Washington D.C. to NYC solo day trip

[ms.yt]

This summer I may have the chance to spend a couple of weeks in Washington, D.C., for a seminar. I was thinking about taking the train to NYC early one morning and spend the day there since I've never been. My husband is, of course, concerned about safety since I would be traveling alone. I plan to do a great deal of research before I go if I decide to do this, so I'm not that worried about safety issues. Should I be?

Having only one day to explore the city, what would be my best bets of places to visit relatively safely on my own? Also, I'd love some suggestions for some non-touristy restaurants that I could try. Obviously, I'd probably only have the opportunity for a couple of meals while I'm there, but I'd like to make them count.

 

[Poohforyou]

If you can manage Washington by yourself for a few weeks a trip up to NYC will be manageable. My suggestion would be to see sites within walking distance of Penn station. That includes Rockefeller center, the empire state building, st Patrick's cathedral, 5th ave shopping. A trip up to the top of Rockefeller center is a wonderful way to see the whole city and beyond.

 

[low-key]

when Im a bit worried about my surroundings I try to look like a criminal so everyone will be afraid of me instead of other way around

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

When I lived in the northeast, I used Amtrak to visit all the major cities by myself. I stayed in youth hostels in DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, NYC, and Boston, I used public transportation to get around each of those places, and I did all kinds of stuff alone at all hours of the day and night. So, I say go!

DC to NYC is a bit of a trek, though - about 3.5 hours each way on the train - so I'd recommend doing an overnight or even a weekend if you can fit it into your schedule. There is so much to do in NYC that I can't imagine going for just one day. I lived there for years and I didn't even see everything I would have liked to.