Updated December 10th, 2022

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“The city that never sleeps”, “the capital of the world”, “the city of dreams”. Whatever you call it New York City is the perfect backdrop to any chick lit novel. Unlike romance novels, the best chick lit books usually include more than a love story. While romantic elements are typically present, there is often a strong focus on other relationships, personal issues, career ambitions, or individual goals. This list of chick lit set in New York City is a mix of chick lit books that follow the more traditional formula and ones that have more unique plots.

I remember one of my high school teachers putting down happy endings. At times I see her point, but sometimes when the world doesn’t feel so happy it’s nice to get lost in a light and fluffy read that just makes you feel good. If chick lit is not for you check out my list of historical fiction books set in New York City. Younger readers will love these children’s books about NYC. 

If light and fluffy is what you are looking for then that’s where this list of the best chick lit novels come in. New York City lends itself well as the perfect setting. In some of these reads it’s as if the city is it’s own character! 

After reading each book check out where to visit in the city based on where the characters go in the book!

The Best Chick Lit Books Set in New York City

I Heart New York

Let’s begin with the most classic NYC based chick lit book on this list. The best chick lit books are rarely considered classics, but if there was a classic NYC based chick lit book it would be I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk. I say that it is a classic not in the sense that it is a timeless book, but that it follows the similar plot of the woman: going through a break-up, reinventing herself in a new city, and meeting a new man. 

Angie comes to NYC from London straight from a bad breakup. She immediately makes a new friend who makes her over and shows her the city. Of course she quickly meets not one, but two men and lands a dream job. 

At times the stereotypical plot made me roll my eyes a bit. As someone who lived in NYC I kept thinking this would never happen! Clearly I am a bit hardened from my experience in the city. On the other hand it is a fun, happy read. Whether you live in NYC or dream about it, the story does paint the fairytale dream of moving to the city. Who knows? It is the city of dreams, anything is possible! 

While I may be a bit jealous and skeptical of Angie’s easy experience in the city, I did love how the book was packed with NYC experiences, moments, and places. Not only is the book a romantic tale involving Angie’s dates, but also a love affair with the city. It was easy to relate to all the things a young female loves about the city and what draws them to it in the first place. 

Where to Visit:

Visit all the must-sees like Angie did when she arrived. Have a picnic in Central Park, go to the top of the Empire State Building, and see a Broadway show. This 4 day NYC itinerary is a good start for first time visitors. It includes all of these places and more. 

Whether it is your first visit or you have lived in the city for 10 years you are missing out if you don’t see the Statue of Liberty. Take a tour and go to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island so you can really appreciate all the millions of people who have made the city home. 

Dine at the restaurants Angie went to on her dates like The Mercer Kitchen and Balthazar. Savor the chocolate at Max Brenner’s. It may be a tad touristy, but still delicious. 

Angie’s new friend always avoids Brooklyn. Don’t be like her! Williamsburg in Brooklyn is an artsy, hipster neighborhood to check out or plan a full day in Brooklyn and see a few different neighborhoods. 

Queen of Babble in the Big City

Meg Cabot is known for being one of the queens of chick lit. She is also the author of the Queen of Babble series. When I started reading Queen of Babble In the Big City I wasn’t aware that it was the second book in the series. I initially felt like I didn’t miss anything by skipping out on the first book, Queen of Babble. Then again I wouldn’t really know if I missed anything, would I!? If I were you I would start out with the first book so you don’t miss anything and mostly because you will want to know all about Lizzie!

Lizzie, the main character, is headed to NYC with her boyfriend. She dreams of opening up her own vintage wedding gown refurbishment shop. As I wrote about in the introduction, chick lit usually contains romance, but can be more than solely the love story. I really enjoyed the book because it was clearly a chick lit novel, but there was friendship, co-worker relationships, work life and goals central to the plot as well.

I like how the story accurately showed the struggles of living in New York City and those moments of “can I really make it here?” that every transplant thinks. Lizzie is known for her big, babbling mouth. Find out if that helps or hurts her in the Big Apple.

Not to fear I won’t spoil the ending, but it doesn’t have the closure that most novels do. I definitely want to read the next book and find out what Lizzie decides to do.

Where to Visit:

You may not be able to wake up across the street from the Metropolitan Museum of Art like Lizzie, but you can go and visit this world renowned art museum. Walk around the Upper East Side and visit Central Park. Dine at Nobu and Jean Georges, a couple of New York’s finer restaurants.

If your wallet doesn’t allow for the more expensive UES experiences, head to the East Village where Chaz and Shari lived. As the book was written in 2007, the neighborhood is not as seedy and dangerous as the characters in the story imply. It has a gritty, old school vibe and is now one of the most “hip” neighborhoods in the borough. As far as I know Honey’s, from the book, isn’t a real place, but you will be sure to find one that feels just like it. A free food tour is a great way to eat your way through the neighborhood.

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

The English author Sophie Kinsella is known for writing some of the best chick lit books and especially her bestselling Shopaholic series. The first novel Confessions of a Shopaholic was turned into a movie of the same name. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan is the second novel in the series where the main character, Becky, leaves London and heads to Manhattan!

Taking a shopaholic to NYC is never a smart decision. While Becky’s boyfriend, Luke is working hard to grow his business in the city, Becky is trying to obtain a spot on a TV show like the one she is in back home. Let’s be honest she mostly just goes shopping! I enjoy shopping but I have nowhere near the passion Becky has for the activity and especially not the recklessness.

Despite the fact that I don’t identify with the ‘urge’ to enter a store and buy the first beautiful thing I see, Becky is a very likable character. While Becky’s spending and shopping obsession is rather ridiculous, I couldn’t help to be amused and entertained. It’s not a book to take seriously, but just to laugh along with!

Where to Visit:

Wouldn’t you love to stay at the luxurious Four Seasons like Becky? You will be close to all the high end stores along 5th avenue that Becky absolutely fell in love with like Saks Fifth Avenue. She also loved shopping in SoHo and discovering the pop up sample sales around the city.

Unless you truly are a shopaholic you should pull yourself away from the stores to learn about the culture, history and other sights of the city too. There are hundreds of tours to choose from in the city that never sleeps. There’s a tour for everyone in this list of NYC tours.

Becky didn’t last too long on her walking tour and got sidetracked at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This cathedral from 1879 is one of the city’s most iconic and historical buildings. Take a tour of the cathedral to learn about this historic and beautiful building.

The Assistants

Sometimes it takes me a bit to get into a book but I was instantly hooked on The Assistants by Camille Perri. From the first sentence of the prologue I was intrigued and curious about what Tina, the main character, was talking about. I’m not one for long scenery descriptions or too much of setting the scene. I like a lot of realistic dialogue and action. The Assistants is written in exactly that fashion. 

While chick lit books are naturally lighter reads and almost always include a romance I typically prefer the ones with a little more substance. I know chick lit isn’t the genre to go to for substance, but I find the best chick lit books have more to the plot than girl meets boy, girl and boy have conflict, but ultimately get together. This novel has the required love story, but it isn’t the main driver of the plot. Tina’s dishonesty that starts accidentally and then blows into a huge embezzlement scam that leads to a non-profit is the focus of the novel. 

Where to Visit:

The majority of the book takes place in either the large corporate office where Tina works on 8th avenue or Tina’s apartment in Williamsburg. 

I researched the many restaurants in the book to find out they all really exist such as Michael’s. Clearly I don’t fit the “high-profile media personalities” the restaurant is known to serve, nor do I frequent the pricier restaurants in the city. If you want a Cobb salad for $34 go to Michael’s where Tina had a business lunch or a Jean-Georges fancy meal go to Nougatine where Tina had a first date. If not go to Pies & Thighs in Williamsburg where Tina eats when she is not being wined and dined. They have the best fried chicken and pie!  

Several times in the story the characters go to Central Park. While the south end may be full of tourists, it’s one of those places in NYC that the locals truly visit. Make sure to find the dog sled statue! 

In Five Years

Dannie, the protagonist in Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years, has her whole life mapped out. Everything is going according to her plan until one night when she wakes up in a different apartment five years into the future. She believes this hour she spends in the future is much more than a dream. As hard as she tries she can’t shake the experience, especially when she meets the man from that night in real life.

The novel begins like many other light chick lit reads. The first half feels like a breezy, fun read. In the beginning I admit I was questioning the friendship between the very different Bella and Dannie though. I was also skeptical about how a “dream” could stick with someone so intently.

The remainder of the novel felt completely different to me. Due to heartbreaking events there is a lot more depth to the story than it first appears. While it brought me to tears and made me question my own relationships, it was this 2nd half of the book that really drew me in. Other NYC based chick lit revolves around fun romantic relationships and friendships. Dannie and Bella’s story shows the other more real, yet challenging side of life in NYC. 

Where to Visit:

Dannie is quite busy, and outside of her work and her relationships she doesn’t have time to do much more than pick up food or go out to eat once in awhile. Katz’s Delicatessen is the famous sandwich deli from When Harry Met Sally. Dannie claims that Sarge’s Deli is even better.

There’s no shortage of fast, create your own salad places in the city. Dannie orders from Sweetgreen, one of my favorites with numerous locations around Manhattan and a few in the other boroughs. I love their spicy cashew dressing. The French bistro, Buvette in Greenwich Village and Snack Taverna with Greek food in West Village are two of Dannie and Bella’s spots. An extra special evening happens at the Rainbow Room on the top of Rockefeller Center.

Take the same route Dannie did one morning by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan. Explore the DUMBO neighborhood and take a break in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park is full of benches that provide the perfect place to people watch and admire the Manhattan skyline.

The Lies that Bind

Despite clearly reading and enjoying a lot of chick lit (I of course read every book in all my posts), I wouldn’t say it is my favorite genre because the storylines can often blur together from one book to another. The best selling chick lit author’s Emily Giffin’s books are most certainly an exception. She writes about strong characters that are imperfect, but growing and changing. The plots and dialogue are more believable and relatable.

Many of Giffin’s books take place in NYC including her most recent novel, The Lies that Bind. In the novel Cecily is struggling to move on from a breakup when she meets Grant. They form a quick and strong connection. Despite Grant moving overseas they can’t let go of each other. This all changes when Grant goes missing after 9/11. Cecily discovers that she is not the only person looking for Grant. She begins to question the relationship and search for answers. 

Where to Visit:

The Lies that Bind take place during the devastating time around 9/11. September 11th was a tragic day and it is heartbreaking to remember and read about for anyone. If this day is particularly triggering for you I wouldn’t recommend this novel as it will of course bring back memories, but you also may feel the way the event is used in the story as insensitive. I didn’t feel this way while reading it, but I can see how others would.

The best way to learn about 9/11 is to visit the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It’s a very emotional experience walking through the museum and reading about the tragedies, but also about the heroes and resilience of New Yorkers. You can also take the highly rated Ground Zero Tour.

The New Yorkers

Everyone who has lived in NYC knows that New Yorkers aren’t as rude as they first appear. That doesn’t mean that you won’t feel lonely in a city full of millions. Unless you have a dog that is! In Cathleen Schine’s The New Yorkers dogs connect people who would have never interacted otherwise.

The story is centered around one block on the Upper East Side near Central Park. It is a sweet story about the different dog owners who met and fall in love and form friendships. It’s one of those stories that is just a snapshot of a few months of the characters lives and doesn’t have anything overly big or significant going on, but sometimes those are the best and most relatable books. It’s a sweet story, but does have some sad moments.

Where to Visit:

Explore the Upper East Side (UES). The UES is known for being one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city. Along 5th avenue you will find museum mile with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, El Museo del Barrio, the Guggenheim Museum and more. On the avenues (running north to south) such as 2nd avenue you can find a lot of restaurants and stores. The streets (running west to east) are mostly residential.

Spend some time in Central Park. No matter how many times I visit I always discover something new in the park. Near E 76th street you can find the Alice in Wonderland sculpture. One of my favorite areas is the North Woods in the northern corner of the park.

Someday, Someday, Maybe

Are you a fan of Gilmore Girls? Then you need to read Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham, who plays Lorelai in the TV series. Graham’s novel takes place in the 90s in NYC when Franny is trying to make it in the city as an actress. She told herself she has three years to reach her goal. As her deadline approaches she doesn’t know if she will run out of money or fail on her goal first.

The plot is fairly predictable, but there is witty dialogue and thoughts from Franny, the narrator. Franny and her two roommates are also well-developed characters. The whole premise of finding yourself, love and an acting career may seem cliche for NYC, but the city is truly full of people looking for those same things! It’s a light, heartwarming story with many amusing parts.

Where to Visit:

As the book takes place in the 90s you will see that New York has changed quite a bit from then and mostly all for the better. Franny likes to avoid walking across 42nd St because it is so seedy. While most locals still avoid Times Square, except for Broadway shows, it is because of the hordes of tourists and nothing else. It’s one of those ‘tourist’ places that you need to visit though!

Another one is the Brooklyn Bridge. Spend a day exploring Brooklyn and then walk across the bridge towards Manhattan. At sunset you will be treated with a beautiful view of the skyline.

Nine Women, One Dress

I have always loved books told from different character’s perspectives, especially when they are initially strangers. To me it feels serendipitous when an event, an item or coincidence connects people. Nine Women, One Dress by Jane Rosen is the story of different women’s lives that connect thanks to one little black dress. Each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective.

Some characters are given more description and backstory than others. The dressmaker’s story is included as well. Regardless of the extent that their story is told, the magical dress alters each person’s life. It is a feel good story that will make you connect with at least one of the characters. You will be rooting for (most) of the characters and laughing along with the characters’ antics.

Where to Visit:

The upscale department store, Bloomingdale’s, plays a central role in the novel. Go on a shopping spree there and maybe you will find your own little black dress!

Other iconic places in the city such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Plaza Hotel, the Brooks Atkinson Theatre and Central Park are included. Several parts take place at Grand Central Station. Definitely make time to take a guided tour of the station or a self-guided audio tour. There is so much history to Grand Central Station and many hidden secrets too!

Opening Belle

Opening Belle is written by Maureen Sherry, a former Wall Street managing director. Her fictional account gives a look into what it is really like for a female executive working on Wall Street. While the story is not a memoir, it is based on her experiences and other women’s true stories.

Isabelle (Belle) has her plate full with three children, keeping her household running and navigating a sexist work environment. With some of her female co-workers they form a glass ceiling club to fight back against all the discrimination. At the same time Belle struggles with her role in the club and the risk of hindering her career.

The 2008 stock market crash parallels Belle’s own personal “crashes” in her life. The book revolves around a common question that many women ask themselves, “can I have a high powered career and a happy family”. Some of the best chick lit books discuss women’s struggles with work/life balance, but do not delve as deeply into the actual work culture.

Where to Visit:

Most of us will never work on Wall Street, but you can take a tour of Wall Street and see some of the most powerful financial buildings in the world and learn insider knowledge of what goes on within each one.

Whenever I am in the financial district I always love eating on Stone St. It is a cobblestone pedestrian street that feels more like a lively back alley. Tables from all the restaurants on both sides fill the street.

A Magical New York Christmas 

There’s no place like New York City at Christmastime. Anita Hughes writes about this wonderful time of year in A Magical New York Christmas. What could be more magical than a New York girl and a British boy staying at the famous Plaza hotel for work the week before New Year’s? It’s no spoiler that Ian and Sabrina slowly start to fall in love. The secrets they keep from each other lead to some unexpected turns along the way. 

Their storyline is the main one in the book, but as Sabrina is a ghostwriter working on a memoir for a famous art dealer there is a side story as well. The story of Kay Thompson is intertwined within the art dealer’s story. Kay Thompson is the author of the Plaza’s fictional, yet most famous resident, Eloise. As the story took place at the Plaza it was the perfect sub-plot to learn more about the life of Thompson. I had to fact check after I read the book, but many of the details were true. 

Where to Visit:

You’ll want to stay at the famous Plaza hotel after reading this novel. You’ll probably want to book the Pulitzer or Fitzgerald suites just like Sabrina and Ian. That is until you see the prices. The cheapest room at the Plaza is over $700 a night. Don’t fret if that price tag is a little too steep you can treat yourself to a meal at the Palm Court or simply a free walk around the iconic hotel. Don’t miss Sabrina’s favorite store, the Eloise store! 

You can take part in many of the other holiday activities Sabrina and Ian enjoyed such as ice skating in Central Park or shopping at the Bryant Park Winter Village. My NYC Christmas post is full of things to do in NYC in December. 

There’s no shortage of books based in New York City. Many of the best chick lit books are set in NYC. Let me know in the comments below which one is your favorite!

More About NYC

BOOKS

• Historical Fiction Books Set in NYC
• Children’s Books about NYC

BROADWAY

• How to Get Discount Broadway Tickets

CHRISTMAS

• The Best Things to Do in New York in December

ITINERARIES

• 4 Days for First Time Visitors
• 5 Days: One Day in Each Borough

LIFE IN NYC

• Moving to NYC Alone
• How to Save Money Living in NYC

MUSEUMS

• NYC Museums by Category
• New York Historical Society
• Museum of the City of New York

TOURS

• The Best NYC Tours

WHERE TO STAY

• Grandview Hotel (Queens)
• Where to Stay in Brooklyn

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