Your Guide to a Winter Weekend in New York City

A winter weekend in New York City offers a chance to experience the city in a quieter, more intimate way. The biting cold thins the usual crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy iconic landmarks and neighborhoods without the usual bustle. Cozy interiors, warm lights, and seasonal décor highlight the architectural charm of Manhattan, from historic hotels to boutique eateries. Winter also transforms cultural destinations—museums, theaters, and galleries—into peaceful escapes from the chill. Whether strolling along the High Line, skating at Bryant Park, or discovering tucked-away restaurants, a winter weekend in New York City blends classic attractions with hidden gems for an unforgettable experience.

Here are some of our favorite spots to dine, explore, and stay during a winter weekend in the Big Apple.

Where to Dine

The Parliament at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Debuting at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, The Parliament is a sophisticated new dining destination on Lexington Avenue that marks the final phase of the property’s extensive $25 million renovation. Led by Executive Chef Rakmin Lee, the restaurant offers an elevated take on modern American cuisine throughout the day, transitioning from hearty breakfast staples and efficient business lunches to an intimate evening setting featuring refined small plates and entrees. The interior, crafted by //3877, pays tribute to the building’s historic Emery Roth architecture with a timeless blend of dark wood, brass, and stone accents. Whether stopping in for a truffled Croque Madame or a signature sundae finished tableside, guests will find a versatile Midtown hub that balances upscale flair with approachable New York character.

Olio e Più

Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Olio e Più is a charming, authentic Italian trattoria that brings the rustic elegance of a Mediterranean escape to the streets of Manhattan. The restaurant is celebrated for its lush, flower-filled facade and open-air dining concept, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere that embodies the spirit of la dolce vita. Inside, the vintage-inspired decor and warm wood accents provide a cozy backdrop for a menu focused on hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas and artisanal house-made pastas. Whether you’re stopping in for a vibrant weekend brunch or a candlelit dinner accompanied by a selection from their curated Italian wine list.

Gitano NYC

Gitano NYC offers a transportive, tropical escape situated on the waterfront at Pier 17, blending the bohemian flair of Tulum with the dramatic backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge. This massive, 14,000-square-foot destination features a “bohemian-opulent” design, characterized by lush jungle greenery, rose-gold chandeliers, and a colonial-style fountain. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated modern Mexican menu and signature mezcal cocktails within a glamorous dining room or on the breezy waterfront terrace. As the evening progresses, the space transitions into a high-energy club atmosphere, complete with a dedicated dance lounge, making it a premier year-round sanctuary for those seeking a stylish, vacation-like experience in the heart of the city.

Experiences and Attractions

RiseNY

RiseNY offers a breathtaking, multi-sensory journey that combines a museum-style exploration of New York City’s cultural history with a world-class flying theater. The experience begins with a walk through immersive galleries dedicated to the city’s massive influence on global fashion, music, and film, featuring authentic artifacts and multimedia storytelling. The centerpiece, however, is a state-of-the-art simulation flight in which guests are suspended 30 feet in the air, soaring over the five boroughs.

QC NY Spa

Located just a five-minute ferry ride from the bustle of Lower Manhattan, QC NY Spa on Governors Island transports guests to a serene sanctuary of Italian-style wellness. This lush retreat offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional holiday crowds, providing a restorative escape for those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day or unwind over Presidents’ Day weekend. The experience centers on “wellness with a view,” where outdoor heated pools allow you to soak while gazing at the iconic skyline. For an evening getaway, the spa offers five-hour sunset experiences starting at $98.

Bryant Park

While the charming wooden kiosks of the holiday market have packed up for the season, Bryant Park remains a premier winter destination that trades shopping bustle for a more serene, “metropolitan backyard” atmosphere. The park’s centerpiece remains the massive, free-admission ice-skating rink, where locals and visitors alike can glide beneath the gaze of the towering American Radiator Building. For those seeking a unique twist on winter recreation, the park offers cozy curling lanes and “bumper cars on ice,” providing a high-energy alternative to traditional skating.

Where to Stay

Romer Hell’s Kitchen

Romer Hell’s Kitchen serves as an authentic neighborhood retreat just west of the Broadway lights, offering a sophisticated alternative to the typical Midtown bustle. Designed to feel like a “local legend’s living room,” the hotel captures the eclectic spirit of its surroundings through thoughtfully curated spaces, including a welcoming all-day café for morning essentials and So & So’s, a plush evening piano bar and restaurant tucked away for supper-club-style dining.

The Mark Hotel

Widely regarded as a pinnacle of Upper East Side glamour, The Mark Hotel blends historic architectural grandeur with a bold, contemporary aesthetic envisioned by designer Jacques Grange. This premier destination is celebrated for its chic atmosphere, notably its iconic black-and-white striped marble lobby, and for culinary excellence spearheaded by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Guests are also treated to an array of high-end, whimsical amenities you won’t soon forget.

The Standard, High Line

Elevated above the historic Meatpacking District, The Standard, High Line is an architectural landmark that straddles the iconic elevated park with a bold, retro-modern design. Every guest room features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sweeping, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. The hotel is a vibrant social hub, housing a diverse range of venues, from the high-energy rooftop discothèque Le Bain to a bustling ground-level German beer garden to the classic New American fare of The Standard Grill.

Find more things to do to stay out of the chill here!