33+ Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in NYC

Looking for Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in NYC?

This guide will share with you the best tips and ideas.

As someone who has been to New York City alone, I can say that there are many things to do for Muslim Solo travelers visiting the city!

From day to night, there’s just so much to do.

And if you’re wondering if NYC is safe for Muslim travelers, check out this post for more information.

Explore Around Central Park

One of the best places to go alone in NYC is, hands down, Central Park.

But before you go, do know that the park itself is so so huge!

On a daily basis, especially during times like summer when everyone is out and about, the park host plenty of outdoor events like yoga shows, comedy sketches, group tours, and so much more.

The best way to explore the central park, is with an e-bike or a private horse carriage ride!

Shop for Vintage Goods at Chelsea Flea Market

Looking for vintage finds is one of the best things to do alone in NYC! Especially if you are already on a budget for your #MuslimSoloTravels to NYC.

While you can find vintage and thrift shops all over the five boroughs, some of the best places to source great bargains on high-quality antiques, collectibles, and unique goods are Chelsea Flea Market and L Train Vintage (multiple locations in the city).

• Operating hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, on Saturdays and Sundays
• 29 W 25th St, New York, NY 10010, United States (Directions)

Explore Food Market in Chelsea Market

What’s the difference between Chelsea Flea and Chelsea Market, you say?

Both are in the same neighborhood, but just 1 mile away. Located in NYC’s Meatpacking district, Chelsea Market is an indoor food hall known for its diverse and distinctive collection of eateries, local shops, and grocers.

This place has everything literally! From flowers to artisanal cheese and quaint shops in a historic-looking building, sometimes events happen here too!

Pro-tip: Check out the book shop at Chelsea Market for the best NYC souvenir finds! You can get lost in it for hours.

Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States (directions)

Operating hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily

Walk The High Line

One of the top Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in Brooklyn is to walk along the High Line.

This park is situated 30 feet above street level, along a repurposed old rail line. Here, you can see amazing NYC city views, get your feet splashed at the mini fountains, and see all kinds of featured plants.

During summer, there are pop-up shops on top as well.

The High Line is accessible from Chelsea Market, so be sure to continue your journey upstairs to the High Line after visiting Chelsea Market!

Free Tours are available on respective days of the week. Details here

Address: New York, NY 10011, United States (directions & elevator access)

Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm daily

Stroll Along Fifth Avenue – Get Lost in Macy’s

One of the simplest but most enjoyable Things To Do Alone in NYC is strolling around Fifth Avenue.

This is a notable “NYC” street that passes by premium flagship stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, Trump Tower, and one of the best Apple stores in the world.

Go Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center

Along your walk on Fifth Avenue, be sure to stop by Rockefeller Center!

A spot famous as “home to TV Studios” is also where the seasonal NYC ice rink is located.

During summer, the ice rink is converted into alfresco dining.

You can also go inside and go up Top of the Rock NYC Observation Deck for amazing 360 views of NYC. This observation deck is 70 floors above Rockefeller Center.

Pro-tip: Check out the Lego Store for the exhibit of Rockefeller Center in lego blocks!

Everything in here looks just as impressive. Entrance is on 50th St between 5th and 6th Ave. The last entry is at 10:10 pm.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, United States (directions)

Have a Solo Custom Photoshoot

Having the best photo taken on a solo trip can be impossible.

Capture your memories beautifully in NYC by ordering a solo custom photo shoot session.

Attend a Live Tape Experience

There are plenty of things to do in the city by yourself. One of them that you can’t miss is attending a live taping event, especially if you are a fan of these NYC-based shows!

Because there are so many shows in NYC that are taped every day, you have plenty of options to choose from! Like The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Most of them are taped in the afternoon, except for SNL.

However, you need to secure your tickets before attending, so make sure you have that sorted out.

See Sunrise Along Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge…

This bridge is undoubtedly on everyone’s New York bucket list.

And since it is a popular tourist attraction, going to the bridge is not without bumping into lots of crowds!

Having too many crowds can ruin your experience. So, make sure you come by the earliest that you can!

Explore DUMBO – Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in NYC During the Day

Once you’re done with your stroll on Brooklyn Bridge, it’s time to grab a coffee at any of the cafes in DUMBO.

DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.

You can continue to chill at Brooklyn Bridge Park and admire stunning Manhattan views here. Or wander along the cobblestone streets exploring what the area offers! There are plenty of art galleries, independent bookshops, and boutiques.

Wander in a Local Neighborhood & Experience NYC’s diversity

Wandering in a local neighborhood is, hands down, one of the best Muslim-Friendly Things To do in New York alone.

As NYC is known for its diverse population with heritage from around the world, you’ll find this reflected in the neighborhoods!

Jackson Heights, Queens, for example, is full of Venezuelan and South American shops. You’ll be surprised to know that their first language is Spanish!

Only through wandering in a local neighborhood can you truly experience an authentic NYC local life.

See NYC’s Famous Bridges from the Top of The Empire State Building

Besides Top of The Rock and One World Observatory, there’s another skyscraper synonymous with NYC.

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper.

If Burj Khalifa is known to symbolize Dubai, such is the case for Empire State Building in NYC.

This is a New York’s can’t miss experience. The experience of going to the top is filled with an immersive experience. You’ll see movies featuring the Empire State Building, the history of how it was built, and prominent figures visiting the building.

Get the express pass to the 86th and 102nd floor, so you skip the line and get an expedited entry!

Learn about the Communities of Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn on a Tour!

Want to meet local people when you go to New York City?

Then take a guided tour! You’ll get to mingle and make new travel friends while in the Big Apple!

This 5-hour tour lets you see the multicultural communities of Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn that call NYC their home and how they live their daily lives.

It will also give you the opportunity to discover and learn more about other areas of New York City beyond Manhattan!

Take a Ferry To Staten Island

There are so many fun things to do by yourself in NYC. Taking a ferry from NYC to Staten Island is one of them!

The best part? It is FREE!

Pro-tip: Do be careful of those who sell you tickets to Staten Island Ferry outside the Ferry Terminal. This is a scam.

The ferry runs at an interval of 15-20 minutes on weekdays during rush hours. Thirty minutes after rush hours and on the weekends. More info on the schedules here

Pro-tip: Make sure you sit outdoors for the best views!

Ferry Terminals:

• Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry) in Manhattan (directions)
• St. George Ferry on Staten Island (directions)

See the Statue of Liberty

Did you know you can see the Statue of Liberty for FREE?

This is only through the free Ferry service mentioned above.

However, you can’t see the Statue of Liberty up close, but at a far distance. On a good day, the view’s great if you do not mind close-up views.

Regardless, if you’d like to see the Statue of Liberty up close, tours are the only way to do so.

Visit a Local Book Shop

If you’re big on books, going to bookstores is the best thing to do on your own!

And NYC has plenty of independent book shops that will amaze you! Each of them is unique, with rows upon rows of great displays that will make you not want to leave!

Some book shops to visit are:

• Strand Book Store on Broadway – Famous NYC bookstore for new, used, rare books and book-related gifts
• Argosy Book Store in 59th St – Selling lots of old books
• Rizzoli Bookstore on Broadway – Selling literature, and European magazines in a townhouse bookstore.

Enjoy a Subway Ride for a True NYC experience.

New York is known for its subways.

To not ride on it would not complete your full NYC experience.

And while you’re in NYC, why not take full advantage of the subway ride as one of the fun solo trip activities?

While there are lots of routes offered in the subway, some routes that are interesting just for their journey are:

• 7 Train to Queens “International Express”: You’ll get to experience the most diverse commute in the country, passing by immigrant locales of Latino, East Asian, South Asian, and others
• F Train to Coney Island: train emerges from underground to high up in the sky, where you can get the Statue of Liberty view.
• B, D, N, or Q train over Manhattan Bridge: mesmerizing view of Brooklyn Bridge & the skyline during sunset.

Kayak at Hudson River

Thinking, “How can I have fun alone in NYC?”

This question ultimately depends on your preference.

There are lots of ways you can do this. But one fun solo-friendly activity is to go kayaking on the Hudson River!

Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, this is an excellent way of having fun on the Hudson!

Click here for the latest operating hours (dependent on weather conditions) & exact locations.

Visit the New York Transit Museum

Want to carry your transportation appreciation deeper?

Then head on to the New York Transit Museum.

This is not an ordinary museum. It is housed in a 1936 subway station and exhibits many vintage train cars to restored buses.

You’ll learn about the past and present of land-based transportation of NYC here as well.

Address: 99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States (directions)

Operating hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Thursday – Sunday)

Timed tickets are required for entry and must be reserved in advance.

Wander along Grand Central Terminal

The Grand Central is a common agenda on one’s list of “things to do in new york by yourself”, considering it is one of the most notable NYC landmarks.

You can do plenty of things here like people watching those who are commuting, eat alone in their Dining Concourse (Magnolia Bakery’s Banana …. is the usual crowd’s favorite here), or just admire the magnificent and massive structure of the Terminal!

The ceiling and the main lobby are just too beautiful to look at!

Address: 89 E W 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States (directions)

Operating hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily

Mingle with The Muslim Community in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is known to have the largest Muslim community in NYC.

Here, you’ll find many Halal establishments, from street carts to restaurants, cafes, and even masjids.

Who knows, by lingering long enough in the area, you may make a new Muslim New Yorker friend!

Visit and Experience Your Favorite Film or TV

New York City is not only legendary because of the Statue of Liberty, the iconic subways, or the Halal Guys we’ve heard so much about.

It is an iconic place to visit because pretty much everyone grew up seeing a lot of NYC in their favorite TV or film.

And that can mean seeing the apartment used for Friends or The Plaza Hotel if you love Eloise in the Plaza!

Take your experience up a notch by joining The Friends Experience, or stay in The Plaza Hotel!

Admire Brooklyn’s Brownstone Houses

Walking alone in New York City, admiring the buildings and iconic brownstone houses in Brooklyn is one of the simplest yet best things to do alone in NYC.

The 150-year-old brownstones are undoubtedly, NYC’s most famous residential landmark due to their classic brownstone block aesthetics and idyllic surroundings.

historic charm

Some iconic brownstone neighborhoods in Brooklyn that you can’t miss out on are:

• Carroll Gardens – to start your Brooklyn brownstone Tours
• Fort Greene – nearby Washington Park

Wander in a Museum or Historic Building

There are so many museums in NYC!

The museums in NYC present so many fun Things to do alone in NYC.

You can learn about the history of America’s founding father, George Washington, at Federal Hall; immerse in the latest contemporary art at The MET; or see origin story of New York at the National Archives.

Regardless, sometimes, wandering around in a museum is already fun!

Walk around Wall Street

Wall Street is one of the places to go by yourself in NYC.

While this place is filled with towering buildings where important decisions are made. It is just a nice area to have a stroll and take in the classic “NYC” financial world ambiance.

Some places to check out at Wall Street are:

• Charging Bull
• New York Stock Exchange
• Fearless Girl
• Federal Hall – where George Washington took his oath to become the first President of the United States.

Sit in any of NYC’s Park!

You’ll find various Urban Green Pockets throughout New York City. Bryant Park is one of them!

Situated behind NY Public Library, the park is an open space with various daily events such as evening yoga sessions, movie nights, shows on juggling and piano, and board game time!

Click here for the latest news on upcoming events in Bryant Park.

Other than that, you can also check out Brooklyn Heights Promenade, or The Battery Park.

Go on a Broadway Show

Broadway show outings are one of the most “NYC” things to do.

And it gets even more romantic and exciting if you go to a Broadway show at night!

Some great Broadway shows are:

Frozen, The Lion King, Wicked The Musical, Aladdin, Hamilton.

Catch an Arts Show at Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center is known as one of the world’s leading performing center.

How about a performing arts show if Broadway’s not your cup of tea?

Here, you can see all kinds of performing arts like ballet, circus shows, opera, and so much more!

If you have been dreaming of sitting in the balcony seats, this is your golden chance to do so!

The place is gorgeous with the red carpeted curved staircase and beautiful architecture. Photos here are a must to commemorate your trip to NYC!

Address: Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States (directions)

Details on current events and shows are here

Try Out Halal Guys

What is an NYC trip without sampling Halal Guys?

Originated from NYC, this street food is the first Halal food court in the city.

Because of Halal Guys, recent years have seen a major pop-up of many similar gyro street carts businesses around the blocks in NYC and around the country.

Go for the original cart on 53rd St and 6th Ave.

Related ?? Halal Food in NYC ?

Experience the Dazzling Neon Lights at Times Square.

Times Square is a great spot to put on your list of Things To Do in New York Alone at Night.

This is because visiting this bustling center only adds up the experience when you visit at night.

Pro-tip: It can be very tricky to get your photo taken at Times Square if you’re on your own. But one spot that makes it easier for you to get a vantage view of everything is at the top of the giant red staircase above the TKTS booth— this booth also sells Broadway tickets! If you’re lucky, you may get discounted tickets!

Alongside Times Square, you’ll see lots of stores and food carts selling all kinds of food and performers in their costumes!

Address: Manhattan, NY 10036, United States (directions)

Hop on a Bus Tour for the entire New York Sightseeing

Don’t fancy walking in New York City? That can be the case on one of your days visiting the Big Apple!

If you feel that way, or is pressed on time during your NYC solo trip, then a hop on the Sightseeing Bus is great to consider.

There’s nothing wrong with doing the full touristy experience once in a while!

Marvel at NYC sky views from One World Observation Deck

End your night in New York with a spectacular view of the city’s best skyline.

If you’d like to view Empire State Building, you should choose the One World Observation Deck experience.

According to locals, this one has the most complete observation deck experience!

Upon going up, you’ll get to experience a pre-show, with an ending of magnificent views of NYC’s best landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and so much more.

Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006, United States (directions)

Operating hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily

Muslim Solo Travel Takeaway

The bottom line is that there are plenty of Things To Do Alone in NYC for the Muslim Solo Traveler!
You won’t be bored, as there’s just so much to see and do in terms of heritage, history, culture, food, shopping, entertainment and so much more.

All you need to do is pick out which activities interest you the most!

Check out this post for a more extensive guide on Halal food and Muslim-friendly solo travel in New York or this article on how Muslimah Author Sarah Malik explored New York City

While in America, how about a solo trip extension of Philadelphia or Washington D.C?

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• Muslim-friendly Things To Do Alone in Los Angeles
• Solo Trip To Chicago: A Muslim-friendly Guide
• 21 Things To Do on Your Solo Trip to Dubai [With Sample Itinerary]
• 25+ Muslim-Friendly Things To Do Alone in San Francisco

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