Top 10 Things to Do in NYC for Singles

Sponsored Content

NYC is the perfect American city to make new friends or cruise around the concrete jungle on your own. Even with just over 8 million residents, there are plenty of quiet corners or community activities to make you feel like you’re a part of the neighborhood.

1. Be a team player

From softball to bean bag toss, there’s no shortage of sports leagues in New York. Organizations like NYC Social bring sporty and “just for fun” folks together in unique, active ways. Catch up with kickball players at the post-game bar, or learn how to shuffleboard like the pros.

2. Spend a night at the museum

Discover art-after-dark at some of NYC’s best museums, like The Met (open until 9pm Fridays and Saturdays) or the Museum of Arts and Design (open Thursdays from 6pm-9pm). Or sleep among the artifacts with overnight experiences (aka adult sleepovers) at the American Museum of Natural History.

3. Grab a drink at Jimmy’s Corner

This unassuming dive bar in the heart of Times Square will occupy you for hours; it’s decked out floor-to-ceiling with boxing and celebrity memorabilia from Jimmy Glenn, professional trainer of Muhammad Ali. Looking for a chat? Take the open seat next to Jimmy, who still hangs out as the disco tunes turn all night long.

4. Become a dinner conversation pro

Restaurants like Co. and Samurai Mama are set up with communal tables so diners can interact with each other over their meals. Take things a step further at Communal Oven and Earth where special events such as yoga classes help customers integrate healthy lifestyle and fitness classes into their meal experience.

5. Make ‘em laugh

Taking a stand-up comedy course, or an improv class, will not only make your days fun, but boost your self-esteem as well. Classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade have helped New Yorkers LOL for years. Can’t commit to the 8-week course? Catch a show for $5 during their Harold nights.

6. Crowd surf at a concert

No one will notice that you’re flying solo when the music is pumping at Terminal 5 or The Bowery Electric, which host everything from acts as small as the acoustic guitarist from Hell’s Kitchen, to mainstage shows like Animal Collective. Or if you prefer a more quiet scene, snag $10 rush tickets at Carnegie Hall.

7. Make something awesome

Channel your inner Andy Warhol at a BYOB paint place, like Paint & Sip Studio. Or make Martha Stewart jealous during a creative session at Jill Lindsey; former events include DIY flower crowns, stationery, and jewelry.

8. Bike it out

Citibikes make it super easy to cruise around New York City’s designated bike zones in relative peace. If cycling through the chaos of Midtown overwhelms you, stick to the car-free trails in Central Park.

9. Take selfies with sculptures

The Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City is a great way to see some one-of-a-kind artwork, be in nature, and explore another borough. It’s free to enter and offers one of the best locations for Manhattan skyline photo opps.

10. Take a pizza tour

You don’t need friends to enjoy a good slice of New York pizza, but it does help to have a local who knows the legit locations. Scott’s Pizza Tours will help navigate you through this quintessential NYC meal by each neighborhood. Pick your favorite pie or debate who bakes it better: Manhattan or Brooklyn?

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.