Lose the dudes: Girls weekend ideas for New York City

What city is better for a girls weekend than the one that never sleeps? No matter what season or time of day, you’re guaranteed to find a myriad of things to do in New York City.  From live theater or an evening sailing to world-class restaurants and funky bars, NYC has something to offer for every ladies-only getaway. And since girls just wanna have fun, we’ve put together a list of the best places for a girls weekend out.

RELATED: New York’s 5 top rooftop bars

The Bennett | Photo by Compass + Twine

Retro cocktails at the Bennett
Cozy into the teal crushed velvet sofa at The Bennett and start the night off right at this new TriBeCa hotspot. The retro vibe is perfectly complimented with innovative cocktails and delicious small plates. When you’re ready to order, press the small, gold button on the wall and your table number will light up behind the bar. When the server arrives, order a ‘Bergdorf Lunch’ cocktail and enjoy the  blend  of elderflower liquor, pisco, green apple juice, and a spritz of orange blossom.

White Clam Pizza at Otto | Photo by Compass + Twine

Pizza + charcuterie at Otto
There is perhaps no better place in NYC to go for delicious pizzas, great vino, and a killer charcuterie plate than Mario Batali’s beloved Greenwich Village enoteca. Meet the gals early for a drink up front in the wine bar area, then head to the back when you table is ready. To start, choose from the wide selection of house-cured meats and cheeses to munch on while scrolling through their alluring wine list. Pastas like the carbonara are insanely fresh and flavorful, and the Roman-style pizzas have wonderfully thin, crisp crusts. The pepperoni is hands down our favorite, but the white clam ‘za is a seriously close second.

Corner table at Sunday in Brooklyn | Photo by Compass + Twine

Craft cocktails + a great meal any day of the week at Sunday
This trendy yet casual spot in Williamsburg has a market place, bar area, and dining space. You’ll likely smell the sweet aroma of fresh bread baked earlier that day while perusing a menu that combines both comfort food and healthy dishes. The cocktails here really steal the show with fun bubbly options like the Champagne Problems. Williamsburg offers some of the best nightlife in Brooklyn, so be sure and make your Sunday in Brooklyn your jumping-off point.

Cruising the Hudson with Tribeca Sailing | Photo by Compass + Twine

A private sail around New York harbor
A sunny evening in NYC is best spent catching a cool breeze off the water in New York Harbor. Instead of the usual restaurant thing, book a private sail with 6 friends aboard Captain David Caporale’s gorgeous 1964 Hinckley sailboat out of the harbor in Tribeca. BYO and have a relaxing evening chatting with your girlfriends while soaking in some killer views of the Manhattan skyline.

Compass + Twine with Aldo Sohm | Photo by Compass + Twine

Clink glasses with the best sommelier in America
Hailing from Austria, where he first made a name for himself in the wine world, Aldo Sohm was named the “Best Sommelier in America” in 2007. He’s worked as Chef Sommelier at famed NYC restaurant Le Bernardin (recently voted #17 in the World’s Best Restaurants) for years and then opened his namesake wine bar next door in 2014. On any given night you’re likely to see the spritely Austrian somm’ zipping back and forth between the two spaces. His whole goal is to make you feel at ease and have a great time while sipping away at his brilliantly curated wine list.

Grand Banks | Photo by Compass + Twine

Oysters + rosé on the deck of a schooner at Grand Banks
The ultimate summer spot, this oyster and rosé bar and restaurant inhabits the deck of a historic wooden schooner, docked alongside Pier 25 off the West Side Highway. Sure, it can be scene-y, but it’s definitely worth it when you can snag a good spot with your girlfriends. There’s no better way to spend a summer’s eve than sipping vino in the sunshine, feasting on a buttery lobster roll and staring out at the Hudson River and downtown skyline.

Pizza Beach | Photo by Compass + Twine

Pony up to a window seat at Pizza Beach
This bright and cheery pizza joint is a favorite for a good Italian pie and some throw back tunes. Dripping in turquoise, the space is bright and airy and opens up the buzzing corner of Stanton and Orchard on the Lower East Side.  A high-top by the window is ideal for enjoying both a cool breeze and some excellent people-watching. Pro tip: order the Pineapple & Speck ‘za and a bottle of rosé!

Blackberry gin fiz at Loopy Doopy | Photo by Compass + Twine

Rooftop popsicle cocktails on the water
Downtown Manhattan is en fuego right now, and a young, cool crowd is flocking there for its stellar restaurant and bar scene. From April until the end of October, catch a cushioned-seat at Loopy Doopy, the bar atop the Conrad Hotel in Battery Park City. The rooftop scene affords a cool breeze view and a fun atmosphere. On a mid-summer day, cool down with a glass of their on-tap prosecco or a cocktail garnished with a popsicle. Enjoy views of the Hudson River and Lady Liberty while planning your next girls night out.

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Le CouCou | Photo by Compass + Twine

Feel French + fancy at Le Coucou
Focusing on classic French dishes, Le CouCou feels proper without being pretentious. The SoHo restaurant is the first in America by acclaimed chef Daniel Rose and the apothecary bar upfront is super cool.  In the main dining space, grand chandeliers hang from high ceilings and white cloths adorn the tables. It’s the perfect, upscale spot for a classy and sophisticated night out with the ladies. Be sure to book a reservation a month out; slots fill up quickly.

Mr. Purple

Have a pink cocktail at Mr. Purple
Set atop Hotel Indigo, Mr. Purple is a funky little restaurant and bar. Overlooking the Lower East Side and beyond, the enclosed space is surrounded by an open-air patio complete with a little pool. If you stay inside, sink into the couches by the bookshelf, and it’ll feel like you’re at a friends place—that is a friend who is ridiculously cool, has a great eye for design, and owns their own rooftop penthouse.

The Rose Club at The Plaza Hotel | Photo by Compass + Twine

Game night at the Rose Club
The swanky bar just upstairs from the lobby at the Plaza Hotel is turning Tuesday into the new Friday.  Those with a competitive streak can join the Rose Club for their lively and entertaining game night, usually the last Tuesday of the month and advertised on the Plaza Hotel’s Instagram page. While engaging in trivia shenanigans, drink a classic champagne cocktail and feast on their mini lobster rolls. Just be sure to bring your game face—the competition is fierce!

Photo courtesy of the Soho Grand Hotel

Rest up in style
The key to a great girls weekend in NYC is finding a cool, chic hotel to serve as the perfect home base. A comfy bed, funky cocktail bar, killer design and prime location are all a must. To stay uptown near great museums, Central Park and Fifth Avenue , we recommend checking out 1 Hotel Central Park or the Viceroy Central Park. However, our favorite hotels lie downtown, close to the vibrant bustle of the Lower East Side, the boutique shops of SoHo, the amazing restaurants in the West Village, and the cobblestone streets of TriBeCa. For a girls weekend stay, our picks for downtown hotels are the Ludlow Hotel, the SoHo Grand and The Beekman.

Tagged: New York