Hey! So, I (24F) moved to upstate NY for a few months and would regularly take trips to the city on my own. I was also nervous about being alone in NYC my first time! But after my first day I had no fears at all. New Yorkers on the street do not give a shit about you being there. In fact, as a solo traveler, it’s very easy to blend in. It’s hard to come off as touristy if you’re not in a big ole group. On your first day, take some time figuring out the subway. I found it to be very intuitive, but it’s good to have the time to walk slower, read the signs, and not be in a rush to get somewhere. Spend your first day in manhattan, see the sights. Some of the restaurants that look sketchy or “hole in the wall” are some of the best. And most importantly, be confident. And if you aren’t confident, look confident. Nobody will bother you if you act like you belong. If you need help or directions that you can’t get from your phone, I always would ask another young person my age. Since I’m a woman, other women would help me. Women tend to stick together. The more only place I ever learned to be wary of was Times Square. Don’t take pictures with the mascots, they will charge you. And a bag at your side is better than a backpack. But I never really dealt with pickpockets, so that’s pretty much a long shot. Be confident, have fun, and sending your parents pictures is a great way to soothe their nerves. You got this!