Places for introverts in nyc
An Introvert's Guide to New York City
New York City to me is claustrophobically narrow sidewalks and tall buildings, the sensory overload of hundreds of people and honking taxis, and the chaos of crowds and not quite knowing if I was going to end up where I wanted to be.
As I expected, New York isn’t exactly a haven for introverts. I was there in October with my husband and seven of our friends for a trip to celebrate our 40th birthdays, and I went with an open mind while secretly not really expecting to like it. And I didn’t. Or not really anyway, at least in the sense that it’s not on my list of places to go back to anytime soon.
As someone firmly committed to the introvert side of my personality, New York was a little much. I had a panic attack in the Museum of Natural History when I couldn’t easily find an exit, and I very nearly knocked people over in an attempt to get out of a crowd of people converging on a very small sidewalk outside the theatre after a Broadway show.
But traveling to a place you don’t really like doesn’t mean the trip has to be horrible. My trip wasn’t (despite a Saturday-night trip to the emergency room of Mount Sinai hospital, which, it must be said, was actually better than pretty much any ER experience I’ve had in Canada). In many ways, being in New York was also an opportunity for adventure, a low-expectation trip and the freedom to be anonymous.
For me, the secret to spending time in a city I wasn’t in love with was largely doing my own thing. (Yes, even on a trip with my husband and seven of our friends.) I’m not a big fan of museums and wasn’t especially keen on spending the evening in a crowded bar, so after my aborted trip to the natural history museum I did neither of those things. What I did instead was visit the places I wanted to see. I enjoyed the ones that worked for me and abandoned the ones that didn’t.
For you fellow introverts looking for suggestions, here are some of mine.
Visit Top of the RockThe observation deck at Rockefeller Centre has a better view than the Empire State Building, partly because you can see the Empire State Building from there and partly because its location offers a great view of Central Park (see the photo at the top of the post).
I’ve always loved hitting the high up sightseeing spots, wherever I am. Even if I have to travel 90 floors up in an elevator full of people, the views never get old and the feeling of being above the bustle of the city is amazing.
I walked along the span with three friends late one afternoon just before the sun started to set. It’s a gorgeous structure, especially at that time of day, and the views of the city are well worth the trek.
Walk the High LineThis, to me, was even better than Central Park for feeling like I wasn’t in the middle of a huge city. On the West Side, the High Line is a park built on a freight rail line up above the streets. The best way to visit is to start at one end and walk to the other, catching the art installations along the way and peeking in the windows of the buildings along the path.
Visit Winnie the Pooh and Friends at the New York Public LibraryThis was a delightful surprise to me because, despite being a huge Pooh fan, I didn’t know the original stuffed animals were in the children’s section of the library (not to mention that libraries are pretty much an introvert’s heaven).
Sure, New York is famous for its cabs. Having taken one from the airport to our hotel, and again a couple of other times, it’s definitely an experience and probably not one you should miss. But as a rule this introvert hates cabs, so I was perfectly happy to jump on the subway. We all had 7-day unlimited passes (which, at $30, are worth it) and I made my way all over Manhattan (and beyond), even on my own. The art in the subway stations is a nice touch, and the system is pretty easy to figure out. (Only once did I end accidentally end up in Brooklyn.)
Take a harbour cruiseWe did this on our first day, and I liked the opportunity to get an overview of the city and see some of the highlights from the water. The views of the Statue of Liberty are great as well.
Head out to the Statue of LibertySpeaking of the statue, I enjoyed my visit to Liberty Island. Again, lots of people go out there and you have to brave the crowds on the boat, but once I got there I loved the environment.
I got a drink and sat on the walkway in front of the statue and looked out across the water. It felt…iconic. Is that a feeling? It is now. And the view of the Manhattan skyline from the boat is perfect.
See, introverts? It can be done. As you make your way around the city, just follow your inner wanderlust and be prepared for a bit of an adventure. And when you’ve had enough, head back to your hotel for a quiet evening. US Netflix is pretty good, after all.
An Introvert's Guide to NYC
A stereotypical New Yorker is loud and proud, but even in America’s biggest city, there’s plenty of room for introverts. It’s no secret that introverts enjoy spending some time alone. Beautiful hidden gems off the Broadway-beaten-path offer loners a chance to escape the crowds and relish alone time. Dive in and enjoy the Big Apple solo.
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The Met Cloisters
99 Margaret Corbin Dr.
A photo posted by Christina Peña (@cpena5) on
What better way to escape than travel to the past? Head uptown to Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park to get a glimpse into medieval Europe at The Met Cloisters. Take a walk through the architecture and gardens depicting this time period and gaze at more than 2,000 artworks. The chimes from the bell tower will also make it easy to forget about the sounds of the bustling city streets. Go
Jefferson Market Garden
70 A Greenwich Village
A photo posted by B. Chen (@hollyjoylucky) on
Spend some time surrounded by beauty at the Jefferson Market Garden. This quiet oasis sits next to the Jefferson Market Library in Manhattan’s historic Greenwich Village.
The flowers are so beautiful that several bride and grooms have snapped their wedding photos here. Go
New York Public Library
476 5th Ave
A photo posted by The New York Public Library (@nypl) on
Libraries, a place where talking isn’t encouraged, are the perfect place for any introvert to unwind in peace. Step inside the historic New York Public library right on 5th avenue and be blown away by beauty and literature. Opened in 1911, the four-story library became a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It includes the famous Rose Main Reading Room (pictured above), the biggest room in the library with tiered chandeliers, wooden chairs and tables, large arched windows and an ornate ceiling. Go
The Golf Club at Chelsea Piers
59 Chelsea Piers
A photo posted by Jacob Jackson (@jcole_jackson) on
Pick up a new hobby or perfect an old one.
Spending the day at “Manhattan’s only four-tiered, year-round outdoor driving range” is a great opportunity to hit some golf balls while soaking in the Hudson River view. Go
High Line
Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues
A photo posted by Friends of the High Line (@highlinenyc) on
Strolling through the popular elevated High Line (1.45 miles long) is the perfect solo activity, especially when the weather gets warm. Eat some lunch on one of the benches amidst greenery or while enjoying a view of the Hudson River. Go
Bryant Park
Between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues
A photo posted by Bryant Park (@bryantparknyc) on
Sure there’s always Central Park, but this smaller park is a beautiful Midtown gem usually filled with things to do.
Explore the Winter Village from October to March to ice skate around the rink or see the small shops (open till January). On warmer days, grab a book to read on the open grass area, catch one of the concerts, bring a blanket for one of the free movie nights or take one of the free classes like juggling. Go
Caffe Reggio
119 Macdougal St
A photo posted by nataliehopemcdonald (@nataliehopemcdonald) on
Manhattan is full of cafes to choose from, but not all drip with history. The Greenwich Village spot, which opened its doors in 1927, credits itself as being the first in America to serve cappuccino. The cafe has also been featured in popular movies, including Godfather II and Serpico. Grab a seat at one of the marble tables surrounded by Caravaggio paintings for some coffee and dessert.
Go
Top Ten Places to See New York for the First Time
If you're visiting New York for the first time, and just for a few days, it's easy to get lost in the myriad of places that guidebooks vying with each other recommend. Therefore, we have compiled an alternative list of must see in New York, with which we recommend starting your acquaintance with the city. In our version, there is no Statue of Liberty, but after visiting the places from our list, you can definitely speculate that "Manhattan is certainly not fire compared to Brooklyn." We will also share with you a secret place with the best panorama of the city, where, moreover, there are no tourists.
1. View of New York from the waterfront LIC
As soon as you arrive in New York, head to our secret location for your first - and most important - experience. Don't be afraid, you will see 5th Avenue with its bustle very soon. But first, it is important to feel love for the city.
Therefore, you take the metro and go to one of the three neighboring stations to choose from - Court Sq. (Lines E, M and G), 21 St. (Line G) or best at Vernon Blvrd Jackson Av. (Line 7, one station from Grand Central Station).
You are now formally in LIC (Long Island City) , a small part of the larger Queens area. You get out of the metro and go to the embankment (of course, you will see a lot of skyscrapers sticking out in the distance - this is the direction of the embankment). From the metro to go 5-10 minutes depending on the station. Do not be lazy, because only when you go out to the embankment, you will immediately realize why all this was: the best panorama of New York will open before your eyes. Empire State, Chrysler Building and all the most majestic in Midtown will appear in all its beauty.
You can grab a coffee at a local coffee shop and throw the bones on the sunbeds on the waterfront itself. There are almost never tourists here, and only local runners with dogs distract from contemplating the views.
We advise you to take a walk along the promenade to the big Pepsi sign and back to the place where the ferries depart from. If you want to have a delicious lunch, there is a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant Cyclo in the area.
2. East River Ferry
All popular guidebooks unanimously recommend taking the free ferry to Staten Island or taking the ferries themselves to the Statue of Liberty. Yes, you can do it if you don't mind the time. But if it's short, then it's better to take a ride on one of the NYC Ferry routes. Previously, there was only one route, but since the spring of 2017, there are several different directions, which have become much more convenient to use. You can take the ferry directly on the LIC waterfront from the previous point, as well as at several points in Manhattan and Brooklyn. See all landing points and routes here. A one-way ticket will cost just $2.75.
3. Highline Park
We return to Manhattan, where a whole park has grown on an abandoned subway line and turned into a great place for walking.
Everything is very New York - iron and concrete, on which gardens of rare plants have grown. The branch line runs from 14th Street all the way to 34th. In total - about 2.5 km. If the day is hot, it is better to choose the evening or morning time, because. In the park itself, you can't really hide from the sun. But you can take off your shoes, sit on the lawn and admire the city. We advise you to take a snack with you, bought at the old Chelsea market, which is located right at the entrance to the park.
4. Artichoke Pizza
Americans are fans of queuing for any reason. Especially if some reputable guide wrote about a particular place. "Best pizza" and "best donuts" aren't always so fantastic, but the line will turn the corner into the next street.
We invite you to visit the place with almost no queues, but with food that is definitely worth a try. Artichoke pizza sounds unattractive, and you can't tell by the look that it can be tasty. But one has only to bite off the first piece from the slice .
..
Even the most persistent meat-eaters note the excellent taste of this pizza, for which you want to come back again and again. In the morning, at lunch, or better in the evening after going to the bar, when it's time for pizza. One of the outlets is located near Highline Park, the second is in a strategic location on 14th Street, not far from the party areas in the Union Square area. All locations are here.
5. Williamsburg
Williamsburg is an old neighborhood in Brooklyn that has evolved from a block of old warehouses and factories into one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. Lofts, workshops, shops, clubs and bars - housing prices here are even higher than in Manhattan.
Williamsburg is a kind of hipster mecca of the city, but there is enough space here for the Polish diaspora, offering “feathers” to fashionistas on every corner, and even Hasidim, although the latter do not really like the new neighborhood.
Walk first down Bedford Avenue and then towards the waterfront.
Interesting and worth visiting places are found at every turn. Finding great coffee is even easier than later - a bin on the street for an empty cup. If you have time, you can take a tour of the Brooklyn brewery, where the famous Brooklyn lager is brewed, which can be tasted in establishments throughout New York (even the bars in Stockholm are named after it).
Another place - Rugh Trade - a huge hangar that houses a music store. A true paradise for vinyl lovers. You can find all the latest releases here. And if you need the old ones, here you will be calmly prompted with the addresses of the best places next to the old records.
It's better to spend an evening in Williamsburg bars. You won’t have to look for a long time - there are excellent places on every corner, you can safely go into the first door you like. Sometimes, even behind a non-obvious sign, there is an excellent bar where beer is brewed right on the spot.
6. Sports
Even if you are not a big fan of American sports and know nothing about the local teams, not going to the stadium for at least one game would be unforgivable.
After all, the culture of sports and entertainment around it is simply huge. Many go not for the sake of the game itself, but for the atmosphere and entertainment that the arenas offer.
You can watch basketball at the new Barclay's in Brooklyn, where Jay Z's favorite Brooklyn Nets play. Or you can go to a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.
Baseball favorites, the New York Yankees play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, and the New York Mets alt boys can be watched in Queens.
You don't have to choose a stadium to watch American football - the New York Giants and New York Jets play at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Don't forget to dress up in the colors of the local teams (the most stylish being the Brooklyn Nets), buy a beer and an obligatory hot dog.
7. Strand Bookstore
A large bookstore dating back to 1927 that sells both new and old books - and often at very low prices. Must visit. Be prepared, you will be stuck here for at least an hour and a half or two.
"Strand - my home away from home" - says the advertisement and does not lie. A huge selection of publications in all areas, and especially in art, will make you stick on the floor with books until late in the evening, which many visitors do. An additional reason to visit is a bunch of events - presentations of star authors and musicians taking place in the store.
Pay particular attention to old books. A lot of good editions of the 1950-70s, which have not been reprinted since then, can only be found in this store. And also “new old” editions - books that have just come out, but have already been read by someone, can be bought 3 times cheaper.
8. Concerts
Music is a big part of this city, and whatever style you like, the best performers are sure to give concerts in New York.
The easiest way to track all performances is through Songkick. Don't be surprised if you find out that three of your favorite artists are playing on the same day.
All venues are equally good, from large arenas such as Madison Square Garden and Barclay's to medium-sized ones such as Irving Plaza, Terminal 5, Williamsburg Music Hall, etc. But there are always chances to get into local small performances in speakeasy bars, as well as spontaneous jams by jazz musicians, because this is New York, which has been breathing jazz for many decades.
9. Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center
A slightly less famous observation deck than the one on the Empire State Building. Better than the last one is that you can see everything from Top of the Rock, incl. and Empire State itself.
The 360-degree view is worth the climb - perhaps the most desirable and regal view on the planet. However, there are much fewer lines here than at another famous venue, and there are much more places to not push with anyone and enjoy the panorama. With one ticket, you can enjoy both sunset and sunrise on the same day - i.e.
catch the best hours when the light changes every 5 minutes and slides over the facades of houses, and in the evening the city lights gradually turn on and the light in the windows lights up.
But first, check the weather forecast and, if the day is sunny, feel free to book your tickets. It’s better to book in advance via the Internet or come to Rockefeller Center a day in advance to redeem a ticket for a specific time.
10. Movies at Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park or Central Park
Film screenings are organized in parks during warmer hours. Every week of the summer, for example, is the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. The whole glade is filled with people with blankets, wine and baskets of provisions. It will not be easy to find a free place, but everyone politely shares the space, and the neighbors in the clearing will even pour you if you inadvertently forgot to buy a bottle. The schedule of free screenings for the summer of 2015 in all parks in New York is here.
P.S. Just walk around the city.
Spend the day walking around the city. Don't try to see any landmark - and you will find your equivalent to the Statue of Liberty, which will leave an impression forever.
Photos - palasatka
See more photos of New York from palasatka here.
25 heavenly places for introverts Especially when there are places in the world where nature and people's lives seem to be a continuation of each other, where the city itself seems to be imprinted in a majestic landscape and is perceived as part of it. They are so harmonious that today I want to exchange our frantic pace of life for the calmness of one of them.
We have compiled a list of 25 cities that every introvert would love to visit.
1. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a charming town on Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze. Located at an altitude of 3000 meters, it once represented two settlements, one of which was founded by the Romans, and the other by the Teutons.
They were united only in 1936 on the eve of the Winter Olympics.
2. Settlement in the Himalayas, Tibet
This is one of those villages lost in the Himalayas, which were built to serve the needs of numerous monasteries. You can only get there on foot or by horse.
3. Reine, Norway
Reine is a fishing village on the picturesque Arctic peninsula of Moskenes. Only 329 people live here, but this place is rightfully recognized as the most beautiful village in all of Norway.
4. Gasadalur, Faroe IslandsThe mysterious Faroe chain north of Scotland is hardly known to a wide range of tourists. For many years, the islands with their sheer cliffs remained difficult to access. For example, only one staircase leads to the village of Gasadalur, built during the British occupation of the islands during the Second World War. The 18 lucky people who live there now are safely sheltered from all adversity by two mountains 2300 feet high.
5. Colmar, France
Colmar is one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace.
Ancient streets and pavements, half-timbered houses, ancient stone buildings - all this creates an indelible impression. In addition, Colmar is the capital of Alsatian wines, it is not for nothing that the Route du Vin originates from here - the Wine Road.
6. Camden, Maine, USA
Inhabited by Indians, Camden was colonized by the British in the 70s of the 18th century. During the Civil War, it served as something of a "negotiation point" for the Americans. Now this clean and cozy town has 5,000 inhabitants, and in summer the ratio of tourists to the indigenous population of the city is 2 to 1.
7. Bled, Slovenia
Sheltered by picturesque mountains, Bled was first mentioned in 1004. It seemed so beautiful to the Holy Roman Emperor that it was presented as the greatest reward to the Bishop of Brixen. The church in Bled is located on an island in the middle of the lake of the same name. The city itself, with a population of 5,000 people, is now one of the most beautiful Slovenian resorts.
8. Manarola, Italy
Manarola is a small fishing town in Liguria, northern Italy. A rainbow of colorful houses sits on a cliff overlooking the wild coastline of the Ligurian Sea. The city's church dates back to 1338, making Manarola one of the oldest cities in the region.
9. Bibury, UK
Bibury is often called the most beautiful city in England, and for good reason. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and since then the town has seemed to be frozen in time. Most of the houses look the same as they did hundreds of years ago, and the river still carries its gray waters along the shady streets of Bibury.
10. Annecy, France
Annecy is probably even more picturesque than the French Alps that surround it. Built around a 14th-century castle, the city is divided by small canals and streams that flow into the beautiful blue Lake Annecy.
11. Goreme, Turkey (Underground City)
Now Goreme is an open-air museum.
From the 6th century until the end of the ninth century. Goreme was one of the largest Christian centers and there were more than 400 churches in its vicinity. St. Paul found Goreme the most suitable place for the education of the righteous.
12. Tanby, Wales
The Welsh name of the town translates roughly as "little fish fortress". This naturally sheltered town with access to the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean was founded back in 900 AD. After the Norman conquest of England, the city was fortified with a massive wall to prevent Welsh rebellions. Today it is more famous for its beauties than for its defensive structures.
13. Leavenworth, Washington, USA
This American town looks like it was transported straight from Central Europe. It is designed on the model of a Bavarian village - this was done mainly to attract tourists.
14. Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
Vestmannaeyjar is a small archipelago south of Iceland with about 4,000 inhabitants.
The exact date of discovery of the islands is unknown, but it is assumed that the archipelago was discovered by Irish sailors and Vikings at the same time as Iceland. The islands are also famous for being captured in 1627 by the Ottoman fleet and Barbary pirates who drove people into slavery.
15. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is located in the southwestern part of New Zealand's South Island. Located on the shores of Queenstown Bay, a small lake of glacial origin Wakatipu. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains. In the 60s of the XIX century, gold was found here, and the city experienced a real gold rush.
16. Hidden Mountain Village - Jiuzhaigou, China
Not much is known about these villages scattered across China that once served as strongholds for the military. Now you can only get there on horseback and get a unique insight into the culture of classical China.
17. Shirakawa-go, Japan
Shirakawa-go is a small traditional settlement famous for its peaked roofs, adapted to withstand heavy snowfalls.
The dense, mysterious forests and hills that surround the village have made the area difficult to live in, except for the small plain where Shirakawa-go is located.
Far beyond its borders, Pucon has become known as the active tourism capital of Chile. This small town has gained popularity in the travel world thanks to its lake, volcano and the wide variety of outdoor activities imaginable.
19. Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
Morro de Sao Paulo is one of the quietest island cities in the world. The only way to get to the island is by boat or small planes, which travel regularly from El Salvador. Vehicles are prohibited on the island. The only way to travel long distances there is with a tractor that takes passengers to the beach, hotels, or the airport.
20. Amediya, Kurdistan
Amediya is a small colorful village perched on top of a hill in the Iraqi province of Dahuk. Amedia is 1,000 meters long and 500 meters wide, while being 1,400 meters above sea level.
According to legend, Persian sorcerers and priests, who were famous for the art of sorcery, lived in the vicinity of the village. It was from here, according to some researchers, that the biblical three wise men went to Bethlehem to worship and present gifts to the baby Jesus.
21. Byron Bay, Australia
The small Australian resort town of Byron Bay is a heavenly place with stunning panoramas of sunrise and sunset. You just need not to be lazy, get up early, and such a “sacrifice” will be rewarded. This is the easternmost point of the continent. Here, at the very cape, in late summer and early autumn, you can watch the games of humpback whales and dolphins.
22. Chichiliane, France
The magnificent Mont Aiguille rises 2,000 meters above the French community of Chichiliane, where only about 200 people live. Mont Aigui is known as the “Inaccessible Mountain” - its slopes are equally sheer from all sides. The summit was not conquered until 1492 years and became the first mountain that people decided to climb just like that, out of pure curiosity.
It is believed that mountaineering was born with its conquest.
23. Eze, France
Eze is a medieval village perched like an eagle's nest over the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. The location on the top of the cliff at an altitude of 427 meters above sea level offers a breathtaking panorama. Narrow stepped streets, low massive doors, and rough masonry of houses carry you into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
24. Ericeira, Portugal
The small Portuguese town of Ericeira, with a population of less than 10,000 people, is located 35 km northwest of the country's capital, Lisbon. It is now famous for its sandy beaches and is one of the famous surfing centers in Europe.
25. Pucisca, Croatia
Pucisca is a small village with a marina on the northern coast of the island of Brac. Its name comes from the Latin word puteus - "well", which refers to local springs with brackish Brachitsa water for livestock. The area is famous for its stone-working tradition, and material from local quarries was even used to build the White House in Washington.
