The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Bachelorette Party in New York City

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NYC & Company/Marley White

New York: There's something about the borough's natural buzz that sets the mood for fun. Just being in the Big Apple feels like walking into the best party you've ever attended. That's what makes it the ideal destination for a bachelorette party. The city is alive, it's varied, and its many hotels, restaurants, and attractions are all waiting to embrace you and your 'maids. Who needs banners and tiaras when you can strut the sidewalks wearing Manhattan's basic black and Sex and the City-approved shoes? Compact in size, though dense with options—brimming with bars, cafes, boutiques, and more—New York is walkable, though you can always Uber it or take the subway, too.

Overall, the metropolis reminds us of an all-you-can-eat buffet. With so much to see and so many places to go, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of planning an event in the concrete jungle. You're right: Having all those options to choose from creates a big problem when it comes to nailing down the itinerary for your urban bachelorette. That being said, the plethora of possibilities ensures a successful fête with friends. To help you parse through your options, and to ensure you make the most of the legendary city, we've provided a list of our favorite spots. From rooftop pools and bars to trapeze lessons and girly champagne salons with speakeasy appeal, we offer up bachelorette party ideas that are as perfect for New York City novices as they are for city slicker residents. Your dream festivities await.

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Where to Stay: Lotte New York Palace

lotte-new-york-palace
Courtesy of Lotte New York Palace

Nestled blocks away from New York City institutions like Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, this midtown property exudes sophistication. We recommend booking a room in The Towers, which is essentially a hotel within the hotel at the Lotte New York Palace. It offers spacious suites on the Lotte's top 14 floors, meaning unbeatable views of Manhattan's skyline are guaranteed. If you and your 'maids are looking to splurge, the hotel's Hästens suite will serve as your own personal pied-a-terre. The 3,500-square-foot apartment is situated 43 floors above the city's bustling streets and features a dining area, kitchen, library nook, and soaking tubs for all to enjoy. The primary bedroom, which should be reserved for the bride-to-be, has a luxurious mattress designed in partnership with Hästens that costs over $200,000! Simply put, your best night's sleep ever is practically guaranteed.

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Where to Stay: Baccarat Hotel

Baccarat Hotel Room in New York City
Courtesy of Baccarat Hotel

Luxury and opulence is guaranteed when you check-in to this Midtown property, which is the first hotel and global flagship for the iconic Baccarat crystal brand. Inside you'll find beautiful marble accents, rich dark wood, fine white linens, and, of course, stunning Baccarat crystal touches throughout the hotel. Plus, it's conveniently located right across the street from the Museum of Modern Art and just a few blocks away from Central Park.

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Where to Stay: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

hotel room lounge
Courtesy of 1 Hotels

For a stay in Brooklyn, this waterfront retreat offers stellar views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. The hotel boasts nature-inspired décor and an overall hip vibe. Plus, there's the in-house Bamford Haybarn Spa.

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Where to Stay: Park Hyatt New York

park hyatt hotel room
Courtesy of Hyatt

Stay at the Park Hyatt for luxurious, residential-style accommodations and a location steps away from Carnegie Hall and Central Park. It's the little details—like fancy bathrobes, heated bathroom floors, and light-up makeup mirrors—that'll make the room you book worth it.

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Where to Stay: The Carlyle

the carlyle lounge
Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels

Urban elegance defines The Carlyle. Every part of the property exudes sophistication, which is everything you could ask for if Gossip Girl made you grow up idolizing the Upper East Side.

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Where to Stay: Gramercy Park Hotel

gramercy park hotel lounge
Courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

This landmark hotel is as grand as they come. There's a rotating collection of 20th-century artwork, handcrafted furnishings, and plenty of history—it's housed the likes of Madonna and John F. Kennedy, so it's certainly worthy of you and your gals.

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Where to Stay: The Whitby Hotel

whitby lounge
Courtesy of Firmdale Hotels

Perched toward the top of Midtown, this contemporary property is in a prime location, surrounded by some of the city's best restaurants, galleries, and museums, including the close-by MoMA. Splurge for rooms with private terraces to soak in the skyline.

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Where to Eat: The Clam

The Clam New York City Restaurant
Courtesy of The Clam

Looking for a quintessential West Village restaurant? Stop by The Clam on Hudson Street. It's super charming and laid back—perfect for a leisurely lunch or brunch with the girls. (Be sure to order the spaghetti and clams tossed in a delicious spicy red sauce.)

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Where to Eat: Bobo

restaurant seating
Courtesy of Bobo

This intimate West Village restaurant has delicious brunch and dinner menus, plus a bar and garden space.

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Where to Eat: Decoy

bar exterior
Courtesy of Decoy

Come to Decoy for a family-style Peking-duck feast. The cozy setup in the dining room is ideal for groups.

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Where to Eat: Egg Shop

egg shop store front
Courtesy of Egg Shop

It's an egg-cellent place for brunch. Boasting a location in Brooklyn and Nolita, this all-day egg-stravaganza jumpstarts the day with frosé, stellar Bloody Marys, and other breakfast-all-day-long beverages. Feeling hangry? Go for The Beast—eggs, layered with pulled pork carnitas, bourbon ketchup, and pickled onion, on a French bun.

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Where to Eat: Maman

maman food
Courtesy of Maman

Head to Maman Soho to satisfy your sweet tooth. The menu includes White Chocolate Cherry Rose Cookies and Pistachio Chocolate Croissants—yum.

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Where to Eat: Ms. Yoo

ms. yoo bar
Courtesy of Ms. Yoo

This American-Korean gastropub has a menu full of Korean-inspired bites and drinks. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, and will make you and your crew feel so classy.

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Where to Eat: Pizza Loves Emily

pizza loves emily
Courtesy of Pizza Loves Emily

Visit the West Village shop for amazing—you guessed it—pizza. What you might not expect, however, is that the burger is even better.

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Where to Eat: The Polo Bar

polo bar lounge
Courtesy of The Polo Bar

The Polo Bar screams classic New York, and draws inspiration from the famous Ralph Lauren. It's located in Midtown East, and serves refined (read: fancy) main courses, mouthwatering desserts, and a long list of booze. (It's currently open only for private dining experiences.)

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Where to Eat: Rubirosa Ristorante

restaurant and bar rubirosa
Courtesy of Rubirosa

This restaurant's logo is a pizza angel—what more could you want to bless your life with? Munch on a pie or go for one of the property's other Italian-American offerings, all available at its SoHo location.

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Where to Eat: Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa

sugarfish restaurant
Courtesy of Sugarfish

If you and your girls want sushi, get it here. Do note that this Flatiron District spot doesn't take reservations—it's a risk we'd personally be willing to take.

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Where to Eat: Sunday in Brooklyn

restaurant seating
Courtesy of Sunday in Brooklyn

We suggest the Malted Pancakes (with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter) at this Williamburg spot. The hip, chic venue can also be booked out for events, like a private bachelorette meal with all of your friends.

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Where to Eat: Tavern on the Green

tavern on the green
Courtesy of Tavern on the Green

Iconic Tavern on the Green, nestled amid Central Park, got a makeover when co-proprietors/husbands Jim Caiola and David Salama took over in 2014, reimagining the renowned eatery with celebrations in mind. Gather in the outdoor area for a festive happy hour, and watch the world jog by as you tipple pitchers of red or white sangria. Prefer brunch? Follow that stroll in the park with culinary head turners, such as Brioche French Toast with fresh strawberries or Maple Brown Sugar Bacon with sherry vinaigrette.

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Where to Party: Air's Champagne Parlor

air's champagne parlor
Courtesy of Air's Champagne Parlor

"Champagne brings the fun," says Ariel Arce, owner of Air's Champagne Bar in Greenwich Village. A sanctum for bubbly, the shabby chic den exudes a speakeasy feel. Go with your girl gang to imbibe bountiful quantifies of Champagne from a list that includes many hard-to-find brands, including some by female winemakers. Buy out the joint for Parlor Hour, which happens daily. For $30 a person, expect a flight of three Champagnes, each paired with an appropriate delectable.

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Where to Party: Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

bar and seating
Courtesy of Aldo Sohm

If you want a classy wine experience, this is the place to get it. The midtown location isn't pretentious, though—it's actually got a laid-back vibe.

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Where to Party: Bemelmans Bar

bemelmans bar
Courtesy of Bemelmans Bar

Support your inner child (and have at least one bridesmaid keep her eyes peeled for glitterati) at this heart-warming bar. A nook amid the Carlyle Hotel's grandeur, this small place on the Upper East Side has walls painted by Ludwig Bemelmans, the artist and author of the beloved Madeline books for children. Belly up to the bar and order a round of Manhattans for all.

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Where to Party: Campbell Apartment

bar and lounge
Courtesy of Campbell Apartment

Remember Serena and Nate's scandalous tryst in Gossip Girl? That scene was filmed at Campbell Apartment, a "secret" bar in Grand Central that'll make you feel as invincible as the fictional Upper East Side teens.

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Where to Party: The Happiest Hour

the happiest hour bar
Courtesy of The Happiest Hour

The Happiest Hour is best described as whimsical (the walls are covered in a cool, palm-tree print), and welcomes its guests to yummy cocktails. As an alternative, try the sister spot, Slowly Shirley, which boasts a speakeasy feel.

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Where to Party: King Cole Bar

cole bar painting chairs
Courtesy of St. Regis Hotel

Put on your white halter dresses, slab on some red lipstick, and channel the spirit of Marilyn Monroe, who loved to hang out at this elegant bar. Beneath the watchful eyes of Maxfield Parrish's historic mural of King Cole and his fiddler's three, imbibe classic cocktails; many believe the Bloody Mary was invented here.

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Where to Party: Library of Distilled Spirits

library distilled spirits
Courtesy of Library of Distilled Spirits

Brides-to-be can let their besties vote for the wedding's signature cocktail after an interactive tasting at newly-opened Library of Distilled Spirits, located just south of Union Square. Led by beverage director Kyle Tran, the sampling draws from the bar's outrageous collection of more than one thousand spirits, all catalogued in a multi-volume encyclopedia, and housed in a dramatic 16-by-20-foot, floor-to-ceiling, library wall. While you tipple, peruse the massive collection of seminal cocktail and beverage books—many of which are signed copies.

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Where to Party: Sel Rrose

sel rrose
Courtesy of Sel Rrose

Millennial-pink doors sit open for you to enter this rustic-chic spot with a French-focused cocktail list and oyster bar.

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Where to Party: Westlight

westlight bar
Courtesy of Westlight

Pop culture aficionados will recognize the William Vale Hotel's bar from Master of None. The rooftop space features a skyline-showing terrace and a lounge encompassed in glass.

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What to Do: Tea Time

Baccarat Hotel Grand Salon in New York City
Courtesy of Baccarat Hotel

Once upon a time, you played tea party with your best friends. Now, you can dress up and sip from (Baccarat) china cups like an adult. Afternoon tea at the Baccarat's Grand Salon is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your bridal party. House-made scones, petit fours, canapés, and a variety of boutique-blend teas (not to mention a flute of Champagne or two) add up to make this a can't-miss experience.

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What to Do: Relax at the Spa

best nyc spas mandarin oriental
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

There are so many places to relax in NYC, it'll be hard to pick just one. For a traditional Chinese-medicine experience, try the spa at Mandarin Oriental. The Red Door is an iconic, classic choice, while Joanna Vargas is where celebs go for pre-red carpet pampering. Another must try? The Guerlain Spa, located in the iconic Plaza Hotel.

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What to Do: Learn to Bake

butterlane bakery
Courtesy of Butter Lane

Cupcake domination. It's a skill set everyone needs in life. And, even if yours don't look pretty, there's a good chance they'll taste great after this group tutorial session. Take to the kitchen for a cupcake cooking class at Butter Lane, which holds entertaining, two-hour baking lessons, perfect for your gaggle of sweets-craving amigas.

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What to Do: Set Sail

boat
Courtesy of Sailo

Manhattan's an island, so why not board a boat? Sailo, the Airbnb of boats, has abundant craft, including captain and crew, to take your fiesta out to sea. With a number of vessels on the menu, Sailo also has a personal concierge that can organize the set-up, from rosé tastings to musical entertainment.

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