Your Non-Touristy Guide To A Girls Trip In NYC

New York City is one of the best cities in the world for a girls trip. From shopping, dining, best-in-class shows, and endless entertainment, you can experience an unbelievable weekend with friends. 

We have visited New York so many times, and each time we discover something different, and see a unique side of the city. 

Too many of our friends visit New York City and end up having a horrible time because they’re overwhelmed and end up spending their days at the wrong spots. Who can relate? Or maybe for you it’s getting caught up in the touristy traps. 

DON’T FALL IN TO THE TRAPS.

We have curated the perfect itinerary for a non-touristy girls trip in NYC! It has all the essentials of a top notch girls trip with a New York flare. 

Spend the weekend with your favorite girls sipping on fancy cocktails, dining at the coolest hole in the wall pizza spots, and experiencing the best sides of this charming city. 

Where to stay for a girls trip in NYC

Location is important when it comes to NYC. There are so many different neighborhoods that make up the city, each offering an appeal unique from the other. 

Determining where to stay for an NYC girls trip is step number 1 to ensuring you’ll have a successful trip!

The Lower East Side is a hub for various diverse communities, making it one of our favorite areas to stay in. Over the years, it has attracted immigrant populations including Jewish, Italian, and more recently Hispanic and Chinese.

We love the blend of cultures and how welcome we feel when we are there. If that wasn’t enough, you can also find a lively nightlife, eclectic dining, and a strong artsy presence.

Here are 3 different hotel options within the Lower East Side to check out for your trip: 

Public Hotel – A vibrant and stylish hotel with cozy rooms, and warm & welcoming common spaces. With a rooftop bar, this places comes alive at night.

The Standard East Village – Famous for its wicked views of Manhattan, this hotel is elevated and centrally located.

Untitled at 3 Freeman Alley – An Urban chic hotel full of artsy expression + a rooftop cocktail lounge.

Full guide on where to stay for an NYC girls trip

What to do on Girls Trip in NYC 

New York is one of those unique cities that is alive just as much during the day as it is at night. You’ll have your pick of different activities and forms of entertainment, but it’s important to narrow down your activities so you’re not running around all weekend. We recommend to stick with these essentials:

Spend a day in Brooklyn

Hop on the subway and head to Brooklyn! Or if the weather is nice, consider making your way to Brooklyn by walking across the iconic Brooklyn bridge.

There is so much to do in this city – peruse the many flea markets, go brewery hopping, hit up a museum or a historical landmark. The options are abundant!  

See a show on Broadway 

Okay, this may fall in the touristy bucket, but it would be wrong of us not to include it on the list! If you haven’t had a chance to see a show on Broadway in New York City, this is one you will want to prioritize.

Seeing a play or a musical on Broadway is one of our favorite activities to do on a girls trip in NYC. While tickets can be expensive, there are lots of ways to save on prices like seeing a matinee, opting for a less popular show, or taking advantage of the discounted day-of tickets.

Looking for ways to save money on this trip – start with how you’re packing.

Shop some Vintage Markets 

The fashion in New York City is one of its most notable traits. If you are a fan of thrift shops, be warned that thrift shops are on another level in this city. Because of New York’s long and rich history, you can find the most unique items that would be hard to find anywhere else.

Williamsburg, the East Village, or Harlem are great neighborhoods to check out if you are looking for some vintage shopping!

Listen to live music at a music club 

NYC is home to many well-respected jazz lounges dating back to the Harlem Renaissance days. We recommend finding a spot to listen to live jazz music for a more chill night out.

A cool jazz lounge, espresso martini’s, and swaying to quality jazz music with your girls. Can’t you picture it now?!

Grab drinks at a fancy cocktail spot 

There’s something so fun about getting dressed up with your friends and going to a cute place to enjoy some cocktails or mocktails. While you are on your girls trip in NYC, spend at least one night getting a little fancy and treating yourself to pretty drinks and a unique atmosphere.

While you’re there, make sure you remember to laugh a lot and not take yourselves too seriously! See our list below for recommendations on where to go.

Visit the New York Public Library flagship

You can spend a few hours walking through the New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, which is one of 92 locations across the city.

It’s open to the public most days, so you can browse their selections and appreciate the beautiful architecture. It is a fun one to walk through during the day because the interior and the exterior are absolutely works of art.

WHERE TO EAT ON A GIRLS TRIP IN NYC

• Russ & Daughters or Angel Cafe for the warmest homemade bagels.
• Brunch in Midtown at Trademark Bar + Kitchen .
• Freemans when your in the Lower East Side for quality lunch and drinks.
• The Esters for the BEST pizza and rose in Brooklyn.
• An Italian dinner in SoHo – MAMO or A Pasta Bar. 
• Dessert and tea at the cutest Italian bakery Ferrara.

WHERE TO GET DRINKS ON A GIRLS TRIP IN NYC

• For fancy drinks, hit up the Bar Room at The Beekman Hotel – a nine-story Victorian era atrium.
• Berry Park brewery is great for groups or if you are looking for a rowdy crowd.
• Born in Brooklyn and made for its people, Ebbs Brewing has an awesome selection of sours, lagers, and IPAs.
• Torst is a small and trendy brewery where they serve beer in wine glasses.
• For those craving a Brooklyn cocktail, Diamond Lil is a hole in the wall full of velvet decor and strong drinks.
• Good bar is another Brooklyn cocktail bar serving up vinyl tracks and good vibes.

3 Day Sample Itinerary 

Day 1: Explore Lower East Side 

• Check in to your hotel in the Lower East Side, and grab some bagels at Russ & Daughters nearby.
• The LES neighborhood is full of character and diversity – spend some time walking around and getting to know the neighborhood.
• Stop in to Freemans for lunch – they have a great menu.  
• Grab some appetizers and listen to live jazz music at Terra Blues.
• Wrap up the night in the Financial District for a late dinner and fancy drinks at The Beekman Hotel. 

Day 2: Brooklyn 

• Hop on the Subway and head to Williamsburg in Brooklyn. First stop, Angel Cafe for bagels. 
• Head down the street and pop in to Artists & Fleas market for local pieces from New York’s finest creators and designers.
• For some brewery hopping, Berry Park, Ebbs Brewing, and Torst won’t disappoint.
• Across from Torst, there is a cool new shop called Brooklyn Charm where you can make customized charm bracelets at a reasonable price.
• Grad dinner at The Esters for their BOMB pizza and thank us later.
• End the night at Good bar or Diamond Lil for specialty cocktails.

Day 3: See a show 

• Start the day in Midtown at Trademark Bar + Kitchen  for some delicious brunch.
• Check out the iconic New York Public Library only a few blocks away.
• Catch a matinee at the New Amsterdam Theater.
• Spend the evening exploring SoHo and grab a hardy dinner at  MAMO.
• Reflect on the perfect weekend with dessert and tea at Ferrara Bakery.

If you’ve made it this far, we want to wish you the best girls trip in NYC!