NYC Guide to Winter Time

New York City in the Winter is just as chaotic as it always is, but this time everyone’s a little more cheerful. Because of this, it’s one of my favorite seasons to spend a day in the Big Apple. New York gets COLD and this is no exaggeration. People walk around in their Canada Goose jackets, gloves, scarves, hats and snow boots and are still shaking from the freezing temperatures. And since New York is a walking city, sometimes it can be hard to decide what to do when the weather becomes unbearable. Well, here are some of my favorite New York City Winter activities. 

See a Broadway Show.

I have loved doing this since I saw The Little Mermaid on Broadway when I was 4. I don’t know why but something about walking into a grand theatre and watching some of the most talented people in the world puts a smile on my face. I don’t think there has ever been a Broadway show I didn’t like. My favorites are Wicked and Legally Blonde. My least favorite so far has been Book of Mormon, but even that was good. 

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center 

As touristy as this is, I feel like it’s something everyone needs to do at least once whether you live in the city or are just visiting. I’ve done this once for a birthday party and it was so fun. The big Rockefeller Christmas tree was still lit up and my friends and I spent hours skating around until our feet went numb. We even saw three proposals (talk about unoriginal). You can also go ice skating in Bryant Park and Central Park. 

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar 

I’ve never been here but my roommate told me about it. Supposedly, this rooftop bar has IGLOOS set up during the winter. Yes, you heard me. Igloos. These igloos are translucent and heated so you can still get the view of the Empire State Building while staying warm. They serve spiked hot chocolate, coffee and hot ciders. A fun and wholesome way to get drunk! 

Look at the Windows 

This is my FAVORITE thing to do during Christmas time in the city. Go to the big department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Macy's because their store windows are extravagantly designed for the Holiday’s. There are literally lines just to get a glimpse at these windows. I mean, seriously, they are beyond amazing and so worth standing out in the cold for. 

Bryant Park Winter Market 

It’s lit up in white lights and each storefront sells different things like art, accessories, international foods and hot chocolate. There’s over 175 boutiques to choose from! 

EAT. Obviously.

It wouldn’t be an NYC guide if it didn’t include food. My favorite place to eat during the Winter is Bond 45. It’s an Italian restaurant near the Theatre district and it has such a comforting and warm atmosphere. The air literally smells like fresh bread. This has been my favorite restaurant since I can remember. My mom and I come here every year during the winter, so it’s always reminded me of the colder weather. They have unbelievable pastas, pizzas, and antipastos. My favorite is the chicken parm alla vodka.  I asked a few of my friends what their favorite places to eat in NYC were during the winter and here’s what they said….

Sarah’s favorite restaurant is The Grey Dog.

There’s a couple of locations around the city. It’s known for their brunch. I’ve never been but I have heard only good things about this place. She swears by their Mexican hot chocolate. 

My friend Justin, as boujee as he is, loves Tao Downtown.

Cue the Asian-inspired cuisine in a darkly lit, mysterious atmosphere. The food is pricey, but I can also attest that it is delicious. They even have a club attached to it, so you can get some dinner and then conveniently go party! His favorite thing to get here is the Thai BBQ Chicken. 

My friend Dylan’s favorite Winter restaurant is JG Melon.

They’re known for their famous burgers. It’s a smaller menu, but they have some pretty cool cocktails too. She advises you to go for happy hour and get the sliders. There is one in Greenwich Village and another on the Upper East Side.

Tatiana, a student in New York City, said she loves Terakawa Ramen in Hell’s Kitchen. Nothing is more wintery than a big bowl of ramen soup. Her go-to order is the spicy tantan ramen. 

Despite the literal frost-bite inducing weather, New York is happy and wholesome during the winter. It’s definitely worth a trip no matter where you’re from. Hey, and if you do any of these things, post an Insta and tag @twofoldblog ;).