New York in February

Wondering what to do in New York this February? Don’t worry – we've got you covered with the most exciting events, activities and attractions to make memories that should last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to see the sites, attend a film festival, or go ice skating right in the center of Central Park, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. If you’re planning to make the trip, have a look through our comprehensive guide of all that the city has to offer. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

See the Sites

Don’t let the cold weather keep you stuck inside! The city is home to some of the most revered cultural amenities in the world. Built into an authentic subway station that was shut down in 1936, the New York Transit Museum is the biggest repository in the United States dedicated to public transportation. A great stop for history buffs, the museum houses a unique collection of archival artefacts, old photographs and reading materials explaining how the city’s transit system has changed over the years. Fascinating and unique, the institute is a great educational experience for those of all ages.

Image of Indoors, Museum,

Why not warm up this wintertime by visiting some of the best museums that New York has to offer? Situated in Lower Manhattan, the Museum of Chinese in America seeks to present the living history, heritage, and diverse experiences of the city’s largest minority culture. Interesting yet not overwhelming, the museum houses a unique collection of ancient pottery, black and white photographs, and works by renowned fashion designers, all pertaining to Asian American history. Through immersive exhibitions, educational programs, and Chinatown walking tours, visitors can learn more about how Asian immigrants have contributed to the American narrative.

Image of Person, Car, Landmark, Flatiron Building - New York,

One of the best things to do on a chilly New York afternoon is to go to visit a quintessential landmark up close. Situated in a district of the same name, the Flatiron Building is most certainly a sight to behold. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and constructed in 1902, the building’s distinctive triangular shape originally served to allow it to properly fill the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Today, the dramatic structure stands as an iconic symbol of the city, drawing in millions of visitors each year.

Get Cultured

Since New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States, it's no surprise that the area presents many great festivals celebrating the area’s diversity in culture. A spectacular fiesta of fun and festivities, the Lunar New Year parade marches down Mott and Canal Street each year, eventually culminating at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Lively and totally over-the-top, the event features stunning floats, traditional dancing, and delicious food. With its incredible atmosphere and so much to see, we couldn’t think of a better way to experience the city.

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If you’d like to experience the cultural prowess of New York City on your trip, we recommend looking into Off-Broadway Week. That’s right – in the wintertime, one of the city’s most famous creative amenities spreads its wings to offer theater fans something a little different. Running from the beginning of the month, visitors should be able to find a wide array of interesting performances taking place at intimate New York venues. From comedies and dramas to musicals and Cirque du Soleil performances, there’s a little something for everybody here.

February is Black History Month, with many of the city’s best cultural institutes celebrating in style. Running for three weeks, the Lincoln Center hosts its New York African American Film Festival, recognizing the community’s finest creatives and resounding resilience through the arts. Showing a broad selection of classic fictional narratives, short films, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in African American filmmaking can also attend workshops, public talks, and discussions with the filmmakers.

Find Fun Activities

Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of February in New York is attending Winter Jam NYC. Totally admission free and set against the urban wonderland that is Central Park, this annual snow sport extravaganza is the perfect family day out. As joyful as it is memorable, the extravagant pop-up includes ice-skating, sledging, snowboarding and more. In addition, eventgoers can enjoy live ice carving, a sculpture garden and bobsled and snowcat photo opportunities right in the city center. Hey, what’s not to love?

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New York is well-renowned for its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action, check out New York Restaurant Week. Running from the start of the month, the event grants visitors with the opportunity to eat at favorite NYC restaurants at bargain prices. A total dream for any gastronome, the festival features a broad array of cuisines including French, Korean, Mexican and much, much more. Whether you’re looking to try out one of the city’s fine dining establishments or grab a bite at a unique Brooklyn bistro, you’ll be able to find some great deals.

Image of Stage, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Woman, Hat, Lighting, Group Performance,

Amateur Night at the Apollo is the ultimate New York entertainment experience. Since its establishment in 1934, the classic talent competition has gained wide recognition for launching the careers of many world-renowned performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, and Machine Gun Kelly. Eclectic and serious in its intentions, the competition attracts performers from all around the globe working across a wide variety of art forms – meaning you never know what you might get. Here’s how it works: artists take to the stage and are subject to the harsh critique of the audience. If people applaud, they continue. However, if the public boos, they must leave the stage. Presenting an incredible atmosphere and a fun interactive experience, there’s no way you’ll want to miss out on this one!

The air is brisk, the nights are long, and the crowds have thinned out – but that’s never stopped New York from having a good time. Sure, the colder months aren't exactly known for music festivals and hitting the shores, but February brings a whole host of interesting activities, exciting events, and world-class attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to see a play, taste some of the finest cuisine in the area or crush the cold at one of the city’s famous museums, New York offers so much to do well beyond the holiday season. Make the most out of your travel experience and create unforgettable memories with our All-inclusive pass and Explorer pass. To find out more, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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View of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock, New York
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Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Comparing the Differences Between the Two Observation Decks

So, what's the difference between the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building?  Both are historically and culturally important buildings and offer some of the best skyline views New York City has to offer, but the two experiences can be very different.  Although the Empire State Building might be the most iconic building on the New York City skyline, keep in mind you don't have much of a view of it from the building itself (the same goes for Top of the Rock). We've put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions to help you decide which one best fits your New York itinerary, we're talking...  What's included with general admission  The different locations  The difference between the views  Top tips for visiting both  How to save on entry to both  Both observation decks feature educational exhibits and experiences included in the general admission price. Think modern displays and historical explanations, and of course, fantastic views. Here's a summary of what you can expect at each experience.  Empire State Building general admission includes:    Access to the Main Observation Deck, a 360-degree, open-air 86th-floor Observation Deck.  Admission to The Empire State Building Experience, including 12 interactive displays on the 2nd and 80th floors.  Access to a self-guided multimedia tour that helps identify the landmarks you can see in the skyline.  Please note: Access to the 102nd floor is not included with general admission tickets, other add-ons like express passes can also be bought for an extra charge.  Top of the Rock general admission includes:   Access to three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors.  Sky shuttle elevator ride up to the top with a light show.  Admission to exhibits that feature Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center history and the interactive Beam Walk, which simulates what it's like to walk on a construction beam 69 floors above Manhattan.  Comparing locations The biggest difference between the views from each building's observation deck is the view of the actual buildings themselves. If you're interested in the best views of the Empire State Building, head up to the Top of the Rock. If you want one of the best views of Rockefeller Plaza, get yourself to the top of the Empire State Building.  View from the Empire State Building  The observation deck in the Empire State Building is slightly higher than the Top of the Rock's deck, which stands at 1,050 feet above the ground. The building is located further south in Manhattan, so offers better views of the cluster of skyscrapers near the water in the Financial District. Landmarks you can see from the Empire State Building:  Rockefeller Plaza Center, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center (closer views than at Top of the Rock), Central Park (further away views than from Top of the Rock), Times Square, Statue of Liberty (closer views than at Top of the Rock), the Brooklyn Bridge and more.  View from the Top of the Rock  Slightly lower than the Empire State Building observation deck, the deck at Top of the Rock is 800 feet above the ground. The building is located further north in Manhattan, so it offers better views of Central Park. Landmarks you can see from the Top of the Rock:  Empire State Building, Chrysler Building (partially obscured), One World Trade Center (further away than at the Empire State Building), Central Park (closer than from the Empire State Building), Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, and more.  Tips for visiting the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock  Empire State Building tips:    To beat the crowds, it's best to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.  Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the Empire State Building.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before - the hour before sunset is excellent for pictures, too! (Leave extra time to wait in line, sunset is a popular time to visit.)  Kids under six can visit for free with an accompanying adult. Strollers are allowed, but you must be able to fold it before taking the elevator ride up.  Prepare for the security line and help speed up the process by making sure you don't have any prohibited items.  Dress for the weather and remember it's colder and windier up there.  Bring a camera to capture the best views.  Top of the Rock tips:    To avoid the largest crowds, plan to visit Top of the Rock early in the morning. Weekday visits tend to be less busy.  Plan to spend at least one hour visiting the Top of the Rock and take your time at the exhibits. Once you pass through, you can't return to the exhibits.  If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before. Those golden hour pictures can come out even nicer than ones of the actual sunset!  Download the Top of the Rock app for a skyline guide that identifies the buildings you're looking at. It's also got audio tours you can listen to as well.  As with the Empire State Building, it's colder and windier at the top, so make sure to bring some spare layers.  Don't forget your camera, portable chargers, and binoculars to guarantee the best views and best pics. So, which New York observation deck should you choose? Both attractions are extremely popular and offer unique experiences. The main difference is genuinely the view. So if you can only fit in one, pick the view you'd prefer to see. If you want the most iconic picture of New York's skyline, go to Top of the Rock because then your pictures will have the Empire State Building in them.   But if you're more keen to tick the Empire State off your bucket list, you can capture stunning views featuring the water and Rockefeller Plaza instead. It'll be a winner, whichever you choose.  Can't choose? No need, see both with Go City® Now for the best bit, how to visit both observation decks without breaking the bank!  With a pass, you can save up to 50% on entry compared to buying individual admission tickets at each destination. Take a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour or visit the American Museum of Natural History. Or, (if you haven't had your fill of stunning views yet) head up to the Edge or One World Observatory for even more thrilling city panoramas.  Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including landmarks, museums, tours, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.  So grab a New York pass and save while you sightsee!
Casey Makovich
People in front of the Macy's store, New York
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How to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - and other New York attractions to see

The annual world-famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York starts at 9am EST and ends at noon EST. It's one of America’s favorite holiday events and a New York City tradition since 1924. Past years have seen around 3.5 million people in attendance to see more than 1,500 dancers, thousands of clowns, and 30-plus floats in the parade, featuring big-name characters from movies and cartoons. Every year brings traditional favorites and fresh new performers to the lineup. Now you’re probably thinking, 'Okay, do I need tickets to see the Macy's parade?' The answer is no  - but you might be able to get tickets! Read our guide to find out more, and discover the best ways for you to watch the Macy's parade. 💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions  🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries  Secure a spot on the street It's easy - and free! If you're an early bird, then get down to join the other spectators, who'd typically be lining the streets around 6 am or even earlier. Dress for the weather (and wear comfortable shoes), bring food and drink, charge your phones, use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route –and stay put. Macy’s recommends between 61st and 72nd on Central Park West as the best place to watch Tom Turkey leading his way through Manhattan. A lot of the performances happen around 34th Street, so know that location will have the most coveted spots and be the most difficult to get - along with spots at the beginning of the parade, 77th Street and Central Park West and where it ends at Macy's Herald Square in Midtown, on 34th. If you're in or around NYC beforehand and want a chance to see the balloons for the floats being inflated, head to 77th and 81st streets (between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue) from 3-10 pm on Wednesday, before the parade. Get Macy's Parade grandstand tickets This one is for those with friends and family in the know - or even in the parade itself. Technically, Macy’s doesn’t sell grandstand tickets to the general public. But if you know any parade participants, or Macy’s employees and volunteers, you might be able to score a free ticket. Book a hotel room with a view Grandstand seating and street spots may be harder to come by, but if you act quickly, you can get VIP access to the parade through one of the hotels along the route. Hotel rooms with a view and VIP packages both come at a premium - but once you see what’s in these exclusive packages, you just may find it’s worth it. Previously, some package options included the Mandarin Oriental, the New York Hilton Midtown’s Thanksgiving Packages, the JW Marriott’s Buffet Brunch Package or Parade-View Room Package, and the Residence Inn Prime View Package. Check out each hotel's official website for specifics on this year's packages. Top tips for staying safe during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 👉Make sure you know this year's parade route (as it has changed in the past). Check out the official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade site for the complete lineup, parade route, and much more info. 👉 Follow @Macys on X (Twitter) and check out all social media with the #macysparade hashtag to get the latest Parade updates, photos, and to join the conversation. 👉 Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged before you arrive – you won't find a place to charge your tech during the parade and you won't want to miss out on photos! 👉 Use the restroom before you arrive – there are no public facilities on the parade route. 👉 Expect massive crowds, and be cautious with your children. Keep the family together at all times! 👉 Be aware that this parade will cause a lot of attraction closures along the parade route. Save exploring with your New York Pass for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 💸 Bonus: If you happen to want to do a little shopping while you're in the city after the parade, be sure to stop by the mezzanine level of Macy's Herald Square for a 10% off Visitor's Savings Pass. Save up to 50% on New York attractions Of course, we know the Macy's Day Parade in NYC is the main event on Thanksgiving, but you have a long weekend to see other top attractions in the city. Discover our full line-up, including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.  Grab whichever New York pass suits you best and save while you sightsee!
Go City Expert

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