Some years you and your besties need a relaxing spa weekend sans kids and spouses, but some years, the girls crave a little excitement.
Where to go? New York City. Here’s our guide on where to stay, what to do and where to eat in New York.
Where to Stay
New York hotels aren’t cheap, but there are some great hotels to be found at better-than-expected prices. The key is to stay at a business favorite—midtown or downtown—but on the weekend. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Battery Park, which is very close to the 9/11 Memorial, but definitely more in demand Monday-Thursday.
For $545 per night, we had a gorgeous double on the club level, which included breakfast, a light lunch, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and even desserts. We didn’t take advantage of most of the meals, but just eating breakfast and indulging in a pre-dinner drink, and you’ve more than paid for your upgrade. Plus, when you stay at a nice hotel, you get that pampering service that makes a weekend away special.
Other hotels to look at: Andaz Wall Street (brand new and fabulous according to Make It Better’s Dining Editor Julie Chernoff) and Soho Grand, which has very nice concierges who are happy to acclimate you to the neighborhood.
What to Do
You could stay in New York for weeks and not run out of activities, but here are some girlfriend-approved favorites.
Walk the High Line: This elevated urban trail winds through the Lower West Side following an old rail line. It’s like nothing else—views, art and food—so it’s mobbed on nice days. Go early if you like to walk at a quick pace. If you’re happy to meander with the tourists, go mid-day.
Visit a museum: From the Met to the MoMA to Cooper-Hewitt, New York is rich with museums that often have exclusive exhibits that if you don’t see there, you won’t see ever. Take a morning (you’ll avoid most of the crowds), and discover new art or see old favorites. And without children in tow, museum visits become a rediscovered pleasure.
Visit new monuments: We went to two new monuments that couldn’t be more different. Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island is a stunning park inspired by a speech Roosevelt gave setting forth his vision for a world with freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from fear and from want. Take the Roosevelt Island tram, which is a fun bonus, to experience the genius of architect Louis I. Kahn and to celebrate Roosevelt’s values.
The 9/11 Memorial is a much more somber visit. The memorial, which includes the fountains and plaza, is open and free to the public, but you do need to register in advance for a pass, so plan ahead. The museum is still under construction, but once completed, passes will be available at the same website.
Go to the theater: While Chicago has amazing theater, there’s something about seeing a show in New York. We saw “Orphans,” which starred Alec Baldwin and Tom Sturridge, and while the critics didn’t love it—we did! Lots to discuss, amazing acting, and this play, with these actors, will never tour, so it’s a unique New York moment. For reviews and rundowns, start with The New Yorker. The reviews are concise, and the website is easier to navigate than New York Magazine.
Where to Eat
New York is full of great food and great people watching. To narrow down your choices, start withTime Out New York and The New York Times. Both websites give you options to search by neighborhood and cuisine. Your hotel concierge is your best option if you want to go to a see-and-be-seen kind of place. We ate dinner one table away from Sting and his wife Trudie Styler at Graydon Carter’s Beatrice Inn. (After your NYC weekend, you’ll be able to name drop, too!)
Helpful Tips
Take the subway: We traveled everywhere from SoHo to the Upper East Side to Times Square viasubway. It’s cheap (compared to cabs), fast and safe. Buy a MetroCard and use it. You’ll feel like a New Yorker in no time, and you’ll cover twice as much ground as you would otherwise.
Download an app: “The Scoop” is a New York Times app all about the city. It includes: summer events, “Only in New York,” restaurant reviews, and even has a “nearby” feature, which is very helpful if you think you’re close to the art galleries in Chelsea, but can’t quite remember what the concierge told you.
Have you been to New York recently? What are your can’t-miss recommendations?
