New York by myself??

IAM4UK · July 2009

I will be in New York City tonight. Well, actually, just across the Husdon River in Jersey City. My hotel can view lower Manhattan and has a ferry leading into the city.

I've never been to New York before. I am completely excited and super scared as well.

Do I venture out on my own having no clue where I am? Or just stay in my hotel room and look at the city through my window?

I have tons of ISO paperwork to complete, but I feel like this is a good chance to explore. I can do paperwork on the plane. I'm just terrified of getting mugged or venturing into an alley that isn't a great place to be.

I would love to be able to take my run tongiht in Central Park, but is it risky at night?

Okay, just rambling- your thoughts?

LoriZ · July 2009

I love New York! Definitely check it out! Personally, I wouldn't run at night by myself in Central Park, but there are plenty of safe things to do. Anywhere in the Times Square area will be super packed and fairly safe since it's where most tourists seem to end up going. You should check out the TKTS booth in Times Square to try to get a cheap same-day ticket to a Broadway play!

The subway is cheap and safe as long as you use commonsense and don't get off at some super sketchy location. Just be careful about the local vs express trains. Getting on the wrong one could cost you a lot of time.

jerseygirl81 · July 2009

Hm, I never thought about being scared to be in NYC. We spent plenty of time there growing up and my sister lives alone in Brooklyn and commutes between that borough and Manhattan by herself every night.

I think you'd be fine, as long as you don't do anything dumb - really no different than any other city. Stick to the touristy things if it makes you feel safer, go see Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park - all three of those are in pretty close proximity.

KaraMGM · July 2009

I vote venture out. I have always felt safe in the city, but the only times I've walked through the city and through transit alone have been when I've had a specific destination and felt familiar with the route. I like the portion of Central Park across from the American Museum of Natural History. If you aren't sure that you'll feel safe in the city, or if you still have quite a bit of work to do, you might want to stay in NJ and spend your evening in Hoboken if you haven't been into Hoboken already. If you are in Jersey City, I think that Hoboken should be no more than 10-15 minutes from where you are staying. There is a nice path along the Hudson, and there are streets of bars, restaurants, and shops. (Hoboken to Wall Street is a short commute, so many nights you'll see a young Wall Street crowd out and about.) If you are in Hoboken and you like sweets, you should have a cupcake at the newish Crumbs Bake Shop outpost. I think that Crumbs cupcakes are the best cupcakes - ever. The Hoboken store is on Washington Avenue. The last time we were in Hoboken, we stayed at the W Hotel on River Street, and they have a nice lounge and a trendy bar that we enjoyed and that I would recommend if you are going out with others for a drink. Have fun!

mommy2babyj · July 2009

How fun!! I would definitely head into the city and I would do my run at Central Park. As long as you get there before it's dark, I think you'll feel safe. There are always tons and tons of people there and even moreso in the summertime. There's an awesome running path/loop there, too. If you end your run at the lower/west end of the park, you can head down Broadway toward Times Square and you'll be able to check out some of the popular NYC sights. If you ask the concierge at your hotel, I bet they can also give you some good tips for heading into the city. Hope you love it!