New York in February at a glance: Must-see attractions, activities, and events

Families with kids

Must-experience:

• American Museum of Natural History: The museum’s exhibits and installations are perfect for children with inquisitive minds and a need to know more.

Better in February:

• Ice skating: Soak up the last of the winters with the quieter atmosphere, an ideal spot for families.
• Lunar New Year Parade: Celebrations filled with music and lively festivities, perfect for kids and families to enjoy

Couples

Must-experience:

• Skyline views at NYC’s observation decks: Sunset views of the city’s skyline are one of the most iconic photo-ops in New York, and the winter crowds make it an even more intimate environment.
• Intimate dinners: Valentine’s Day dinners for couples to enjoy at the city’s top restaurants.

Better in February:

• Top of Empire State Building: Pop culture references and countless proposals have established this to be one of the most romantic spots in the city, making it a must-visit with your partner, especially if it’s around Valentine’s Day.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience:

• Visit to MoMA and the Met: Seasonal exhibits, contemporary artists, and art legends, that you can explore at your own pace with fewer crowds.
• Events and exhibits for Black History Month: Lectures, shows, concerts, and exhibitions around African American history and culture across the city you can visit throughout the month.
• Lunar New Year Parade: New Year celebrations in Chinatown with traditional food, music, and festivities in mid-February.

Better in February:

• Visits to indoor attractions like the museum keep you warm and cozy and protect you against unpredictable weather.

Travelers or friend groups

Must-experience:

• Lunar New Year Parade: Witness Chinatown come to life with colors, music, and smells, and experience the New Year parade with this annual celebration.
• Street art and pop-ups: Travel through the streets of the city and soak in the street art, installations, and rotating pop-ups and flea markets that the city has to offer.

Better in February:

• Less crowds make the trip to the city more budget-friendly with travel and accommodation becoming a lot more affordable. 

Nature lovers

Must-experience:

• Central Park: Stroll through the park and see sights like Bethesda Terrace, while you relax and unwind away from the noise of the city.
• The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden: A display with thousands of orchids from Mexico City, giving you more insight into the ecosystem of Mexico in a beautiful way.

Better in February:

• You can explore seasonal exhibits like the Orchid Show without much crowd and witness the winter wonderland in spots like Central Park before the onset of spring.

Day 1: Sightseeing iconic landmarks

Breakfast:

• Bubby’s Tribeca – Get your fill with a classic American breakfast with fluffy pancakes and waffles made using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.

Morning:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Book your tickets in advance, aim for an early start to avoid crowds, and take the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty.
• Walk through the Financial District: Check out the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues.

Lunch:

• Eataly Downtown: Visit the Italian food hall for pasta and fresh salads. It’s close to the Oculus and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Afternoon:

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Reflect at the memorial pools and explore the exhibits inside the museum.
• Brooklyn Bridge Walk: Cross the iconic bridge into DUMBO for stunning Manhattan skyline views.

Dinner:

• Juliana’s Pizza (DUMBO): Known for its renowned coal-fired pizza with cozy indoor seating, the perfect way to end the day on a warm note.

Evening:

• Stroll along Brooklyn Bridge Park, and soak in the winter views.

Day 2: Immerse in art and culture

Breakfast:

• Bluestone Lane at Bryant Park: Start your day with a healthy breakfast bowl and a freshly brewed cup of coffee at this Australian-style café.

Morning:

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Spend the morning exploring one of the world’s most famous museums. Don't miss the Egyptian Temple of Dendur and Impressionist galleries.

Lunch:

• The Eatery at the Met: Stop by for a quick bite and grab a sandwich, burger, or something casual before you continue your exploration.

Afternoon:

• Walk across Central Park: Visit Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Imagine Mosaic. You might just catch some snow!
• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Visit another renowned museum for contemporary art, and make sure you check out iconic works by Van Gogh and Andy Warhol.

Dinner:

• Katsuhama: A short walk from MoMA, this cozy spot specializes in Japanese tonkatsu.

Evening:

• Catch a Broadway show. Book tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting during Broadway Week.

Day 3: Local favorites and hidden gems

Breakfast:

• Russ & Daughters Café (Lower East Side): Visit the favorite spot for classic NY-style bagels with lox, bialy, and smoked fish.

Morning:

• Tenement Museum: Explore immigrant stories and NYC’s historic Lower East Side.
• Street art tour in Bushwick (Brooklyn): Take a guided walk or DIY tour of vibrant murals in this artsy neighborhood.

Lunch:

• Roberta’s Pizza (Bushwick): Famous for its unique toppings and creative wood-fired pizzas.

Afternoon:

• Green-Wood Cemetery: A peaceful, offbeat destination, a must-visit if you love Gothic architecture and want great skyline views with it.
• The Morgan Library & Museum: Visit the library and museum, which started as a private collection over 100 years ago, and get a chance to look at rare manuscripts, prints, and more.

Dinner:

• Wildair (Lower East Side): A fun place to unwind with inventive small plates and natural wines.

Evening:

• Please Don’t Tell (PDT): End your trip with a visit to this hidden speakeasy inside Crif Dogs in East Village, accessed through a phone booth.