Best Guide To New York City 2023: Girls Trip Edition

When planning your next girls’ getaway, no destination quite rivals the allure of New York City. From iconic landmarks to chic boutiques, culinary adventures, cultural marvels, and celebrity hotspots, there’s an abundance of activities to fill up your days and nights.

New York City is the pulsating heart of the East Coast and offers an urban playground brimming with endless possibilities. This guide is designed to help you navigate the city to seek out unique experiences, delectable flavours, and vibrant entertainment.

I chose to spend the Canadian long weekend in NYC with one of my girlfriends, and it was an unforgettable two days filled with great food, amazing shopping, lots of walking (because we’re all about the step counts) and nights filled with drinks and dancing. While we managed to bypass the whole ‘city never sleeps thing,’ it was probably only because of the incredible hotel we were staying at that we couldn’t wait to return to. Read on for the best guide to New York City for the girlies.

Where To Stay In New York City 2023

The Whitby Hotel

18 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019, United States

The Whitby hotel is an exceptional choice when considering where to stay in New York. Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this Firmdale gem offers an urban oasis exuding lots of character. Located just two blocks from Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art, it’s in the perfect spot to easily get around anywhere in the city, whether you walk, taxi or take the subway. The first thing that stands out about this hotel is its charming design and aesthetic reminiscent of England. Anyone who knows me knows my obsession with London, so this was right up my alley. The hotel interior is vibrant and colourful with designs by Kit Kemp, and each room has unique decorative accents which add to its charm. We stayed in the Suite Terrace, which was above and beyond anything we could have dreamed of. The suite features two rooms – a bedroom and a living room area- a spacious bathroom, and a sprawling terrace with views of the bustling streets below and the city. I also have to mention the closet space in this suite. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a hotel with so much closet space, and it made unpacking a breeze.

But the service was arguably the most important element of staying at The Whitby Hotel. The hotel’s service is efficient, friendly, and devoid of stuffiness, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, guests can indulge in one of the best afternoon teas in New York and even enjoy the luxury of an in-house private cinema (one quick Google search and you’ll see just how many celebs have walked through these doors). What sets the Whitby apart, like all Firmdales, is its unique design and the relaxed hangout vibe it exudes. Unlike the more formal and serious hotels in Midtown, the Whitby embraces a residential feel where guests can feel at home. We loved staying here and I would 10/10 recommend it to everyone.

Where To Eat In New York 2023

No girls’ trip is complete without indulging in fine cuisine at celebrity hotspots. When it came to breakfast, we dined at the restaurant inside of The Whitby Hotel and then had brunch at the iconic Sadelle’s on Sunday. For lunch, we indulged at Bemelman’s Bar and Carbone. While we didn’t have a reservation at Bemelman’s and they could easily accommodate us for lunch, I recommend making a reservation well ahead of time for Carbone, as getting a table otherwise can be quite difficult. For dinner, we made last-minute reservations at Bar Piti and Dirty French, and both were great for a casual and quick dinner.

Sadelle’s

463 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012, United States

For a delightful brunch experience, Sadelle’s is a must-visit. This trendy eatery is renowned for its fresh bagels, smoked fish platters, and scrumptious pastries. Sip on mimosas while savouring the delightful flavors, and revel in the lively atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a fun-filled day. If you’re into the whole celebrity thing, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez and Gwyneth Paltrow are just some of the a-list names that have frequented Sadelle’s.

Bemelman’s Bar

35 E 76th St, New York, NY 10075, United States

The moment you step into this iconic establishment, you are greeted by the whimsical murals adorning the walls created by Ludwig Bemelmans himself. As you settle into the plush surroundings, the friendly bartenders skillfully craft martinis that are nothing short of perfection. Sipping on these classic cocktails, their smoothness and sophistication transport you to a world of refined indulgence. Paired with a delectable lunch menu featuring gourmet delights, Bemelmans Bar offers a dining experience that is as tasteful as it is memorable. If you don’t want to eat here, I highly recommend at least coming here for a drink. 

Carbone

181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012, United States

Carbone, known for its classic Italian-American fare, has attracted a bevy of celebrities such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian and many more. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes in a chic yet nostalgic setting, transporting you back to the golden age of New York dining. Naturally, we ordered the spicy rigatoni and the veal with a side salad because we’re all about balance.

Bar Piti

268 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014, United States

Continuing our culinary adventure, we dined at Bar Piti the next night, a hidden gem serving authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting. Indulge in homemade pasta, savoury meat dishes, and delectable desserts, all crafted with love and passion. While sitting there, we always peeped Anabelle Dexter Jones, aka Noami Pierce, for any Succession fans out there.

Dirty French

180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, United States

This charming restaurant is located in the Ludlow hotel and offers a fun and delicious dining experience. As you step inside, you are greeted by a lively ambiance with the aroma of sizzling meats and aromatic spices permeating the air. The menu at Dirty French offers a fusion of classic French techniques with bold and innovative flavours from various cuisines. Each dish is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with unique combinations of flavours. Every bite is a revelation, whether it’s the perfectly seared steak au poivre or the succulent roast chicken adorned with fragrant herbs.

What To Do In NYC 2023

If you’re interested in exploring the cultural and sightseeing aspects of the City, I highly recommend getting a New York CityPASS. Having a New York CityPASS makes fitting cultural experiences into your trip easy and way more affordable than paying for each attraction solo. With the New York CityPASS, you save 40% and get access to a number of the best attractions like the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Guggenheim Museum and more. Check out their website here for a full list of attractions.

No trip to New York City is complete without visiting iconic landmarks. With the convenient New York CityPASS in tow, we ascended to the top of the Empire State Building, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. We also explored the artistic wonders of the Guggenheim Museum, immersing ourselves in contemporary and modern art.

To satisfy our shopping cravings, we spent a day wandering through the trendy streets of SoHo. From high-end boutiques to unique independent stores, SoHo offers a diverse range of shopping experiences.We perused stores like The Webster and Anine Bing, among many others, on Spring Street, Broome Street and Prince Street.

50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

We also checked out the Fotografiska New York and talk a stroll through the Bronx, which is currently celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. Fotografiska New York in the Flatiron District offers a unique museum experience if you’re looking for artistic inspiration. With world-class photography, live programming, and a vibrant atmosphere, Fotografiska provides a fresh perspective on hip-hop’s visual culture.

Visiting the Bronx for the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop is an incredible experience for music enthusiasts and cultural aficionados. As the birthplace of hip-hop, New York City takes center stage in celebrating this milestone. You can explore the rich history of the genre by visiting iconic landmarks like the Bronx Walk of Fame or the Graffiti Hall of Fame.

For a comprehensive guide to all things hip-hop, make sure to check out the website http://www.nyctourism.com/hiphop. Don’t miss the Park Jams, a Juneteenth celebration of hip-hop held at Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield. With performances by legendary artists like DJ Premiere, Grandmaster Flash, and Kid Capri, the event promises an unforgettable experience.

Where to Go Out At Night In NYC

At night we opted to go to a comedy club after dinner and before going out for drinks and dancing. While we did try to get into the Comedy Cellar, which is known for having celebrity comedian show up to perform unannounced, we were not successful in getting inside through the standby line. I would strongly suggest that if you’re interested in the Comedy Cellar to buy tickets in advance. We did, however manage to get tickets to The Stand comedy club and we were in stitches the whole time. About 5 comedians were performing that night, and while we got delegated to seats in the front, aka the roast row, it made the experience that much funnier. One of the stand outs of the night was comic Matt Friend, who is known for his bang on Trump impressions and has appeared on the Howard Stern show.

For the later portion of the evening, we went to the Ned for a drink, which is a part of Soho House and is often seen frequented by Leonardo Dicaprio, followed by dancing at Acme. If you’re onto nineties music and early 2000’s, this is the place for you. It’s always a good time when you embrace a little bit of nostalgia by dancing to bangers from your childhood years. The following night, we went to The Nines. The Nines is a trendy bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. Sip on creative concoctions while mingling with fellow travellers and locals alike.

New York is always a great idea, and there is no shortage of things to do, no matter how many times you’ve been. So get that group chat going with your girls and start planning a weekend getaway to one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Published by HOLR Magazine.