Visiting New York in the winter

New York is a dream winter destination. However, visiting New York in the winter is a whole different game from visiting in the Spring or Autumn. Having previously visited New York for the New Year, I wanted to share my tips on how to make the most of visiting New York in the winter.

Top Tips for Visiting New York in the Winter

Some essential tips and tricks to help you make the most of your time when visiting New York in the winter!

Tip 1: Pack layers

I knew it was going to be cold; I was ready for this, I packed for it, and I am good with cold. I love winter. But it was COLD. I’ve been to Beijing in January and sat on countless frozen chair lifts while skiing, but I don’t think I have ever actually felt that cold.

The entire time I had that line from the Pogues Christmas song in my head, ‘but the wind goes right through you…’. How true.

So first tip – pack layers. Pack everything you need. And then add some more. I was walking around and couldn’t understand why I had left my ski thermals and gloves at home. To give you an idea, here is what I was wearing daily:

• Jeans
• tights under my jeans
• socks
• vest top
• long-sleeved cotton top
• jumper
• down gilet
• coat
• Two scarves over my face
• hat
• two pairs of gloves
• topped with two hoods pulled tight over my head.

I wasn’t warm.

Pack all the layers. All the thermal layers.

Tip 2: Take advantage of the subway

The subway was a godsend in two ways. Firstly, this was the first time I had got to grips with it and meant I could explore so much more of the city. New York is a very walkable city. However, when you visit New York in the winter, it is sometimes just too cold to walk anymore. The subway meant I could get around without freezing.

Secondly, it has free WiFi. Get off the street for a second and check a map on your phone. Gets you out of the wind and saves you from walking in the wrong direction.

Tip 3: Purchase a map, but not just any map.

On the theme of directions, I had been given this amazing Crumpled City map for Christmas. It was fantastic. Get yours HERE.

It’s made of a material that is waterproof and doesn’t tear. I could whip it out of my pocket and stuff it back in, all without having to take my gloves off! Just to make sure I wasn’t going too far off course. I didn’t have to try to find a subway to get wifi, and it was perfect for getting around.

Tip 4: Plan your day carefully when visiting New York in the winter

In winter, it gets dark in New York fairly early. We had decided we wanted to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. However, we spent too long in a bar warming up. When we finally emerged, it was dark, which meant there was no point walking back over the bridge, as we wanted to see the view in daylight.

If there is something you want to do in the daylight, for example, Central Park, plan it earlier in the day. That way, you will firstly not be too cold, and secondly, you will actually get to see it.

Tip 5: Book a Go City Pass

New York is an expensive city, and it can feel even more so if you are travelling there in the winter, as a lot of the attractions are indoors and require an entrance fee. However, booking a Go City Pass is one of the best ways to make your budget stretch further. You can save up to 50% on New York’s top attractions, including the classics such as Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. However, some experiences are indoors and therefore perfect for travellers looking to escape the cold, such as a MOMA, Radio City Music Hall Tour and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

The pass is valid for 30 days, and you can book all experiences through the app. Plus, it is super easy to rearrange the time slots if your plans change, making it the perfect, flexible way to see the city. Take a look at how it works HERE.

Top Tip: Choose an Explorer’s Pass to personalise your experience. You can choose how many experiences you have time to visit, from all they offer.

Find out in depth how it works and how much it costs with my handy guide:
New York Go City Pass Review: Everything You Need to Know

Tip 6: Take lots of respite

Lots of respite is needed, mainly to warm up. Multiple Starbucks trips and bar stops were required. I know Starbucks isn’t the most adventurous of choices, but I sure am a sucker for their chai lattes.

If you are looking for somewhere a bit more ‘New York’, try Magnolia Bakery, as made famous by Sex and the City.

We also planned lots of places to eat and drink. This is advised as the last thing you want to be doing is wandering around trying to find somewhere you want to eat lunch.

Tip 7: Take advantage of the beautiful festive things visiting New York in the winter has to offer

As I said before, New York is the most amazing winter destination. Take advantage of the ice skating rinks. I would recommend visiting the one in Central Park rather than the one at Rockefeller. This one is small and crowded, often with huge queues.

Make sure you also see the Christmas tree in the centre of the lake in Central Park.

Plus, you need to go and take in the Christmas displays in the shop windows. Check out Bloomingdale’s, Saks and Macy’s.

And finally, the tree in front of the Rockefeller is a sight to behold. The first time I was there, they were installing it. So I didn’t get to see it in all its glory. I was so pleased to finally get a chance to see it on my most recent trip.

Tip 8: Do not bother with Times Square on New Year’s Eve

In order to get a good spot, you have to be there hours and hours before midnight. Once you are in, you are in. No way of getting food or going to the loo. In fact, when I was there last year, they were advising people not to go, as it was just too cold.

We saw the new year in a fabulous speakeasy instead. I could not have thought of a better way to do it!

Where to Stay when Visiting New York in the Winter

Consider the location of your accommodation when visiting New York in the Winter. This will affect how you feel and explore the city. Firstly, look for a place that is located only a few minutes’ walk from a subway station. This will allow you easy access to explore the city, without having to walk too far out in the cold. If it is your first time visiting New York, I would recommend staying in Manhattan, since most of the major attractions are located in this borough.

Here are a few of the neighbourhoods I recommend in New York:

Midtown: The most convenient location, given its central spot in Manhattan. Perfect for access to Central Park, as well as Lower Manhattan and ideal if you want to catch a Broadway Show.

Chelsea: Perfect for art lovers. This area is known for its great restaurants, trendy scene and home to art galleries. It is also right next to the Highline and home to Chelsea Market.

Greenwich Village: The quintessential New York experience, and home to many iconic filming locations. As well as bakeries, boutique shops and cafes.

If you want to stay in Brooklyn, take a look at Williamsburg. This is the trendiest neighbourhood in Brooklyn, and is only one stop away from Manhattan on the subway.

Finally, thoughts on visiting New York in the winter?

Above all, New York is beautiful in the winter. I saw some amazing sunsets and clear blue skies. It also snowed when I was there, which I was so excited about. Nothing like the pictures and stories of the cyclone bomb that has since emerged, however, it was still enough to please me!

Central Park in the snow was a dream come true! New York does Christmas better than anywhere!

So I would definitely recommend visiting New York in winter, it will remain one of my favourite trips forever, so go prepared!

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Planning a trip to New York? Here are my other guides on the city to help you plan your trip:

Solo Travel in New York: A Complete Guide
Visiting New York for the first time – a First-Timer’s Guide
5 Days in New York: The Perfect Itinerary
Food of New York

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