If escaping to a warm and sunny climate isn’t an option for you this winter, don’t worry. There are plenty of fun activities to do in New York City, which is only a train ride away. Embrace the cold with outdoor pursuits or stay warm inside at one of NYC’s many museums or Broadway theaters.
Here are a few ideas for a getaway in the Big Apple.
Ice Skating
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s most celebrated winter attractions. Pros can show off their skills and newbies can take skating lessons. Rent skates or bring your own. Make a reservation at www.therinkatrockcenter.com.
Igloo Bar
The newly redesigned Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth Rooftop is heated and transparent, offering spectacular views of the city. Each of the 17 igloos can accommodate 12 guests, so it’s a great spot for a party and to make new friends. Check out the menu and available packages at www.230-fifth.com/igloo-bar.
Carriage Ride
Enjoy the beauty of Central Park and experience a bygone era before the advent of cars and buses when horse-drawn carriages ruled the streets. A carriage ride is a quintessential date activity—don’t forget to bring a blanket! Book a ride at www.centralpark.com/things-to-do/activities/horse-drawn-carriages.
Museums
From MoMA to The Met and The Guggenheim to The Whitney, there is an abundance of fine art to be found in Manhattan. On display at The Whitney through March is an Andy Warhol exhibition highlighting works of the influential American pop artist. Get tickets at www.whitney.org.
Broadway
If you love Broadway musicals, then it’s a good thing you live in New York. There are so many uplifting shows to see. Try Frozen to keep with a winter theme, Anastasia for early 20th-century adventure, Come From Away to restore your faith in humanity, Wicked for some gravity-defying fantasy or Kinky Boots for some fabulous fun before it closes in April. Buy tickets at www.playbill.com.
Dining
In between all that wintertime fun, you’re bound to get hungry. Here are some top picks for dining morning, noon and night:
Breakfast
When in New York City, eat a bagel. Or, better yet, a bialy. It’s tradition! Both are baked to perfection at Kossar’s, an institution of the Lower East Side for the past 82 years. Visit www.kossars.com.
Brunch
Renowned for its popular weekend brunch, Sarabeth’s offers contemporary American fare at each of its five locations throughout the city. Visit www.sarabethsrestaurants.com.
Lunch
The best Cuban sandwiches in Manhattan can be found at Margon, a cozy, casual restaurant near Times Square. Try an authentic Cubano or another hot entrée with a side of black beans and plantains. Yum. Visit www.margon.has.restaurant.
Dinner
Make a reservation for dinner at Madame Vo, an intimate restaurant in the East Village serving up homestyle Vietnamese cuisine. The spicy chicken wings have been called the best in New York. Visit www.madamevonyc.com.
Dessert
The French know how to do dessert. Savor authentic pâtisserie treats—eclairs, macarons, petit fours, cakes, tarts and more—at any of three Mille-feuille locations. Offerings at www.millefeuille-nyc.com.
Cocktails
Located in the West Village, Katana Kitten is a charming and eclectic Japanese cocktail bar with some radically original drinks. Try the shiso gin & tonic, signature panda fizz or hair of the cat boilermaker. Learn more at www.katanakitten.com.
