Hey there, fabulous wanderers! Welcome to my very first blog post, where I’m diving into the heart of one of the most iconic cities in the world: New York City! If you’re ready for a girls’ getaway filled with chic streets, dazzling lights, and unforgettable memories, then fasten your seatbelts because we’re about to embark on an adventure that’s just as stylish as it is thrilling.
The Best Time to Visit NYC With The Girls
The ultimate moments to hit up NYC with your besties? Drumroll, please! I’ve got two gems for you: May and December.
May Magic
Picture this: the air’s just right, spring is in full bloom, and the city is a canvas of blossoms. May is like stepping into a romantic movie scene, minus the crazy summer heat that can sometimes turn the pavement into a frying pan. It’s that sweet spot when you can rock your cute outfits without feeling like you’re melting away.
December Delights
Fast forward to the magical winter wonderland that is December in NYC. Seriously, it’s like walking onto a movie set! Twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and the air thick with festive vibes. If that’s not enough to make your heart swoon, guess what? You might even score some jaw-dropping hotel deals the week before Christmas. It’s like the universe’s little gift to your girl gang getaway! 🎁
How to Get There
Jet-setting to the Big Apple is a breeze with major international airports like JFK and LaGuardia. Once you touch down, you’ll find a bunch of transportation options. From the iconic yellow cabs to the subway system, navigating NYC is part of the adventure!
Where to Stay
For the ultimate NYC experience, consider staying in trendy neighborhoods like SoHo or the stylish Meatpacking District. Looking for luxury? The Upper East Side boasts elegant hotels that will have you feeling like a true Manhattanite.
Whether you’re sunning yourself in the summer at that pool at Dream Downtown, or soaking up the Holiday vibes at The Greenwich, these hotels are guaranteed to make you and your girls the envy of your Insta followers.
Best hotels for a Spring/Summer NYC Girls Trip
- Dream Downtown
- The Standard
- Gansevoort Meatpacking
- The Dominick
- Refinery Hotel
Best hotels for a fall/winter NYC Girls Trip
- The Greenwich Hotel
- The Knickerbocker
- Mercer Hotel
- The James Hotel NoMad
- Lotte New York Palace
How to Get Around New York
The absolute chicest way to soak in the Big Apple’s vibe is by strolling its streets and showing off your gorge outfits! But hey, if your legs are begging for a break or you’re dealing with a tad too much fun from the night before, fear not! You’ve got options that’ll keep you cruising in style, just like the savvy New Yorker you are.
Uber It Up!
Listen up, babes! Ubers are practically the stars of the city’s streetscape. They’re everywhere, so hopping from one glam spot to another is a breeze.
Plus, if you’ve got your girl gang in tow, Uber might just be your glam chariot of choice, especially when navigating the subway hustle isn’t your idea of fun. Trust me, they’re much cheaper than the classic yellow taxis!
NYC Subway Chic
Ah, the NYC subway. It’s iconic, it’s buzzing, and it’s the beating heart of city life. Just a heads-up though: New York traffic can sometimes play diva and slow things down. Before you hail that Uber, do a quick Google map check on your destination. You might just find that the subway’s your ticket to a quicker journey, and trust me, every second counts in this city that never slows down.
What to Do
The city that never sleeps offers endless possibilities. Explore Central Park by bike, take a stroll through Times Square, and soak up the artsy vibes of the Chelsea galleries. Don’t forget to catch a Broadway show for a taste of New York’s theatrical magic!
Our 15 fave girlie things to do in NYC
- See a broadway show
- Shop til you drop in SoHo
- Get photos at The Top of the Rock
- Enjoy Central Park – ice-skating in winter, and picnicking in summer
- Explore the Oculus and Freedom Tower
- See Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in the West Village
- Walk the Highline
- Sit on the Steps of the Met and imagine you’re in Gossip Girl
- See a sports game! Check out the Bicks or Nets, the Yankees or Mets, the Islanders or Rangers, the Jets or Giants.
- Whitney Museum
- MOMA
- Have a spa day at Sisley-Paris Spa at The Carlyle
- Visit the Met Cloisters
- Radio City Music Hall (and Christmas Spectacular in winter!)
- Enjoy High Tea at Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel
Where to Eat
Foodies, rejoice! New York City is a culinary playground. Start your day with avocado toast at a cozy cafe, indulge in a slice of classic New York pizza, and treat yourself to a swanky dinner at a rooftop restaurant with jaw-dropping skyline views.
Coffee hot spots? Oh, I’ve got your caffeine cravings covered, babes!
Fuel Up at These Coffee Gems
- Two Hands: Trust me, their coffee’s a hug in a mug, and the vibes? Oh-so-cozy. It’s like getting your morning pick-me-up wrapped in a warm, stylish embrace.
- Joe’s Coffee: The name says it all! From aromatic brews to that inviting ambiance, it’s like your coffee dreams took a detour and landed right here.
- The Elk: Imagine sipping your cuppa surrounded by rustic charm and artistic flair. This place? It’s like the artsy cousin of your usual coffee joint.
- Chelsea Market: Don’t just shop, sip! Grab your favorite brew and weave through the bustling market vibes. It’s like multitasking your way to caffeinated bliss.
- Abraço: Tiny but mighty, this spot’s like a secret haven for coffee enthusiasts. It’s all about quality over quantity, and trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you.
Time to brunch and lunch in style, because, hey, we’re not just here for the sights!
Brunchin’ & Lunchin’ with My Besties
- Jack’s Wife Freda: It’s like your go-to brunch spot decided to throw on a chic outfit. The menu? Eclectic and oh-so-delicious, just like your squad’s adventures.
- The Butcher’s Daughter: Are you ready for plant-based perfection? The food’s not just nourishing, it’s an Instagram-worthy work of art. Say cheese (or rather, veggies)!
- Bubby’s: Comfort food with a side of retro charm? Count us in! It’s like brunching in your coolest aunt’s living room, complete with the heartiest eats.
- Balthazar: Let’s talk classic New York vibes, and oh, the French bistro charm! This place is like taking your taste buds on a stylish international escapade.
- Loeb Boathouse: Lakeside brunch, anyone? This spot’s like stepping into a tranquil oasis. Picture this: delicious food, cocktails, serene views, and your besties by your side.
When the sun sets, the swanky side of NYC comes alive. Get ready to wine and dine, ladies!
Swanky Dinners to Satisfy Your Glam Appetite
- Beauty & Essex: Prepare to be wowed! It’s like stepping into a chic treasure trove where fabulous food and fabulous vibes unite in perfect harmony.
- Chinese Tuxedo: If you’re up for an upscale adventure, this modern hotspot’s got your name written all over it. It’s like indulging in trendy Asian fusion with a side of sophistication.
- Tao Downtown: Oh, the grandeur! This place feels like you stepped into a luxurious dreamland where Asian-inspired dishes are served with a side of swank. Stay for the part afterward.
- Gramercy Tavern: Rustic elegance at its finest! It’s like dining in a cozy, upscale farmhouse where every bite feels like a warm hug from the city.
- Cipriani: Chic and oh-so-elegant, this Italian gem is all about that fine dining experience. Get ready to savor each bite in true New York style.
From morning coffee rituals to swanky dinner soirées, NYC’s culinary scene is your oyster, and these spots are the pearls of indulgence. It’s all about the experiences you savor and the memories you make, one stylish bite at a time. 🍽️💃🥂
Where to Drink
When it comes to drinks, NYC has you covered. Head to the trendy rooftop bars in the Flatiron District for a breathtaking sunset view. If you’re in the mood for something more intimate, hidden speakeasies like Please Don’t Tell (PDT) will have you feeling like a true insider.
Raise a Glass to NYC Nights!
- Campbell Apartment: Imagine slipping into the ambiance of a swanky vintage apartment turned cocktail haven. It’s like discovering the city’s best-kept secret and sipping your favorite concoctions in style.
- Please Don’t Tell (PTD): Ready for a speakeasy escapade? Brace yourself for a world of mystery and mixology that’s as thrilling as it is stylish. Each sip? A tantalizing surprise.
- The Standard Grill: It’s not just dinner—it’s an event! With trendy vibes and cocktails that dance on your taste buds, this grill sets the bar high for a night of indulgence and glam.
- Monkey Bar: Think quirky meets chic. This gem is your ticket to a night out that’s as stylish as it is playful. Expect charismatic cocktails and an old-school atmosphere. One of mine and my girl friend’s fave NYC spots.
- Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel: Ready for some old-school elegance? Step into a realm where time stands still. Surrounded by captivating murals, you’ll sip your drinks in a world that’s equal parts timeless and captivating.
From classic concoctions to hidden gems, these hotspots are ready to make your nights as unforgettable as your days in the city that never sleeps. 🍸🌃
Where to Party
Ready to dance the night away? Hit up the vibrant nightlife scene in the Meatpacking District, where you’ll find some of the city’s most exclusive clubs. Dance to the beats of top DJs and rub elbows with the city’s chicest crowd.
Time to turn up the energy and dance the night away! Here’s where the city’s nightlife really comes to life.
- Boom Boom Room: Prepare for the ultimate skyline view as you groove the night away. It’s like stepping into a glamorous penthouse party with the city lights as your backdrop.
- LAVO: Get ready to move those hips! This spot’s like an electrifying playground where music, style, and dance floor magic collide.
- The Box: Ready for a night that’s equal parts enigmatic and exhilarating? Brace yourself for a theatrical experience that’s bound to keep you on your toes. This is not an experience for the faint hearted!
- PHD Rooftop: High above the city, this rooftop hotspot combines jaw-dropping views with pulsating beats. It’s like dancing among the stars, with a cosmopolitan twist.
- The Standard Grill: And let’s not forget that this stylish grill turns into a hotspot for dancing after hours. Your night can go from cocktails to a full-blown dance party in no time.
Top Travel Tips for NYC
Walk Like a New Yorker: Embrace the city’s walking culture and explore neighborhoods by foot. You’ll uncover hidden gems that you’d miss otherwise.
Grab a MetroCard: The subway is your ticket to navigating the city like a pro. It’s efficient, affordable, and adds to the authentic NYC experience.
Blend in with the Locals: Opt for stylish yet comfortable outfits. A chic jacket, comfy sneakers, and statement accessories are the perfect ensemble for the city’s vibe.
Plan Ahead: With so much to see and do, it helps to have a loose itinerary. Prioritize your must-visit spots and leave room for spontaneous adventures.
Sample Street Food: NYC street vendors offer a range of delicious options. Don’t miss out on a classic hot dog or a mouthwatering pretzel.
Catch Happy Hour: Many bars and restaurants offer happy hour deals during the early evening. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy upscale spots without breaking the bank.
So there you have it, my fellow jetsetters! New York City is calling your name, ready to show you a side of life that’s as glamorous as it is full of adventure. From trendy neighborhoods to sky-high cocktails, this city has it all. Pack your most stylish outfits, grab your favorite travel buddies, and let’s conquer the concrete jungle together!
Stay tuned for more travel tips, personal anecdotes, and girl gang getaways that’ll leave you craving your next adventure. Until then, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep embracing the world’s most stylish destinations.
Love,
Kayla 💕
