Where to Go When You Are Alone in NYC

The title explains it all – where do you head to when you are by yourself in the City? I’ve found out that it is the worst to be alone into the late evening/night. But if during the day, you want to go out, here is what I’ve noted:

• Starbucks. Or your favorite coffee place. Suitable for groups of two, three, four… or just one. These are established exclusively for you to sit and read or do other solo work. And of course to drink some coffee while you’re at it. +Controlled room temperature: perfect for those too-hot summer days or too-cold winter days. +Selection of snacks and drinks – besides the coffee. +Bathrooms? Nearly always available, which is essential for a long stay, depending on your activity. -Lack of seating, sometimes. Oh, crowds! -Speaking of which, lack of privacy, sometimes.
• Public libraries. Suitable if you need to get away from other chaotic New Yorkers or tourists to a place where peace and quiet is strictly enforced. Or to study. +The peace and quiet. +Relative privacy. +Bathrooms should be available. -No food allowed. Or drinks. -Too quiet. You miss the noise.
• Parks. Nature is good. Depending on which park, it could be a serene experience, a good get-away from the rushed city life. I recommend Central Park or Prospect Park, whichever is closer to you. If you take the 2 or the 3, you can hit up both! +The peace and sometimes quiet. +You’re in nature! What a change. +Relatively private. This doesn’t mean people aren’t around – they just don’t pay as much attention to you. -Weather. When it’s bad, I mean. -Bathrooms. You really get spoiled by the cafes and libraries. Here, the bathrooms close early. Or are dirty. Or are both. Wait, that doesn’t make it a bad thing anymore. Anyway.

Yes, I’ve only got three. After you’ve tried the three, you might as well go home anyway. Home is the best place of all. All +’s from me. Whatever you do, do not go to a bar by yourself in the City. Bad, bad news.