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New York is one of those places that can be enjoyed at any time of year, with anyone for company… a snowy romantic walk, a mother and daughter’s spring shopping spree, a luxury business trip. But one of the best ways to see the city is with your girls.
There’s something about a getaway to NY with your girlfriends — and my most recent trip was with mine.
So if you’re thinking of experiencing the city that never sleeps with your BFFs, then read on for 16 of the best girly things to do in New York City with your gals.
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Best time to visit NYC for a girls’ getaway
New York works year-round — you just have to embrace what each season brings.
Spring (April–June): Blooming parks, rooftop bars opening for the season, and mild weather for walking.
Summer (July–August): Hot, lively, and perfect for rooftop cocktails and outdoor events.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, gorgeous fall foliage in Central Park, and the city at its cultural peak.
Winter (December–March): Festive lights, ice skating, and cosy wine bars — plus sales season for shopping.
The best girls weekend activities in New York
1. Walk the Highline
The New York Highline is a definite must for a warmer trip to the city. If the weather’s warm, start your walk near 15th Street and make a stop at L’Arte del Gelato.
The beloved summer eatery serves over 80,000 cups and cones of delicious Sicilian Gelato each summer (now with vegan flavours) and once you get a taste of its creamy richness you’ll understand why!
2. Wander down Library Way
Most people head straight for the New York Public Library’s grand facade, but the journey there is half the fun. Library Way, running along East 41st Street, is paved with bronze plaques inscribed with literary quotes — some inspiring, some unexpected, all worth pausing for.
It’s quieter than most midtown streets, which makes it a nice breather in your day. If you’re a bookworm group, this little stretch is basically a photo op waiting to happen.
3. Queue for a cupcake at Magnolia Bakery
For any Sex and the City fan, New York is filled with spots where Carrie caused chaos in heels. But one where a treat lies at the end of the queue is the famous Magnolia Bakery.
Magnolia Bakery is one of those New York girly things to do that has survived every food trend going, serving up cupcakes good enough for Ms Bradshaw and Miranda.
Queues can be long, so lean into it. But if you’re short on time, there are newer branches in Hudson Yards and Bloomingdale’s with shorter waits.
4. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw on Perry Street
Around the corner from Magnolia is Perry Street where the main lady was said to have shared her first kiss with Aidan, heaved a pregnant Miranda from the steps and sprinted down many a time in Manolo Blahniks.
No. 66 is where you’ll find a chain across the entrance (because someone really does live there) but you can respectfully still do your best Carrie walk-by moment.
Want to see more SATC spots? Don’t miss this Sex and The City bus tour of New York!
5. Seek a psychic
Whether you’re a true believer or just curious, NYC is full of psychics, palm readers and tarot card specialists. Fifth Avenue has some polished, appointment-only spots, while neighbourhood storefronts in places like Greenwich Village have a more no-frills charm.
We went for the latter — a neon sign in the window, a crystal ball on the table — and it was exactly as entertaining as you’d expect. The perfect place to question when you’ll find your husband.
6. Take a selfie with Lady Liberty
Get yourself a foam crown, pull out that selfie stick and take a picture that you’ll all treasure for a lifetime. Ms Liberty deserves to be a part of a ladies’ trip after all!
Take the ferry from Battery Park, or if you’re on a tighter schedule, the Staten Island Ferry offers great views of Lady Liberty for free.
Either way, it’s an iconic moment that’s worth making part of your girl’s weekend trip to New York.
This affordable cruise offers Liberty views as well as other iconic landmarks.
7. Release your shopaholics on Fifth Avenue
From Saks to Macy’s to the Tiffany flagship store, Fifth Avenue is retail fantasy land. Even if your shopping is more window than wallet, it’s still fun to wander past those elaborate seasonal displays and pop into beauty counters for mini makeovers.
If you’re a fashion-forward group, this is where you’ll want to budget extra suitcase space. Or, like us, you can just “shop” for outfit inspiration and then spend your real money on cocktails.
8. See a Broadway show together
One of the best parts of a girl’s trip to New York is seeing one of the many top theatre productions before they ever come to the West End.
My ladies and I were blown away by the energy of Aladdin when it first hit Broadway! Now, with hits like Six, Moulin Rouge! and & Juliet on rotation, there’s no shortage of options. Just book in advance for the big names.
9. Eat breakfast at Tiffany’s
There’s nothing quite like New York City from an era gone by, with Moon River playing in the background. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of those all-time classics that all ladies love together and what better way to celebrate than eating a morning doughnut as the lovely security take your snap before popping into the store and channelling your inner Audrey.
For those with more budget, book a table at Blue Box Café on Fifth Avenue. The space is chic, the pastries are perfect, and the photo potential is sky-high.
It’s not the cheapest breakfast in the city, but it’s pure Audrey Hepburn energy. Start your day here and you’ll be in the mood for glamour all morning.
10. Pick out your favourite pieces at the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is packed with world-famous works, from Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. But there’s also plenty of quirkier stuff to puzzle over or laugh about together… like this lady who I wish was on said girls’ getaway so I could nibble on her baguette hat.
It’s a great way to balance your girly things to do in New York list — cultural and classy, with plenty of scope for inside jokes.
Book your tickets for MOMA here.
11. Hunt down the Friends apartment
Upsettingly for most, almost none of the Friends scenes were shot in New York and were actually contained in a Hollywood Studio. However on the corner of Grove Street, 90 Bedford Street is said to be where the exterior shots were filmed.
We hunted round for ages trying to find it before finally going ‘oh, is that it?’ but it was an entertaining search and one you could only enjoy with true ‘friends’ — and the surrounding streets are perfect for a coffee-and-stroll moment.
Friends fan? Book your tickets for the New York Friends Experience.
12. Share some doughnuts from Chelsea Food Market
The Chelsea Food Market is a heavenly space packed with pop up cafes and treats from New York’s ever growing foodie scene. Do-nut resist a visit to Doughnuttery where you can pick and mix flavours, perfect for sharing.
Their hot mini doughnuts come in flavours like cinnamon sugar and green tea, and are perfect for snacking on while you explore the market’s boutiques.
13. Get giddy in Times Square
Us ladies love an excitable ‘OMG we’re here!’ squeal and there’s no better place in New York City than Times Square to make you gush. Sure its commercialised big lights and crowds aren’t for everyone, but it’s what makes the Big Apple what it is.
Go at night for maximum drama, and let yourself get swept up in the chaos.
Feeling boujee? Check out how to see yourself on a Times Square billboard!
14. Take a picnic to Central Park
Oh Central Park, there’s so much to love about you. Grab a pretzel with a classic American cheese dip… watch the boats paddle around the lake, or just sit and soak up the sunshine with the skyline as a backdrop. However you choose to explore this beautiful green space, do it with time to spare.
If you’re visiting in summer, you could also plan your picnic around one of the park’s free concerts or theatre performances.
15. Dress up for Little Italy
Iron your best ‘New York fashionista’ style outfit and head to Little Italy where the streets are packed with restaurants, bars and a spot for a celebration cocktail.
It’s romantic in its own way, but also perfect for groups — just pick a table outside and settle in for the evening.
16. Watch a sunset from Top of the Rock
End your trip with a view from the Top of the Rock. From here, you can see the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the city glowing at sunset.
It’s a little windy, so plan your outfit accordingly. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Book your Top of the Rock tickets here to save money online.
Sample 3-day girls’ weekend itinerary
Want to know how to plan it? Here’s how to see all the best girly things to do in New York in just three days…
Day 1
Morning: High Line walk with a gelato stop
Late morning: Magnolia Bakery + Perry Street Carrie moment
Lunch: Chelsea Market and Doughnuttery treats
Afternoon: MoMA
Evening: Broadway show, then Times Square at night
Day 2
Morning: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Mid-morning: Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
Lunch: Picnic in Central Park
Afternoon: Fifth Avenue shopping and Library Way stroll
Evening: Dinner in Little Italy
Day 3
Morning: Hunt for the Friends apartment
Mid-morning: Psychic reading in Greenwich Village
Lunch: Street food pretzels or bagels
Afternoon: Explore more of Central Park or pop into another museum
Sunset: Top of the Rock before heading home
Don’t forget to share this post with your ladies to help you plan your perfect girls’ weekend trip to New York.
Looking for more guides to America? Check out my guide to the Yosemite Mist Trail and the best ways to see the Grand Canyon.
6 Responses
great tips! I’d love to visit NYC with my besties too:)
Thank Tanja! Hope you get too soon
I really could never have too much of New York!!
Me neither! I could go back every season
Oh my goodness, you must have had THE best time! I just imagined myself in NYC with my three best friends and it made me way too excited (for something that probably will never happen) haha! There is so much to do and see there … the Highline is one of my favorite parts of the city.
It was oh so much fun! Every second giggling. I never thought of NYC as such a girls trip until it fell into our travel plans for America, hope you get too one day Jaime!