If you’re a stylish solo female traveller over 50 and you’ve been to Paris, strutted through Rome, and tangoed in Buenos Aires, it’s time to add New York City to your list. The Big Apple is bursting with culture, energy, and enough bagels to feed the British Isles. And yes, it’s entirely possible to enjoy NYC on your own, at your own pace, with a decent dose of glamour—or practicality, depending on your budget.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
Where to stay (from budget to blow-the-budget)
What to do (without needing a tour group with matching hats)
Getting around (without getting lost in Brooklyn)
Where to eat (because New York food is worth the flight alone)
And a suggested four-day itinerary to make your life easier.
Where to Stay: From Budget to High-End Chic
Budget-Friendly (but still lovely)
Blow-the-Budget Glam
Getting Around the Big Apple
First rule of New York: walk. You’ll see more and burn off that cheesecake.
Second rule: the subway is your friend. It’s cheap, efficient, and people-watching is top notch. Get a MetroCard and load it with pay-per-ride or a 7-day unlimited pass if you’re planning to hop around.
Prefer to stay above ground? Yellow cabs are fine, but Uber and Lyft tend to be cheaper and quicker. Also consider the NYC Ferry for scenic rides with skyline views for under $5.
Personal Safety Tips (Because Mum Would Ask)
Stay aware: Don’t wander about glued to your phone. Look confident, even if you’re lost.
Avoid empty subway stations late at night. Use main entrances and well-lit platforms.
Trust your instincts. If something feels dodgy, it probably is.
Use hotel safes for valuables and photocopy your passport before you travel.
Wear a crossbody bag and keep it zipped and in front of you in crowded places.
New York is generally safe, even at night, especially in Manhattan. Just be sensible—and perhaps skip the Bronx backstreets at 2am.
Where to Eat (Alone and Loving It)
New York is perfect for solo diners—there’s no awkwardness, just people-watching bliss.
Budget Bites:
Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village): Grab a slice and perch on a bench like a local.
Chelsea Market (Meatpacking District): Food hall heaven. Try tacos from Los Tacos No.1 or a lobster roll from The Lobster Place.
Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown): A New York bagel is not just a bagel—it’s an experience.
Mid-Range Marvels:
Balthazar (SoHo): French brasserie glamour. Sit at the bar with a glass of wine and steak frites.
Eataly (Flatiron or Downtown): Italian food emporium. Try the pasta bar or rooftop restaurant.
Jack’s Wife Freda (West Village): Trendy but welcoming. Mediterranean plates and lovely staff.
Treat Yourself:
Le Bernardin (Midtown): World-famous seafood and a serene, elegant atmosphere.
Eleven Madison Park (Flatiron): Gastronomic artistry—definitely a splurge but unforgettable.
Four-Day Itinerary for the Mature Solo Female Traveller
Day 1: Classic Manhattan
Morning: Walk Central Park, maybe row a boat at The Loeb Boathouse.
Afternoon: Visit The Met—art, culture, and air-con.
Evening: Early dinner at Serafina (casual Italian) then a Broadway show. Consider a matinee if you’re not a night owl.
Top Tip: Book Broadway tickets via TodayTix for discounts.
Day 2: Downtown Delights
Morning: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour (get there early).
Afternoon: Reflect at the 9/11 Memorial, then browse shops at Brookfield Place.
Evening: Dinner in Tribeca—try Locanda Verde for rustic Italian.
Optional: Enjoy sunset from the One World Observatory or a harbour cruise.
Day 3: Museums, Markets & More
Morning: Whitney Museum or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Afternoon: Walk the High Line to Chelsea Market.
Evening: Head to the West Village for a quiet evening. Have a glass of wine at a corner bar and watch the world go by.
Solo Perk: Bars and restaurants here are used to solo patrons. Sit at the bar and you’ll never feel awkward.
Day 4: Uptown & Harlem
Morning: Visit the beautiful Cloisters museum (part of The Met) or take a Harlem walking tour.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Red Rooster in Harlem for Southern comfort food.
Evening: Optional jazz night at Minton’s Playhouse or return downtown for a final stroll along the Hudson River Park.
Final Thoughts
New York may seem daunting, but it’s tailor-made for the independent traveller. You can be anonymous or sociable, structured or spontaneous, extravagant or thrifty. And best of all, you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re snapping skyline selfies or sipping coffee on a quiet stoop, New York will charm your stylish socks off.
