Women toasting with champagne glasses during a festive bachelorette party night in NYC.

25 Unforgettable NYC Bachelorette Party Ideas (From A Local!)

Jessie FestaDiscover NYC

Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Jessica Festa

By Jessie Festa & Dale P. This guide to having a bachelorette party in New York contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you looking for the best NYC bachelorette party ideas?

Then you’re in the right place. Read on to discover the most memorable ways to celebrate your bachelorette party in style in New York!

Bachelorette parties are a fun tradition that allows the bride-to-be to spend time with her maid of honor, bridesmaids, and other friends before the wedding. While it can be a simple one-night celebration, more recently it’s become common for the festivities to stretch to an entire weekend.

Destination bachelorette parties have also become popular, and NYC is one of the best bachelorette party locations in the US because there are so many fun and memorable things to do here.

Whether you’re looking for classy daytime activities, unique experiences, or you want to party the night away, we’ve got you covered with the best ideas for a bachelorette in NYC.

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Relaxation & Wellness NYC Bachelorette Party Ideas

1. Enjoy a rooftop yoga class

One unique activity for your NYC bachelorette party is a rooftop yoga class. This is a great way to relax and recover at the end of the weekend.

Sky-High Yoga at the Edge observation deck in Hudson Yards allows you to enjoy a yoga class on a rooftop deck at more than 1,100 feet in the air. It also includes access to the Edge observation deck showcasing spectacular views of Manhattan from the 100th floor!

Brooklyn Grange Farm also offers a sunset yoga class where you’ll be treated to views of the Lower Manhattan skyline as evening sets in.

An expansive aerial view of Manhattan with skyscrapers, the Hudson River, and clear blue skies, showcasing a breathtaking perspective of New York City.
Take in a stunning view from the Edge Observation Deck. Photo via Jessie Festa.

2. Have a spa day

A spa day is the perfect way to kick off your bachelorette party weekend—or to recover on the last day after a big night out. There’s no shortage of amazing spas to choose from in NYC.

AIRE Ancient Baths is a great spot for relaxation and rejuvenation where you can enjoy thermal baths and massages.

For something stunning, QC NY is located on Governors Island. It’s worth the ferry ride to get there as you can enjoy incredible views of Manhattan from the spa’s outdoor pools.

ZZ Day Spa in Midtown offers bachelorette party spa packages that include unlimited champagne, hors d’oeuvres, chocolate, and a spa gift bag.

Food & Drink NYC Bachelorette Party Ideas

3. Enjoy afternoon high tea

If you’re looking to have a sophisticated celebration, afternoon high tea is a fun experience to dress up for and enjoy with your girlfriends.

The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel is the best place in NYC if you’re looking for a traditional afternoon high tea.

If you’re looking for something unique, try Tea Around Town, which combines afternoon high tea with a sightseeing bus tour around New York. The plush double-decker bus you’ll be on is appropriately outfitted for a bachelorette party, decorated all in pink with floral touches for a picture-perfect backdrop!

An elegant high tea setup for an NYC bachelorette party featuring a silver tea set, floral teacups, and a three-tiered tray with scones and desserts
Dress up in your afternoon best for a high tea bachelorette party in NYC! Photo: ingus.kruklitis via Depositphotos.

4. Picnic in Central Park

There’s nothing like enjoying a picnic in Central Park with your friends! This is something you can keep low-key—just bring a blanket and grab some deli sandwiches, snacks, and drinks on the way—or you can go all-out with decorations and catering for a fancy picnic.

A great idea for a bachelorette party picnic is an enchanted forest theme. Think flower crowns, soft picnic blankets, and decor like faux greenery garlands, lanterns, and battery-operated tea lights for an elegant touch. Pair this with dainty macarons, finger sandwiches, and sparkling rosé for a magical, park-friendly vibe.

You can also use a picnic catering company like Perfect Picnic NYC if you don’t want to worry about the logistics and planning yourself.

5. Have a boozy brunch

If you’re looking for bachelorette party restaurants in New York, we highly recommend choosing somewhere that offers a bottomless brunch.

Offering unlimited mimosas, sangrias, and other brunch drinks for a set time, bottomless brunch is a fun activity for your bachelorette party—and there are tons of options to choose from in NYC. Some of the best spots are Miss Lily’s or Poco, both in the East Village.

In the Upper East Side, Maya offers unlimited drinks and food if you want the full menu experience.

If you like drag shows, Lips does a legendary drag brunch show. For $47, you can enjoy an entree and unlimited drinks for 90 minutes, plus the show.

For something scenic, opt for a bottomless brunch cruise around NYC, which includes a 3-course meal, bottomless mimosas, DJ entertainment, and incredible skyline views.

Three hands clinking glasses of red wine over a colorful table spread with plates of food and appetizers during a lively boozy brunch bachelorette party in NYC
Boozy brunch can be a fun way to celebrate your bachelorette in NYC, even on weekdays! Photo: Studio_GLC via Depositphotos.

6. Explore NYC on a food tour

New York is one of the best foodie cities in the world, and an NYC food tour is a great way to discover the city’s diverse cuisine. This is an entertaining group activity regardless of whether you’re a local or just visiting for your bachelorette party.

For instance, an Original NYC Guided Food Tours of Chinatown & Little Italy offers an overview of the flavors of two of New York’s most delicious neighborhoods—plus the chance to sample a variety of dishes.

Another excellent option is a Greenwich Village food tour which includes stops for pizza, falafel, cupcakes, and more!

New York is also home to a wide variety of cooking classes—like League of Kitchens, which puts you in the homes of women from around the world to learn the dishes of their homeland.

Or you can book an experience through EatWith, a platform showcasing food walks, cooking classes, and dinner parties hosted by locals.

7. Go wine tasting

With its proximity to Long Island wine country and the Shawangunk Wine Trail, NYC is home to an array of wineries where you can enjoy activities like wine tastings and pairings.

City Winery is one of the best. Located at Pier 57 in Chelsea, the winery offers wine tastings and wine pairings.

You can also have dinner at City Vineyard, the winery’s restaurant at Pier 26 with rooftop views. It’s especially lovely during the warmer months when you can sit outside.

Over in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard, Rooftop Reds is a great spot with its own rooftop vineyard. It’s actually the world’s first commercial rooftop vineyard!

Prefer to escape the concrete jungle and spend a day in the vines? Opt for a Long Island wine tour with sommelier guide from Manhattan, which includes an artisanal lunch, wine tasting at two wineries, and transportation to and from the city. You can also opt for this Long Island wine tour, which includes visits to three wineries.

Silhouette of New Jersey skyscrapers at sunset, viewed from Manhattan's City Vineyard, with trees, a walking path, and the Hudson River in the foreground
Watching the sunset from City Vineyard. Photo via Jessie Festa.

8. Have a memorable meal

When it comes to unforgettable bachelorette party dinners, NYC has no shortage of lively and stylish restaurants.

Buddakan in Chelsea is perfect for a glamorous night out, offering dramatic decor and upscale Asian fusion cuisine that’s great for group celebrations. They also have one of NYC’s best tasting menus, allowing your group to try a variety of dishes for one price.

Also in Chelsea is TAO Downtown, serving up Pan-Asian cuisine in a lavish, multi-level space with dramatic decor, making it perfect for a glamorous night out.

Over in Williamsburg, Viva Toro provides a fun and festive vibe with Mexican dishes, margaritas, and a lively atmosphere. It actually transforms into a nightclub at night!

For a more upscale experience, Beauty & Essex on the Lower East Side wows with its speakeasy entrance, shared plates, and chic interiors.

Lastly, Catch NYC in the Meatpacking District offers trendy rooftop views, a seafood-forward menu, and a buzzing atmosphere that’s perfect for an Instagram-worthy celebration.

Creative NYC Bachelorette Party Experiences

9. Book an NYC photoshoot

Your bachelorette party is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so why not capture it on camera?

Shameless plug: NYC Photo Journeys offers Professional NYC Photoshoots that can be completely customized to your event.

The basic package comes with 100 photos and 2 hours of shooting, which is enough time to visit multiple scenic locations.

Our recommendation: the World Trade Center Mural District, Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO, which is a gorgeous mix of street art, skyline, and classic New York landmarks!

Bachelorette party in Manhattan captured during an NYC Photo Journeys photoshoot, featuring the bride-to-be sipping a creative cocktail with her friends during a cocktail crawl.
Photographing a bachelorette party cocktail crawl. Photo via NYC Photo Journeys.

10. Take a fun workshop

New York is full of options for unique and fun workshops. If you enjoy dance, get in touch with your inner diva at the New York School of Burlesque, star in your own music video at SassClass, or take a private pole dancing class with Foxy Fitness & Pole.

Another fun idea is learning the aerial arts at Trapeze School New York, which offers group and private classes.

Other fun workshop ideas for a bachelorette party in New York City include:

11. Make your own beauty products

To help you get glam and have a memento from your trip, head to Lip Lab to create your own custom lip color. They have locations in the Upper East Side, SoHo, and Brooklyn and offer bachelorette party packages.

You can also head to Sue Phillips Fragrance in the Upper East Side to create a custom perfume, Bios Apothecary to create scents and skincare, and Mix Cosmetiques to create your own makeup, skincare, soaps, and more.

12. Go to a paint and sip

A paint-and-sip experience is the perfect activity for bachelorette parties. As the name suggests, you’ll get to express your creativity through painting while enjoying a beverage (or several!) of your choice. There is step-by-step instruction included too, so don’t worry if you’re not a natural artist.

While paint-and-sip parties have become popular everywhere, New York takes it to another level, especially at Paint ‘n’ Pour.

With locations on the Lower East Side and in Harlem, this venue takes it up a notch with high-energy painting classes, bottomless drinks, and a resident DJ.

Group of friends enjoying a paint-and-sip bachelorette party in NYC, with wine glasses and easels set up for a creative and fun celebration.
A paint-and-sip party is a fun and unique experience. Photo: Arphonse via Depositphotos.

Adventure & Fun Around NYC

13. Do a Sex and the City tour

Countless movies and television shows are set in New York, but one of the most iconic is Sex and the City. This series is all about women in NYC navigating life, love, and their careers, with female friendship at its center.

For something fun, a Sex and the City bus tour takes you to some of the most famous filming locations from the show, including Carrie’s West Village brownstone.

You’ll even have the chance to stop at a bar from the show and enjoy a cosmo or another cocktail just like the women in the show.

14. Shop and sip

NYC is renowned for its shopping. Whether you spend an afternoon perusing the chic boutiques of SoHo and Nolita, the department stores of Fifth Avenue, the designer outposts of the Upper East Side, or the vintage thrift stores of Brooklyn, this is a fun activity for your bachelorette party.

We also recommend building some downtime into your big shopping day. For example, the Shoe Bar at Nordstrom is a fun place to grab a drink right in the middle of the shoe department of the department store’s flagship location!

Bloomingdale’s has Studio 59, a chic restaurant with a cocktail menu, while Saks has L’Avenue, a sleek French bistro, and Le Chalet, a cozy ski lodge-inspired cocktail bar.

Two friends excitedly looking at a phone while shopping and carrying colorful bags
NYC is the ultimate shopping destination. Photo: gstockstudio via Depositphotos.

15. Spend an afternoon at Coney Island

During summer, a fun NYC bachelorette party idea is spending a day at Coney Island, a popular beach destination in Brooklyn.

Additionally, the neighborhood is home to a boardwalk with an amusement park and retro arcade games, making it a fun and nostalgic destination.

16. Rent a private boat

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience for your bachelorette in NYC, why not rent a private hot tub boat for you and your friends? This is one of the most unique experiences you can have on your bachelorette party, and it’s a ton of fun.

Your private boat can accommodate up to 10 people and includes a hot tub where you can relax and enjoy the scenery as you sail past it. You’ll spend an hour and a half cruising through New York Harbor, which has amazing views of Manhattan.

This experience is BYOB but you’ll be provided with glasses and an ice cooler. Other nice touches include a customized marquee board for your party and photos from the experience.

Not into the hot tub idea? You can also search Boatsetter for other boat options, from sailboats to yachts with a captain included!

woman posing with the Manhattan skyline in the background while on a boat trip with Boatsetter NYC for her bachelorette party
Spending a few hours on the water thanks to a private boat rental through Boatsetter. Photo via Jessie Festa.

17. Go glamping on Governors Island

For an unforgettable bachelorette party experience, consider glamping on the tranquil and car-free Governors Island, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan.

At Collective Governors Island, you and your bridal party can escape the hustle of the city while still enjoying incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. This luxurious glamping retreat offers spacious, beautifully furnished tents complete with plush bedding, private en-suite bathrooms, and chic decor.

Beyond the glamping, Governors Island is full of fun things to do. Have drinks with a view at Island Oyster, enjoy a day club experience at Gitano Island, or rent a grill for the day with a view of the Statue of Liberty from Picnic Point.

bachelorette party group taking in a Manhattan skyline view from Governors Island in NYC
Gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline from Governors Island. Photo via Jessie Festa / NYC Photo Journeys.

Nightlife & Entertainment NYC Bachelorette Party Ideas

18. Sip cocktails on a rooftop

New York has no shortage of rooftop bars and lounges where you can watch the sunset and enjoy epic views of the city skyline as all the lights come on at night.

One of the most popular rooftop bars is 230 Fifth, which provides amazing views of the Empire State Building and is open year-round. They even offer heated igloos in the winter!

Monarch Rooftop in Midtown offers bachelorette party packages if you want to enjoy a special custom experience for you and your crew.

If you don’t mind heading to Brooklyn, Harriet’s Rooftop is another great spot on top of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO where you can take in spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the waterfront. In fact, it’s one of our favorite Brooklyn Bridge photo spots.

There is also Westlight in Williamsburg on top of the William Vale Hotel, where you and your friends can enjoy delicious food, craft cocktails, and a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline.

panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline as seen from Westlight Rooftop in Brooklyn during an NYC bachelorette party
Take in epic views from the Westlight rooftop. Photo via Jessie Festa.

19. See a Broadway show

Seeing a Broadway show is a quintessential NYC activity perfect for a fun evening out during your bachelorette party. This is a great excuse to get all dressed up for a night at the theater.

While there are plenty of shows to choose from, I’d recommend a performance heavy on girl power like Chicago, Six, or Wicked.

Remember to also check out Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows, as they offer unforgettable performances, just in a smaller theater. For instance, Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theater is incredible and allows you to save money while being closer to the performance.

You can also have a pre-show bachelorette party dinner at a restaurant in the Theater District like Havana Central or Joe Allen.

20. See a drag show

Broadway shows are far from the only type of performance you can see in New York. Cabaret, burlesque, and dance performances are also fun ways to celebrate a bachelorette—though if we had to pick, we’d suggest adding a drag show to your itinerary.

Lips is probably the most iconic drag venue in New York, offering everything from a Saturday drag brunch to evening shows Wednesday through Saturday. The Slipper Room is also a local favorite for drag as well as circus arts, dance, magic, and more.

You’ll also have a blast at Balcon Salon, which has a weekly calendar of performances ranging from a Sunday Moulin Rouge-inspired show to Wednesday Assassins where performers impersonate your favorite pop stars. Tip: make sure to order their delicious “Spicy Daiquiri”!

drag performer at Balcon Salon during a bachelorette party in NYC
Have a blast at a drag show. Photo: Leyda Luz via Balcon Salon.

21. Attend a comedy show

Another entertaining nighttime activity for bachelorette parties in NYC is attending a comedy show. New York is home to some of the best comedy clubs in the world, with performances happening nightly in different neighborhoods.

Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village is probably the most iconic comedy club in New York, with multiple shows every evening. Another option is Village Underground, its sister club nearby. At these venues, you’ll regularly see comedians featured on Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central.

Gotham Comedy Club in Chelsea is another famous club that offers knee-slapping comedy every night of the week.

22. Sing your heart out at karaoke

Koreatown is a small neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan packed with two things — Korean restaurants and karaoke bars.

You can start with a Korean barbecue dinner at a place like Jongro BBQ or Love Korean BBQ, and then make your way to one of the neighborhood’s karaoke bars to continue the fun.

K-Town’s karaoke bars are one of the best places for bachelorette parties in NYC because many of them offer private rooms, where you can spend the night singing your heart out surrounded by your besties and sipping drinks.

Space Karaoke Bar & Lounge, Gagopa Karaoke, and Karaoke City are three excellent options that all offer private rooms to rent out as well as beverage packages.

Group of women singing and laughing at a karaoke night during a lively NYC bachelorette party
Get a private room at a karaoke bar for a fun experience! Photo: Syda_Productions via Depositphotos.

23. Dance the night away

Ready to put the “party” in bachelorette party? New York is an amazing city for nightlife and there are plenty of great clubs where you can dance the night away with your girlfriends.

Some of the best bachelorette clubs in New York City include House of Yes in Brooklyn, which is a funky venue that combines a nightclub experience with dance, circus, theater, and cabaret performances, while nearby you can let loose to high-energy DJ music at Brooklyn Mirage.

If you’d prefer to stay in Manhattan, Somewhere Nowhere is a rooftop lounge in Chelsea that turns into a club later at night, Le Bain is a trendy rooftop dance club in the Meatpacking District, and The Stranger near Columbus Circle offers a rave-like party experience.

24. Go to a speakeasy

If you’re looking for a more low-key nightlife activity, head to one of New York’s speakeasy-style bars—many complete with hidden entrances!

Please Don’t Tell is a cool speakeasy in the East Village with a secret entrance through the phone booth inside the hot dog joint next door.

Nearby in the Lower East Side, The Back Room is a speakeasy that dates back to the Prohibition era with a hidden entrance down a little alleyway.

In the Upper East Side, don’t miss UES, a secret cocktail bar accessed through the storage room of an ice cream shop, and Keys & Heels where you’ll enter through a locksmith and shoe repair store.

Bathtub Gin over in Chelsea is yet another speakeasy with a fun 1920s vibe.

For all of these spots, you’ll want to make reservations in advance since they have limited capacity.

celebrating a bachelorette party in NYC at Keys & Heels speakeasy with a spicy cocktail
Sipping a cocktail at Keys & Heels, a swanky speakeasy that is perfect for bachelorette parties. Photo via Jessie Festa.

25. Go live music hopping

While there are many great live music venues around New York City, one area that is particularly fun is the Lower East Side. Within a few blocks, you can hop around venues like Arlene’s Grocery, Pianos, and Rockwood Music Hall.

Or you can head to Greenwich Village to check out historic venues like The Bitter End (1961) and Cafe Wha? (1959), both of which have hosted legendary artists.

Actually, Bob Dylan got his start at Cafe Wha?, and Mary Travers (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) was a waitress there before she became famous.

Women toasting with champagne glasses during a festive bachelorette party night in NYC
Enjoy NYC nightlife on your bachelorette party. Photo: Syda_Productions via Depositphotos.

Best NYC Hotels For Bachelorette Parties

Where you stay can help make your bachelorette weekend in NYC even better. A few recommendations include:

Dream Downtown (Chelsea). Along with having a great location near lots of restaurants and nightlife options, this hotel offers futuristic-looking rooms, onsite eateries, and a chic rooftop with a lounge and glass-bottom pool.

The Standard, High Line (Meatpacking District). Known for its vibrant nightlife, this hotel offers a rooftop discothèque, a German beer garden, and stunning city views from a cool location on the High Line.

The Knickerbocker (Times Square). This luxurious hotel features the hip St. Cloud rooftop bar and a prime location near Broadway shows and Midtown attractions.

Hotel Indigo Lower East Side (Lower East Side). With an outdoor heated pool and a rooftop bar offering 360-degree views, it’s a trendy spot for groups looking to relax and party.

➡️ Click here for a list of top-rated NYC hotels, or view this map. It’s currently set to SoHo, but you can easily change it to your preferred neighborhood:

What NYC bachelorette party ideas would you add to this list?

About the Author

Jessie Festa