NYC in Winter: What to See, Eat & Do

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Advisor - Emma Heaney
Curated By

Emma Heaney

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • New York City

  • Seasonal

Advisor - NYC in Winter: What to See, Eat & Do
Curator’s statement

New York is magical in the winter. Leaning into the holiday spirit with the city all decorated is the best part. There are endless sights to see, amazing food everywhere you turn, and a vibe that makes walking around feel exciting no matter where you go.

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Things to do in New York City

Times Square at night

  • Holiday market at Bryant Park: Browse festive stalls with unique gifts, treats, and seasonal drinks.

  • Stroll around Central Park: Walk through snow-dusted paths, check out the iconic bridges, and enjoy the winter scenery.

  • Rockettes show at Radio City: Catch the classic holiday performance full of energy and sparkle.

  • Free Staten Island ferry: Take in stunning views of the Statue of Liberty without spending a dime.

  • Shopping in SoHo: Explore trendy boutiques and the city’s best street style.

  • Dining in Little Italy: Enjoy authentic Italian food and charming streets lined with cafes.

  • Top of the Rock for sunset: Watch the city light up from one of NYC’s most iconic viewpoints.

  • Brooklyn Bridge: Walk or bike across this historic bridge for stunning skyline views and perfect photo ops.

  • Times Square: Experience the bright lights, bustling streets, and iconic New York energy.

Places to eat & drink in New York City

Lillie's Victorian Establishment

  • Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: Victorian-style bar with over-the-top decor and solid cocktails.

  • Liberty Bagels: Classic New York bagels that are huge, fluffy, and always worth the line.

  • Osamil: Modern Korean spot with inventive dishes and drinks.

  • Dear Irving Rooftop: A rooftop bar with skyline views that’s perfect for sunset drinks.

  • Carbone: Iconic Italian-American comfort food with retro vibes.

  • Prince Street Pizza: Thick, square pepperoni slices—classic NYC pizza.

  • Keens Steakhouse: Midtown steakhouse with a ton of history and the famous mutton chop.

  • Balthazar: Bustling SoHo brasserie, great for brunch or people-watching.

  • The Dead Rabbit: Award-winning Irish bar with craft cocktails.

Need to know

  • Get around by subway or on foot: Traffic can be crazy, so walking and public transit are usually fastest.

  • Plan for crowds: Popular spots like Times Square, Bryant Park, and holiday markets can get busy, especially on weekends.

  • Book key experiences in advance: Shows, rooftop bars, and popular restaurants often sell out.

  • Dress in layers: Winter can be cold, especially in the evenings, but layering makes exploring more comfortable.

  • Take advantage of free views: The Staten Island Ferry and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge give amazing city views without spending a dime.

Advisor - Emma Heaney

Travel Advisor

Emma Heaney

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our New York City page.