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 gals.
Last weekend after months of waiting for them to return from their adventures, I finally reunited with my besties and boy was it good to have them back. We caught up on life, laughed at memories from the past and reminisced about our short but sweet trip to the Big Apple we shared almost two years ago. As we reflected in a sunny London park, I remembered how perfect our girls’ getaway to New York had been. So if you’re thinking of experiencing the city that never sleeps with your BFFs, then read on for 16 ideas for the perfect girls’ getaway in New York City.
1. Walk the Highline
The New York Highline is a definite must for a warmer trip to the city. On a sunny day, take your girls up over by 15th Street and grab a cup of famous L’Arte del Gelato. The beloved Highline eatery serves over 80,000 cups and cones of delicious Sicilian Gelato each summer and once you get a taste of its creamy richness you’ll understand why!
2. Wander down Library Way
The New York Public Library is a beautiful renowned building but the journey is a lesser-known gem. Take a walk down Library Way where you’ll find stepping stones of inspiring quotes from legendary writers.
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. Serving up cupcakes good enough for Ms Bradshaw and Miranda, you’ll have plenty of time to quote your favourite episodes as you wait in line.
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 respectfully pull your best Carrie impersonation as you subtly stroke the floor.
5. Seek a psychic
For the believers and not-so-much, a visit to a city psychic can be highly entertaining, if not for something to discuss over dinner! The medium capital of the world sure lives up to its name with glamorous Fifth Avenue palmists and less impressive storefronts with neon lights. We opted for the latter.
6. Take a selfie with the Lady of the City
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!
7. Release your shopaholics on Fifth Avenue
Talking of Fifth Avenue, you can’t visit New York with your ladies without hitting the stores. From Saks to Macy’s, it’s a necessity even if just to perve over the designer shoes and beautiful window displays.
8. Take a trip to Broadway
One of the best parts of a 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!
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.
10. Pick out your favourite pieces at the Museum of Modern Art
MOMA holds some of the world’s most incredible art so apart from gazing over Dali and Andy Warhol, there’s floors of slightly more peculiar pieces to have a ponder or giggle over (I mean, appreciate) together… like this lady who I wish was on said girls’ getaway so I could nibble on her baguette hat.
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’ (see what I did there?).
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. Doughnut resist a visit to Doughnuttery where you can pick and mix flavoured hot mini doughnuts, perfect for sharing.
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.
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.
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.
16. Watch a sunset from Top of the Rock
Sure it might be romantic but a New York sunset is one to be shared. Don a wind-free outfit and head up to the Top of the Rock to enjoy panoramic views over the city including the Empire State Building and Central Park.
So there you have it! Oh New York how I love you.
Share with your ladies and comment below, have you ever been to New York with your girls? What would you recommend for a girls’ getaway?
Pin for later!
