Alright, I'm fully aware that when many like to travel, we think of warm destinations or at least going when it's warm outside. However, NYC is still a hot spot to visit even during winter and Christmas time! I had a friend come to visit me during December and one of the hardest things about this was figuring out where to go with it being so cold. Fortunately, the visit was super successful and she loved every minute of it! I even had a great time being a tourist in my own city and redoing a few things I've done before. That being said I want to share what activities we did that made a trip to NYC during the winter months a huge success and also won't cost you an arm and leg and is totally doable in three days!

Hudson Bagel

If you're looking for a classic BEC (bacon, egg, & cheese) to start your morning than this is a great place to go! Located in Hell's Kitchen, they've got a huge assortment of cream cheeses, bagels & other delicious breakfast combinations to fuel your day of walking all over the city. I've personally loved their BEC on a toasted everything bagel & their toasted garlic bagel with lox & garlic & herb cream cheese. It's definitely a step up from the everyday BEC on a roll from the bodega.

Check them out on YELP 

Bryant Park

A 9.6-acre, privately managed, public park located in Midtown but is also home every winter to the Bank of America Winter Village! This Christmas Market is filled with craft merchants, food stalls, and of course an ice skating rink. If I were you I would definitely get your NYC ice skating fix here rather than Rockefeller as the rink is much bigger and the price is better, starting at $15 compared to $21 (prices as of Jan 2023). The park is near plenty of other restaurants, public transit, and right next to the famous New York Public Library!

New York Public Library - Main Branch

One might think that a library wouldn't be an interest place to visit, but in my opinion that couldn't be farther from the truth! The NYPL

isn't just a library, for its architecture inside and out is phenomenal. The library houses over six million books, has exhibits, and even a gift shop. Another huge perk is that it has free public restrooms which can be very difficult to come by. You do need to go through minor security upon entering and exiting the building.

Korea Town

Many are aware of the famous Chinatown in NYC, but did you know there's also a

Korea Town aka K-town for short. Spanning from approximately 31st to 33rd street between Broadway and 5th Avenue it's a very high energy area filled with delicious restaurants, dessert cafes, Asian grocery stores, karaoke bars and more! It's a great spot for Korean BBQ or to try those famous Korean hot dogs! This is definitely one of my favorite parts of town and I visit frequently. 

Museum of the Moving Image - Astoria, Queens

NYC is known to have many famous museums such as the Museum of Natural

History. I've been and yes, I did try to live out my Night at the Museum fantasies and I'm not saying don't go but don't miss out on some the other unique ones we have to offer such as the Museum of the Moving Image! It's a media and film museum located inside the famous former Astoria Studios building. You should start at the top floor and work your way down as you can see their featured exhibit, it was The Walking Dead when I went. You'll learn about the history of the movie camera, editing, how we see images move, and more. They have an amazing exhibit on Jim Henson, creator of the muppets, and so much of the museum is interactive. They do however, have slightly odd hours but also have many discounts including for students and veterans are free! Don't skip this one if you're a movie buff!

Rockefeller Center

This one is famous and a huge tourist spot and I know seems like a no-brainer but

I had to mention it because of the tree! The Rockefeller Christmas tree is just absolutely beautiful and if you go at night you can catch the Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show! Don't forget you can also go inside where there's restaurants and even NBC Studios were many late night shows are filmed!

Top of the Rock

To be honest, this is the only observation deck I've done in NYC but I think it's an absolutely beautiful view. You're able to see Central Park and the Empire State Building! There are also three separate levels which can be easy to miss if you're not looking, so if you've got what it takes, go even higher to the tippy top for the ultimate view, but I'll warn you now it gets pretty cold up there! Still worth it in my opinion. I also wouldn't bother paying for a time during sunset as they charge you more. If you get a ticket right around sunset you should still catch it and save some money as you're time isn't limited.

Liberty & Ellis Island

If you're not aware the home of the Statue of Liberty is actually Liberty Island, not Ellis!

They're close but separate land masses. Though these two places are heavily associated with New York they're actually federally owned land within New York Harbor. The statue was gifted to the United States by the French People and opened in the US on October 28, 1886. I would definitely get entrance to the Pedestal at minimum if you can't get a ticket up to the crown. The price difference between general admission and the Pedestal is minimal and absolutely worth it, unless you're scared of heights. You can take the elevator or the stairs up the statue for amazing views of NYC and when you're done there's even a museum inside the statue you can browse through.

Ellis Island opened January 1, 1892, and was the busiest immigration processing facility until it closed on May 11, 1965. The history of this facility is both beautiful and dark but worth the visit. Reading through the history was so moving and it was incredible to be where so many millions of people passed through to escape the horrors of war or just pursue their American Dream.

My best advice to you is to dedicate an entire afternoon or day to these islands. You have to take a ferry out to Liberty Island, then to Ellis Island, and back to NYC. Get your starting time ticket as early as you can because you have to go through security as well and the final ferry to Ellis Island is about two hours or so before everything closes and you wouldn't want to miss it! I spent five hours between the two and the time flew by.

Tickets can only be purchased through one licensed provider, so don't get scammed!

Brooklyn Bridge

This bridge is pretty unique as when it was completed in 1883 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world with a total span of 6,016 feet. It connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn via the East River allowing cars, bikes, and foot traffic to pass over it every day. So that's the part I want to get at, you can actually walk across this bridge! The views are super cool and it's a great way to get another perspective of getting around the city. There are a lot of vendors on the Manhattan side trying to sell you stuff, so just be weary but once you get to the other side you're only about a fifteen minute walk to Dumbo if you want to explore that area!

Katz Deli

If you're not a meat eater, you could skip this one but they do have other items on the menu for you if your friends really want to go. This amazing deli is NYC's oldest founded in 1888. It's also been visited by countless celebrities, was a filming location for When Harry Met Sally, and is home to a legendary pastrami sandwich. The pastrami at Katz is worth the wait as it simply melts in your mouth and carvers even give you a little tease by giving you a few slices while your sandwich is being made. Personally, I like mine without mustard and get the Russian dressing on the side because bottles of mustard are on the table and I can switch between the two of them. I have eaten an entire sandwich once but not sure if I'd ever do it again, particularly at their price point, it's a great thing to share. 

Plus, if you miss Katz when you get home they ship nationwide and it makes a perfect gift!

Magnolia Bakery - West Village

The original Magnolia opened on Bleeker street in the West Village in 1996 and they now have locations all over the city. They're most famous for their banana pudding but my favorite item is their red velvet cheesecake! Though they have many locations I do believe it's worth the trip to their original store as it's very quaint and there are benches nearby you can sit to eat you delicious treats while you absorb the beauty of West Village!

The "Friends" Apartment

Ok, yes, so technically the show wasn't filmed at this location, 90 Bedford Street,

but the building's exterior and location did serve as the spot for the apartment the friends supposedly lived in during the sitcom. The building is only shown for about three seconds but that was enough to make it a hot spot for visitors! Sadly, Central Perk is not underneath but there's another cute restaurant in its place you can check out. Plus if you need a stronger fix you can always go to The Friends Experience.

Central Park

The "urban oasis" filled with trees, waterways, an ice rink, a zoo, and so much more! I get this is an outside activity but the park is still beautiful in the winter for walks and seeing a different side of it than you would in the summer months. Just remember to bundle up.

The High Line

This might be a little bit more of an "unknown" spot but it's a 1.45 mile long elevated park on the west side of Manhattan. Originally it was a railway used to transport goods back in the 1930s up until the 1980s. Critics called it an eyesore and petitioned for its removal, but what they didn't see was others had taken over and a garden of plants was growing. A demolition order had even been signed but fortunately the non-profit Friends of the High Line was able to save it! Today it features over 500+ species of plants and trees, hosts public programs, displays art, and is also just a beautiful and unique perspective of seeing the city. I highly recommend this is in the summer as well!

Chelsea Market

Located in the Meatpacking District in the neighborhood of Chelsea (also right next to The High Line!) this market is full of food vendors, artisan grocery, a craft market and shopping! It's two levels and even has a free public restroom on the bottom floor. You can find everything from pomegranate honey to fresh lobster to tacos and German street food! It's a great spot to grab a bite to eat or find your new favorite t-shirt or handmade soap by a local business. I highly recommend even just walking around to check it out.

Little Island

Located at Pier 55, it's an artificial island park on the west side of Manhattan in

the Hudson River. It's free to walk around but they do host performances in the amphitheater for a cost if you'd like to attend (more of a summer thing). The island has some cool views of the city as well as New Jersey and is an easy thing to do in about 20-30 mins. They also have very nice free public restrooms and is a short walk from Chelsea Market.

Roosevelt Island

An often forgotten two-mile long island in the East River officially belonging to the borough of Manhattan. It's accessible via the Roosevelt Island Tramway, the NYC Ferry, and the F Train. Originally purchased from the Canarsie Indians, the island has undergone multiple names such as Hog Island, Manning's Island, Blackwell Island, and finally Roosevelt Island. It was used in the 19th century for hospitals, a prison, and an insane asylum. The island was purchased by the City of New York in 1828. Today the frame of the smallpox hospital still stands on the south end and the gothic Blackwell Lighthouse on the north. The island is also home to the Freedom Park as well as the Blackwell House. If you have the time I highly recommend taking the tramway over, costs the same as a subway ride, and seeing this unique little space between Manhattan and Queens. 

Wanna watch all these adventures? Check out the vlog from my personal youtube channel! 

Disclaimer: None of the links in this post are affiliates. I earn nothing if you make a purchase. They are purely to help you in planning and to learn more information.