Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating friendship, and there’s no better place to do that than New York City. Whether you want a fun brunch, a spa day, or an exciting activity, the city offers plenty of ways to enjoy the day with your closest friends. Here are the top places and events to check out for a memorable Galentine’s Day celebration in NYC.
1. Have a Boozy Brunch with Your Best Friends
A bottomless brunch is one of the best ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day in NYC. With endless mimosas, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to enjoy time with your best friends.
Best Brunch Spots for Galentine’s Day:
- Poco NYC (East Village)– This spot is famous for its unlimited sangria, mimosas, and Bloody Marys, paired with dishes like truffle mac and cheese or lobster Benedict. The lively vibe makes it a great choice for a fun group outing.
- Jack’s Wife Freda (Multiple Locations)– If you prefer a stylish café setting, this restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes and creative cocktails in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Buvette (West Village)– This French café serves classic brunch options, including croque monsieurs and Belgian waffles, in an intimate and charming setting.
Reservations fill up quickly, so make sure to book in advance.
A woman having a spa day
2. Treat Yourselves to a Spa Day
If you and your friends want to unwind and relax, a spa day is a great way to celebrate. NYC has some of the best spas, offering everything from facials to hot tubs and saunas.
Top Spas to Visit:
- AIRE Ancient Baths (Tribeca)– This luxurious spa features thermal baths, massages, and candlelit pools for a tranquil and indulgent experience.
- Great Jones Spa (NoHo)– Known for its water lounge with a hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna, this spa is perfect for a relaxing day with friends.
- Bathhouse (Williamsburg)– This modern spa offers hot and cold baths, massages, and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a post-treatment meal.
Booking a group spa package can make the experience even more enjoyable.
3. Enjoy a Fun Cocktail-Making Class
A cocktail-making class is a great way to celebrate Galentine’s Day while learning something new. You and your friends can mix up creative drinks and enjoy the results.
Best Cocktail Classes in NYC:
- Liquid Lab NYC (Midtown)– This interactive class teaches you how to create craft cocktails using fresh ingredients and unique techniques.
- Apothéke Academy (Chinatown)– Known for its speakeasy-style atmosphere, this bar offers mixology classes where you can learn how to make herbal and botanical cocktails.
- Analogue (Greenwich Village)– This bar hosts small group classes that focus on classic and custom cocktails.
Many of these classes include a tasting session, making it a great pre-game before a night out.
Three glasses of different colored cocktails
4. Go to a Broadway Show
Seeing a Broadway show is a fun way to celebrate with your friends, especially if you love theater. Whether you want a musical, a comedy, or a classic performance, there’s something for everyone.
Great Broadway Shows to Watch:
- “The Play That Goes Wrong”– A hilarious comedy where everything that can go wrong in a play does, making it a fun and lighthearted choice.
- “Hamilton”– If you and your friends are history buffs, this award-winning musical is a must-see.
- “MJ The Musical”– A high-energy show featuring the music of Michael Jackson, perfect for a fun night out.
If you’re looking for affordable tickets, check out last-minute deals or weekday performances for the best prices.
5. Take a Cute Galentine’s Day Photoshoot
NYC is filled with great spots for a Galentine’s Day photoshoot. Whether you want a stylish indoor backdrop or scenic outdoor shots, you’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy locations.
Best Spots for a Photoshoot:
- DUMBO(Brooklyn) – The Manhattan Bridge view from Washington Street is one of the most iconic photo spots.
- The Edge (Hudson Yards)– This observation deck offers incredible skyline views that make for stunning group photos.
- Pietro Nolita (SoHo)– A pink-themed café that’s perfect for a Galentine’s Day-themed photoshoot.
Booking a professional photographer for a mini session can be a fun way to capture the day.
Aladdin on Broadway
6. Try an Afternoon Tea Experience
If you want something more relaxed, an afternoon tea is a great way to celebrate. NYC has several tea rooms that offer delicious pastries, finger sandwiches, and premium teas.
Top Afternoon Tea Spots:
- The Plaza Hotel (Midtown)– The Palm Court offers a luxurious tea experience with elegant décor and a selection of high-end teas.
- Alice’s Tea Cup (Upper West Side)– A whimsical tea house with themed décor, making it a fun and casual option.
- Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon (Gramercy)– A hidden gem offering a five-course afternoon tea in a cozy, vintage-style setting.
These spots tend to get busy, so making a reservation is recommended.
7. Take a Fun Group Class Together
Trying something new together is a great way to bond. NYC has many group classes that are perfect for a fun Galentine’s Day celebration.
Great Classes for a Group:
- Pottery Class at La Mano Pottery (Chelsea)– Learn how to make your own ceramics in a hands-on workshop.
- Candle-Making Workshop at Brooklyn Candle Studio (Industry City)– Create your own custom-scented candles.
- DIY Pizza-Making Class at Rossopomodoro (Greenwich Village)– Learn how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza from scratch.
These classes not only give you a fun experience but also a souvenir to take home.
8. Go on a Dessert Crawl
If you and your friends love sweets, a dessert crawl is a fun way to celebrate Galentine’s Day in NYC.
Must-Try Dessert Spots:
- Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo)– Famous for the cronut, this bakery offers unique pastries.
- Levain Bakery (Multiple Locations)– Known for its massive, gooey chocolate chip cookies.
- Serendipity 3 (Upper East Side)– Home to the famous frozen hot chocolate.
Plan a route and visit a few spots in one afternoon for the ultimate sweet celebration
Making Valentine’s Day desserts
Plan the Perfect Galentine’s Day in NYC
There are endless ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day in NYC, whether you prefer brunch, a spa day, a Broadway show, or a unique class. No matter how you spend the day, the most important thing is celebrating friendship and making great memories.
For more ideas on the best things to do in NYC, check out Visit NYC for recommendations on, Broadway theater NYC experiences, must-see attractions, and New York City travel guides.
