NYC Bachelorette Party Ideas On A Budget: Tips From A New Yorker (Where To Stay, Eat, Drink & More!)

When most people plan a bachelorette weekend, a few cities come to mind as instant classics. Palm Springs, Phoenix (or Scottsdale!), New Orleans, Nashville– these are the cities the girlies seem to be going to these days. 

My sister Kayla got engaged last year, and she decided she wanted to have a super affordable bachelorette. Rather than plan a getaway budgeted through an entire weekend, Kayla wanted to do one night all the way up. As most of her bridesmaids live in New York City (including myself!), the empire state was our natural destination.

Most people don’t think of Manhattan when they are planning their bachelorette, but I’m here to change that. In the city that never sleeps, NYC bachelorette party ideas are somewhat endless. I may be biased, but we have the best food, the best dancing venues, and some of the coolest things to do during the daytime. 

As it’s not per say known as a bachelorette destination, there are no “NYC bachelorette party venues” to speak of. Think of the whole city as one big venue.

Your NYC Bachelorette Party on a Budget

So as I said, the group celebrating my sister’s big day balled out for one huge night in the city. We definitely didn’t skimp, since most of us went back to our apartments, and we only had to pay for one dinner. The activities we did were, as a result, pricey…

If you’re looking for areas to cut corners on, my first stop would be places to see. The list below includes mostly Manhattan stays, but if you want to save, consider staying in New Jersey *cue screams.*

Okay, but seriously. Jersey City and Hoboken are super fun mini cities right across the Hudson at about half the price of a New York hotel. It’s super simple to get to the city, too– just take the PATH, and you’ll be in the city in 20 minutes or less. 

Personally, I think an AirBnB is the way to go if you’re going to stay in Jersey. I’m thinking of an adorable townhouse with space to pregame out back before you take the train in. Another option is to get a house super close to PATH so you can cut Uber out of the equation. 

If a hotel is more your speed, the Hyatt House Jersey has a ridiculous view of the Empire State Building from across the river. It’s absolutely stunning, and at a great price. 

The Doubletree Hilton is pretty standard as far as hotels go, but once again, we’re here for the price. You will be as close to downtown Manhattan as humanly possible. And you won’t have to sacrifice your entire budget. 

Top Tips For A NYC Bachelorette Party (From A New Yorker)

1. Transportation

Try to take subways as much as you can throughout the trip. Not only is the subway the perfect way to really learn the city, but it will keep you from spending $1 million on Ubers you don’t need. Unless you’re staying in Brooklyn, you have access to anywhere in the city at the price of $2.90. 

Even if you’re coming across the bridge, you can take the train instead of a car.

Okay, with all that said, avoid public transportation past midnight. It sounds very Cinderella-esque, but the subways aren’t safe past midnight, especially if you’ve been drinking. Of course we all love to save a buck or two, but not at the cost of safety.

2. Stay in Groups

Off that note, make sure to stay with your group. It is super easy to get lost in the shuffle in a town this big, so just be sure that everyone’s phone is charged. No bridal party members left behind! Ever! 

3. Don’t Pregame Too Hard

The last time I was given this advice, I promptly ignored it. And was promptly sorry. 

They pour with a pretty heavy hand in Manhattan, so steer clear of any big drinks before you hit the actual clubs and bars. New Yorkers don’t even begin to hit the bars until 11 PM or midnight, so you are in it for the long haul. Don’t lose steam too early! 

4. Book Ahead Of Time 

The best offers in the city usually come with a semi-long wait list. I started planning my sister’s April bachelorette in December because of this. The best things in New York typically have a pretty long line of other people also wanting to check it out.

Whether your group is looking into amazing restaurant reservations or Broadway show tickets, you need to start planning and thinking about where to go months in advance. I have been caught without plans one too many times in this city, and I certainly don’t want the same to happen to you! 

Where to Stay

As mentioned before, there’s so many options, and if you’re on a budget… It’s best to keep options open. Jump back to Your NYC Bachelorette On A Budget section for more ideas!  

Equinox Hotel

Because of the club we went to (more details on that later), we decided to stay at the Equinox Hotel. As far as a bachelorette party in New York goes, this was as good as it gets. Not only were the amenities incredible, but the Hudson Yards location was within walking distance to so much of the stuff we wanted to do.

The Equinox Hotel was the perfect fit for us because all my sister really wanted was a hotel with good spa amenities. The Equinox Hotel is connected to the best Equinox gym in the city, which we had full access to.

We were also able to book spa amenities and hang out in the hot tub/cold dubs all day, which was so clutch before our big night out. 

On the top floor of the hotel is an amazing breakfast/lunch spot that overlooks the entire city. We had the best time discussing our plans for the night over avocado toast and lattes. 

The room itself was a suite that slept six girls. It was gorgeous, and the hotel sent us up a bottle of complimentary champagne to boot. 

Arlo Williamsburg

The best parties are in Brooklyn. I live in Manhattan, so this is an unbiased opinion. It has the best parties and the best people, too! Plus the Brooklyn Bridge makes the best backdrop for a photo of your New York City bachelorette party. 

The Arlo Williamsburg– formerly the Williamsburg Hotel– is a gorgeous hotel in Williamsburg with a premium view of Manhattan. The rooftop bar has a pool and free tuk-tuks to lounge in, so if your visit includes girlies trying to find a fix for the NYC heat, this is a good option. 

The Arlo has a really fun lobby bar, so you could pregame the night without even leaving the hotel.  

Staypineapple

The Stayplineapple is the weirdest little hotel for a great price. It’s a boutique hotel located in Midtown, so you’ll be a subway ride away from everything you could possibly want to do. 

Known for their vibrant colors and kitschy pineapple theme, the Staypineapple is a steal. There is an outdoor sitting area, too. Outdoor space that’s not a park is so rare in New York, so this is a massive plus for the Staypineapple. 

The one downside to the Staypineapple is its location. Yes, it’s a total plus that the Staypineaple is close to everything. But the one downside is that Midtown is impossibly busy, especially in the summertime. 

If crowds don’t bother you and you’re hoping to save a buck, then definitely book the Staypineapple. 

Mandarin Oriental

Ugh, the Mandarin. This is one of my favorite hotels in New York. A luxury hotel known for its extravagance and attention to detail, this is more of a splurge than any of the other locations listed. 

What I love about the Mandarin is the views. Located in Columbus Circle, every single room has a guaranteed view of Central Park. Another great thing about Columbus Circle is the proximity to major subways– you are a step away from the 1, 2, 3, as well as the ABCD. 

The Mandarin has one of the most highly rated spas in the city, so definitely make sure you book some treatments in advance. 

My one bit of advice would be not to advertise your reservation as a bachelorette trip. While it’s fun to celebrate, I wouldn’t necessarily label The Mandarin as an NYC bachelorette party hotel. They can be a little snooty, and you don’t want to get slapped with any fees. 

Soho Grand Hotel

We were *inches* from staying at the SoHo Grand rather than the Equinox Hotel. In the end, it came down to money– Equinox was a couple hundred dollars cheaper– but we could’ve just as easily enjoyed our time at the SG instead. 

SoHo Grand is a quintessential New York experience, from the stunning views to the often booked, weekend busy restaurants and bars connected to the restaurant. 

I have partied at the main bar many times, and they have been some of my most memorable evenings of all time. The DJ spins right out on the dance floor, and they go till the early morning. Soho Grand is known for New York extravagance, celebrity sightings, and of course, luxurious accommodations.

Plus, if your crew is dealing with hangover cravings, the hotel is connected to the iconic SoHo Diner, which is open till midnight. 

Where to Eat 

This is where it gets tough… there’s so many good places to eat in NYC that it’s hard to choose, but here’s my short list of places to eat for a NYC bachelorette party. 

La Esquina

We were absolutely obsessed with La Esquina. I worked with the lovely head manager to develop a menu for my sister’s bachelorette, and it turned out delicious. 

We paid a flat fee to enjoy a for-the-table meal and bottomless cucumber margaritas all night– it was absolutely divine.  

La Esquina happens to be a very happening bar as well, so we felt like the night was already underway while at dinner. Definitely make a big reservation, as this place fills up!

Mr. Chow

Mr. Chow is Chinese food like you’ve never had it. A combination of old school Beijing flavors and inventive recipes, it is one of the coolest restaurants I’ve ever been to. 

The drinks menu is Asian infused and tastes like nothing I’ve ever had in my life. The menu rotates quite often, so you’ll be in for a one-of-a-kind meal.

One of the best parts of Mr. Chow is that they are super cool about seating large groups. This should be perfect for your bach group!

Anton’s

Depending on the size of your group, Anton’s could be a huge hit. 

A cozy, authentic wine bar in the Village, I suggest Anton’s if you have a group of eight or less people. The menu is mostly Italian, and it is insanely delicious. Plus, they will pair the wine with your meal if you ask!

Café Select

While the food at Café Select is delicious, classic American bites, I’m more interested in the vibes here. Cozy twinkly lights, good music, I’ve always had an amazing and memorable evening.

What makes this even more appealing for your bachelorette is the fact they have a back room that’s available for reserve. If you have a bigger group, this could be a good way to keep the good vibes going! 

What To Do: Daytime Activities 

Picnic in Central Park (& More!) 

May through October is the absolute peak of the Central Park visiting season. New Yorkers from every corner of every burrow flock to the massive park in the middle of Manhattan to sunbath, picnic, and toss around frisbees.

For a bachelorette, there are a couple of key options. Shakespeare in the Park, an annual summer showing of free Shakespeare plays, is one of my absolute favorite things to do. 

Another option is row boats. While the boats are portrayed in every rom com as more of a ~romance~ activity, I have only ever truly had fun in a Central Park rowboat with my best friends. 

Perhaps the best and simplest option is a picnic. A bottle of rosé, some charcuterie, and picnic blanket, and you’re set up for a relaxing afternoon before the evening’s festivities.  

Attend A Broadway Matinee Show

While this could be a nighttime or daytime activity, I think a Broadway matineé is the perfect start to your weekend. 

There are a number of fantastic shows in circulation right now, and it’ll give you and your girlies something to chat about for the rest of the day. Plus, it’s a good excuse to hang around Times Square, which is a must if it’s your first time in Manhattan (but can be skipped if you’ve been here before). 

Walk the High Line

The High Line is one of many iconic parks in New York City. However, it’s a little more unique.

Built on the West Side, the High Line is a raised platform above the city. Filled with flowers and sitting lawns smack dab in the middle of skyscrapers, it’s the mix of urban and outdoorsy that make New York amazing.

Spa Day At The Daphne

I love The Daphne... Well, I love spas in general. But The Daphne is definitely a cut above the rest!

If you decide to stay at a cheaper hotel or an AirBnb and don’t have spa access, The Daphne would be an excellent place to hangout before the evening. A spa day is great idea before a raunchy night out. 

Known as one of the best spas in the city and located in SoHo, you can enjoy a facial or massage just before hitting the SoHo restaurants and shopping scene.

Shopping Spree On The Upper East Side

And speaking of shopping…

The Upper East Side is known for some of the absolute most iconic shopping in the entire city. And any bachelorette in NYC would be incomplete without shopping.

Whether someone in your crew is looking for a new fit for the night out or you just want to window shop at Versace, Gucci, Louis, and the like, the Upper East Side is a must. Even if it is just to explore some of the sites from Gossip Girl.

What To Do: Nighttime Activities 

The New York night scene is really what you make of it. Sticking with the traditional bachelorette activities, I’ve divided this into two sections for those who want to go clubbing or bar hopping. 

Where To Go Clubbing in NYC

If you and your crew are club people, definitely consider getting a table at a club so that you don’t have to fight through crowds or wait in an unnecessarily long line. 

The Box

Our night at The Box was one of the craziest, weirdest, most fun nights I’ve ever had. A club known for their amazing music and risqué, wacky performances, this is a night you will never forget. It is definitely one of the best bachelorette party clubs NYC has.

I definitely recommend you book a table at The Box. The line to get in stretched around the block, and the area near the performances looked very smushed. While it was expensive, it was totally worth it to sit together at an actual table.

Plus, the drinks are so expensive, you probably end up saving money by booking a table and enjoying the bottles that come with it. 

Marquee New York

The Marquee is a fantastic place to dance your ass off. The neon lights, the EDM music, it’s an immersive dance experience that’ll have you up until 3 AM.

The Marquee has a very Times-Square-on-New-Years kind of vibe to it. There are confetti cannons, lasers, it’s a certified rave. This is one of the best places in New York to dance.

As to whether or not you should get a table, I think that depends. If you want to get in on the action, no– go dance till you drop. If sweaty EDM music sounds a little intense, the roped off table section will be more than enough to observe and enjoy the vibes. 

Where To Go Bar Hopping in NYC

If bar hopping is more your thing, that is an option too. Bars in New York are known for good music, but once again, long lines. Timing will be key here! 

East Village

McSoreley’s would be my first stop if you’re looking for a classic NYC bar hopping experience. It’s one of the oldest bars in the entire city, and they only serve two types of drinks– light ale and dark ale. Seriously, that’s it. The vibes are grumpy nostalgia in the best way possible.

The next stop on your NYC bach party crawl should be Mr. Purple. Mr. Purple is a younger club, but that shouldn’t stop you from dancing there. It’s one of the absolute funnest clubs i”ve ever been to, and the upscale dress code makes for a very fun evening. 

 Lastly, we’ve got Lucky. More of a classic bar with cheap drinks and yummy cocktails, this is where I would head for a nightcap before heading back to your hotel. 

One of the best parts at the East Village is its proximity to the Lower East Side, which has great late night eats via taco stands and pizza windows. 

West Village

We’re starting the West Village crawl at Art Bar. It’s one of the chillest, coolest bars in the West Village. Art Bar toes the line well between classy and kickass. I would suggest you get to Art Bar on the early side to begin the night because it’s not huge– it fills up quickly.

If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, The Village Vanguard is a sick jazz bar in the Village. The music is top notch, and it’s a really unique way to spend your bachelorette. 

My last item on the list is The Stonewall Inn. This is one of the most inclusive gay bars in the city, and is certainly one of the most iconic. My only advice would be not to necessarily be too loud about the fact you’re with a bach– bachelorette parties can get a bad rap at gay bars. I still suggest going though, as The Stonewall is historic (and historically fun). 

And if neither village meets your party’s needs, check out the Meatpacking District! 

For an absolutely unforgettable bachelorette, come to the Empire State. From the city skyline to Broadway, amazing food, and raucous Hangover style nights out, you cannot have a bad time when planning the ultimate nyc bachlorette trip. 

My top tip as always with New York is to book as far ahead in advance as you possibly can. New York books up fast, and you don’t want to miss any of the good stuff!

Have fun, keep your phone charged, and never trust a club promoter you haven’t met beforehand!