For the Sports Fan

New York City is home to many professional sports teams, including the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, and Islanders, and going to a game can be a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon or evening. World-famous arenas like Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and Citi Field, plus all the beer and hot dogs you can stomach, are just a brief trip away.

Maybe a professional sports game isn’t in the budget, though. If that’s the case, consider checking out a sports bar, and if a sports bar doesn’t strike you as an appropriate bachelor party destination, you’ve been going to the wrong bar. The 40/40 Club (yes, the lounge and sports bar co-owned by Jay-Z) is ideal for bachelor blowouts, even offering a Bachelor Party Package featuring 10 shots of liquor, 10 cigars, three food platters, and more, for just $500.

Or, appeal to the groom’s competitive side with some hands-on activities. Chelsea Piers is a gamer’s destination featuring 1.2 million square feet of sports facilities. Whether his game is golf, bowling, hockey, or laser tag (really), every player wins at this grownup playground located on New York’s Hudson River.

For the Foodie

New York City is known for its food, so a food tour can be a great way to experience its culinary offerings. Different food tours are available throughout the city, including tours of specific neighborhoods or focused on certain types of food.

Here are some that we love:

• Greenwich Village Tour
• Brooklyn Tour
• China Town & Little Italy Tour
• Lower East Side Tour

Pro Tip

When it comes to restaurants, cross the chain locations off your list. There are many unique and exciting places to eat in New York City, so try something you can’t get at home. 

For the Beer Lover

For a beer-loving groom, consider going to Bitter & Esters. He’ll learn to make his own beer in this home-brewing shop, with its classes like “Home-brewing Essentials” and “Hops: Lecture & Tasting.” 

Or, you may not want to put in the work and just want to sample some great beers. NYC is great for that, too. Here are a few great breweries in the city:

1. Brooklyn Brewery – Brooklyn Brewery is a popular craft brewery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The brewery offers tours and tastings and has a large, outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy the signature brews.
2. Blind Tiger Ale House – Blind Tiger Ale House is a popular craft beer bar in Greenwich Village. There’s a rotating selection of beer on tap and in bottles, focusing on American craft breweries and tasting flights.
3. Bronx Brewery – Bronx Brewery is a craft brewery that started in the South Bronx, but now has locations in the East Village and Hudson Yards. 

For the Whiskey Lover

If your pal is a cigar and single malt kind of guy, he’ll love The Carnegie Club. Hand-carved 18th-century bookcases, a stone fireplace, and plush seating set the scene at this old-school clubhouse. 

Some other great options for whiskey tastings include:

1. The Flatiron Room – The Flatiron Room is a speakeasy-style lounge in Manhattan that offers an extensive selection of whiskeys from around the world. 
2. The Brandy Library – The Brandy Library is a cozy and upscale bar in Tribeca that specializes in premium spirits, including whiskeys. Note you’ll have to make a specific reservation for groups of six or more. 
3. Copper & Oak – Copper & Oak is an East Village whiskey bar specializing in small-batch and craft whiskeys. The bar offers whiskey flights, tastings, and cocktails made with unique and hard-to-find whiskeys.

For the Party Animal

A booze cruise around New York Harbor is a great way to see the city and party in style, providing epic skyline views and a great buzz if you do it right. 

Of course, there’s also the nightlife. Check out one of the numerous dance clubs (or strip clubs, if that’s your jam); there are great options in every neighborhood in NYC. 

For the Culture Seeker

If you’re visiting New York City for the weekend, as a first-timer, there are a few things you might want to add to your list of must-see places. Here are some great, daytime activities for your bachelor party weekend. 

• The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – The Statue of Liberty is an iconic symbol of freedom, and Ellis Island is where millions of immigrants entered the United States. You can take a ferry to both islands and explore the museums and exhibits.
• Times Square – Times Square is known as “The Crossroads of the World” and is a hub of activity with bright lights, billboards, and street performers. 
• Central Park – Central Park is a massive urban park in the heart of Manhattan. It’s a great place to relax, go for a jog or bike ride, have a picnic, or take a boat ride on the lake.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art – The Met is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. It boasts a vast collection of art from different cultures and time periods.
• The Empire State Building – The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world. You can take an elevator to the observation deck for breathtaking views.
• The Brooklyn Bridge – The Brooklyn Bridge is a historic suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s a great place to take a walk and get amazing views.
• The High Line – The High Line is a unique park built on an old elevated railway line. It offers views, gardens, art installations, and food vendors.
• The American Museum of Natural History – The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s largest and most famous natural history museums, with exhibits on dinosaurs, mammals, ocean life, and more.

Bachelor Party in NYC FAQs

Is NYC a good bachelor party destination?

New York City is famous for its nightlife, so among all popular bachelor party destinations, this one sits near the top, no matter the groom’s interests.

What do most guys do for bachelor parties?

Bachelor parties are typically focused on male-bonding activities, but it’s becoming more common for bachelor parties to be mixed-gender groups and focused on activities the groom enjoys, rather than simply getting drunk and going to a strip club. Generally, a successful bachelor party includes a daytime activity, followed by a nice meal and some drinks.

Who usually attends the bachelor party?

The bachelor party typically includes friends and family of the groom, but it may only include the members of the wedding party. 

How many people typically attend a bachelor party?

The size of the bachelor party varies but tends to be around eight people. However, smaller is probably better if you’re planning to travel for the bachelor party. 

What should I know about NYC when visiting for the first time?

New York City is best navigated by transit (don’t rent a car). When walking, there are specific sidewalk rules and etiquette. Walk on the sidewalk like you would drive and stick to your lanes. If you’re walking slower, stay all the way to the right and never stop on a busy sidewalk. Also, be aware of buses, taxis, and cyclists; they tend to drive erratically, and you might just get run over by a bike. 

Visit TheGroomClub for More Tips

At TheGroomClub, we help grooms up their game at every stage of the wedding process, from the proposal to the honeymoon. Planning a bachelor party can be daunting, but we help you with everything from estimating costs to coming up with unique ideas and themes. 

Make TheGroomClub your go-to spot for all the latest on how to make your wedding unique and memorable. Discover all our latest articles today!