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New York City Holds the Best Places to Ice Skate this Winter

Posted on January 4, 2017August 7, 2017 by citysightseeingnewyork

The holidays may be over but winter has only just begun! Now that you’re done worrying about shopping for presents and putting together the perfect NYE outfit, unwind and de-stress while ice skating! Don’t worry, there’s plenty of options.

Central Park

The most famous park in New York City has two separate ice skating rinks open to the public. Wollman Rink is located at the southern end of the Park, on the East Side between 62nd and 63rd Streets. Skating on Wollman Rink has been a winter tradition for tourists and New Yorkers since 1858. Or maybe you’ve seen Wollman Rink featured in films like Love Story and Serendipity!

Lasker Rink and Pool opened to the public in 1966. Located in Mid-Park between 106^th and 108^th Streets, it’s the perfect place for your child’s birthday party or to finally take those skating lessons you’ve been thinking about.Skate and locker rentals are available at both rinks.

Bryant Park

The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park includes their ice skating rink which is open until March 5^th. The rink is available for parties and events, they also offer lessons and skate sharpening!

Rockefeller Center

The skating rink at Rockefeller Center celebrated its 80^th birthday this past year! The rink first opened on Christmas day on 1936. 2006 Olympic medalist Sasha Cohen helps the Today Show kick off the skating season!

Don’t worry though, you don’t need to be a pro to have a good time on the rink at Rockefeller Center. You can visit the rink through April anytime from 9am-10:30pm. Ice skating in New York City is a tradition that is upheld every year by thousands. It’s the perfect winter activity for family, friends, and couples. If you’re lucky you might even witness a proposal on the ice.

Spin, skate and twirl your way through winter on the ice! Don’t forget to follow CitySightSeeing New York on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your ice skating experiences with us and you could be featured in our next blog!

Written by Taylor Hoblitzell

Top of The Rock: Hotspot of December

Posted on December 22, 2016 by citysightseeingnewyork

New York City is famous for many things. With the most iconic skyline in the world the larger than life skyscrapers are only one of them, and the best way to see it is from the Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center. The Empire State Building is the first place you think of when you want to see the city, but you miss one major view, and you’re standing right on top of it. From the Top of the Rock you get to see both uptown and midtown, complete with sights of Central Park, The Empire State building, Chrysler Building, and The Freedom Tower.

After security check, I got to take the famous photo falling off the cities ledge. But I was on a mission. I want to see this view. I was directed passed an opening video of Rockefeller Center and soon enter the elevator that takes you to the 67^th floor. It was a memorable ride up where the ceilings lights turn into clear glass and you can see the floors above ascending. With a slight pop to my ears, the elevator doors opened up and I could see the Empire State right in front of me in its full glory.

The grandness of the New York City skyline is something so unforgettable and breathtaking, that it is not worth missing if you are here. The Top of the Rock is a three level observation deck that offers 360-degrees of NYC. Before I started taking any pictures, I had to take everything in. Let me just say that in the 15 years that I’ve lived in New York City, I have never been to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building (Shame on me!). However, I finally got to fulfill the tourist in me and check out this sight that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Stepping out into the first and second level of the observation deck, you get to see New York City through protective glass. It’s perfect for if you still want the views, but don’t want your fear of heights to get in the way. But if you are feeling brave, you can go up to the third level and see an unobstructed view of the most iconic skyline in the world. You can’t get a view like this from anywhere else.

After I got was I was looking for, I headed into the elevator where it drops you off at the lower level. Still filled with adrenaline and realizing how big everything around me is, I step back out into the urban jungle. From here you can take more pictures near the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, go ice skating in Rockefeller plaza, or get a cup of hot chocolate at Starbucks. But one thing for sure is that you should go the Top of the Rock and see that sight.

Don’t forget to follow CitySightSeeing New York on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Make sure to visit the Top of the Rock and tweet us your pictures of the iconic skyline!

Your Guide to NYC as the Temperature Drops

Posted on November 10, 2016November 11, 2016 by citysightseeingnewyork

There’s tons of dozens of activities to do year round in New York City. As we move closer towards winter, holiday season, and in general colder temperatures, there are a few places you’ll want to stop by before it gets too cold!

The High Line

Built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of West Manhattan, the high line runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34^th Street, between 10^th and 12^thAvenues. There is food, gardens, art and tours available on The High Line. While the elevated park is open year round, winter hours are shortened. If you’ll be too cold to walk The High Line in the winter, check it out now!

Union Square Park

Union Square is said to capture much of the city’s diversity. A visitor to Union Square can encounter break-dancers, musicians, street vendors selling homemade tchotchkes, and a plethora of dogs enjoying a lovely day. Union Square Park stretches from 14^th street to 17^th street and from union square east (fourth avenue/ Park Avenue south) to University Place. It’s easily access from the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, or R train to the Union Square 14^th street station. To experience Union Square at its fullest, visit on a warm, sunny day.

Central Park

Central Park is beautiful this time of year with the foliage at its full peak! Stretching 1.317 square miles, there’s endless opportunities to enjoy the park. Whether you take a seat on a bench and take in the day or climb to the top of the Belvedere Castle you can always find something new to explore. Check out the foliage in Central Park before the leaves fall!

If you’re worried that you’re going to miss the opportunity to experience New York City outdoors, don’t, there’s plenty to do once it gets cold out! Here’s some upcoming activities to check out during winter:

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

Located at 59^th Street and Central Park West (Columbus circle), the Columbus Circle Holiday Market is internationally known as one of the most elegant and beautiful places to complete your holiday shopping. Open from November 29^th– December 24^th, it’s the perfect place to shop for handmade gifts, jewelry and more!

Rockefeller Center

It’s the heart of Christmas in Manhattan. The famous Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting takes place Wednesday, November 30^th with live performances from 7-9pm (located between West 48^th and West 51^st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues). There’s shopping, dining, and even The Rink At Rockefeller Center. The rink opened October 8^th and remains open through April.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park during the holidays includes ice skating, shopping, shows and more! The rink is open from October 29^th– March 5^th. It features free admission ice skating in addition to high quality rental skates, skating shows, special events, and other fun activities! The shops at Holiday shops at Bryant Park are open from October 29^th– January 2^nd and include more than 125 boutique-style shops.

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