New York City – one of the most iconic cities in the world is one of our favorite spots! Melissa’s brother lived in NYC for years so she had been there a few times before and this was Katie’s first time! In the fall of 2023, we had the opportunity to travel to NYC for a work event with Remington and decided to extend the trip. Some of Katie’s girlfriends came and then Melissa’s family came for a quick 2 day visit to celebrate her birthday with her in NYC!
We put together a post our favorites from our trip (better late than never, right?) plus some recommendations from our team. Whether you’re looking to stroll through Central Park or exploring hidden gems in charming neighborhoods, NYC offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and shopping. If you’re planning a girls’ trip or a family trip to the Big Apple for 3-4 days, get ready for an unforgettable experience. From trendy coffee spots to Instagram-worthy photo ops and world-class shopping, here’s your ultimate guide to a fabulous getaway in NYC.
Day 1: Start with Style
Morning: Kickstart Your Day at a Coffee Spot
We stayed at the Hilton in Midtown, another great options for a nice roof top bar overlooking Time Square is the M Social. Your New York adventure begins with a coffee. Start your first day in NYC at Stumptown Coffee near the Ace Hotel, an iconic spot that serves delicious coffee and has a cool vibe. Check out Time Square when it’s not so chaotic and venture to Central Park.
Lunch: A Glamorous Brunch Experience
For lunch, head to the iconic Tavern On The Green make sure to get reservations ahead of time! Not able to get reservations? A few blocks down from the Met is a great little take away sandwich spot called La Sandwicherie on the Upper East Side. It’s in a little basement spot, but feels like you stepped away with a piece of Paris with their baguette sandwiches! The Le Chevre was a favorite, topped with goat cheese, green apple, fig glaze, tomatoes, arugula and olive oil. Take it to go and enjoy a picnic in Central Park.
Afternoon: Central Park Exploration & Photo Ops
Now it’s time to explore Central Park – one of the most photogenic locations in NYC! Whether it’s the Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, or just a quiet corner surrounded by trees, you’ll find no shortage of amazing photo opportunities. Pro tip: Don’t miss The Mall for the iconic tree-lined walkway or Strawberry Fields for a tribute to John Lennon.
If it’s hot, rainy, or even if it’s sunny, The Met is just the best. Buy tickets ahead of time online to save time and see what exhibits are open. Abby went this past year to see the Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion and it was phenomenal. Now it’s no longer an exhibit, but the Costume Institute always has amazing exhibits and there’s always the classic art work and artifacts that are one of a kind.
Evening: Morgan Library Free Friday (only free on Fridays)
Reservations are required. Tickets are available one week in advance.
Celebrate the start of the weekend by spending your Friday evening at the Morgan. Live music begins at 5 pm, and you can enjoy free access to their galleries.
Cocktails and Shareables at Bar Centrale
Grab a few plates to share and a Cosmo before hitting a show! They take reservations for parties five and smaller. Always good to plan ahead! Another option is Lamb’s Club. Check out what shows are playing on and off Broadway!
Nightcap at Lilli’s Victorian Establishment
Live your Victorian Fantasy in the heart of Manhattan at Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. Bringing classic Victorian elegance mixed with charming Irish lineage to New York City. It has a beautiful rooftop and glass house. You will love it!
Day 1: Gluten Free & Family Friendly Stops
Modern Bread and Bagel had the best gluten free bagel (and treats) that I’ve ever had. They also had vegan cream cheese as an option. We took an uber to the Chelsea location, but they also have locations on the upper east and west sides as well! Highly recommend if you are gluten free!
Jams is a restaurant located near central park in the 1 Hotel. It has the cutest ambiance and we ate there as a family for breakfast. The food was delicious and the environment was great! They also do Farm-Fresh weekend brunch!
Central Park Bike Rental
When Brett, the girls and I were in NYC we rented bikes near the southeast corner of the park and did a full loop. It was a great way to see the entire park with kids!
9/11 Museum
One of the saddest and most moving things I’ve ever been to. If you have older kids, the 9/11 Memorial is an important historical stop. Very powerful.
Day 2: NYC Shopping, Dining & Iconic Sights
Morning: Breakfast at Dominique Ansel
Try out the famous Cronut! Besides the crounut, they also have unique treats from chocolate chip cookie shot, Kiwi sorbet bar, Frozen S’mores, What-a-Melon soft serve, and more. You will not be disappointed!
Mid-Morning: Shop Till You Drop
No girls’ trip to NYC is complete without hitting up some of the city’s one-of-a-kind boutiques and flagship stores. Head to SoHo for a mix of high-end fashion and unique finds at places like Reformation, Glossier, or AllSaints. The cobblestone streets make this shopping district feel like a stylish dream, and you’ll love the variety of stores to pop in and out of.
For something a little different, head to The Shops at Columbus Circle, where you’ll find luxury stores like Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors, or make your way to the Brooklyn Flea Market for curated vintage items, handmade jewelry, and artisanal goods. After a little shopping, we highly recommend a stop at Evil Twin Brewing NYC. They all dogs in the brewery and it’s such a fun/upbeat atmosphere!
Lunch/Brunch: The Cookshop NYC
The Cookshop NYC is comfortable and spacious, with ample seating indoors and out, and they take reservations for brunch. The food, which skews farm-to-table. Furthermore, they offer more traditional offerings, like flaky biscuits, warm glazed cinnamon rolls, and a breakfast sandwich made with homemade sausage and a runny egg on brioche.
Afternoon: Brooklyn Bridge
Snap some photos at the bridge in Brooklyn. Lastly, a dinner option would be Grimaldi’s a classic Brooklyn pizza under the bridge.
Evening: Dinner at Nura or Rezdora
Nura is a Brooklyn restaurant serving Indian-accented New American fare and thoughtful wine & cocktails in a lively setting.
Rezdora was a favorite of Abby’s, it’s a 2022 Michelin Star recipient in the Flatiron District celebrating house-made pasta. The drinks, dinner, and dessert were all amazing. Order a bunch of plates to share with friends.
Night: Rooftop Bar with a View
End your night with cocktails at a rooftop bar with a view of the city skyline. Head to Le Bain at The Standard in the Meatpacking District or The Rooftop at 230 Fifth for stunning panoramic views of the Empire State Building and beyond. It’s a magical spot to snap some nighttime photos of NYC’s skyline. We had drinks at Harriet’s Brooklyn Bridge and it was magical!
Day 2: Gluten Free & Family Friendly Stops
Tacombi in Nolita (Soho) area was somewhere I went with my brother who lived in NYC for years and brought my mom and I there on a visit! It’s a Mexican restaurant with great food. They serve their tacos out of a van inside of the restaurant.
Katie and I stopped at Harney & Sons Soho for a cup of tea in between shopping. This is a must for all tea lovers!
See a Show
We took the girls to see Aladdin and it was awesome. The girls loved it and was cool to experience a show on Broadway! I’ve also seen &Juliet, Wicked and Fiddler on The Roof!
Day 3: NYC Hidden Gems & Downtown Vibes
Morning: Brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter
Start your third day with a healthy, vibrant brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter, an Instagram-worthy spot in the Lower East Side known for its fresh juices, acai bowls, and avocado toast. With bright, colorful decor and delicious food, it’s a fun place to catch up with your girls before a day of exploring.
Midday: Discover the Art Scene
After brunch, head to the Whitney Museum of American Art, located in the Meatpacking District. The museum showcases some of the most exciting contemporary art, and the building itself has incredible views of the Hudson River. It’s an artsy experience you won’t forget. Another option would be the Merchant’s House Museum. the Museum tells the story of the domestic life of a wealthy merchant family and their four Irish servants in the mid-19th century, when the mercantile seaport of New York City emerged as a growing metropolis and the commercial emporium of America. They also offer ghost tours if that’s more your vibe.
Afternoon: Wander Through the High Line and Chelsea Market
Take a stroll through the High Line, a unique elevated park built on a former railway track. Enjoy the beautiful greenery, urban gardens, and art installations as you make your way through the park. Afterward, stop by Chelsea Market to grab a bite and shop for quirky souvenirs, unique clothing, or artisanal goods. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the vibrant murals and installations along the way!
Evening: Dinner at Carbone
End your trip with an unforgettable dinner at Carbone, one of NYC’s most iconic Italian restaurants. Located in Greenwich Village, this upscale spot serves a modern take on classic Italian dishes, with incredible flavors and impeccable service. It’s the perfect place for a last dinner together to toast to your amazing trip.
Night: Nightcap at The Peninsula’s Salon de Ning
Finish your NYC girls’ trip with a classy nightcap at The Peninsula Hotel’s Salon de Ning. This glamorous rooftop bar offers an intimate setting with stunning views of the skyline. It’s the ideal spot to reflect on your unforgettable getaway while sipping a cocktail under the stars.
Day 3: Gluten Free & Family Friendly Stops
I’ve been to Bistango Italian restaurant in Midtown twice now and absolutely love it. They have the BEST gluten free pasta dishes. They also serve brunch and have a ton of other lunch and dinner options. Everything on the menu can be made gluten free!!
Time Square
This is an obvious answer, but Times Square at night is a bucket list item! If you haven’t stopped by this iconic spot, make sure to do one trip to see Time Square!
A Trip to Remember
Your 3-4 day journey through New York City will be filled with laughter, adventure, great food, unique shopping experiences, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. There’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore. From cozy meals to dazzling rooftop views, every moment spent in NYC will make for a memory you’ll cherish for years to come. Happy travels!
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