When I first moved to New York City, the amount of people shocked me. I’m introverted, and between the roommates, the crowded streets, and the even worse subways, I never got any alone time. It wasn’t long before the city exhausted me and I found myself in serious need of some time to recharge.
Living in New York gets hectic fast. When you’re always surrounded by people, the urge to spend some time alone strikes even the most social among us. Finding a place to enjoy some solitude isn’t easy in a city known for its dense population and busy lifestyle. Unless you know where to look…
Colline des vagues
La meilleure façon d'échapper à la ville est d'aller dans un jardin public. Colline des vagues est un centre culturel de la ville qui peut fournir une telle oasis. Que vous alliez assister à l'un de leurs événements amusants ou simplement vous promener dans le jardin, c'est un endroit idéal pour passer du temps seul.
Jardin botanique de New York
Pretty gardens, peaceful atmosphere, solitary enjoyment. What more do you need? The New York Botanical Garden combines these elements for a perfect afternoon alone.Check out what seasonal gardens are best at the moment on their website and go for a solitary stroll. You’re sure to feel peaceful and happy when you get back.
Poet’s House
Poetry is best enjoyed in solitude. Reading beautiful verse and indulging in quiet, introspective thought is a fantastic me-time activity. Poet’s House is a great place to bring a coffee and go into a more poetic world for a while.
The Cloisters
Museums are a great place to get away from the world for a while, and NYC has plenty of those. Instead of going to the Met, try its less-visited branch, the Cloisters. It can be a hike to get there, but that means fewer visitors there. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you learn about Medieval art. After you go through the museum, which is relatively small, stop by their café to relax and enjoy your last moments of solitude.
It’s easy to lose yourself in the crowd, and taking some time alone is the best way to recharge.
Movie Theater Matinee
Going to the movies is a fun evening activity, but if you’re aiming to enjoy the movie alone, it’s best to go earlier on. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds. Get some snacks, settle in, and enjoy the film without any distractions. Afterwards, you can have a moment to think about the movie and formulate your own thoughts and opinions.
Le Pain Quotidian
Eating alone in the high school cafeteria might’ve been social hell, but a meal alone can do wonders. Between the people watching and the chance to enjoy your food in peace, a restaurant is the perfect place to recharge. Le Pain Quotidian is a great place to stop for tea or settle in for a full meal — and all their food is healthy and organic. The traditional communal table, central to all their locations, is a great choice for those of us who like eating alone, in company.
Salon de miaou
Vous voulez passer du temps seul sans vous sentir seul ? Si vous aimez vous ressourcer en faisant des câlins à quelques amis à quatre pattes, Meow Parlour est fait pour vous. Il est préférable de faire un réservation (c'est donc une sortie solitaire que vous voudrez peut-être planifier à l'avance), mais cela vaut vraiment la peine d'attendre. Vous pourrez flâner une demi-heure pour profiter d'un moment de câlins, ou vous installer pour un séjour plus long avec une pâtisserie, une connexion Wi-Fi gratuite et, bien sûr, des chats !
Caresser les chats est connu pour réduire le stress, donc je sais où je vais la prochaine fois que j'ai une finale difficile devant moi. Il n'y a rien de tel que d'être seul dans une pièce pleine de chats pour vraiment se détendre et se ressourcer.
Alors, la prochaine fois que New York vous submergera, faites une pause et ressourcez-vous seul. Il est facile de se sentir perdu dans une ville de 8 millions d'habitants, mais prendre du temps seul est un bon moyen de se retrouver.
NYC definitely does start to feel cramped after a few years of living here. Thanks for the well thought out resource — I’m going to keep it bookmarked and go to some of these places the next time I feel claustrophobic.