The Perfect Solo Day in NYC (East Village Addition)
I went to New York in November of last year and was lucky enough to stay with a friend who’s been based in the West Village since 2021. She was a studying at NYU at the time and deep into exam season, so I found myself with a lot of time to explore all the cracks, corners and crevices that the city had to offer, and thus I give you - The Perfect Solo Day in New York.
Get the train to 2nd Avenue. 1 minute walk.
Russ and Daughters - 179 E Houston Street
Russ and Daughters is not exactly a well kept local secret of New York City. In fact it has been coined as the torchbearer of Jewish food in the US, serving up soups, noshes and bagels for over a century, by four generations of the Russ family. The perfect solo day in New York has to start with a bagel and this is probably the best you’ll get. So fuel your body for your solo walking tour and order your ‘Bagel and Lox’ to go…
2 minute walk
Dialogue Coffee and Flowers - 188 Allen Street
I had never heard of this place and went in spontaneously. I went back again and again afterwards and now think about it at least once a fortnight. Serving speciality coffee and matcha and a whole variety of fun and flavourful cold foam toppings, this coffee shop is bound to set you in good steed for the rest of your day.
6 minute walk
Tenement Museum - 103 Orchard Street
Made up of seven restored apartments, operating through guided tours, The Tenement Museum tells the stories of over 15,000 immigrants and what life would have looked like during a time where New York saw huge waves of immigration, where the Lower East side was quickly evolving into the epicentre of the cities multiculturalism.
Museums can be a drag but this one isn’t. It was pointant and engaging and during a time where American politics seems to be leaning more and more into the abyss of the far right, it is a stark reminder of the wonderful opportunities that can come from immigration, coexistence and empathy.
It was also here that I bought 90% of my souvenirs. Hands down the best gift shop in New York.
4 minute walk
The Old Friend Photo Booth - 145 Allen Street
There is no better way to capture and remember a great day than with your own photo strip. For $8 (a bit steep, I know) you get 4 poses in the most beautiful 1970s style black and white. Whether you do it by yourself to stick in a journal or go with others, it’s the perfect keepsake from New York and definitely worth visiting.
9 minute walk
Thai Diner - 186 Mott Street
Diner style restaurant serving high quality Thai inspired food with inside and outside seating. It’s Michelin recognised and a pretty popular spot so try to reserve a table in advance or show up early to bag a table without booking.
3 minute walk
Spring Lounge - 48 Spring Street
If you feel like the night isn’t over yet and you’re up for a low-key-post-dinner-pre-bed-chill-vibe then head to the local dive bar, Spring Lounge. Adorned with USA flags and moose heads on the wall, you feel like you’re getting a real taste of America. Sticky tables but full of character and definitely worth stopping by.
