Spending some time in NYC alone? Check out this post for the best things to do alone in NYC!
As a native New Yorker, I tend to spend a lot of time alone in NYC. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a bad thing but I just really enjoy my own company. So, if you’re planning to spend the day alone in NYC, you’re in luck! This post has the top 101 things to do alone in NYC.
NYC Bucket List Series
P.S. This is a post in my NYC Bucket List series. Here is the complete 4-part series:
Tourist Mistakes: 12 Common Mistakes to Avoid in NYC
Solo Trip: 101 Things to Do Alone in NYC
Itinerary: NYC in 2 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary
Fall: 15 Incredible Things to Do for Fall in NYC
Head to a Matinee Baseball Game (alone in NYC)
A matinee baseball game is the perfect spot to spend time alone in NYC. It’s great for relaxing in the sun, eating stadium food, and cheering on your favorite team.
By: Lanie Van Der Horst of Make More Adventures
Do a NYC Food Tour (alone in NYC)
Doing a NYC Food Tour is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s the easiest way to try a bunch of food while exploring a new neighborhood. The Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour by Nice Guy Tours is highly recommended.
By: Lanie Van Der Horst of Make More Adventures
Explore the Met (alone in NYC)
Exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Any exhibit in the museum is open for you to see, and you can stay there for as long as you want. Access to The Cloisters on Washington Heights is also included with your ticket.
By: Lanie Van Der Horst of Make More Adventures
Eat Falafel at Mamoun’s (alone in NYC)
Eating falafel at Mamoun’s is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. They have some of the best falafel in the city and they’ve been known for serving it since the 1970’s.
By: Carley Rojas Avila of Home to Havana
Stuff yourself with an assortment of vegan food (alone in NYC)
Eating vegan food is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The city itself is one of the best for vegan and gluten-free eats. The Butcher’s Daughter is also highly recommended for vegan brunch!
By: Rebecca Gade Sawicki of Veggies Abroad
Visit The American Museum of Natural History (alone in NYC)
Visiting the American Museum of Natural History is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. While you’re here, you can explore the depths of Outer Space or check out the bones of a T-Rex.
By: Rebecca Gade Sawicki of Veggies Abroad
Have Afternoon Tea at the Plaza Hotel’s Palm Court (alone in NYC)
Another way you can explore NYC alone is by hanging out at the NYC Palm Court. Having tea there will revive all of your five senses at the iconic Plaza Hotel.
By: Palo of Moon & Roses
Stand on the glass floors of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (alone in NYC)
Visiting the Summit One Vanderbuilt is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Its observation deck will allow you to experience a new reality through glass walls!
By: Palo of Moon & Roses
Visit the Morgan Library (alone in NYC)
A visit to the Morgan Library is a great way to spend time alone in NYC. With its gorgeous antique look, you can explore so many museum house drawings, prints, rare books, and manuscripts!
By: Palo of Moon & Roses
Attend a live show at the Blue Note Jazz Club (alone in NYC)
Attending a live show at the Blue Note Jazz Club is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s a great place to indulge in some delicious food while listening to great music. Musicians like Ray Charles and Chris Botti have also performed here as well.
By: Palo of Moon & Roses
Be a Part of a Live Studio Audience (alone in NYC)
Being a part of a live studio audience is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. 1iota is a great way to reserve your spot. The tickets are always free and they’re non-transferable.
By: Sarah of Life Part 2 and Beyond
Visit the Harry Potter Store (alone in NYC)
Visiting the Harry Potter store is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Located in the Flatiron district, the store will give you the opportunity to shop for Harry Potter inspired souvenirs while sampling butterbeer at the on-site cafe.
By: Kelly of Girl with the Passport
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge (alone in NYC)
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Enjoy great skyline views as you walk across one of the oldest suspension bridges in history.
By: Debbie Fettback of World Adventurists
Check out the Empire State Building (alone in NYC)
Visiting the Empire State Building is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. From the top, you’ll able to experience some incredible cityscape views.
By: Debbie Fettback of World Adventurists
Walk the High Line (alone in NYC)
Walking the High Line at Chelsea is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Before it became a beautiful park, the High Line was actually a functional railway during the 1900s. Now, visitors from all of the world can use it as a place to relax, eat and people watch.
By: Maya of Travel by Maya
Check out the Ride (alone in NYC)
Doing the Ride is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! As a unique entertainment bus, the Ride will give you a front row seat to live street performances in the city.
By: Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Go to a Comedy Show (alone in NYC)
Going to a comedy show is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Alex and Leah recommend checking out the Gotham Comedy Show since multiple acts left them laughing all night.
By: Alex and Leah of Alex & Leah on Tour
Stroll through Washington Square Park (alone in NYC)
Strolling through Washington Square Park is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Known for being pet-friendly, the park is a great place to meet other dogs with their owners.
By: Michelle of Brit Adventures
Watch a Movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park (alone in NYC)
Watching a movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The park has a great outdoor cinema screen where you can watch movies all night.
By: Michelle of Brit Adventures
Go to the Momofuku Noodle Bar (alone in NYC)
Eating ramen at the Momofuku Noodle Bar is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The Momofuku Noodle Bar was the first restaurant of David Chang’s empire and it’s a great place for solo eating.
By: Denise of Chef Denise
Visit a Famous Movie or TV Site (alone in NYC)
Visiting a famous movie or TV site is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Central Park, for example, has been seen in many shows like Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, and countless romantic comedies.
By: Kelly of Travel New York Now
Check out the Museum Mile (alone in NYC)
Going to the Museum Mile is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The Mile is known as a popular place to visit world-class museums like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of the City of New York.
By: Bernadette of Live a Relaxed Life
Visit Rockefeller Center (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting Rockefeller Center is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It’s right in the middle of Manhattan and it’s surrounded by a lot of tourist sites and stores.
By: Bernadette of Explorer Chick
Ride the Cyclone (things to do alone in NYC)
Riding the Cyclone at Luna Park is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world and it’s right near Coney Island.
By: Kelly of Girl with the Passport
Walk Around the New York Transit Museum (things to do alone in NYC)
Walking around the New York Transit Museum is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Located in Brooklyn, the museum is a great way to check out the past of one of the world’s oldest and largest public transit systems.
By: Bernadette of Book Retreats
See a Broadway Show (things to do alone in NYC)
Seeing a Broadway show is the perfect way to spend time alone in NYC! There are so many shows to choose from like the Lion King, Wicked, or the Phantom of the Opera.
By: Sydney of A World in Reach
Check out the New York Aquarium (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the New York Aquarium is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It’s the oldest continually operating aquarium in the United States and it’s located right near Coney Island.
Visit Ellis Island (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting Ellis Island is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! You can spend hours there learning about how the island played a role in America’s immigration history.
Check out the Statue of Liberty (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! With a reservation, you can climb up through the statue’s pedestal for balcony access.
Grab food at Chelsea Market (things to do alone in NYC)
Grabbing food at Chelsea Market is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. You can find everything from gifts and flowers to home goods and specialty foods there.
Get a souvenir at the Disney Store (things to do alone in NYC)
Shopping at the Disney Store is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Located in Times Square, this store is the official destination for Disney shopping in the city.
Take a trip to Far Rockaway Beach (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to Far Rockaway Beach is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s free, quiet, and a world away from Manhattan.
Take a Walk Around Brighton Beach (things to do alone in NYC)
Heading to Brighton Beach is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. East of Coney Island, Brighton Beach offers visitors clean sand and spaces to stretch out.
Visit the Museum of the Moving Image (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Museum of the Moving Image is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It offers a highly interactive core exhibition with inspiring educational programs for all ages.
View the Skyline from the One World Observatory (things to do alone in NYC)
Viewing the NYC skyline from the One World Observatory is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Located in the One World Trade Center, the observatory will elevate your senses to unrivaled 360 degree views.
Visit the Museum of Sex (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Museum of Sex is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The museum on its own is dedicated to showcasing the full history behind human sexuality as well as it’s evolutionary and cultural significance.
Walk Around the South Street Seaport (things to do alone in NYC)
Walking around the South Street Seaport is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The Seaport itself is a neighborhood filled with tasty food joints, galleries, and museums.
Smell the Flowers at the New York Botanical Garden (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Close to the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden is a wonderland for everything that grows.
See Wildlife Animals at the Bronx Zoo (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Bronx Zoo in the Bronx is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It has award-winning exhibits like Tiger Mountain, Big Bears and the Sea Lion Pool.
Watch a Show at the Radio City Music Hall (things to do alone in NYC)
Watching a show at the Radio City Music Hall is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s famous for the Christmas Spectacular and the New York Spectacular with the legendary Rockettes.
Walk Around the Famous Wall Street (things to do alone in NYC)
Walking on the famous Wall Street is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It’s famous for the New York Stock Exchange and the Charging Bull.
Read a Book at the New York Public Library (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to the New York Public Library is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s famous for its vast array of art exhibits and its curated collections.
Watch a New Opera at the Lincoln Center (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to Lincoln Center is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s the world’s leading performing arts center and it’s home to 11 resident arts organizations.
Check out the Celestial Ceiling at Grand Central Terminal (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting Grand Central Terminal is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It has sights, history, and architecture all under one roof.
Visit the World’s Greatest Wax Museum (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting Madame Tussauds New York is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s famous for many waxworks of historical figures, film characters and TV stars.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the 9/11 Memorial is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s meant to honor the 3,000 people who were killed in the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01.
Take a Ferry to Staten Island (things to do alone in NYC)
Taking the ferry to Staten Island is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Each trip will show you views of the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. In addition, if you’re feeling up for it, a NYC Hot Tub Boat Tour would also be a great supplement as well.
Take a Trip to Governor’s Island (things to do alone in NYC)
Taking a trip to Governor’s Island is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It used to be a major headquarters for the U.S. Army and the Coast Guard.
Go to Randall’s Island (things to do alone in NYC)
Taking a trip to Randall’s Island is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It used to be a station for British soldiers and a quarantine area for smallpox victims.
Visit the Museum of Illusions (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Museum of Illusions is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s famous for its optical illusions and its eye-popping pics.
Take a Tram to Roosevelt Island (things to do alone in NYC)
Taking the tram to Roosevelt’s Island is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The island itself is brimming with culture at every art gallery, museum and park.
Shop at NYC’s first vegan shoe boutique (things to do alone in NYC)
Shopping at a NYC vegan shoe boutique is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Moo Shoes, for example, is the first vegan boutique in NYC with loads of shoes, jackets and t-shirts.
By: Rebecca Gade Sawicki of Veggies Abroad
Walk Around Columbia University’s Campus (things to do alone in NYC)
Strolling around Columbia’s campus is another thing you can do alone in NYC. As an open campus, you are welcome to explore the outdoor areas at your leisure.
Do a Helicopter Tour (things to do alone in NYC)
Doing a helicopter tour is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! HeliNY’s tour, for example, will give you an aerial perspective you cannot miss.
Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! It is a must-visit for people who love architecture, history, and worship.
Go to the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Going there will take you on an interactive journey as you learn about American innovation and bravery.
Visit Skyscape (things to do alone in NYC)
Playing an immersive Skyscape challenge is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. You’ll get to explore your skills, dodge lasers, and break codes.
Play Pinball at Modern Pinball NYC Arcade (things to do alone in NYC)
Playing pinball at Modern Pinball NYC is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s a fun, social, high-energy gaming environment that focuses on clean, non-violent fun.
Go to a Knicks Game (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to a Knicks game is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The Knicks are known for winning two NBA championships and they are the one of the most lucrative franchises in the history of professional basketball.
Watch the NY Giants Play (things to do alone in NYC)
Watching the NY Giants play is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The NY Giants are known for winning four NFL championships and four Superbowls.
Play an Escape Room Game (things to do alone in NYC)
Playing an Escape Room game is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Each game will require fast thinking and actions in order to save humanity.
Eat NY Pizza at Bleecker Street Pizza (things to do alone in NYC)
Grabbing a slice at Bleecker Street Pizza is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! In NY, they are recognized as one of the best pizzerias around the Lower Manhattan Area.
Grab Some Shake Shack (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting Shake Shack is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Shake Shack is more than happy to serve gourmet burgers, crinkle fries, and milkshakes to people from all around the world.
Buy a Rainbow Bagel (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting a rainbow bagel at the Bagel Store is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The rainbow bagel itself was invented by Scott Rossillo who has been making the brightly hued treat for two decades.
Get a Pastrami at Katz’s Delicatessen (things to do alone in NYC)
Buying a pastrami at Katz’s Delicatessen is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The deli itself has been dispensing its famous pastrami on the Lower East Side since 1988.
Explore Chinatown (things to do alone in NYC)
Exploring Chinatown in Manhattan is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Since the 1870s, the neighborhood has been very important and influential in regard to the history and culture of Chinese Immigrants.
Walk Around Little Italy in Manhattan (things to do alone in NYC)
Walking around Little Italy in Manhattan is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Over there you can order authentic pasta dishes from the best Italian restaurants.
Get a Drink at Le Boudoir (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting a drink at the Le Boudoir is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The bar itself was styled after Marie Antoinette’s chambers and it offers cocktails, snacks and live jazz.
Gaze at the Street Art in Bushwick (things to do alone in NYC)
Gazing at the street art in Bushwick is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The neighborhood of Bushwick itself has become known for all kinds of up-and-coming artists.
Visit the Sherlock Holmes exhibition in the Grolier Club (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Shelock Holmes Exhibition in the Grolier Club is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The Grolier Club itself is also known for being a private Upper East Side club and society for bibliophiles.
Go to the National Jazz Museum in Harlem (things to do alone in NYC)
A trip to the National Jazz Museum in Harlem is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The mission of the museum itself is to preserve, promote and present jazz by inspiring its knowledge and appreciation for it locally.
Visit the Kings Theatre (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Kings Theatre is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. As a legendary theatre, a guided tour will help you learn about the history and architecture behind it.
Eat at Sushi 35 West(things to do alone in NYC)
Eating sushi at Sushi 35 West is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The restaurant itself is also known for having some of the best sushi in Midtown.
Get a Drink at the Coby Club (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting a cocktail at the Coby Club is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. This club also has one of the coolest lounges you’ll ever step into at a club.
Visit the Little Island (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting Little Island in Manhattan is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. It’s right on the edge of the Hudson River and it’s the city newest floating green space.
See Huge Artworks at Socrates Sculpture Park (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to the Socrates Sculpture Park is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The park is always free and it’s open for waterfront views and public art all year round.
Get a Drink at Gallow Green (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting a drink at the Gallow Green is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The bar is also known for its verdant rooftop atop the Sleep No More’s McKittrick Hotel.
Play Games at the Cellar Dog (things to do alone in NYC)
Playing a game at the Cellar Dog is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! These games include but are not limited to pool tables, ping pong, shuffleboard, and chess.
Do Karaoke at Ms. Kim’s (things to do alone in NYC)
Doing karaoke at Ms.Kim’s is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. Its bar and lounge is known for attracting people who are looking for endless entertainment.
Grab a Slice at Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop (things to do alone in NYC)
Grabbing a slice at Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The shop opened in August 2018 and it’s known for serving traditional NY style pizza.
Stroll into Eddie’s Sweet Shop (things to do alone in NYC)
Going to Eddie’s Sweet Shop on your free time is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. For 100 years, the shop has been known for selling homemade ice cream, toppings and syrups.
Peruse the Shelves at Three Lives & Company (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the shelves at the Three Lives & Company bookstore is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Located in Greenwich Village, the bookstore is a place where people come to discuss books, culture and monumental events.
Go to Prospect Park (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting Prospect Park is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The park is also a main destination for live outdoor entertainment in Brooklyn.
Get Breakfast at Tiffany’s (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting breakfast at Tiffany’s is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! For breakfast, they currently offer french toast, hash browns and omelettes.
See a Show at the Park Avenue Armory (things to do alone in NYC)
Watching a show at the Park Avenue Armory is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Built in 1880, the armory is now being used as a venue for the creation and presentation of the visual and performing arts.
Visit the Café Carlyle (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Cafe Carlyle is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! Many legendary musicians have played here over the years like Eartha Kitt, Elaine Stritch and Judy Collins.
Tour the Frick Collection (things to do alone in NYC)
Touring the Frick Collection is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The admission for the museum is $22 for adults and $12 for college students.
Stroll through Riverside Park (things to do alone in NYC)
Walking around Riverside Park is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! This park also inspired the famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe, to write the Raven.
In addition, if you’re up for it, the park is also a great place to go kayaking by the water. Feel free to buy your own inflatable kayak online or rent one at the location.
See a Show at the Public Theater (things to do alone in NYC)
Watching a show at the Public Theater is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The theater is also known for having a program called the Joe’s Pub that’s dedicated to supporting performing artists at every stage in their career.
Visit Economy Candy (things to do alone in NYC)
Buying candy at Economy Candy is another way you can spend time alone in NYC. The iconic shop is also known for being the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of New York.
Dine at Indochine (things to do alone in NYC)
Dining at Indochine is another way you can spend time alone in NYC! The restaurant has a timeless classic look that combines stylish ambience and tropical decor with French-Vietnamese cuisine.
Visit Tesla’s Store in the Meatpacking District (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Tesla Store in the Meatpacking District is another thing you can do alone in New York City! Instead of selling you the car, Tesla Stores focus on making sure their customers are well-educated on the vehicle.
Shop at the Oculus (things to do alone in NYC)
Shopping at the Oculus is another thing you can do alone in NYC! The stores at the Oculus include but are not limited to Banana Republic, H&M, Sephora, and UGG.
Find a Book at the Strand (things to do alone in NYC)
Buying a book at the Strand is another thing you can do alone in NYC! You can also sell your old books at the Strand to ensure they find a lovely new home.
Get a Doughnut at Peter Pan Donuts (things to do alone in NYC)
Getting a doughnut at Peter Pan Donuts is another thing you can do alone in NYC! The doughnuts sold include different flavors that include but are not limited to glazed, coconut and boston cream.
Go to the Winter Spa at The William Vale (things to do alone in NYC)
Having an outdoor spa experience at the William Vale is another thing you can do alone in NYC! The spa is also helpful for any city dwellers who need to detox before the new year.
Shop at the Evolution Store (things to do alone in NYC)
Shopping at the Evolution store is another thing you can do alone in NYC! In the store, you can buy a lot of things like dinosaur bones, moon rocks and minerals.
Stop by City Hall Station (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the City Hall Subway Station is another thing you can do alone in NYC! In 1945, the station was closed due to its close proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge station.
Go to the Mmuseumm (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting the Mmuseumm is another thing you can do alone in NYC! The purpose behind the museum is to showcase a style of storytelling about the modern world.
Visit New York’s Hidden Tropical Forest (things to do alone in NYC)
Visiting New York’s hidden tropical forest is another thing you can do alone in NYC! Located in a Midtown Manhattan building, the garden is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit the MoMath (things to do alone in NYC)
A tour around the MoMath is another thing you can do alone in NYC! The museum on its own will help you a discover a side of math you’ve never seen before.
Overall, I really hope you enjoyed this post on the 101 things you can do alone in NYC! Let me know in the comments down below which one you would like to do the most. I would love to hear from you!
P.S. If you’re still looking for more NYC content, be sure to check out my post on the 12 Common Mistakes to Avoid In NYC!
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I used to work in NYC. You got me reminiscing over the city. I miss it!
I miss it too honestly!! I haven’t been back since the pandemic :/
Amazing tips! Really. So helpful for the solo traveler, and anybody else! Fantastic . Greetings from London 🙂
Thank you Claudia!!💓💓
I might not go alone, but the places you mentioned are fantastic. Thanks!
No worries!! Anyone can do these things in a group as well.
Great post! Thank you for letting us be a part of it 🙂
You’re so welcome!
I’ve been going to NYC throughout my life and I still have so much to see and do. That helicopter tour looks really incredible. Thanks for all the city inspo!
You’re so welcome Elena!!
I highly recommend the solo walk on the High Line. It is not to be missed!
Yes it shouldn’t be!!
So many things to do as a solo traveller in New York. I’ll save this list for later. Thanks so much for the tips!
You’re welcome!