Over at RoomSuggestion, we have already checked out Christmas in New York and some of the most stylish Big Apple addresses, but there is always an excuse to write about the city that never sleeps. It is Women's Month and if you are planning an all-girls trip to NYC, here is how you can make it perfect.
From tourist absolute musts to faking it as a true New Yorker, from wining and dining to hitting all the swanky clubs we have a fabulous itinerary put together for you and your girlfriends, for that perfect weekend in NYC. Check yourselves into your hotel before setting off on a jam packed weekend; the Mandarin Oriental NYC so New York, it appeals as much to locals as to visitors who come to check out the Central Park views, grab a cocktail at the classy bar, or enjoy a treatment at the five-star spa – perfect for your NYC girls weekend right?
Friday
It’s your first day altogether again so of course there’s tons of catching up and being touristy and loving New York to be done! Schedule a tour at the World Trade Center: although it’s free, you need to reserve in advance. Be sure to talk to the volunteers, as many of them have compelling first-hand stories of 9/11. Sail to the Statue of Liberty on the Shearwater or the Clipper City by Manhattan Sail, and enjoy some spectacular views of the city.
You’ll want to get some lunch in and a real catch up going on by now so head over to Flat Iron District for lunch at ABC Kitchen. The chic and almost haunting restaurant is at the back of the humongous ABC Home Goods store. This is where a hundred little high end gift shops fill the cavernous space. And that’s just the first floor. Reservations can be hard to get here. Call 2-3 weeks in advance, don’t want to be disappointed and I mean you can’t forget that fact that there is of course great shopping in the Flat Iron District, but you can easily grab a taxi and head north if you want to experience the bigger stores like Saks, Bloomingdales, etc…
Shopping done, it’ll be time to get ready for your first night out. Try dinner at Stanton Social located in the Lower East Side, the restaurant is uber hip and cool. There are lots of fun cocktails to be had and you can a wide variety of tapas believe me when I say I think this menu was specifically made for girl’s night. Afterwards, walk down to 200 Orchard Bar and dance, dance, dance! It isn’t a “club” per say more a bar with a DJ awesomely spinning cpntemporary music, you’ll love it.
Saturday
Have an artfully-crafted latte at Toby’s Estate before going straight into another jam packed day. There must be some art lovers among you, or those who just love pretty things, if that’s a yes then check out the independent artists on Bedford Avenue and at Artists and Fleas; best place to go for shopping, finding really cool stuff and doing it like a New Yorker as only true New Yorkers would know of such artistic gems.
Hop on the downtown East River Ferry to the Financial District. You can get some stunning views of the skyline from the water. If you’re interested in more information and the chance to go all the way around the island, check out Circle Line cruises.
With some touristy stuff out of the way you and your girlfriends might want to head out and will be looking for something different to Friday night’s antics. You can get a laid-back but fun vibe in Williamsburg to the stilettos and bottle service of the Meatpacking District or SoHo [totally spoilt for choice]. Check out Macelleria for dinner; they do an amazing steak and lights if you’re not looking for anything too heavy. Or head to Spring Street in SOHO and check out Balthazar for dinner and drinks. It’s a fact champagne just tastes better when you’re sitting with your best friends around a table in one of SOHO’s hottest spots. A review in the NY Times that called the atmosphere at Balthazar: “fake French, authentic NY.”
Sunday
There’s nothing more to New York than a fabulous brunch with friends. Five Leaves is a definite winner and perfect for groups. Now like every good place in New York there’s likely to be a wait but it’ll definitely be worth it. Boasting an exquisite contemporary menu from Morrocan Scramble to Bruleéd Grapefruit and Homemade Granola you’re bound to find something for even the fussiest eater.
Keep your Sunday chilled and head down to Central Park and enjoy the silence, the trees and open skies – you might even almost forget you’re in one of the biggest cities in the world. While you’re there you can pop into the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the collection or even just see the park from the roof, and then see the Turtle Pond, Belvedere Castle, the Ramble, the Bow Bridge, the lake filled with rowboats…there’s a lot to see. A hot dog or a soft pretzel–whether in the park or on the steps of the Met–is always a good idea, so New York.
Move on with your girls and enjoy the sights on Fifth Avenue: the beautiful windows of the department stores, the sparkling jewels at Tiffany & co., the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. Why not head up to Top of the Rock for a stunning view of Central Park and the Empire State Building–or keep walking and head up the Empire State Building.
Once is enough, but you’ve got to do it once: see the bright lights of Times Square.
That's a jam packed weekend, so here's one last piece of advice, don't forget your sunglasses, camera and Advil because after all the partying and girls time you'll be bound to be nursing a hangover on your flight back home!
