Before You Plan a Girls Trip to New York City, Save This Guide
Planning the ultimate girls trip to New York City? Whether you’re organizing a quick New York City girls weekend, a full New York girls getaway, or one of those long-overdue girlfriend getaways NYC is perfect for, this city delivers every single time.
From iconic shopping spots and unforgettable restaurants to Broadway shows and must-see landmarks, a New York City girls trip is the perfect mix of fun, food, and just the right amount of fabulous.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to plan the best New York girls trip — including the best places to shop, where to eat, what shows to see, and the top tourist sites to add to your itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend or just a fun girls day in NYC, this guide will help you create a getaway you’ll never forget.
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Where to Stay on your New York City Girls Trip
If you are a Marriott fan like me than you will have no problem picking a hotel.
There are 4 Marriott properities in Times Square that are perfect for a NYC girls getaway.
I like staying in Times Square because it was so close to everything fun! We stayed in the Westin and loved it.
If you have a bigger group and want to all stay in the same room the Residence Inn has rooms that sleep up to 6. I have stayed here with my family and it was very close to everything.
Times Square - NYC Girls Trip Itinerary - Day 1
Times Square is so fun! It is the first place I would hit up on a girls trip, especially if you choose a hotel right in the area. You can literally walk out of your hotel and be in all the action.
You will probably hit Times Square more than once on your trip, but on Day 1 this is your main focus! Shop at all the stores and take in NYC.
If you pre-booked a broadway play, plan to attend on Day 1.
If you didn’t but want to go to one last minute the Discount Tickets are sold in Times Square for 40-60% off for day of shows. (This does not include the most popular shows like Harry Potter, Wicked, Hades Town, or Hamilton…)
Most Popular Stores in Times Square
I am going to list out some of the best stores in Times Square that you have to go to.
M&M Store
The M&M store is so iconic. We loved walking around and looking all the merch. I ended up getting a Lady Liberty M&M jar. They also have the “I Love NYC M&M’s”. They are so cute!
I love visiting this store in Times Square!
Hershey Store
The Hershey Store is another Times Square staple. Honestly, shopping in Times Square is one of the best things to do on a girls’ trip!
We had so much fun exploring the different stores and checking out all the fun displays. There are even plenty of photo ops throughout the store, which makes it a great stop for pictures.
The milkshakes are really good too and make a perfect sweet treat while walking around Times Square.
Sephora
I know I know, Sephora is everywhere but what I loved about visiting Sephora in Times Square was that it was huge had a lot of products and really how often are you out shopping with your girls.
I loved sharing what make-up everyones loves and talking to the workers and getting color matched. It just seems like the perfect thing to do on a girls trip!
Line Friends
This was a highlight on our girls trip. My friend loves K-pop. It is a fun store with cute shirts, stationary, and other fun Korean items.
There are some fun items signed by BTS!
NYC Souvenirs
One thing that is awesome about shopping in Times Square is that it is a great place to get souvenirs.
There are lots of cool shops that sell shirts, magnets, statue of liberty items. Grand Slam New York is the most popular but you will find many in times square.
Other Stores to Visit
There are lots of fun stores in Times Square. Here a few more worth visiting.
- Disney Store
- MUJI
- Pele Soccer
- Levi’s
- Old Navy
- H&M
- Forever 21
Dinner in Times Square
After shopping all day you will want to eat before Broadway! Here are a few suggestions!
There are so many awesome resturants right near Times Square. Hopefully you can space them out and eat something good every day you are there.
Ellens Star Dust Cafe
This is a fun diner where broadway hopefuls jump on the tables and sing. It is so fun.
There will always be a line but it is worth it! The food is okay but the entertainment is why you go!
Serendipty 3
This is one of my favorite resturants in New York City! I love the Frozen Hot Chocolate and I thought the food was great.
It is a little more expensive and you might need a reservation however now that there is a new Times Square location it is easier to get in!
Junior’s Cheesecake
Juniors has the classic New York Cheese Cake. I went for the cheesecake but we stayed for the food. We ended up ordering a diner meal and it was fantastic.
I have eaten here several times and I have to be honest the first time the cheese cake was amazing, on our last NYC girls trip it was just okay.
Let’s just start with these 3 resturants and hopefully you can pick one!
If you don’t want to eat at a resturant, I will list out my favorite times square grab and go resturants.
- Los Tacos No 1
- Joes Pizza
- Shake Shack
- Chick fil a
- Raising Canes
- Krispy Creme
- Empanada Mama
- Five Guys
When I am in NYC I avoid food that I can get back home. We ate at Los Taco’s No 1 and loved it!
Broadway Show
One of the main reasons I wanted to do a girls trip to New York City was that I wanted to see Harry Potter and the cursed child while Tom Felton was playing himself (Draco Malfoy).
I am a huge Harry Potter fan so this was the main reason! It was worth it! So much fun.
I had seen the play in London where you have to buy two tickets and go to two seperate plays. The NYC version was much shorter and still such a great play!
I highly recommend getting a broadway ticket to see a show on your first night!
New York City doesn’t sleep so if after the show you want to explore more go for it!
Harry Potter Store
Also, I will add this here because if you love Harry Potter as much as me, you have to go to the Harry Potter Store in New York.
It is kind of a walk from Times Square but totally worth it. You can get butter beer and fun wands. You can even fly on a broomstick!
Day 2 - Shopping, Chinatown, and Another Play!
The best part of a girls trip is shopping! NYC did not disapoint.
Best Places to Shop in NYC
- SOHO – Trendy fashion Boutiques
- Hudson Yards – Luxury Shopping
- Westfield World Trade Center
- Fifth Avenue – Designer
We started Day 2 with a trip to SOHO.
SOHO
SOHO was my absolute favorite! Oh my gosh, we found some great stores. I love shopping a places that you do not have where you live. I have ordered clothes from Aviator Nation but have never been in an actual store so that was super cool.
We hit Mure + Grand and loved this cute NYC boutique. We also shopped all along this area! It was awesome!
Rice to Riches
We found a hidden gem in this area….. Rice to Riches…. Oh my gosh, I had heard about it, but never tried it until last trip, Holy Cow, It was amazing!
They serve rice pudding…ok ok hear me out. This stuff was just as good as ice cream! Seriously, I would have never thought!
Chinatown
If you keep walking, you will find yourself in Chinatown.
We wanted to try some dim sum and looked up a really yummy resturant. We ate at Nom Wah Tea Parlor and it did not disapoint. We didn’t even touch the surface with all the yummy food in the area. You can go on a Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy.
This area you will find many people asking if you want to buy knock off designer purses.
Little Italy is also nearby if you have time.
Discount Ticket to Broadway
Honestly, we spent most of our day exploring these two areas.
We headed back to Time Square by 3pm so that we could get in line for the discountanted Broadway tickets.
We were able to get tickets for SIX. There were lots of fun shows to choose from.
Broadway Every Night!
My favorite part of NYC is broadway. I love seeing all the shows. It is the perfect thing to do on a girls trip in NYC too! Pick out a fun show and go for another night.
Purchase Ahead of Time Shows
Day 3 - Sight See New York City
We did 3 days in NYC and it was the perfect amount of time for a New York City girls trip.
On day 3 we wanted to see some of the sights that New York City is known for. If you have a full day you could easily do 2-3 of these activities on day 3.
I have been to New York City several times but have never been to the 9/11 Museum and Memorial. We decided to hit that up. We also went to High Line and Chelsea Market. From High Line we could see the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
9/11 Memorial
You should book your tickets ahead of time. You will need to pick the time of your arrival.
This is a deep musuem and for me, I lived it and remember that day very clearly. I am glad we went. We decided to get the audio guide but I don’t think you really need it.
This musuem will take you about 2 hours to complete.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is such an iconic site that if you haven’t been before you need to go! You will want to book this experience ahead of time as well.
This experience typically takes 3-4 hours. You will take a ferry boat over to Liberty Island and explore.
Central Park
Central park is a great place to run and exercise. If you are close by it is fun to say you have been.
If you are a runner, it is a fun run in New York City!
There are lots of activities that you can do in Central Park. Going on a carriage ride in Central Park is so fun! You can also rent some bikes and stroll around Central Park.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an iconic tourist site. You can go on the 85th floor or the 102nd for a fantastic view of Manhatten including Central Park and the Statue of Liberty on clear days.
You need to buy a ticket to go in.
Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
If you are not really sure what you want to do, a hop on hop off bus is the way to go! You can get out and explore what ever part of NYC you want to. These busses are great if you by the NYC pass which allows you entry to many attractions for one price.
This is a great adventure for a NYC girls trip!
High Line Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is close to the high line. The High Line is an old railroad track that has been converted to this awesome walking path.
When you exit the High Line you can walk right into Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market is an awesome activity for a NYC girls trip.
There are fun shops, boutiques, and food! They give lots of samples to try and some yummy food to eat. You can even go on a Food Tour in this area!
We decided to go to the 9/11 musuem and then headed to High Line and Chelsea Market for our 3rd day. There are so many great options you really can’t go wrong!
Are You Ready for a Girls Trip to New York City?!
I hope this has given you enough information so that you can plan the perfect girls trip in NYC.
We had such a blast, I think the best part was of course broadway, but I loved shopping and eating. We visited some fun parts of the city and loved it!
If you have any questions join the Facebook Group!
Facebook Group
If you have any questions be sure to join my Planningaway Family Travel Community on Facebook. This is a place where I post travel deals, and you can ask any questions about your upcoming trips!
