The 13 Best NYC Places to Visit in Winter
New York City has many super famous sights to offer. But when I’m in New York in the winter, I look at other places that I do not have, for example, in the summer on my travel plan.
Therefore, I have compiled my 13 best places in NYC that you should visit during winter time. In addition to classics like the Empire State Building, we also show you a few special places that you can discover in the Big Apple only in winter. 👉 Further down you find all spots on a map.
Let’s check out the best sights in New York in winter:
My Favorite Places to Visit in Winter in NYC
If this list isn’t enough for you, our New York Winter Guide has even more tips on the best spots, tours, events and Christmas in New York.
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01
Brooklyn Bridge in Winter
Building in DumboOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Bridge is an official landmark of the city, which you should not miss even in winter. Make sure to walk across the impressive bridge and enjoy the unique view across the East River to Brooklyn in the clear winter air. And while you’re on the bridge, take a stroll to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
GET A WARMING COFFEE AND ENJOY THE SPECTACULAR VIEWS!
Due to the cold wind, it can get really icy on the Brooklyn Bridge in winter. The best time to try your luck on some warming sunshine is around noon on the bridge.
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02
Central Park in Winter
Park in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Central Park should not be missing from any Things to Do in New York in winter! The green lung of the city turns into a true winter wonderland during the cold season. It is therefore also a popular destination for New Yorkers. Stroll through the park under snow-covered trees and let yourself be enchanted by the play of lights on the frozen water surfaces in the evening.
Walking through Central Park in the cold is magical! If there’s snow, it’s even more amazing.
If you want to be more adventurous, start in Harlem and walk down Central Park towards Midtown. Too often we catch ourselves starting on Fifth Avenue at the Plaza Hotel in Central Park. There is so much more to explore than just that part of Central Park.
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03
Bryant Park Winter Village
Christmas Market in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
Starting in October (and running through March), it is time once again for the best winter market in New York City to open its doors. The Winter Village in Bryant Park is not only the largest Christmas market in the city but also by far the nicest on account of its adjacent ice rink and places to shop and eat. This along with its amazing location among all the skyscrapers makes for an amazing Christmas experience.
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04
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Christmas Tree in Midtown Manhattan
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is one of the largest Christmas trees in NYC, placed annually in Rockefeller Center Plaza. In New York, the Tree Lighting Ceremony right after Thanksgiving is the official start of the Holiday season. Over the past years, we weren’t super lucky with the weather but the Tree Lighting Ceremony attracts tons of people every year. Of course, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is the highlight of visitors coming to New York from all over the world during Christmas time. Most visitors only know the tree from movies or pictures, so it’s very impressive looking at it in person. This year, the lighting of the tree ceremony at Rockefeller Center will take place on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.
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05
From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour
Bus Tour in Dyker HeightsOur Highlight
If you live in Brooklyn or visit New York during Christmas, one of the most popular attractions to enjoy during the wintertime is the Dyker Heights Christmas lights display. Every year around this time, people flock to catch a glimpse of these beautiful lights. Our ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about Dyker Heights and their Christmas Lights Festival so that when December rolls around, you have no problem navigating your way through the crowds and enjoying it as much as possible!
My tip: Here you find the best Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours.
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06
Saks Fifth Avenue
Other Shopping in Midtown Manhattan
Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store, which is located in Midtown Manhattan, offers an experience like no other flagship store in the city. It’s one of the original stores responsible for helping to make fifth ave a must-visit shopping destination.
The flagship store is a whopping ten stories high and features everything from designer clothing to accessories to home decor. You’ll find all of the top designers at Saks Fifth Avenue, including Prada, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and more! In addition to clothing, you can also find beauty products and services here, making it the perfect one-stop-shop for all your luxury needs.
The flagship store is often considered to be the most luxurious department store in New York City and offers an experience that is sure to please everyone who visits. With outdoor light experiences, and intricate displays adorning each floor of Saks, it’s no wonder why many consider it to be one of the must-visit store’s flagship stores in NYC.
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07
Empire State Building
Building in Midtown Manhattan
The Empire State Building is the most famous attraction in New York City. When most people think of NYC, this landmark is usually the first thing that pops into their head. It’s an iconic skyscraper and has been arguably the face of the city. It should definitely be a part of every trip to the city since it features two observation decks! Here’s a fun fact: The Empire State Building even has its own zip code! (NY 10118)
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08
9/11 Memorial
Building in Financial District
Ground Zero has now become a place for quiet reflection. With two huge pools to commemorate the lives lost during 9/11 the beautiful memorial attracts people from far and wide. NYC will never forget 9/11 and the memorial is the perfect embodyment of this spirit.
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09
The Edge Observation Deck
Building in Hudson YardsOur Highlight
The Hudson Yards observation deck called Edge is New York’s newest and highest open observation deck. It opened in March 2020 and we were there – the view from up here is just sensational, and through the glass floor you can see over 100 floors straight down!
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10
One World Observatory
Building in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere meaning that is the ultimate place for an observation deck. The One World Observatory offers amazing views over the whole of Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers and of course the Statue of Liberty. As one of NYC’s newest attractions the modern building and its observation deck have many amazing features that make this well worth the visit!
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11
Staten Island Ferry
Cruise in Staten Island
One of New York’s most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which commutes between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The crossing is free of charge! The 5 mile journey takes about 20-25 minutes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.
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12
One Vanderbilt The Summit
Building in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
The New York City skyline is one of the most famous and recognizable skylines in the world. It’s a city filled with skyscrapers and tall buildings. In most recent years, it has been expanding which made way for new observation decks. The newest observation deck is located at the top of the One Vanderbilt Building and is called The Summit. This deck is the second-highest outdoor deck in NYC which follows the Edge and has been open since October 2021.
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13
High Line
Park in Meatpacking DistrictOur Highlight
There are few parks as unique as the High Line. The elevated freight rail line was repurposed as a public green space that opened in 2009 and now offers amazing views of the city, as well as a place to relax and unwind. Its plant life is based directly off what was growing there while it was abandoned, giving this park a unique and interesting atmosphere! The High Line stretches from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards-34th Street.
What is the best pass for New York?
Currently, there are six major passes for New York City, making the task to find the best New York pass even harder. Most of the NYC sightseeing passes have a list of over 10 included attractions it can be difficult at times to compare them properly. Because we know how overwhelming the choice can be, we have created a tool that helps you to find the best New York Pass in three simple steps – ourNYC Attraction Pass Savings Calculator!
The 13 Best NYC Places to Visit in Winter on a Map
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