Places to see and things to do in the Big Apple.

Travel

ny-travel-nyc-sg

New York City fun needs no introduction and even during the coldest months of the year, there are plenty to do and see in the Big Apple. From ice skating to winter sightseeing cruises, here are eight things not to miss this season. 
COVID restrictions vary per venue; be sure to check what’s presently in effect before visiting. 
<h3>See the city from the Circle Line</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496841" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496841" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496841/1.50496841.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
This sightseeing tour company is currently cruising daily with three excursions until March 18. The boats also have temperature-controlled indoor areas, an onboard cafe and free WiFi. The quickest tour is the 90-minute "Landmarks," that focuses on Manhattan sites from both the East and Hudson rivers — as well as the Statue of Liberty. The two-hour "Harbor Lights" cruise leaves at dusk on an aquatic prowl to see the city lights. The 2.5-hour "Best of NYC" cruise circles the island of Manhattan, a voyage that travels along the East, Hudson and Harlem rivers and under 20 bridges. Prices vary by date; tickets are available in advance. 
INFO Cruises leave from Pier 83: W. 42nd St. and 12th Ave., Manhattan; 212-563-3200, <a href="https://www.circleline.com/">circleline.com</a>. 
<h3>Bumper Cars on Ice at Bank of America Winter Village</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496842" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496842" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496842/1.50496842.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
Another way to enjoy the season is by jumping into a one-seater bumper car. You’ll need to be over the age of 7 and at least 42 inches tall. The rides are 10 minutes in duration and run daily at set times (2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays), but if you happen to be nearby between Feb. 18 through 26, the hours expand into the morning and late at night (8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily) before closing for the season on Feb. 27. Tickets are $20; $25 Saturdays and Sundays; tickets can be purchased in advance at <a href="https://bryantpark.org/?/amenities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park">wintervillage.org</a>. 
INFO 40th- 42nd Sts., Fifth-Sixth Aves.; 212-768-4242, <a href="https://bryantpark.org/programs/frostfest-bumper-cars">bryantpark.org</a>. 
<h3>The Polar Lounge at Harriet's Rooftop</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496843" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496843" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496843/1.50496843.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
Check out this lounge with seating areas carved out of ice, serving drinks in glasses made from ice and ice sculptures, located on the tenth floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, a luxury hotel with views of the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The standing area is open to the general public until the end of February (5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays). Those who make reservations can also enter the indoor Harriet’s Lounge if they need to warm up. General admission: $25, VIP tables a minimum of $200. Reservations for general admission and tables must be made in advance. 
INFO 60 Furman St., Brooklyn; 347-696-2500, <a href="https://www.1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge/polar-lounge-harriets-rooftop">1hotels.com</a>. 
<h3>Visit a zoo</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496844" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496844" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496844/1.50496844.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
New York City has four zoos to visit: the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan (64th St. and 5th Ave.; 212-439-6500), the Queens Zoo (53-51 111th St., Flushing; 718-271-1500), the Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn (450 Flatbush Ave.; 718-399-7339) and the Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd.; 718-220-5100). There are all sorts of animals to see this season like king penguins, snow leopards, snow monkeys and you may even spot a snowy owl at one of the zoos. Timed admission tickets are $9.95, $6.95 ages 3-12 at the Queens and Prospect Park zoos, $19.95/ $14.95 in Central Park and $30.95/ $22.95 in the Bronx. 
INFO <a href="" https: www.wcs.org parks"">wcs.org</a>. 
<h3>Ice skating at Central Park</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496845" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496845" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496845/1.50496845.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
Lace up and glide around Wollman Rink (at 59th St. and Sixth Ave.), where visitors can also check out the new clubhouse. Open until early April at 10 a.m. daily (until 2:30 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays, 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m. Sundays). People can also skate on the Conservatory Water pond (between E. 72nd-E. 75th Sts.) within Central Park for free when the conditions are right (when the ice is reliably 6 inches thick). Tickets are $14 Mondays through Thursdays, $23 Fridays though Sundays and holidays; $6 ages 11 and under (and for non-skating spectators) daily. Skates are $11 to rent; people must bring their own skates to Conservatory Water. 
INFO <a href="" https: www.centralpark.com things-to-do sports ice-skating "">centralpark.com</a>. 
<h3>City Skate pop up concerts</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496847" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496847" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496847/1.50496847.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
The ice at Bryant Park is also serving as a stage for the last shows in a series of short performances held by the Ice Theatre of New York this winter, which focuses on the art of ice dancing. Each lunchtime five-minute pop-up happens at 12:40 p.m., with remaining dates in February each Tuesday and Thursday though Feb. 17, and all are free and open to the public. Keep an eye out during the last week of the program as 2020 Youth Olympics bronze medalist Aleksa Rakic is slated to appear. 
INFO 40th- 42nd Sts., Fifth-Sixth Aves.; 212-768-4242, <a href="https://www.icetheatre.org/pop-up-winter-performances.html">icetheatre.org</a>. 
<h2>Sledding on Governor’s Island</h2>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496848" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496848" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496848/1.50496848.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
If you’ve ever dreamed of sledding down a snowy hill while sights like the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline are in view, you can make that happen while sliding down mounds on Governor's Island known as The Hills. All are encouraged to bring their own sleds, but the Blazing Saddles bike rental shop on the Island (19 Hay Rd.; 917-440-9094, <a href="https://www.blazingsaddles.com/new-york/bikes-and-rates/governors-island">blazingsaddles.com</a>) also has some on-hand. Sledding is weather-dependent so check for snow before you go. 
INFO <a href="https://www.govisland.com/things-to-do/recreation/sledding">govisland.com</a>; ferries leave from 10 South St., Slip 7, Manhattan. 
<h3>‘Bird’ and ‘wander’ the Green-Wood Cemetery</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50496849" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50496849" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50496849/1.50496849.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
A national historic landmark dating nearly 200 years, its nearly 480 acres of space is the final resting place for several celebrated historical figures. Visitors can join "Winter Wanders," 90-minute walking tours that take place around the grounds Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. through March 13. Participants can take in the views while learning the meaning behind some of the images and symbols around the cemetery and hear stories about some of the permanent residents. Birds frequent the cemetery and on Sunday mornings you can take a "Birding in Peace" session (through March 6, with a final session on March 20) that takes place at either 6:45 or 7 a.m. Partakers may spot birds such as nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and waterfowl. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance; check-ins take place at the meadow by the main entrance at Fifth Ave. and 25th St. 
INFO 500 25th St., Brooklyn; 718-210-3080, <a href="https://www.green-wood.com/calendar/">green-wood.com</a>.

TRCOV220206

8 outdoor activities to try this winter in NYC

TRCOV220206_photos

Newsday photographers capture images telling the stories of the people and places of Long Island. Here are some of the most compelling photos.

Long Island

PHOTOS_OF_THE_DAY_July_2021_GALLERY

Top photos from around LI from July 2021

The city that never sleeps is back and ready to be explored! Many of New York City's most celebrated events, shows, parades and festivals are scheduled to resume following the shutdowns of 2020. Here are 10 of the biggest annual must-see events returning this year. 
<h3>NYC Restaurant Week</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299352" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299352" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299352/1.50299352.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
Patrons can enjoy deals on meals at hundreds of eateries around the city, as well as special pre-fixe menus this summer. The 2021 Summer NYC Restaurant Week runs July 19 through Aug. 22. 
INFO Book tables starting July 12 at <a href="https://www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week">nycgo.com</a> 
<h3>Celebrate Brooklyn!</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299353" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299353" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299353/1.50299353.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
The big bash in Park Slope returns to the Prospect Park Bandshell this summer. A free concert series kicking off July 31 with a lineup that includes Ari Lennox plus musicians Kamauu and Nesta. Other performers slated for the series include The Roots (Aug. 12) and DJ D-Nice (Sept. 2) before the closing show with Trombone Shorty (Sept. 18). 
INFO 141 Prospect Park West; 718-683-5600, <a href="http://bricartsmedia.org">bricartsmedia.org</a> 
<h3>U.S. Open Tennis Championships</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299354" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299354" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299354/1.50299354.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
The tournament is slated to run Aug. 30 through Sept. 12, and while proof of vaccination won’t be required, all unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to wear masks at all times—and unlike years before, the qualifying portion (Aug. 24-27) will not be open to the public. Starting July 15, the public can purchase reserved and ground pass tickets. 
INFO USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Flushing (Queens); 800-990-8782, <a href="http://usopen.org">usopen.org</a> 
<h3>New York Fashion Week</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299355" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299355" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299355/1.50299355.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
New York Fashion Week is returning to an in-person multi-venue, multi-day event (Sept. 8-12) where buyers, models, media groups, famous faces and the public culturally collide to check out the latest trends. 
INFO <a href="http://nyfw.com">nyfw.com</a> 
<h3>The Feast of San Gennaro</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299357" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299357" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299357/1.50299357.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
This iconic street festival is returning to Little Italy between Sept. 16-26 and held in honor of the patron saint of Naples. Attendees can expect live entertainment and tons of food from which to choose. Attendance is free; food and other items will be available for purchase. 
INFO Mulberry Street (Manhattan) between Canal and Houston St., Hester Street between Baxter Centre Sts., Grand Street between Baxter St. and Centre Market Pl.; 212-764-6330, <a href="http://sangennaro.nyc">sangennaro.nyc</a> 
<h3>The New York Philharmonic 2021-22 season</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299358" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299358" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299358/1.50299358.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
The celebrated symphony orchestra will be opening this year’s season on Sept. 17—but as its usual base of operations David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex is being renovated, many of the upcoming performances will instead take place in Alice Tully Hall (1941 Broadway, Midtown Manhattan) and Frederick P. Rose Hall (Broadway at 60th St.). In addition, four Philharmonic concerts will be held at Carnegie Hall (881 7th Ave., Manhattan) before the season closes. 
INFO 212-875-5656; <a href="http://nyphil.org">nyphil.org</a> 
<h3>Village Halloween Parade 2021</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299359" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299359" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299359/1.50299359.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
The Village Halloween parade features decorated floats, music, attendees dressed in costumes and spooky art structures. This year’s free-to-attend parade is slated to feature entertainer Randy Rainbow as grand marshal. The theme is to be "Let’s Play," and the parade is being dedicated to people of all ages who couldn’t properly celebrate Halloween in 2020; the event starts at 7 p.m. 
INFO Sixth Ave. from Spring St. to 16th St., Greenwich Village; <a href="http://halloween-nyc.com">halloween-nyc.com</a> 
<h3>‘Christmas Spectacular’ featuring the Radio City Rockettes</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50299360" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50299360" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50299360/1.50299360.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
No need to wait for Christmastime—or even December—to check out this traditional NYC holiday standard show, as the program will be opening on Nov. 5, and running until Jan. 2, 2022. For those who haven’t attended in the past, these shows are based around holidays stories, and include sophisticated sets, colossal visuals, costume changes galore and performances by the legendary Radio City Rockettes. 
INFO Radio City Music Hall: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan; 1-866-858-0007, <a href="http://rockettes.com">rockettes.com</a> 
<h3>New York Comedy Festival</h3>

<figure class="image2 image" data-attr-f="default" data-attr-img-credits="" data-attr-img-height="" data-attr-img-width="" data-attr-show-caption="true" data-href="#/content/contentid/image.1.50300469" data-onecms-id="contentid/image.1.50300469" data-onecms-type="image">
 <img alt="" src="/image-service/alias/contentid/image.1.50300469/1.50300469.jpg?f=default"> 
 <figcaption></figcaption> 
</figure>
 
It’s a good bet that after all that the world has been through, a good laugh is in order—and the city’s yearly event is back and scheduled for Nov. 8-14. The planned performers have yet to be announced, but more than 100 shows are set to take place at venues including the Apollo Theater (253 W. 125th St., Harlem; 212-531-5300, <a href="http://apollotheaters.org">apollotheaters.org</a>), Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Ave.; 718-636-4100, <a href="http://bam.org">bam.org</a>), Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway, Upper West Side; 212-465-6000, <a href="http://msg.com">msg.com</a>), Carnegie Hall (881 7th Ave., Midtown Manhattan; 212-247-7800, <a href="http://carnegiehall.org">carnegiehall.org</a>), Carolines on Broadway (1626 Broadway, Midtown Manhattan; 212-757-4100, <a href="http://carolines.com">carolines.com</a>), Madison Square Garden (4 Pennsylvania Plz., Manhattan; 212-465-6741, <a href="http://msg.com">msg.com</a>) and The Town Hall (123 W. 43rd St., Midtown Manhattan; 212-997-6661, <a href="http://thetownhall.org">thetownhall.org</a>). Presale for tickets starts Aug. 18-22; tickets will be on sale starting Aug. 23. 
INFO <a href="http://nycomedyfestival.com">nycomedyfestival.com</a>

TRCOVNYC21

Festivals, parades, events in NYC this year not-to-be-missed 

Not-to-be-missed NYC festivals, parades, events this year

TRCOVNYC21_photos

New York City

Newsday

trCOVbrooklyn5

Most Popular

Latest Videos

Latest videos

Lifeguard Zachari Gallo on Sunday was playing victim in a training exercise at Smith Point Beach when the role turned to reality. He was bitten by a shark. On Monday, Gallo said survival instincts kicked in. He hit the shark three times before swimming to shore. Newsday TV's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Shark attack victim says he hit the shark three times before swimming to shore

A lifeguard was bitten on Sunday during a training exercise at Smith Point Beach, according to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, and suffered chest and hand wounds, which were being treated at a hospital. County officials closed the beaches at Smith Point and Cupsogue Beach county parks to swimmers for the day. Newsday TV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Smith Point, Cupsogue beaches closed after shark bites lifeguard

Long Islanders discussed how patriotic they're feeling this July Fourth amid the current state of the nation. Newsday TV's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Amid unsettled times, Long Islanders reflect on patriotism this Fourth of July

Leona Rothfeld, a resident of Gurwin Jewish in Commack, has become a bat mitzvah at the age of 103. 

103-year-old woman finally celebrates her bat mitzvah

A seal pup was released back into the ocean at Robert Moses State Park. The seal is one of six that were adopted and released by the environmental club at Jericho High School. 

Seal pup relseaed back into the ocean 

Sign up for the Morning Update newsletter

Homepage Newsletter Widget

Guests can see the beach and water everywhere, from the seawater pool, to the two-level gym, to several inviting indoor/outdoor treatment rooms.

New Seawater Spa opens at Gurney's Resort Montauk 

Sitewide Article Bottom Module

Twenty-three million American households — one in five nationwide — obtained a dog or cat during the pandemic.

Traveling with pets this summer? Here's what to know to keep them safe and secure

4 new events, things to do in Fire Island this summer

Travelers are usually offered a credit or voucher when coronavirus disruptions hit.

Can I get a refund from airlines if I have covid?

Check out miles of bike paths, restaurants, the new spa or the high-end glamping resort.

Summer guide to Governors Island: Plan your visit 

Here are new things to try, fresh twists on classic spots and returning favorites on the East End. 

10 things not to miss in the Hamptons, MTK this summer

Here are four public courses to try that are destinations for players seeking challenging links located in interesting places.

4 golfing trips to take this summer in NYS, New England 

Sitewide Video Playlist

More than 200 celebrants came to party at a prom hosted by the LGBT Network in Hauppauge on Thursday night. Newsday's Shari Einhorn reports.

Prom hosted by the LGBT Network

The Island Harvest Summer Food Service program started this week to provide meals for children in low-income areas. The program operates the first day after school ends in June and runs until school begins.

Free children's food program available through summer

The Town of Oyster Bay demolished Doina Almazon's Hicksville home Thursday morning. She claims the town has no business destroying her house; the town says she owed more than half a million dollars in mortgage and tax payments. Newsday TV's Steve Langford reports.

Oyster Bay demolishes woman's Hicksville home

Suffolk County officials on Thursday demonstrated the dangers of possessing and using fireworks. The police department also announced increased DWI and BWI enforcement for the Fourth of July holiday. Newsday TV's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Suffolk officials warn residents of fireworks danger, urge motorists and boaters not to drink and drive

Joe Boyce, of Wantagh, who was desperately searching for a live kidney donor after his kidney function dropped dramatically in March, found one not far from home. His neighbor, Liz Haines, donated one of hers. Newsday TV's Cecilia Dowd reports.

Wantagh man gets much-needed kidney from neighbor

State officials provide tips to parents for how to keep children safe around water at Jones Beach ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

As summer begins, officials give tips for parents on child water safety

Public officials and members of the community gather in West Sayville for the opening of the Lt. Michael Murphy Navy SEAL Museum.

Ribbon cutting for Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navy SEAL Museum

Travel - megaslot

Ideas for Long Island vacations and weekend getaways, including NYC sightseeing, plus what's new in Fire Island, the Hamptons and Montauk. 