The Ultimate Guide to New York City for Your Next Group Trip

New York City is nicknamed the City of Dreams for a good reason. It’s full of energy and ambition — a place where anything is possible. This also makes it the perfect destination for groups, as there are endless options for entertainment, sightseeing, and excellent food and drink. 

From world-famous landmarks and a buzzing nightlife to a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, the Big Apple offers something for everyone, whether you are traveling with friends, family, or colleagues. So grab your crew, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 

1. Group Travel Tips for Smooth Sailing in NYC

While NYC makes for an iconic destination, it’s also notoriously one of the busiest cities in the world. As such, you may need to spend a little extra time planning to set your group up for success. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

• Plan in advance: As NYC is a favorite destination for people around the globe, aspects like shows, hotels, and restaurants can book up quickly — especially if you plan to travel during peak seasons like the holidays or summer. To avoid missing out, early planning is a must when traveling with a group. If possible, start making reservations several months in advance. If it helps, many places also offer early booking discounts, so be on the lookout to snag some good deals. 

• Identify group interests: Set aside some time pre-trip to identify everyone’s interests and make a plan that includes a little something to make everyone happy. This can include exploring NYC’s diverse art scene, the city’s rich history and numerous museums, taking in some concerts or theater performances, or hitting up some of the best bars and restaurants. Luckily, New York offers a wide variety of things to do for mixed interests.

• Consider logistics: Plan your group’s transportation in advance. While NYC has plenty of cabs and ride-shares, coordinating for a large group can be challenging. The city’s extensive public transportation system is often the easiest and most efficient option. Here are a few tried and true transportation options for getting your group to and around NYC:
  • Airports: NYC is served by three major airports – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Each airport offers various transportation options into Manhattan, including express buses, the AirTrain, and ride-share services. For larger groups, booking a shuttle or private van can help streamline airport transfers.
  • Subway: The NYC subway system is a cost-effective and efficient way to travel, especially with an unlimited MetroCard. Subways run frequently and serve all five boroughs, making it easy to get around with a group.
  • Ride-Share and Taxis: Options like Uber, Lyft, and traditional yellow cabs are widely available and convenient for shorter trips. If you have a larger group, consider using ride-share services with larger vehicles or opting for a private shuttle service.

• Set a realistic schedule: While you might be tempted to pack your trip with so much to do and see in the city, this can make the trip more tiring than exciting. Instead, try to focus on a few key attractions, allowing for time to buffer and rest in between to avoid feeling rushed. It can help to make a priority list, with the main things everyone wants to do at the top, followed by extras if there is enough time and everyone has the energy. 

• Make a budget: NYC can get pricey, especially when visiting with a group. Budgeting ahead of time can help you avoid overspending and take advantage of those group deals to keep costs down.  

• Stay together: Navigating the city can be overwhelming and confusing for some, so make sure you have a clear idea of where you’re going and stay together to avoid leaving anyone behind. Apps like WhatsApp and GroupMe are perfect for keeping everyone connected and sharing a group itinerary.

2. Neighborhood Highlights: Best Hotels for Groups in NYC

In addition to the many things to do and see in NYC, the city is also known for its diverse and distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality and charm. Here is a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of the best places to stay as a group:

EAST VILLAGE

If you like the artistic, bohemian scene, the East Village is a great choice for groups looking to experience NYC’s edgier side. The Standard, East Village is a popular pick for its central location and modern amenities. For a cozy, yet upscale option with old-world charm, we suggest The Bowery Hotel.

UPPER EAST SIDE

This part of town is great if your group wants a little more luxury and easy access to New York’s famous cultural institutions. The Loews Regency New York is perfect as it offers upscale accommodations that are close to the iconic Central Park and the MET as well as other popular sites in the area.

BROOKLYN

For more hip, trendy, and artistic digs, consider a stay in Brooklyn. This part of NYC is full of boutique hotels like The William Vale and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, which are great for groups and offer some of the best views of Manhattan from across the river. These hotels are also close to Brooklyn’s famous artisan food markets, street art, and music venues.

QUEENS

If your group is on a budget, Queens is an excellent choice, but don’t let the lower price fool you — this neighborhood is well-known for its amazing food scene. We suggest the Ravel Hotel, which is a stylish option with a rooftop bar and easy access to the subway or Aloft, which offers a trendy feel and has comfortable rooms and amenities designed with groups in mind.

THE BRONX

To get a taste of authentic NYC, the Bronx is a must with Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Botanical Garden. Our favorite stay is at the Opera House Hotel, which is a historic landmark-turned-hotel that brings the Bronx’s vibrant culture to life.

MANHATTAN

To be in the heart of it all, Manhattan is the place to stay. The Wyndham New Yorker Hotel and Moxy NYC Times Square have excellent group-friendly options, and they put you in the center of the action with easy access to Times Square, the Theater District, and other major attractions and landmarks.

3. Must-See Attractions for Your Group Trip to NYC

No trip to NYC would be complete without visiting some of these iconic landmarks and attractions: 

THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND

It’s a classic for a reason — the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and hope for millions and is a must-see for any group trip to NYC. You can also book ahead for a group tour for a more seamless experience, and don’t forget about the Immigration Museum on Ellis Island, which offers an in-depth look at immigrant experiences and allows you to trace history through interactive exhibits.

CENTRAL PARK

This beautiful park spans 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, with plenty to explore. You can enjoy a picnic or some sunbathing on the Great Lawn, rent bikes, and explore many of the park’s hidden gems, or take a guided tour to learn about the park’s history. The Bethesda Terrace also offers stunning views and photo ops or check out the rowboats on the Lake for a fun group activity. If you’re visiting in the winter, ice skating at Wollman Rink is also a magical experience.

BROADWAY SHOWS

If there’s one thing NYC isn’t short of, it’s shows to see. Whether your group is into musical spectacles, comedies, or intense dramas, there is something for everyone. Many of the city’s theaters also offer group ticket discounts, so be sure to make your reservations in advance to take advantage of the deals.

MUSEUMS

Another thing NYC has a plethora of is museums. Throughout the city, you’ll find a diverse selection of museums that can appeal to varying ages and interests. The MET is a must-see with a collection spanning 5,000 years of history. There’s also the MoMA, the Smithsonian Design Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and many more.

TIMES SQUARE

For some, Times Square is a love-it-or-hate-it experience, but either way, we think it’s something that everyone should see at least once. With the neon lights, towering billboards, and constant buzz, it makes for an exciting (and photo-worthy) spot for groups. There are also several fun flagship stores to explore, including M&M’s New York, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and the massive Disney Store.

THE HIGH LINE AND HUDSON YARDS

If you want more of a unique attraction experience, check out the High Line — an elevated park built on a former railroad track that offers great city views and a more peaceful stroll above all the hustle and bustle down on the streets. The park stretches along the west side of Manhattan and ends in Hudson Yards, where you can visit a honeycomb-like structure called the Vessel, which makes for a great group spot.

4. Popular Event Venues in NYC

New York City is filled with versatile event spaces that can accommodate groups of all sizes, making it an ideal location for meetings, conventions, and gatherings. Here are some top venues:

JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER

Located on Manhattan’s West Side, this premier event space has 3.3 million square foot campus with flexible indoor and outdoor space. The Javits Center offers options for both large conventions and smaller breakout sessions. It’s an iconic venue for trade shows and large-scale events.

INTERCONTINENTAL NEW YORK BARCLAY

Conveniently located near Grand Central Station, Rockefeller Center and Park Avenue, the InterContinental New York Barclay offers 20,000 sq.ft. of meeting space including three ballrooms and five breakout rooms for groups of all sizes. Perfect for weddings, award ceremonies, gala dinners, smaller corporate meetings and more.

NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN

As one of NYC’s largest hotels, the New York Hilton Midtown has nearly 150,000 square feet of meeting space, making it a top choice for groups needing extensive conference facilities. It’s also close to Times Square, the Theater District, and Central Park.

NEW YORK MARRIOTT MARQUIS

Located in the heart of Times Square, the Marriott Marquis offers breathtaking views and over 100,000 square feet of event space. This location is particularly popular for large gatherings that want to experience the vibrancy of NYC.

Whether you’re organizing a corporate event, conference, or social gathering, NYC has a multitude of spaces to accommodate your group’s needs and enhance the experience.

Whether you’re organizing a corporate event, conference, or social gathering, NYC has a multitude of spaces to accommodate your group’s needs and enhance the experience.

5. Unique Event Venues in NYC

New York City boasts a plethora of unique venues that can elevate any group trip, offering memorable experiences in iconic settings. Here are some standout locations to consider:

The Boathouse in Prospect Park

Nestled within Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, The Boathouse is a Beaux-Arts style building overlooking the scenic Lullwater. Built in 1905, it was one of the first structures in New York City to be designated a historic landmark. The venue offers a breathtaking natural setting and a stately backdrop, making it ideal for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. It can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated dinner with dancing and 225 for a standing event indoors.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Spanning 52 acres, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden provides a lush, tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The garden offers several event spaces, including the glass-walled Palm House, which can accommodate 125 to 250 seated guests, and the Lillian and Amy Goldman Atrium, suitable for 75 to 125 guests. These venues are perfect for weddings, corporate luncheons, and special celebrations, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Rainbow Room

Perched atop Rockefeller Center, the Rainbow Room is a legendary venue that exudes elegance and sophistication. With its floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, a rotating dance floor, and luxurious décor, it has been a favorite for formal gatherings and celebrations. The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests, making it suitable for both intimate and large-scale events.

New York Public Library

As one of NYC’s most culturally iconic institutions, the New York Public Library offers a unique and immersive experience for events. Its grand architecture and rich literary history provide a stunning backdrop for weddings, fundraising galas, and themed parties. The venue offers a number of event spaces ideal for any size party, accommodating up to 750 guests.

American Museum of Natural History

Hosting an event at the American Museum of Natural History ensures an unforgettable experience. The museum offers a variety of event spaces that blend history and education with the excitement of gathering for a special occasion. It’s an ideal setting for wedding receptions, fundraising galas, or themed parties, with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

6. Group-Friendly Dining in NYC

For the food lovers in your group, we have the ultimate guide to the best eats in the city:

Iconic New York City Foods

These iconic restaurants are a must to get an authentic taste of NYC. For pizza, you’ve got to check out Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village. For bagels, Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side is a classic. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, visit Junior’s in Midtown for a slice of their famous New York cheesecake. And for a true New York dining experience, you can’t miss the famous deli sandwiches at Katz’s Delicatessen.

Keep in mind that not all restaurants take reservations or have the physical space to accommodate a large group. Catering is a great alternative when you want to give your group the NYC culinary experience without even leaving the event space.

Group Dining Recommendations

There are many superb food choices in NYC and it’s hard to list them all, so here’s a breakdown by neighborhood of some of our favorites for group dining:

EAST VILLAGE FOOD

The East Village is known for its diverse food options and trendy eateries. Veselka is a favorite for Ukrainian dishes like pierogies and borscht. For something modern, try Momofuku Noodle Bar for delicious ramen and Asian-inspired small plates. If your group is into Mexican food, Empellón Al Pastor serves fantastic tacos and frozen margaritas in a casual, group-friendly space.

BROOKLYN FOOD

Brooklyn has a vibrant food scene that is perfect for groups who want to try a mix of unique flavors. For a classic Brooklyn experience, check out Juliana’s Pizza, where you can enjoy coal-fired pizzas with views of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you have barbecue lovers in your group, go for Fette Sau in Williamsburg for a fun, casual meal with communal seating.

MANHATTAN FOOD

If you want something more upscale, take your group to Carmine’s in Times Square for Italian family-style dining. For something more traditional, Keens Steakhouse in Midtown offers a classic NYC dining experience with its historic atmosphere and an impressive menu of steaks and seafood. For something trendy, The Smith near Lincoln Square is a crowd-pleasing option of American comfort food and spacious seating areas. The beautiful private dining space can accommodate up to 25 guests – perfect for graduation parties, corporate functions, holiday gatherings, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, birthday brunches and more.

QUEENS FOOD

Queens is one of the most diverse boroughs in the city and is a great option for groups who want to try a bit of everything. In Flushing, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao serves some of the city’s best soup dumplings, while SriPraPhai in Woodside offers authentic Thai dishes with plenty of seating for groups. If you’re into Latin American food, Arepa Lady in Jackson Heights is known for its delicious Colombian arepas and casual, welcoming atmosphere.

Reservation and Timing Tips for Group Dining

Finding a spot to eat with a group can be challenging in NYC with how crowded the city gets, especially in the more popular neighborhoods during peak seasons and dining hours. As such, you should aim to make reservations as early as possible if you intend to eat during normal dining hours.

If you are struggling to find any availability, you might want to consider dining during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds, such as an early lunch or a late dinner.

NYC Food Markets

The plethora of food markets in New York is a great choice for groups as they offer a variety of food options in one spot with plenty of seating. Smorgasburg is one of the most popular, but there’s also Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District and Urbanspace Vanderbilt in Midtown. Urbanspace Vanderbilt Market offers versatile spaces for events of all sizes. The vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable food and drinks are great for fundraisers, weddings, networking events, reunions & holiday parties.

7. NYC Group Experiences and Activities

SPORTING EVENTS

For sports enthusiasts, catching a Yankees game in the Bronx or a Mets game at Citi Field in Queens is a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant sports culture. Both stadiums have group seating packages that make it easy to stay together and enjoy the atmosphere. If you’re visiting in winter, you can catch a Knicks basketball game or a Rangers hockey match at Madison Square Garden.

BOAT TOURS

If you want a more unique perspective of the city, boat tours are a fun way to take in sweeping views of the skyline, bridges, and landmarks. Circle Line Sightseeing offers group-friendly options for both daytime and evening tours, and their engaging guides make it a fun and informative experience. For a fancier outing, Bateaux New York does elegant dining cruises with a meal, music, and beautiful skyline views. Private group charters are also available.

ART TOURS AND CLASSES

NYC’s art scene offers plenty of interactive experiences perfect for groups. In Brooklyn, you can book a private graffiti tour in the Bushwick Collective area. For a hands-on experience, try a painting class in SoHo, where local artists guide you through the process with drinks provided. For photography enthusiasts, there are even tours that focus on capturing NYC’s iconic architecture and street life.

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

NYC is known for its legendary nightlife experiences. For an upscale vibe, head to a rooftop bar like 230 Fifth for amazing views of the Empire State Building, especially at sunset. For live jazz, Harlem has some incredible historic venues like Minton’s Playhouse and the Apollo Theater. For an evening of laughs, check out comedy clubs like Comedy Cellar in Greenwich Village or The Stand.

FOOD TOURS

Food tours are a great way for groups to explore NYC’s diverse neighborhoods and rich culinary scene. These tours take you through iconic food hubs like Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, offering mouth-watering samples from NYC eateries along the way. Companies like Foods of NY Tours and Secret Food Tours are best as they specialize in group-friendly experiences where you can taste a wide variety of foods all while learning about the area’s history and culture.

PRIVATE KARAOKE

For something a little more fun and casual for your group, we recommend trying out one of Koreatown’s private karaoke rooms. Gagopa Karaoke and the Spot Karaoke & Lounge are popular spots and have rooms you can rent by the hour, allowing your group to sing to your heart’s content without worrying about an audience. Many karaoke spots in the city are also open late, which is perfect for any night owls in your group looking to continue the party into the wee hours.

Simplify Your Trip to New York City with GroupSync

New York City is an ideal destination for group travelers, however, planning a trip for multiple people to such a busy and crowded city can be a struggle. To streamline the process, make the most of GroupSync’s easy hotel booking. With our group travel options, booking a trip has never been easier and your group will leave NYC with unforgettable memories!