Big Apple Bash: Planning the Ultimate Bachelorette Party Weekend in New York City
With its iconic skyline, bustling nightlife, and endless entertainment options, New York City is the perfect place for an unforgettable bachelorette party weekend. From fantastic dining and Broadway shows to trendy rooftop bars and exciting clubs, the city that never sleeps offers something for every bride-to-be and her friends.
To create the best NYC bachelorette experience, we turned to experts Stefanie Price, a well-known New York City influencer with over 250,000 followers, and John Anderson, Co-Founder and Executive Editor at Life Line Wedding. You might remember John from his great tips on inviting bridesmaids to be a part of your wedding and explaining the differences between a bridal party and a wedding party.
Now, he’s back to help us plan the best bachelorette bash in the Big Apple!
Meet the Expert With over two decades of wedding experience, John Anderson is the Co-Founder and Executive Editor at Life Line Wedding. He writes a variety of articles spanning over multiple areas of expertise including engagement rings, diamonds, wedding jewelry, and wedding planning. John’s mission is to help soon-to-be-married couples make educated and well-informed decisions.
Planning Your New York City Bachelorette Party
When planning your New York City bachelorette party, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. High season, from late May through early September and November through December, is perfect for those who love warm weather or festive holiday vibes.
The shoulder season, from April through mid-May and September through October, offers milder weather and fewer crowds.
For budget-conscious travelers, the low season from January through March is ideal. The average cost for a 3-day weekend trip is around $1105 for a solo traveler.
Getting to NYC is easy with three major airports: JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia. Transportation options include shuttle buses like Go Airlink NYC and Newark Airport Express, private car and limousine services, and the AirTrain Newark.
John Anderson says, “New York City offers an unparalleled mix of vibrant nightlife, world-class dining, iconic landmarks, and unique experiences, making it an ideal destination for a bachelorette party. With its diverse neighborhoods, luxurious spas, trendy bars, and endless entertainment options, there’s something for every bride and her squad.”
Whether you choose a glamorous theme or a relaxed spa weekend, NYC has it all! Let’s take a closer look.
Where to Stay in the Big Apple
New York City is a big place with plenty of unique neighborhoods designed to suit just about any taste. But, where do you stay when there are so many choices? Stefanie and John helped us narrow it down.
Stefanie suggests two top hotels: Pod Hotels, which have several locations and are generally inexpensive, and for something higher-end, the Sixty Hotel, which also has a few different locations. If you prefer renting a house, she recommends SoHo for its chic boutiques, art galleries, and upscale dining.
John recommends the following areas:
- Lower East Side: Known for its trendy bars, exciting nightlife, and eclectic vibe.
- Williamsburg (Brooklyn): Famous for its hipster culture, indie music venues, and artisanal eateries.
- Midtown Manhattan: A central location close to major attractions like Times Square, Broadway theaters, and Fifth Avenue shopping.
If you want to stay near Central Park, try the Mandarin Oriental which offers all the amenities you could hope for, but at a price! For something more reasonable, the Sheraton New York Times Square at 53rd and 7th is a great option, and pretty central – that’s where I stayed for my NYC bach bash!
With these expert recommendations, you’ll find the perfect spot to stay in the city that never sleeps!
Where Your Bride Tribe Should Eat in New York City
New York City is a great place for foodies, but just like finding a place to stay, it can be tough to narrow it down with so many choices. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Breakfast: Start your day at Russ & Daughters Cafe for iconic bagels and lox, or head to Bubby’s for delicious pancakes and comfort food.
- Brunch: For a trendy brunch, visit The Smith Restaurant and Bar or Sadelle’s, known for its brunch platters and pastries. Jack’s Wife Freda offers Mediterranean-inspired brunch favorites with a bistro vibe.
- Lunch/Small Plates: Enjoy a charming lunch at Sant Ambroeus. For small plates, Stefanie recommends ilili, and John suggests Eataly, a popular Italian marketplace. For a classic NYC burger, try Shake Shack.
- Fancy Dinner: For an opulent dining experience, visit Beauty & Essex. Scarpetta or any Blue Ribbon location are also excellent choices.
- Casual Dinner: Try ATLA or Carbone, a retro-style Italian-American restaurant for a relaxed evening.
- Steak: NYC is known for its top-notch steak restaurants. You can hardly go wrong with any option, but try Keens Steakhouse for traditional and Churrascaria Plataforma for something a bit different.
Can’t narrow it down? Schedule an NYC food tour with Secret Food Tours to try multiple dishes. Whether you love seafood, a great burger, or some Manhattan-style pizza, this is a great way to try the best of the best. With these top picks, your bride tribe will savor every bite while exploring the culinary delights of New York City!
Where to Drink: New York City Bachelorette Libations
No New York bachelorette weekend itinerary would be complete without visiting some of the country’s best drinking establishments—craft cocktails, wine tastings—NYC has it all. The city that never sleeps has everything from rooftop bars to lounges to the underground.
For the best cocktails, head to Gitano Island, where you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks in a stylish setting. Doc Holliday’s is the place to go if you’re looking for a classic dive bar experience.
John also recommends The Dead Rabbit, an award-winning bar known for its historic cocktail recipes, and Please Don’t Tell (PDT), a speakeasy hidden behind a phone booth in Crif Dogs—with private rooms available for rent. For a classy bar with a Prohibition-era vibe, visit Employees Only.
Want to combine your cocktail hour with some comedy? Head over to the Comedy Cellar. With these fantastic spots, your bride tribe will have a blast experiencing New York’s eclectic and never-ending nightlife!
Nightlife and Dancing
What girl’s weekend would be complete without dancing the night away on a dance floor, NYC-style? New York City offers some of the best nightlife spots to keep you and your bride tribe moving all night long.
Marquee New York is a high-energy nightclub where you can dance to beats from famous DJs in a glamorous setting. For a unique experience, head to Le Bain, a rooftop bar and club with stunning views of the Hudson River, perfect for dancing under the stars.
For something truly unforgettable, check out House of Yes. This eclectic venue is famous for its outrageous theme parties and captivating performances, offering a night filled with creativity and fun.
Are you into karaoke? Try one of the karaoke bars. We suggest Gagopa in Koreatown or Insa in Brooklyn. Be sure to capture some pics of the maid-of-honor singing to the bride!
With these amazing spots, your bachelorette party will have an epic night of dancing and making memories in the city that never sleeps!
Did You Say Drag Bar?
If you want a unique take on your night out, why not take the bride squad to one of New York City’s famous drag bars? Lips has been a top destination for 30 years and is definitely the place to be—don’t miss out on their Saturday Dragalicious Brunch, where you can enjoy some all-you-can-drink fun!
Other great options include the Barracuda Lounge in Chelsea, Industry, and The Laurie Beechman Theatre in Hell’s Kitchen, and Suite Bar on the Upper West Side.
What Else to Do On a NYC Bach Bash?
While the nightlife in New York City is enough to keep you going all night, don’t forget all the great things to do during the day. We have the best recommendations for your NYC bachelorette parties.
According to Stefanie, you can’t miss the Top of the Rock for stunning city views, the bright lights of Times Square, the relaxing vibes of Washington Square Park and Central Park, and the scenic beauty of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Need more NYC bachelorette party ideas? Don’t forget to head down to Battery Park to take the next ferry to Liberty Island to get up close to the Statue of Liberty. With some advance planning about your family history, you can head to Ellis Island to see the records of when your ancestors arrived in the U.S.
And don’t miss a trip to the top of the Empire State Building for some unforgettable views of the Manhattan skyline. It may be cheesy, and overpriced, but a carriage ride through Central Park can also be a blast with your besties.
It’d be a shame to spend a weekend in NYC and not take in a show! With such a selection of on- and off-Broadway theatres, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. Forgot to plan ahead? Don’t worry, pop into the TKTS booth in Times Square for last-minute discounted tickets.
If you are trying to capture some great photos to add to your Insta-feed to document your celebration, Stefanie has a whole blog post on the most Instagrammable spots in NYC.
For a classic group photo, try Times Square, the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, or the scenic Washington St in Dumbo with its iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. The LOVE sculpture is sadly no longer on display, but the similar HOPE sculpture is worthy of a pic. John also suggests Top of the Rock and The Vessel for Insta-worthy pics.
Last but certainly not least, why not offer your homage to Chandler from Friends with a Friends tour in Greenwich Village?
How About a Spa Day?
What if relaxation, facials, massages, and some time enjoying a steam room are more your style? In that case, John recommends The Spa at Mandarin Oriental for luxury treatments with breathtaking views of Central Park, Great Jones Spa known for its water lounge and holistic treatments, and AIRE Ancient Baths for a unique experience with ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman-style baths.
Or if you want something a little more low-key, pop into any of the countless nail bars on the streets to get a quick mani/pedi.
Whether you plan your spa day to relax after a dance class—pole dancing at Body & Pole, anyone?—or you are looking for something on Sunday, the last day of your bachelorette weekend, you and your crew will surely have plenty of unforgettable moments and fun!
Getting Your Bachelorettes Around NYC
Stefanie suggests buying an unlimited weekly metro card for $34 to save money—skip the Ubers unless it’s late, as the train is faster and cheaper! Make reservations ahead of time for large groups.
John also recommends Citi Bikes for short rides, the subway for an efficient and quintessential NYC experience, the ferry for scenic routes, including the Staten Island Ferry, and pedicabs for a fun way to explore Central Park.
Extra Tips and Suggestions
For a smooth and fun bachelorette party in NYC, keep these tips in mind:
- Transportation: Save money by buying an unlimited weekly metro card for $34 and avoid taxis unless it’s late. And if you’re going to be drinking as one of your primary festivities, consider a party bus to get you from point A to point B, C, D, and beyond.
- Reservations: Make reservations ahead of time for large groups to avoid long waits.
- Dress Code: Dress nicely and wear heels to the club – many places require them for entry. Bring cash, as some spots are cash-only. Tip the bartender generously after your first round for better service.
- Exploration: Don’t limit yourself to just Manhattan! Explore Brooklyn, too—Dumbo and Williamsburg are must-see neighborhoods.
- What to Pack: Wondering what to pack? Bring comfortable shoes for walking, chic outfits for dining and nightlife, weather-appropriate clothing, and a portable phone charger for all those selfies. Don’t forget bachelorette party accessories like sunglasses, hats, and veils to add fun to your photos.
- Planning Tips: Plan in advance, as popular spots fill up quickly. Mix high-energy nights with relaxing days to balance the fun. Personalize the itinerary to the bride’s interests and preferences. Stay safe and be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night.
With these extra tips, your NYC bachelorette party will be unforgettable!
Need Help Bachelorette Party Planning in NYC?
You don’t have to go it alone planning a bachelorette party in New York City. John and his team at Life Line Wedding can offer all the recommendations you need to make your party successful—and the website offers great suggestions for the big day, too.
Want help from the planning experts to take it all off your plate? Check out Bach to Basic or PartySlate to find your dream team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City a good place for a bachelorette weekend?
Absolutely! New York City is a fantastic place for a bachelorette weekend. The city offers unparalleled nightlife, world-class dining, and iconic landmarks. With endless entertainment options, you can catch a Broadway theater show, enjoy rooftop bars, and explore trendy neighborhoods. NYC’s diverse experiences ensure an unforgettable celebration for every bride and her friends.
What hashtags can I use for my New York City bachelorette party Instagram posts?
For your New York City bachelorette party Instagram posts, try these hashtags:
- #NYCBachelorette
- #BacheloretteWeekend
- #BrideSquad
- #NYCNights
- #BigAppleBash
- #NYCFun
- #SquadGoals
- #BacheloretteParty
- #NYCViews
- #BacheloretteInNYC
- #NYCAdventure
- #PartyInTheCity
- #BridesLastFling
- #CityThatNeverSleepsBach
- #NYCEats
- #NYCDrinks
- #BroadwayNights
- #CentralParkFun
- #NYCRooftop
These hashtags will help you capture and share your unforgettable weekend! Be sure to tag @modernmoh in your pics!
Who pays for the bachelorette party weekend?
Traditionally, the bridesmaids and guests cover the cost of the bachelorette party weekend. Discussing expenses upfront is important to ensure everyone is comfortable with the budget. As for who to invite, the guest list usually includes close friends and family members chosen by the bride. Open communication and planning will be sure to create a fun and memorable celebration.
Go Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple!
Planning a New York City bachelorette party guarantees an unforgettable experience. With its nightlife like no other, world-class dining, iconic landmarks, and endless entertainment options, the city offers something for everyone.
Whether exploring trendy neighborhoods, catching a Broadway show, or enjoying rooftop bars with stunning views, NYC ensures your celebration will be memorable. So gather your bride tribe, pack your chic outfits and accessories, and prepare for an epic weekend in the city that never sleeps!
