Solo Things to Do in New York City This May – 2025 Guide
Looking to enjoy New York City on your own this spring? From rooftop views and peaceful parks to creative classes and river cruises, this guide covers the best solo things to do NYC locals and visitors can explore this May — no plus-one required.
15+ Solo Things To Do in NYC This May
Take a Walk on the High Line
This elevated park built on old rail tracks offers views of the Hudson River, public art, and spring blooms all in one stroll. It’s perfect for wandering with coffee in hand or just people-watching from one of the wooden lounges. You can enter at Gansevoort Street and walk all the way up to Hudson Yards.
- Website: https://www.thehighline.org
- Location: Gansevoort St to 34th St, Manhattan
- Phone: (212) 500-6035
Visit the Morgan Library & Museum
Tucked away in Midtown, this museum feels calm, quiet, and personal — a perfect solo escape. Originally a private library, it now houses rare manuscripts, rotating exhibits, and one of the most beautiful reading rooms in NYC. Bring your journal, sketchbook, or just take it all in.
- Website: https://www.themorgan.org
- Location: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Phone: (212) 685-0008
Sip Coffee at a Cozy Spot in Greenwich Village
Find a neighborhood café like Café Reggio or Bluestone Lane, and just take a beat. May mornings are made for sitting outside with a pastry, a book, or just your thoughts. Greenwich Village has that slower, more intimate vibe that suits solo days perfectly.
- Café Reggio Website: https://www.cafereggio.com
- Location: 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
- Phone: (212) 475-9557
Try a Class at Chelsea Piers Fitness
If you’re into movement, check out a yoga, barre, or cycling class at Chelsea Piers. Their facilities are huge, and the setting along the water makes even a solo workout feel like a treat. It’s a great way to move your body and maybe meet others doing the same.
- Website: https://www.chelseapiersfitness.com
- Location: Pier 60, 23rd St & Hudson River Park, New York, NY 10011
- Phone: (212) 336-6000
Go Gallery Hopping in Chelsea
Wander from one gallery to another along 10th and 11th Avenue between 20th and 28th Streets. Most galleries are free and open to walk-ins, and May often brings fresh new exhibitions. It’s quiet, unhurried, and a great way to soak up creativity without a plan.
- Website: https://gagosian.com
- Location: 555 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011
- Phone: (212) 741-1111
Explore the Tenement Museum
This museum on the Lower East Side offers intimate, guided tours inside restored apartments that once housed immigrant families. It’s a powerful solo experience that gives you time to reflect while learning NYC history through real-life stories. Tours are small, so it still feels personal.
- Website: https://www.tenement.org
- Location: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
- Phone: (877) 975-3786
Spend the Morning at Fort Tryon Park
Overlooking the Hudson River and home to The Met Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park is one of Manhattan’s quietest escapes. You’ll find gardens, stone pathways, and panoramic views — ideal for journaling, sketching, or just sitting still. In May, everything is in bloom and it’s rarely crowded.
- Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-tryon-park
- Location: Riverside Dr to Broadway, W 192nd to Dyckman St, Manhattan
- Phone: (212) 795-1388
Try a Free Kayak Session on the Hudson
The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking at Pier 96 starting in May. It’s a fun, active solo outing with a short safety session, then you’re free to paddle at your own pace. You don’t need experience — just show up, sign a waiver, and enjoy the river breeze.
- Website: https://www.downtownboathouse.org
- Location: Pier 96 at W 55th St & Hudson River
- Contact: info@downtownboathouse.org
Browse the Stacks at the Strand
Lose yourself in 18 miles of books at The Strand — one of NYC’s most iconic bookstores. Whether you’re hunting for a rare find or just want to browse quietly, it’s a calming solo activity in the middle of a busy city. Don’t skip the upstairs rare book room.
- Website: https://www.strandbooks.com
- Location: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
- Phone: (212) 473-1452
Take Yourself on a Sunset Cruise
There’s something magical about cruising the NYC skyline solo as the sun sets. Companies like Circle Line or Classic Harbor Line offer shorter evening sailings that don’t require a big group. Grab a drink, find a seat, and let the views do the work.
- Website: https://www.circleline.com
- Location: Pier 83, W 42nd St & 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: (212) 563-3200
Visit Little Island
Little Island is a public park built on stilts over the Hudson River. It’s whimsical, green, and scenic — great for a quiet walk or catching a pop-up performance. May weather makes it the perfect time to explore before summer crowds roll in.
- Website: https://www.littleisland.org
- Location: Pier 55 at Hudson River Park, W 13th St, New York, NY 10014
- Phone: (929) 556-8570
Take a Photography Walk in DUMBO
DUMBO is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Walk along the waterfront, explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, and get the iconic shot of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street. It’s a great solo activity — slow, scenic, and no one rushes you.
- Website: https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/brooklyn/dumbo
- Location: Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY
Relax with a Solo Picnic at Prospect Park
Prospect Park is huge and less touristy than Central Park — perfect for a quiet solo picnic. Bring a blanket, snacks, and something to read or sketch. The Long Meadow and Nethermead are ideal for spreading out and getting a little sunshine.
- Website: https://www.prospectpark.org
- Location: Brooklyn, NY 11225
- Phone: (718) 965-8951
Meditate or Sketch in St. Luke in the Fields Garden
This peaceful garden in the West Village feels like a hidden retreat. It’s open to the public during the day, and ideal for journaling, drawing, or simply pausing. May flowers are in full bloom and it’s rarely busy.
- Website: https://stlukeinthefields.org
- Location: 487 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
- Phone: (212) 924-0562
Get Lost at the MET
With over 2 million works of art and endless halls to explore, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a solo dream. Wander at your pace, take breaks in the café, and revisit your favorite rooms — no one’s rushing you. Plan your visit early in the day for quieter galleries.
- Website: https://www.metmuseum.org
- Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Phone: (212) 535-7710
Join a Drop-In Drawing Session at The Drawing Center
If you like hands-on activities, The Drawing Center often hosts drop-in sessions where you can sketch from live models or still life. It’s easy to join and perfect for solo creatives. You don’t need to be a pro — just show up and create.
- Website: https://drawingcenter.org
- Location: 35 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013
- Phone: (212) 219-2166
More…