Going on a girlfriend getaway to Manhattan, but you’ve been there before and ticked off many of the usual tourist spots? In search of (like I was recently) some activities that aren’t the usual touristy things, yet still allow your crowd to experience the city in a fun way? These “under the radar” options allowed my group to see the city in a new light, and took us on some fantastic, less-trodden paths. We were active, involved, and uncovered some hidden gems that truly give us a deeper feel for Manhattan. Perhaps some of them might work for your next NYC girlfriend getaway.
Take a Tour with a Vintage Shopping Expert
Jumpstart your shopping spree by booking a tour that allows you to learn about the vintage/secondhand store market, try your hand at shopping, learn where some of the better and more popular vintage and secondhand stores are and ask questions as you go.
- Best for: Fashionistas who love vintage clothing
- Why: Find better and more popular vintage stores with expert guidance
- Recommended: Vintage Boss Babes
SheBuysTravel Tip: Book on a Sunday if you like to explore flea markets
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Relax at the Day Spa on Governors Island
Melt into relaxation at a luxurious day spa offering over 20 wellness experiences and heated pools with city skyline views. This retreat is less about treatments and more about unwinding in serene relaxation rooms, enjoying various water experiences, saunas, and thermal baths. Open year-round, the property also features beautiful gardens with seasonal blooms and a cozy fire pit, all just a short walk from the ferry.
- Best for: Anyone seeking ultimate relaxation and stunning city views
- Why: Escape from the city, focusing on holistic relaxation with diverse water and thermal experiences, perfect for groups.
- Recommended: QC Spa New York
SheBuysTravel Tip: Go for an evening visit to experience the illuminated Manhattan skyline from the heated pools.
Take A Private Cooking Class
Learn about and participate in making a meal, as well as experience foods from around the globe. Create everything from lasagne to tapas to middle eastern dishes – or perhaps something else. Your group can work together to make everything from the salad to the main course to dessert – and enjoy it together afterwards.
- Best for: Those looking for a collaborative way to enjoy a meal
- Why: Learn cooking techniques, carry out curated recipes, enjoy dining together. Great for groups.
- Recommended: Abigail’s Kitchen
She Buys Travel Tip: Consider combining the class with a chance to shop nearby for the ingredients, or try Dinners in the Dark here (where you eat a meal while blindfolded) for a unique sensory experience.
Visit A Speakeasy Hidden Behind A Normal Storefront
A speakeasy harkens back to the days of prohibition and can add a little intrigue to your night out. With hidden entrances, themed interiors, they are a break from the ordinary with a connection to the past. Many excel at curated cocktails. Dress up if you’d like, drink, dine, people-watch or meet to catch up.
- Best for: Anyone wanting a fun night out with an intriguing theme
- Why: Share a meal, cocktails, fun vibe, night out
- Recommended: Beauty & Essex
She Buys Travel Tip: Arrive early and browse items in their storefront – it’s a fully functional pawn shop.
View The City’s Subway Art
From the brass creatures at Eighth Avenue at 14th Street to the artwork at Times Square to the installation in the connector near Bryant Park, you can see all kinds of art styles and mediums. Murals, mosaics, permanent public art, interactive displays, chalk drawings and other scenes by both established artists as well as emerging talent exist.
- Best for: Art lovers, those curious about the NYC subway scene
- Why: Combine exploration with art appreciation, learn something new together
- Recommended: Untapped New York Subway Art
She Buys Travel Tip: Explore the option of street art or graffiti tours if this topic interests you.
Stop At One Of The City’s Smaller Parks
The city’s many small parks are perfect for some free, nature-filled downtime. In addition to trees, shrubs, grass and flowers, some also have statues and sculptures to view. Amidst a city known for its bustle, busyness and buildings, the parks allow you to see the simple, scenic spots as well.
- Best for: Anyone looking for a quick, free, pretty place to relax
- Why: Picturesque places to stop, relax, sip a coffee, eat lunch or rest a bit
- Recommended: City Hall Park, Madison Square Park, Union Square Park, Washington Square Park
She Buys Travel Tip: You can easily visit the last three of these parks in one shot, as they’re all located along Fifth Avenue.
Embark On A Cat-Themed Tour
Learn about the famous felines that shaped the streets of NYC. Uncover and explore NYC’s past through its feline predecessors – those who made a difference from the 1800s and early 1900s. Stroll by everything from iconic landmarks to cool, everyday sights.
- Best for: Cat lovers and those interested in exploring the city through the lens of a feline
- Why: Learn about NYC’s past through a cat historian and acclaimed storyteller
- Recommended: Cats About Town Walking Tour
She Buys Travel Tip: You can book tours for different parts of the city, depending on which area you’re more interested in.
Enjoy A Centrally-Located Place To Meet/Stay/Regroup
We were quite happy to have a fun place to relax and grab a beverage at the end of the day. Photo credit: NH Collection NY Madison Avenue
It’s always helpful to have a spot to stay or re-connect with your group, especially one that is centrally located and with a cool theme and stunning views of nearby landmarks.
- Best for: Those interested in having a centrally-located place to start, meet, regroup, stay or end-up.
- Why: A comfortable place to dine, drink, or stay for the night with a fun “golden age of advertising” theme throughout, and close-up views of the Empire State Building.
- Recommended: NH Collection NY Madison Avenue Hotel
She Buys Travel Tip: Be sure to look into seasonal promotions for added value when visiting.
Hitting NYC with some of these unique Manhattan activities up my sleeve definitely helped turn my girlfriend getaway from “what should we do now” to “that was such a fun day”. Could one (or more) of these options be just what your next visit to the city needs?
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