Visit NYC in the Winter

Jen’s Take:
While dressed for the season, visiting NYC in the winter undoubtedly delivers fewer crowds, snow that often sticks, easier access to discounts (hotels, Broadway, restaurants), and one-of-a-kind free events.
Tips
- Sky Intel: Obviously align your NYC visit in the winter with the stars! Skyline views, bridges, and waterfronts look best with sunrises, sunsets, and full moons. In January, the sun rises between 7:00–7:15 AM and sets between 4:39–5:10pm. Connect to nature while connecting to NYC. January’s full moon has passed, but the next one is Feb 12 (snow moon). If it snows, build a snowman, ice skate, or take a winter stroll in Central Park. Always my favorite spot in the city is Central Park. For walking or biking tour, reach out to book here.
- Food: Happy hours my go-to for eating out while saving bucks. Many offer them on weekdays, around 4–7pm. Eater NY is helpful, visit them here. During your visit, look for the letter A posted in the restaurant’s front entrance, a sure sign that the City’s Health Department is happy! Rather than eating out 2-3 times per day, live like a local by filling up that backpack with Trader Joe’s food—affordable and healthy options. Must-see Trader Joe’s with Guastavino tiled ceiling here.
- NYC Hotel Week: Click here for more info.
- Broadway Lottery: Increase your odds of winning during off-peak travel season.
See my past blog on how to save here.
- Current Events: Much of my tour guide material comes from WNYC local radio. I enjoy many programs (my favorite Fresh Air). WNYC app is available and I highly recommend listening 1-2 weeks prior to your visit to get current events that are on and off the radar. Click here.
FFF (Free Fun Fabulous)
Lastly, your NYC visit in the winter today marks the start of the Chinese Lunar Year-Year of the Snake! Obviously putting aside literal snakes, I am all about what snakes figuratively symbolize: transformation and growth (for me, I’m journaling!) and shedding old habits (for me, less phone!). If in NYC between January 29 – February 16, visit Chinatown to celebrate.
Hire Me
Available for private foot and bike tours when not double-decking. Available to also build your itinerary with no physical guide that works with your interests, activity level, and budget. Click here to visit NYC in the winter.

Central Park Tours

NYC Tip: Sunrises, Sunsets, Full Moons

Visit NYC in the Winter

Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake