brooklyn. Don’t walk, run! I met the sweetest people and randomly spent about 5 hours or so in there.

3. Aunt Jake’s. Aunt Jakes is a great Italian restaurant on Mulberry Street I didn’t get to try. Do check them out; I’ve seen a few reviews on Insta, and I can’t wait to go there next time.

4. Bravo Pizza. A round of applause for these slices. Bravo Pizza is around the corner from Andaz, so I ran in there for dinner a few times.

5. Lincoln Station. I was excited to try a coffee shop in Brooklyn, and this polished coffee shop delivered. The pastries were yummy, and the slices were huge. Don’t walk, run!

This wraps up my guide to the perfect trip in NYC as a solo traveler. With this line-up, you’ll experience the heart of the City as it welcomes you with open arms. Be sure to grab your ‘New York Pass’ through Go City and schedule a few of these activities on each day. NYC GO also has tons of resources you can pull from, from BROOKLYN IN ONE DAY to THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN NYC and more!

As always, happy traveling friends! Let me know if you have any questions about NYC or anything else.

Xx Kris