Monday, March 25, 2024

Where To Stay In New York In December

Why Is Midtown South In Manhattan One Of The Best Places To Stay In Nyc

Day 1 of New York trip in December | Vlog first timer | New York Vlog

As mentioned above, you are right in the thick of Manhattan in this area. Grand Central and Penn Station are close, providing transportation access and subways are aplenty.

International visitors: Penn Station is the easiest place to access Manhattan from both JFK and Newark.

Shopping, dining and tourist attractions are easy to reach, plus you will get to see more of NYCs most iconic landmark the Empire State Building.

Hotel options span the budget ranges and it is a less chaotic area than Times Square.

What To Pack For Christmas In New York City

by angelocesare

Be prepared for Christmas in NYC, especially if youre not used to spending stretches of time outside in colder temperatures. Your light jacket might be perfect for walking from your house to your car and then from your car to someplace warm. But, the icy winds that funnel through NYC will shred that jacket faster than you can run for cover.

Dont be one of the countless tourists walking through Times Square or Rockefeller Center completely ill-equipped for the elements and clearly not enjoying themselves the way they should.

Most New Yorkers know the NYC dos and donts with winter gear. We know which boots to wear in order to jump over icy, slushy puddles and not fall onto the pavement. We seamlessly switch out coats and layers for 30-degree temperature differences from one day to the next.

Best Hostel In Upper West Side Hi Nyc Hostel

The HI NYC Hostel is conveniently located on the Upper West Side. It is well-connected throughout the city via the subway and a short walk to restaurants, parks, cafes, and landmarks.

HI NYC Hostel has an in-house theatre, billiards table, comfortable lounge, and recently renovated bathrooms. It also offers a laundry service and free wifi.

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Best Cheap Mid Budget And Luxury Hotels Near Times Square New York City

Times Square hotels are plentiful and span the entire travel budget range. This area has the highest concentration of low budget rooms in NYC.

We stayed at AC Hotel for a night, which was great. It has a rooftop bar and affordable room rate. The Riu Plaza often runs discounted prices but our top pick for Times Square is CitizenM as long as you can get it at a good rate.

Top tip: If youre a photographer and cant afford to stay at Renaissance Times Square, go in to the lounge for a drink and youll get one of the most iconic views over Times Square.

Here are the best hotels for each budget around Times Square :

How To Spend A Perfect 3 Days In New York City

December in New York City Weather and Event Guide

Three days in New York City might not be enough to see the entirety of the city after all, it is enormous but those 3 days would be just enough to see a lot of its most popular attractions.

The best way to experience the city on your first trip to New York is to explore its attractions in sections, breaking it up area by area. Manhattan is massive with a lot of things to do, so by dedicating your time to particular locations you will end up with the most efficient use of your limited time here.

If youve never been to the Big Apple before and are feeling a bit lost on what to see in New York City in 3 days, we recommend buying the New York CityPASS, as it will give you access to some of the most popular things to see in town at heavily discounted rates.

So without further ado, here is our perfect 3 days in New York City itinerary and travel tips to help you get the most out of your first trip to the city that never sleeps.

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Things To Do In Midtown South Manhattan

Aside from the obvious Empire State Building observation deck, if you stay in this area you will be surrounded by shopping, dining and rooftop bar options.

Some of Manhattans top rated bagel & coffee shops are between Empire State and Penn Station. NoMad is a cool up-and-coming neighborhood laden with bars and high end restaurants.

The Flatiron Building isnt far and Chelsea is within walking distance. Actually, if you dont mind walking and you have time, you could probably walk around most of Midtown using a hotel here as the perfect centralized staging area.

Best New Years Eve Nyc Hotels

If watching the world’s most famous ball drop at midnight from your own New Year’s Eve NYC Hotel is on your bucket list, then don’t miss your chance to reserve a special NYE package in NYC.Some of our favorites include:

See More: Best New Years Eve NYC Hotels

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Best Hotel In New York Freehand New York

Located at the heart of Midtown, Freehand New York is our top choice for where to stay in New York City. This hotel is close to the best landmarks, museums, and restaurants in New York.

Rooms are spacious, comfortable and outfitted in a modern-rustic décor. The hotel has a coffee bar, dry cleaning service, and on-site restaurant and bar.

Stay At The Peninsula New York

Things to Do in New York City December – January

The Big Apple is filled to the brim with fantastic hotels, but if youre looking to capture the true magic of New York City at Christmas, go to The Peninsula New York. Its enviable location right on Fifth Avenue and exquisitely decorated Neo-classical facade along with the tempting seasonal packages on offer make this 5-star establishment one of NYCs best Christmas hotels.

Stop at the elegant Gotham Lounge for a holiday-themed afternoon tea, feast on a four-course Christmas dinner accompanied by Victorian carolers at the onsite Clement Restaurant, and sleep in one of the festively decorated rooms, complete with gingerbread playhouses and Christmas movie libraries.

Sadly, The Peninsula New York is currently closed and will reopen its doors in Spring 2021.

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New York Christmas Tree At Rockefeller Center

This is something you cant miss during the holiday season in New York City. The famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center is the highlight during Christmas in New York. What most of the visitors only know from pictures or movies comes to reality during that special time of the year. The annually Tree Lighting Ceremony is always a big event with live performances until they light up the tree around 10 p.m. for the season. Theres even a Rockefeller Tree Lighting party where you wont have to wait for hours in the crowds to see the tree in full effect!

This year, the lighting of the tree ceremony at Rockefeller Center will take place on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021.

Best Hostel In New York Blue Moon Hotel

The Blue Moon Hotel is our top recommendation for a New York hostel if youre on a budget. Walking distance to New Yorks most famous landmarks, this hostel is close to shopping, dining, drinking, and more.

It boasts private bathrooms and balconies, as well as refrigerators, coffeemakers, and minibars.

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For Luxury Lovers Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is the right area to stay for you if you like things a little quieter, you want to go for a run in Central Park in the morning, and you plan to explore the museums of New York.

Although the Upper East Side has changed a bit over the years, people still think of it as the neighborhood of the rich and beautiful, with expensive clothes and tiny dogs in handbags.

Of course thats a bit of a stereotype, but theres more than a kernel of truth to it. In spite of that, or perhaps because of it, its worth staying in the Upper East Side.

Its full of beautiful buildings and luxury boutiques, with Central Park as a scenic backdrop. 5th Avenue, which runs east of Central Park, is home to the citys most famous museums.

This part of 5th Avenue is also known as Museum Mile. There youll find the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum, the Goethe Institute, and the Neue Galerie.

Pros of staying in the Upper East Side:

  • Within walking distance of many of the citys major museums
  • Central Park is right next door
  • Quieter than the other districts

Cons of staying in the Upper East Side:

  • Hotels are a bit more expensive than in the other districts
  • Smaller selection of restaurants and bars, especially in the lower price ranges
  • Slightly longer journey to the sights in the south of Manhattan

Rockefeller Center During December

The Best Time to Visit New York City

Lets start with the super festive things to do and whats more festive than Rockefeller Center?! Every year a few weeks after Thanksgiving, Rockefeller Center does its epic Christmas tree lighting ceremony. People from all over the world come to the tree sparkle in the night sky!

Did you know the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was in 1931? It was a 20ft tree decorated by construction workers during the depression.

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center is usually between 80-100 ft on average!

While at Rockefeller Center, you can enjoy their little Christmas Market, Ice Skate under the Rockefeller Christmas tree at the Rink, and even go to The Top of The Rock! At the top of the Rock, view Manhattans epic skyline! It is easily one of the best things to do in NYC!

Furthermore, Saint Patricks Catherdal is located just across the street from Rockefeller Center.

NYCInsider Tip: If you want to go to the Top of The Rock, I recommend getting tickets in advance online or get one of the NYC Passes. The line can be long at all times of the year and these specialty passes give you discounts on top NYC attractions including the Empire State Building and The Edge. New York City Pass | City Sightseeing Pass

For dinner around Rockefeller Center, check out Del Friscos Double Eagle Steakhouse.

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For Hipsters: Soho & Lower East Side

Soho and the Lower East Side are the right areas to stay for you if youve already explored the main sights of New York and want to experience life in different parts of town. Both districts are achingly hip.

Soho borders Greenwich Village to the south and is best-known for its beautiful cast-iron buildings and its many art and design shops. Just like Soho, the Lower East Side is a typical New York residential neighborhood. So you wont find any super-famous sights here.

But what both neighborhoods have to offer instead is an incredibly diverse street scene, and a mix of super-trendy restaurants and boutiques in all price ranges. The best thing about the neighborhoods is that you can get to many other parts of the city on foot from here.

Nowhere else in New York do you get so swept up in life on the streets. Little Italy, the Bowery, Chinatown everythings just a stones throw away.

Pros of staying in Soho & the East Village:

  • Youll be staying where New Yorkers live
  • There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and stores for every budget

Cons of staying in Soho & the East Village:

  • The East Village in particular isnt that well connected
  • You have to take public transport to all the important sights

Bryant Park Winter Village

A stop at the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park is a New York City must in December! The Bryant Park winter village is likely one of the best Christmas Markets in NYC. They offer tons and tons of holiday shops and food!

Bryant Park also does a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and has a rink for ice skating. If the Rink at Rockefeller Center is too busy for you, consider hitting the ice here!

While visiting the Bank of America Winter Village, make sure to check out insta-worthy eatery, The Stackery for the most delicious Chimney Cakes with hot chocolate and Bolivian Llama Party for out-of-this-world fries!

Bryant Park is located in Midtown between Fifth Ave. and Ave. of the Americas and between 40th and 42nd St.

NYCTip: While in the area, you can also check out the New York Public Library .

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Christmas In New York City

There is nothing like Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Tree, Central Park, Bryant Park, Lincoln Center, glamorous store window displays and holiday lights everywhere you look bring the most amazing city and landmarks in the world to a whole new level. You want to make sure to have the best dinner, know which attractions are open and closed and so much more.

Read the full NYC Insider Guide to Christmas in New York City to get the inside scoop and plan your Christmas holiday.

Back to Topof New York City in December

Central Park In December

CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK CITY – 7 Best Spots to Visit in December

No New York City List is complete without Central Park being on it December is no exception! If you are lucky, you might even have the chance to visit Central Park when it snows, making the whole park a winter wonderland.

Some places to visit in Central Park include Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and Ice Skating at the famous Wollman Rink.

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Best Apartment In New York Aka Wall Street

AKA Wall Street is blessed with a central location, just a stones throw from the One World Trade Center and the Brookfield Place, and Central Park. Guests will also be within walking distance to shopping and dining.

The suites come equipped with a kitchen and marble bathrooms, and guests have access to the Technogym fitness center, indoor/outdoor rooftop, and terrace lounge which includes a private cinema and city views.

In case you fancy something a bit different, there are also plenty of New York homestays to choose from.

Christmas Holiday Cruises In Nyc

Why not spending time on a Christmas Holiday Cruise during Christmas in New York? Both locals and NYC visitors love the amazing Christmas Cruises New York City has to offer.

My favorite holiday cruise is the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise. The Jazz Band on board is fun and so talented which makes the New York City Cocoa and Carols Holiday Cruise even more entertaining. Relax in the heated main observation cabin, join in the caroling, and admire the city through the glassed-in observatory on the 1920s style yacht.

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Upper West Side Where To Stay In New York City For Families

The Upper West Side is a classic New York neighbourhood. With its iconic architecture, tree-lined streets, and quintessential Brownstone townhomes, this is the New York that most people recognize from movies and TV.

The Upper West Side is our recommendation where to stay in New York City for families visiting.

Not only is the Upper West Side adjacent to the immense and expansive Central Park, it is home to world-famous cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History. Families with kids will love wandering through its exhibits, learning more about history, culture and the natural world.

In this neighborhood, youll find family-friendly restaurants, attractions for all-ages, and colourful candy stores perfect for rewarding your little ones after a long day of New York sightseeing.

Additional Consideration: Travel Insurance

10 Things To Do in NYC in December (Christmas in New York ...

New York is the safest big city in the United States, but it is important to be fully prepared when you travel and I think you should always have travel insurance, just in case. I always hope I never need to use it but I get it just in case I do!

Do you have questions about travel insurance. Read my full Guide to Travel Insurance here.

Do you have any New York Christmas stories? Id love to hear them. Comment below.

If you liked this post, please share the love and Pin it to your Holiday Board or New York City Board!

Check out my Gift Guide full of great New York City experiences.

Read other New York experiences:

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Tours In New York City

ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price
ActiveFamily FriendlyScenicHistoricArtsyHoliday FunSportsCulturalMuseumBroadwayNightlifeNYC SightsRomanticShoppingTV and MoviesCentral Park Price

Enjoy Ice Skating Nyc Style

The setting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the ice rink makes it seem like a perfect place to skate. But, Id say skip the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. Youll have a better experience elsewhere. The small rink is really expensive and comes with crowds and long lines.

For the quintessential New York ice skating experience, skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Skating at the Winter Village in Bryant Park on 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues is also a great experience. Skating is free if you have your own skates. If not, rent them there for $20. You can even make reservations to skip the line to ice skate during peak times. After skating, spend time in Bryant Parks winter village. Its spectacular with its lights and kiosks selling artisanal foods and one-of-a-kind gifts from the artists and vendors.

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