Solo Backpacking in New York City
First day in New York…
Oh my God, after 13.5hrs, we arrived in New York City. Did I mention that there is a border security along the way, where they need to check your passport and your luggages.
I paid $6 for my I-9 card. This has a validity of 6 months. You will need to pay for it again if it expires. After some questions, I’m good to go ?
Anyway, as I was saying, I made it ?
First, is to buy a 7 day metrocard pass and find my hostel.
Reference: http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
7 day Metrocard pass cost $31. There’s also a re-loadable card, but I think it will be more cheaper if I buy 7 day metropass, as I always get lost, LOL. The ride cost $2.75, so for $31, I can only have 11 rides, so that won’t work in my case ?.
After finding my hostel, I left my backpack and just brought the necessary items with me, so I can start my tour in New York ?, But I need some breakfast..hot chocolate and donuts will do ?
I decided to go first in uptown Manhattan, as it is near in my hostel.
First stop, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and on the other side is Top of the Rock ?
Buy souvenirs in St.Patrick’s Cathedral, like coins.
But I didn’t buy one, ?.
After some pictures, we went to New York library and Bryant Park. There’s not much to see, because the library was close.
I said we, because I met someone in Megabus (who planned to go to NY too), and want to join on my exhausting itinerary ?.
Next, we went to Grand Central Station, also a walking distance from New York library.
Lots of people ?
Then, we go all the way to United Nation headquarters. Again, walking distance from Grand Central. For me, there’s not much to see in here, unless you want to visit it, that’s fine.
We were exhausted, and I need to eat, as in now! ?
I wanted to try Shake Shack ? I didn’t know that were already in Madison Park, when we finally found the Shake Shack.
Oh my God…I’m so HANGRY ?
There’s a long queue, and the park is full, people are just buying burgers on this place.
While eating, I just noticed that the Flat Iron is just around the corner. ?
So, we we’re full, we need to cut some fats, LOL
And the never-ending walk start again.
We went downtown Manhattan, we try to go to Charging Bull, but no luck, there’s a lot of people around the bull, and they don’t want to leave the Bull ?.
Next, Ground Zero, we are all familiar with the 9/11 event. This is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
Trinity Church is just around the corner ?
I’m so tired of walking. We went to Times Square, but we didn’t go that far, LOL. And its time to rest, ’cause there will be a lot of walking the next day ?
That’s pretty cool, I had the opportunity to walk in New York only once in my life and it was 10 years ago for a few hours between 2 planes… but I still made it to the top of the Empire State Building and Times Square! I didn’t know there are so many nice churches and cathedrals in Manhattan. Shake Shak looks like a very pleasant place to have lunch – perfect for an introvert who likes peace and greenery like me!
Yeah! introvert here too, ?
This sounds exhausting! Jeez!
Sounds like you had a fun day! I’ve never seen the Flat Iron building – it’s so unique! Thanks for sharing!
Great post with some great tips. I loved doing solo backpacking in New York even though everyone in my family thought it was too dangerous. Keep encouriging people to be brave!
Yeah, solo backpacking is a challege but fun. Thanks ?
I’ve never been to New York, but judging by your article, it’s worth the trouble. I like how you detailed the cost of everything and the pictures give me wanderlust.
Thank you ?
New York City is a fanastic place to explore and wander. It sounds like your day (one of several great ones by the sound of this post) was pretty packed, though next time, no matter how tired you are of walking, stagger on to make it to Times Square!!! At night, pure energy and magic.
I will, Thank you ?
You hit some of my favored places. I love all my years in NEw York and I love going back to visit my home.
Thanks you for dropping by ?
It’s cool that you were able to explore New York City. It is one of my favorite to visit. I have never stayed in a hostel, is that your usual choice for travel? I may have to try one!
Danie
http://www.thiscurvylife.com
Yeah, usually it’s a hostel or guesthouse…if it’s just me or a friend who’s ok with it.
Always great tips and that tour was amazing!
That is a lot of things to do in one day in New York! I would have been ?
Man, you were busy! New York is such a great town to just roam around in. My daughter and I love to take mother-daughter trips there and shop! It looks like you had fun, but I don’t know if I could have kept up with your pace. LOL!
I never considered a NYC hostel, but maybe I will now. Thanks for the helpful tips and budgetary advice.
You did A LOT in just 1 day in the city. The metro system is definitely the way to get around if you aren’t planning on traveling by foot. Love NYC. It’s a great place to just aimlessly walk around.
I just adore NYC. I call it a city of joy. I’m impressed the way you explored the city with great enthusiasm and covered so much in just a day.
Thank you, it was tiring but all worth it 🙂
I have never been to new york but this sounds like a lot of fun