The Complete NYC Bachelor Party Guide and Itinerary

There's an actual reason why they call New York, "the City That Never Sleeps." During an NYC bachelor party, particularly, you may not catch up on your beauty rest much simply, because, there's just so much to see and do. To start, New York is one of the top bachelor party destinations in the US. That's not solely due to the plethora of nightlife options and late-night eats. Three days simply isn't enough for the vast options of culinary experiences, activities (both indoors and outdoors), and people-watching across all five boroughs. (Editor's note: Even a decade isn't enough. This city is constantly reinventing itself.) To help wedding parties narrow the options down, ever-so-slightly, read our complete guide to an NYC bachelor party below.

NYC Bachelor Party Planning in This Article:

• What Are Some NYC Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at an NYC Bachelor Party?
• Where Should I Stay in NYC for a Bachelor Party?
• NYC Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert NYC Travel Tips

What Are Some NYC Bachelor Party Ideas?

There's not a whole lot you can't find in New York City, you just have to pick the itinerary that suits your groom best. That could mean an entire weekend built around food and booze; sightseeing; sports; and so much more.

For the Foodie

Without question, New York City is one of the food capitals of the world, where you will find everything from famous burgers (hey, Shake Shack) to top-notch steakhouses (looking at you, Peter Luger's) to dive spots offering some of the best late-night bites (don't miss out on Empanada Mama).

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For the Culture Seekers

Whether you want to tour New York's tallest skyscrapers, spend a day at one of its world-renowned museums, or check out a Broadway show, there's plenty to offer the groom who is looking for a well-rounded NYC experience.

For the Sports Fan

The city is home to some of the most memorable sports teams, and all you need to do is time your weekend to a home game, whether that be for the Yankees or Mets; Knicks or Nets; the Giants or Jets; or the Islanders or Rangers.

What Do You Do at an NYC Bachelor Party?

Summit One Vanderbilt

The city certainly has a lot to offer and it can be overwhelming planning your weekend here. Have no fear: Our three-day guide to the ultimate NYC bachelor party has a little of everything.

Day 1

Morning: Brunch is a must on weekends in New York, so your bachelor party should start with a good one. Head to Tipsy Parson in Chelsea, where their slogan "belly-filling goodness," can be believed. The southern fare brunch options include BBQ pulled pork spoonbread, shrimp & grits, and hot fried chicken and waffles.

Afternoon: Stay in Chelsea and really get into the swing of things at the driving range at Chelsea Piers. The waterfront spot is a great place to wait for the rest of your crew to arrive, and offers other outdoor activities you wouldn't necessarily think of when it comes to a city like Manhattan: rock climbing, sand volleyball, and golfing are just a few.

Evening: For dinner tonight, go for gold with a group dinner at Boucherie or Rosemary's in the West Village. At Boucherie, bachelor parties will indulge in steak frites, as well as other mouthwatering cuts of meat. (Boucherie, after all, translates to "butchery.") The French bistro doesn't come with the hefty price tag of many of New York's other dining outposts. From Boucherie or Rosemary's, make your way to The Garret or The Spaniard for drinks and a lively atmosphere. (Just be warned: expect tight quarters, especially during weekends.) If the group prefers to catch a game, head to Blue Haven, a sports bar located in the heart of the Village, or one of the many other options across the neighborhood.

Day 2

Morning: Today make your way to Brooklyn, where you'll start with brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn (actually open every day of the week). Choose from mouthwatering bites like hazelnut maple praline pancakes, cheddar, scramble, biscuits and gravy, or steak and eggs—all washed down with brunch cocktails like the Sunday Bloody (made with mezcal) and the Pimm's Buck, a taste mix of bourbon, strawberry, ginger, lemon, and soda on the rocks.

Afternoon: Rather than hop bar to bar, or try the few breweries in town, learn to make beer on your own at Bitter & Esters. Designed for a homebrewer, the 2-3 hour class talks brewing techniques and gets you up to speed on the basics, including malts, grains, hops, yeasts, and flavor profiles.

Evening: Back in Manhattan, head to the East Village for dinner at Frangos Peri Peri, a casual spot for Portuguese-style barbecue. You'll not only have your choice of cut (wings, nuggets, or whole chickens) but also a selection of marinades that range from the beloved piri piri sauce to the spicy-hot Angolon hot pepper sauce. If you're looking for a bit of fun (and reminiscing of your childhood), head to Ace Bar, where you will find a casual spot offering nostalgic games ranging from skeeball to Big Buck Hunter, along with darts and pool. The bar is also a great spot to watch a game while enjoying great drinks.

Day 3

Afternoon: Sleep in today, then take a walk back to the piers where you'll have the chance to take in NYC's skyline from the water. Aboard La Barca, you'll have a one-hour cruise of the Hudson, complemented by Mexican street food, tequila, Mexican beers, mezcal, and signature cocktails. An alternative option for land-loving lads is booking an experience at Summit One Vanderbilt, the city's latest and greatest observatory deck. A few words of warning: It does get crowded during certain hours and it isn't for those with a fear of heights.

Evening: For dinner, head to The Dutch for burgers, homemade pasta, and steak in a cozy setting. Then take the 20-minute walk across town (stick to Houston and you'll find plenty of bars to stop in on the way to your destination), where you'll climb to the rooftop of The Delancey. Of course, the bar includes three separate levels aside from its rooftop overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge. You'll also find a live music venue on the downstairs level and a bar in the middle.

Where Should I Stay in NYC for a Bachelor Party?

Virgin Hotels

New York is extremely easy to get around between walking, taxis, and the Subway, so it really makes no difference what part of the city you stay in.

Best NYC Bachelor Hotels

The Hoxton: For a stay in trendy Williamsburg, check in at this hotel. A Manhattan-facing room grants postcard views of the city, but don't worry if they're all out: you can steal the same vistas from Laser Wolf, their rooftop skewer house.

Virgin Hotels New York City: Located in the heart of Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood, this new and lauded property offers sweeping views of the city (some, even, facing the Empire State Building) as well as access to its terrace pool.

New York Marriott Marquis: Though its location on Broadway puts you in tourism-central, a stay at this property might be worth the crowds for its central location and revolving dining room.

Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side: If you're looking to be more downtown, offers luxury suites and penthouses, an outdoor heated pool, and a great rooftop for epic views.

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best NYC Bachelor Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for a New York bachelor party, so check out the best vacation rental sites like Vrbo and Airbnb. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure NYC hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Magnificent West Chelsea Townhouse/Vrbo

Magnificent Townhouse (West Chelsea, Manhattan): This luxurious 6,000-square-foot townhouse in the heart of West Chelsea is an ideal rental for larger groups of up to 10. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, it'll run you around $1,750 per night. It's a 15-minute walk to Madison Square Garden, which is ideal if your group plans on going to a game or a concert while you're in the city.

Luxury Loft Apartment (Union City, New Jersey): Larger groups looking for a home rental may have to stay a little outside the city, but that doesn't mean the home comes without perks. Groups of 12 can crash in this spot that offers a deck with epic NYC skyline views.

RoomPicks Accommodations (Financial District): If your group is the type that needs a central location with end-of-day privacy (read: you retire to your rooms for the evening without mass chaos in a huge rental home), then this hotel-inspired option in the FiDi is close to Stone Street and an easy Uber ride over to Dumbo sightseeing or the Brooklyn Bridge.

NYC Bachelor Party Nightlife

Thomas Schauer

Stags are spoiled for choice in NYC when it comes to cuisine of all sorts from affordable pizza slices to lavish Michelin-starred fine dining. As for nightlife, Irish pubs, rooftop bars, comedy clubs, and themed events will ignite any party.

Best NYC Bachelor Restaurants

Chinese Tuxedo: If a banquet is what you're after then Chinatown's a no-brainer. But it's not just a feast you'll get at Chinese Tuxedo. Hidden down an unassuming alleyway on Doyers Street, you'll uncover a treasure of a boudoir, once home to NYC's first Chinese theater, today beautifully restored with pops of contemporary art and details. A Lucky $88 banquet set is made for 8 or more.

Joe's Pizza: Tourists come to New York in search of the best pizza, and while the 'best' is up for debate, a good starting point in your quest is Joe's. Established in 1975 by Naples transplant Joe Pozzuoli, the icon of Greenwich Village is a must for any first-timer. Slices are large, affordable, and very cheesy. Note: lines are common and space is limited.

Le Bernardin: Fancy a few Michelin stars with your meal? NYC is a hotbed of awarded restaurants and a chance for fellas to sport their Sunday best. Le Bernardin is the proud recipient of three coveted stars, and while it's no bargain you'll have a bucket list Big Apple experience to tell the folks back home. The elegant restaurant is best suited to smaller groups of discerning gentlemen, though private dining is available.

Restaurant DANIEL: Two-star Michelin-rated DANIEL is intended to be written in capitalized letters. The NYC establishment is a boastworthy spot for a bachelor party dinner. Prepare to drop several hundreds, per attendee, for drinks and a prix-fixe dinner. The once-in-a-lifetime dining experience doesn't come cheap.

Best NYC Bachelor Party Bars

New York Comedy Club: As one of the American capitals for comedy, taking the gang to a club for laughs is the perfect way to loosen up before the dancefloor. New York Comedy Club has had locals howling since the 80s, now with two locations (Midtown and East Village) and a huge roster of acts every day of the week.

The Press Lounge: There are lots of trendy rooftop bars in the city, but if you're traveling with a large group then it's wise to get those views from one that's off the tourist path. The Press Lounge is tucked behind the biggies on 11th Avenue, with ample space both inside and outside, and 360-degree vistas.

McSorley's Old Ale House: Since New York has the highest concentration of Irish population in the country, it makes sense that the Irish pubs here are stellar too. McSorley's is the legendary pub, established in 1854, from which to experience merry charm and raise a pint to your groom.

Flaming Saddles: For traveling parties of mixed orientations then perhaps a trip to Hell's Kitchen is in order. The queer nightlife zone is lined with parties, and at Flaming Saddles, both gays and their straight buddies will have a scream on Wild West themes with cowboy decor, and country and western dancing.

Expert NYC Travel Tips

Virgin Hotels

NYC is served by three main airports: JFK, La Guardia, and Newark. For all of them, it's best to take a taxi or rideshare into Manhattan. When you're in the city, public transport is well-connected and by far the best way to get around, but be vigilant as crime on the MTA is rife. (Tip: Avoid an empty subway carriage—there is always a reason.) Don't even consider renting a car in the city unless you hire a transportation service.

The city experiences four seasons, so when you come depends on personal preference. Winter holidays are especially popular for festivities and when prices can be high. The best weather is in late spring and fall. The cheapest time to visit is in January and February but beware of brutal temperatures and deep snow. Finally, if you're lost, don't be shy to ask. New Yorkers are actually a lot nicer than they're portrayed on television. Just be to the point and they will generally try to help.

Esther Lee and Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.