NYC in 72 Hours: Solo Travel Tips and Itinerary
Ah, New York City, it’s been over a decade since my last visit. My first trip was way back in 1999, and while I’ve returned several times since, this was my first time exploring the city solo.
For this trip, I chose to base myself in the Financial District, a neighborhood often overlooked by tourists but rich with history, architecture, and cultural depth. Known for Wall Street and soaring skyscrapers, the area also offers quiet cobblestone streets, hidden landmarks, and a sense of the city’s revolutionary past woven into its modern energy.
If you’re a solo traveler with a love for historic sites, iconic views, and a walkable neighborhood that feels both timeless and alive, the Financial District makes the perfect home base.
Here’s how I spent three immersive days in Lower Manhattan, on my own time, at my own pace.
Day 1: Foundations & Freedom
Morning
• Fuel up with a bagel and coffee from Leo’s Bagels in Stone Street, classic New York flavor in a cobblestone alleyway.
• National Museum of the American Indian: Free and housed in the stunning Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, this museum offers rich insights into Indigenous cultures across the Americas.
• Ferry to Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Depart from Battery Park. Marvel at Lady Liberty and explore your roots at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Take your time, it’s a moving and enlightening journey.
Afternoon
• *Lunch at Fraunces Tavern, one of the oldest buildings in NYC and once frequented by George Washington.
• Battery Park stroll: Enjoy views of the harbor, watch street performers, or relax on a bench with a journal in hand. You can also grab a few snacks here.
Evening
• Dinner: Try Dead Rabbit for award-winning cocktails and pub fare, also steeped in historical charm. I met many new friends here.
• Optional: Nighttime walk to Pier 17 for a glittering view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Day 2: Money, Power & Memory
Morning
• Try Blue Spoon Coffee for a light start and watch the bustle of Wall Street awaken.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: A deeply emotional visit. Allow at least 2 hours to absorb the museum’s powerful stories.
• Oculus & Westfield World Trade Center: Marvel at Santiago Calatrava’s design, shop, or simply wander.
Afternoon
• Lunch at Hudson Eats for a range of upscale food court options with a view.
• Museum of American Finance (on Wall Street): Dive into the roots of capitalism in America and explore Alexander Hamilton’s legacy as the first Treasury Secretary.
• New York Stock Exchange (photo stop) and the Fearless Girl statue.
Evening
• Dinner: Cozy up at Crown Shy, a Michelin-starred spot offering refined yet approachable plates.
• Sunset walk on the Esplanade along the Hudson River.
Day 3: Hamilton’s Haunts & Hidden Gems
Morning
• Breakfast: Grab a flaky pastry from La Parisienne café on Maiden Lane.
• Trinity Church & Alexander Hamilton’s Grave: Visit the final resting place of the nation’s first Treasury Secretary. The churchyard is peaceful, historic, and soul-stirring.
• Federal Hall National Memorial: Just steps away, this is where Washington took the oath of office in 1789.
Afternoon
• Lunch at Pisillo Italian Panini, known for monster-sized sandwiches.
• Walk down Stone Street: Explore this old colonial street, full of hidden alleyways and Dutch-era vibes.
• South Street Seaport Museum (or Seaport District wander): A charming blend of maritime history and modern shops.
• Optional: Hop on a harbor sailboat if the weather is nice!
Evening
• Final Dinner at The Fulton by Jean-Georges for stunning seafood and views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Reflect with one last look over the East River before heading back, your heart fuller than when you arrived.
✨ Travel Tip: Walk as much as possible. Lower Manhattan is compact and steeped in stories waiting to be discovered with each step. I also took the Metro, and it was completely safe and manageable.
Need help planning and booking New York City? Contact my team at Nomoon Travel and we can help!
