New York City, a metropolis that pulses with life and brims with endless possibilities, is the ideal destination for a group getaway. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, savoring diverse culinary delights, or choosing accommodations for your group, the Big Apple has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best activities, dining experiences, and lodging options for groups in New York City.
New York City offers a wealth of group-friendly activities that are perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new people and socialize. Whether you’re interested in making new friends, networking, or simply enjoying the company of like-minded individuals, here are some group-friendly activities to consider in NYC.Begin your group adventure with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These historic sites offer insightful experiences into American immigration history. Consider booking a group tour for convenience. You can also rent bikes and embark on a group bike tour through the Central Park Group Bike Tour. You can cover more ground, see iconic sights like Bethesda Terrace and Strawberry Fields, and enjoy the park’s natural beauty. Another way to discover the city is with the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. Art lovers in your group will appreciate a visit to MoMA, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Group discounts are available, and guided tours can enhance your experience. Gather your group for a night of Broadway show entertainment. Choose from a variety of shows, from classic musicals to thought-provoking dramas. Group ticket discounts are often available. Explore the elevated High Line Park, an urban oasis featuring gardens and art installations. It’s a great place for group walks, and you can enjoy the views of the city below. Opt for a group sightseeing cruise along the Hudson River with Circle Line. You’ll have an opportunity to see famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center. If your group includes history buffs and aviation enthusiasts, visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Explore the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and learn about its rich history.
Planning a group dinner in bustling NYC can be as challenging as securing a seat during rush hour on the subway. Downtown, a trendy Laotian eatery simplifies the process with online reservations, accommodating groups of up to 25 without the need for phone calls. In Midtown, a spacious French bistro puts a creative spin on the beloved shared appetizer with its butter board. Over in Brooklyn Heights, a family-style Palestinian restaurant serves up some of the borough’s most generously portioned entrées.
For an unforgettable dining experience featuring some of Manhattan’s finest contemporary Lebanese cuisine, look no further than Ilili‘s inviting and sultry amber-hued dining room. Alternatively, indulge in a lavish feast within one of their stylish and private event spaces, which can accommodate groups ranging from 12 to 300 guests, characterized by wood-paneled walls and vibrant red chairs.Opt for a family-style set menu that showcases Ilili’s culinary highlights, including seared lamb chops with za’atar salsa verde and hearth-baked loup de mer. And be sure not to miss out on the Lebanese wine pairings, thoughtfully sourced from the picturesque Bekaa Valley. For those seeking an extra special soirée, Ilili offers the Arabian Nights package, complete with traditional decor and a mesmerizing belly dance performance.
Treat your loved ones to a delightful group barbecue experience while entrusting all the details to the experts. Toraji, an esteemed Tokyo import that first opened its doors in 1995, has truly mastered the art of grilling meats to perfection. Its New York location boasts expansive grill-top tables and numerous semi-private dining spaces, creating an ideal setting for group gatherings.The star of the show is the shareable menu, featuring an array of premium beef and seafood options, all grilled to order. This culinary journey transforms your meal into a memorable and communal experience. Set menus are available, starting at $78, while à la carte selections offer a variety of rice bowls and noodle soups, ensuring that even the most discerning diners can find dishes to satisfy their preferences.
Oceans offers a lavish dining experience within its brass-and-leather adorned interior, featuring plush banquettes, semi-private dining areas, and a stunning undulating ceiling design inspired by the historic archways of NYC. This setting is tailor-made for elegant group celebrations.The menu at Oceans draws inspiration from the Mediterranean coasts, as well as the bountiful Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Begin your culinary journey with exquisite sushi and a refreshing seafood plateau before savoring Maryland crab cakes and Dover sole, elegantly dressed in almond caper brown butter. In addition to these delectable offerings, Oceans caters to a variety of dietary preferences with thoughtful vegetarian options, including the enticing cauliflower steak served with Israeli couscous, almonds, and a zesty lemon caper vinaigrette. With its diverse menu and refined ambiance, Oceans promises to captivate the palates of both omnivores and herbivores alike.
Located just a stone’s throw away from The Beekman Hotel’s magnificent nine-story atrium, this Art Deco-inspired restaurant, led by the renowned chef Tom Colicchio, offers a picturesque escape. The restaurant’s stained-glass windows, aglow with gentle light, create a charming backdrop for gatherings of all sizes.Temple Court presents a family-style dining experience tailored for groups ranging from 15 to 24 guests. This elegant and seasonal dinner party showcases a delectable array of Italian-inspired dishes. Highlights include chestnut agnolotti adorned with black truffle and Brussels sprouts, succulent roasted chicken served with spigarello (an Italian heirloom green), and a delightful finale of roasted pear sorbet for dessert. Temple Court promises an exquisite culinary journey for your group in a captivating Art Deco setting.
Chelsea Market, an iconic culinary destination, has transcended its humble beginnings to become a globally recognized brand. Nestled in the heart of New York City’s vibrant Meatpacking District, this marketplace has earned its status as one of the world’s premier indoor food and retail hubs.Distinguished by a diverse array of merchants, Chelsea Market is far more than a conventional food hall, it’s a bustling marketplace where culinary enthusiasts can embark on a gastronomic adventure. Visitors have the opportunity to peruse the region’s finest fishmonger, procure top-quality cuts of meat from a renowned whole-animal butcher, indulge in artisanal cheeses, stock up on fresh produce, and acquire imported Italian dry goods.
Smorgasburg, a culinary phenomenon, has grown into the largest weekly open-air food market in the United States. This epicurean extravaganza beckons thousands of visitors each weekend. The market made its debut on May 21, 2011, as an offshoot of the Brooklyn Flea, established in 2008. Over the years, Smorgasburg has not only nurtured numerous small businesses but has also captivated millions of enthusiastic food lovers. Smorgasburg’s expansion continued with a Sunday market featuring 70 vendors in downtown Los Angeles in June 2016, drawing a staggering 10,000 visitors weekly.Distinguished by its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of local vendors, Smorgasburg has earned the moniker ‘The Woodstock of Eating,’ as lauded by The New York Times.
New York City offers an abundance of group-friendly lodging options to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of travelers. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or colleagues, there are accommodations suitable for various group sizes and budgets. When booking group accommodations in NYC, it’s essential to plan well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider factors such as location, budget, group size, and specific preferences to choose the best lodging option for your trip to the Big Apple.Maybe the first option you think about for someplace to rent is a hotel. NYC offers a diverse range of hotels suitable for groups of all sizes and budgets. Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG have multiple properties in the city, providing consistent quality and amenities. For a luxurious experience, consider options like The Ritz-Carlton and The St. Regis. Other options is Vacation Rentals, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer an array of vacation rentals, including apartments, condos, and townhouses, which are ideal for accommodating larger groups. These rentals often provide more space, kitchen facilities, and a homey atmosphere.
In contrast to conventional hotels, boutique hotels are typically characterized by their smaller, more intimate size, as well as their strong emphasis on artistic design. These unique establishments are known for their alluring services, Instagram-worthy aesthetics, and carefully curated decor, in addition to their prime locations.
If you’re traveling on a budget, consider hostels. Many hostels in NYC offer private rooms for groups, along with dorm-style accommodations for individual travelers.
For longer stays, extended stay hotels like Staybridge Suites or Element by Westin provide spacious rooms with kitchenettes and laundry facilities. The Staybridge Suites Times Square hotel is conveniently situated just two blocks away from the iconic Times Square and Broadway. It offers easy access on foot to other prominent landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The Element by Westin has rooms with a kitchen, spacious so you can work, and also accepts pets up to 18 kg. Travel agencies and websites often provide vacation packages that include both accommodations and activities, simplifying the planning process for groups.
Corporate housing offers a unique advantage in that it provides a homely atmosphere, distinct from the typical hotel room, often at a more cost-effective price point. These accommodations come fully equipped with all the essentials you may require throughout your stay, affording you the convenience of residing in a fully furnished private apartment without the burden of long-term lease commitments. Corporate housing is an ideal choice for frequent travelers, offering flexibility for both short-term and long-term stays.
In conclusion, New York City is an ideal destination for group travel, offering a wide range of activities, dining options, and lodging choices to suit every preference and budget. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, savoring diverse cuisines, or enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the Big Apple promises an unforgettable group adventure. So, gather your friends and family, plan your next group getaway, and immerse yourselves in the excitement of New York City.