New York City. NYC. The City. Call it what you want. It’s my favorite place to visit. I’ve visited dozens of times – some for work and some for play. So, naturally when we started looking at locations for a quick girls trip over a long weekend, New York City bubbled right up to the top. With amazing shopping, delicious brunch spots, some very cute neighborhoods to explore, and the best nightlife – it’s very accommodating to a girls trip. Today’s post is sharing my top recommendations for a girls weekend in NYC itinerary you can use when you visit the city with your girlfriends.
Girls Weekend in NYC Itinerary
The first thing you’ll want to decide as you plan your girls getaway is when to go. Personally, I love the city in spring (March – May). The weather is still crisp, but you can easily be outside and enjoy walking the streets as you pop between the West Village and Soho to Midtown or the Upper East Side. After that, you’ll want to determine what neighborhood you stay in. My heart belongs to Soho (see my hotel recommendations below). But, I also love the Meatpacking District. I’d avoid booking in Midtown which is where Time Square is located. It’s too crowded and touristy! Then, you’ll start to plan your activities. The beauty of the city is there is no shortage of things to do in NYC. Rather, you’ll have to prioritize what’s most important to you to see and do! You can always plan a return trip.
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3-Day NYC Girls Trip
Day 1
If you can, try to fly in on Friday afternoon so you have two full nights in NYC. If it’s in budget, stay at 11 Howard or Nomo Soho. You’ll be just a few blocks from some of the best shopping and boutiques like Anine Bing, Frame, and more. Make a reservation for dinner at Nomo Kitchen ahead of time. They have a fun bar and beautiful chandeliers hanging all throughout the restaurant and everything on the menu is good. I highly recommend splitting dishes here so you can try a bunch! Afterward, head over for cocktails at the stylish bar, the blond, at the 11 Howard. Get there early! It will get crowded as the night goes on.
Day 2
Make Saturday your day for sightseeing. On our girls weekend in NYC, we got up early and headed over to Central Park to grab breakfast (a New York Bagel, of course) and walk around in that part of town. From there you could head to 5th Avenue for some shopping (I always run over to Bloomingdales flagship store on Lexington between 59th and 60th streets. Since you’ll be on the East Side of town, you could pop over to Grand Central station for a quick peek before catching an Uber and heading back downtown. Relax at the hotel and then get ready for an early dinner and broadway show that evening.
For dinner, try to make a reservation at ABC Cocina. It’s the sister restaurant to ABC Kitchen (also so yummy!). But, it has a Spanish slant and serves mouth-watering tapas and small plates you’ll share for the table.
On several girls trips I’ve gotten last minute theatre tickets at TKTS booth in Time Square. But, it’s much safer to get tickets in advance if you have a certain show you want to see. We saw Chicago and loved it!
After the show, head to one of the many rooftop bars in the city for some more girl talk, fancy cocktails, and stunning views of the bright lights at night. Then, end the day with late night pizza at my favorite spot, Prince Street Pizza. Do not skip this! I swear it’s life-changing.
Day 3
It’s your last day in town, so be sure to get up and at ‘em and head to brunch. There are so many great spots, like While We Were Young or Jack’s Wife Freda. Of all your reservations, this one is probably the most important. New Yorkers love their brunch!
Then, personally I’d walk around the West Village and shop in that area a bit. But, if it’s tough to find an available brunch spot you can always head to Chelsea Market. It has a ton of little kiosks and stores with different food. It’s right next to the High Line too, which is a fun thing to do on your girls trip.
Another option in lieu of brunch is to swing over to Dominique Ansel, my favorite bakery that’s the home of the cronut. What’s a cronut? Only the most amazing mix of a donut and croissant that’s got a tasty filling inside. Grab a box of pastries and go over to Brooklyn Bridge park for a view of the city skyline while you eat.
At this point, it’s probably time to head back to the hotel and collect the bags you stored with them after you checked out earlier. Your girls trip is coming to an end, but there’s a 100% chance it was just what you needed.
Best NYC Hotels for Girls Weekend
11 Howard
A boutique hotel located in Soho, this is where I’ve stayed the most times when I’ve visited the city. My best friends and I stayed here for our girls trip! The rooms are small (like nearly all NYC hotels), but the decor is on point! Skip their restaurant – it’s a little too pricey and fou-fou.
Nomo Soho
If you’re looking for incredible city views, the Nomo Soho is where you want to stay. As implied by the name, the hotel is in Soho, on Crosby Street between Grand Street and Howard Street. The hotel vibe is very upscale, trendy and modern. Again, the rooms are small. But, you can’t beat the location and the restaurant is amazing.
The Roxy Hotel
If the other two aren’t in your price range, just a few minutes over to the west side is The Roxy Hotel. I stayed here with on my last trip to NYC for fashion week. They have a great bar downstairs! This hotel is great because it’s in between Soho and the Village.
Where to Eat in NYC
ABC Cocina – Here’s the Address
The flavor at this latin-inspired restaurant is out of this world! It’s a Jean-Georges restaurant, so you know it’s good. Don’t skip the guacamole or the short rib tacos. And, come ready to have a cocktail. They’re fabulous.
Dominique Ansel Bakery – Here’s the Address
My favorite place for pastries, this bakery makes mouth-watering treats like the Kouign Amann (it’s like a carmelized croissant). But, it’s most well-known for the cronut. Half croissant and half donut, this creation lives up to the hype. The flavor changes every month
Jack’s Wife Freda – Here’s the Address
This popular NYC bistro is at the top of my list for my next visit! It’s a tough spot to get a reservation. But, someday I’ll get to try the Madame Freda pressed sandwich with cheddar béchamel.
Little Cupcake Bakeshop – Here’s the Address
Need a little sugar pick me up? Pop into Little Cupcake Bakeshop in Nolita. Their cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more are so good for an afternoon snack.
Nomo Kitchen – Here’s the Address
Yes! It’s a great place to stay and to eat. Like I said above, this place is delicious. It’s my most-frequented spot in NYC! Just thinking about it makes me crave the cacio e pepe pasta!
Prince Street Pizza – Here’s the Address
Hands down my favorite pizza in the city that’s grab and go (minus the line you have to wait in sometimes). Order the Soho Square (loaded with pepperoni) and a slice of the margarita. You have to try both!
While We Were Young – Here’s the Address
A trendy brunch spot, this place is tiny. But, this place is an Instagram dream! With a pink bench running along the wall, blue bar stools and marble countertops, it’s very chic. We lucked out and got spots at the window after just a short wait.
With all of its quaint and quirky neighborhoods, New York City is hands down one of the best locations for a girls weekend. Of course, if it’s not your vibe, you could check out other locations like Jackson Hole, Memphis or Asheville. But, nothing beats NYC. The energy of the city is contagious and it’s your own little version of Sex and the City! If you use any of my recommendations for your girls weekend in NYC itinerary, be sure to leave a comment below.
