New York in January at a glance: Must-see attractions, winter festivities, and events

Visit the Guggenheim, a museum that’s an architectural marvel in itself, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage. See interactive displays and modern and contemporary works by artists like Pollock, Kandinksy, and Picasso.

Special events: The museum hosts regular lectures, screenings, and performances by various artists and critics.

Recommended experiences:

• Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets
  
• New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

Insider tip: Use the digital guide to learn more about the artworks in the museum.

Must-experience:

• American Museum of Natural History: Perfect for curious kids, the museum’s massive exhibits, like the dinosaur halls and planetarium, make for a day of wonder.
  
• Ice skating in Central Park: The open space, scenic views, and kid-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite for families.

Better in January:

• Winter Jazzfest family-friendly concerts: Some venues include matinee performances suitable for families, introducing kids to live music in an engaging way.
  
• The January lull means fewer crowds so families can explore the museums and go ice skating more comfortably.

Must-experience:

• Sunset at Edge Observation Deck: Sunset views at the Edge are one of the most romantic spots in New York, and the winter air creates an even more intimate setting.
  
• Dining during Restaurant Week: January’s prix fixe menus make fine dining accessible for couples to enjoy and they get a chance to savor NYC’s top restaurants in an intimate setting.

Better in January:

• Central Park strolls: The winters create a more private and romantic setting in Central Park, especially when compared to December’s festive buzz.

Must-experience:

• Broadway Week: January is the perfect time to watch your favorite musicals and plays on Broadway, with discounted tickets making it easier to experience multiple shows.
  
• Winter JazzFest: Hours of live music at various venues spread across New York with artists from around the world make this a must-see experience for those who love live music.

Better in January:

• The discounted tickets on timeless classics on Broadway make it an even more special treat to catch in January.

Must-experience:

• MoMA and the Guggenheim: Modern art masterpieces in world-famous galleries, make MoMA and the Guggenheim a must-visit for art lovers. 
  
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum: You can visit and spend as much time as you need at the Memorial without the December holiday rush interrupting your flow.

Better in January:

• January, being a quieter month, gives you more space and time to appreciate iconic works at your favorite museums.
  
• Seasonal Exhibits: January has various rotating exhibitions that showcase works from museum collections.

Must-experience:

• Statue of Liberty tours: Visit one of NYC’s most historically significant landmarks on a clear, winter morning in January.
  
• Speakeasy bars: Perfect for solo adventures or friend hangouts, NYC’s hidden speakeasies come with warm interiors and great cocktails that help you escape the cold.

Better in January:

• You can curate your trip and plan your visits to all attractions and landmarks of your choosing with a lot more freedom in January as compared to December or February because of the lack of holidays or festivities surrounding the month.

Must-experience:

• Post-holiday sales: Stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue have clearance sales in January on winter clothing, accessories, and a lot more.

Better in January:

• SoHo boutiques: Many local shops offer unadvertised markdowns in January to clear inventory for spring collections.

Must-Experience:

• Restaurant Week: Dine to your heart’s content with multi-course meals at top restaurants for a fraction of the regular price. It’s the ultimate way to experience NYC’s food scene without overspending.

Morning:

• Start with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Take an early ferry to avoid crowds, especially if you’re visiting over the weekend.
  
• Option: If you prefer an indoor activity, explore the American Museum of Natural History, perfect for immersing yourself in science and history.

Lunch:

Head to Westville Hudson in the West Village for a hearty American meal or grab some great seafood at Luke’s Lobster (ask for their signature lobster rolls!).

Evening:

Stroll through Central Park and try ice skating at the Wollman Rink. You can also visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) if you find the weather to be too cold.

Dinner:

Visit Carbone for their Italian food (reservations recommended) or try Locanda Verde for a cozy meal.

Post-dinner:

Check out speakeasies like Employees Only in the West Village for their craft cocktails in a great, thriving atmosphere.

Morning:

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and check out modern masterpieces by great artists. Or, you can take a tour of the Guggenheim Museum to enjoy its iconic spiral design and exhibits. (if you’re ambitious enough, you can do both!)

Lunch:

Eat at Eataly Flatiron to enjoy their artisanal Italian dishes or try Jack’s Wife Freda in Chelsea if you want to go for a brunch-style meal.

Evening:

Head to the Edge Observation Deck early in the evening to watch a panoramic view of the NYC skyline and catch a matinee show at Broadway.

Dinner:

Try Katz’s Delicatessen for a classic New York deli experience and their must-try meats.

Post-dinner:

If you’re in town for the Winter JazzFest, look for smaller, more intimate venues hosting jazz performances around the city.

Morning:

Treat yourself to some cronuts at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo with a warm cuppa to get you started as you spend your morning walking through SoHo and shopping at local boutiques.

Lunch:

Stop by Prince Street Pizza for a slice of their legendary pepperoni square. If you’re looking for a more elaborate lunch, try Balthazar, a SoHo staple.

Evening:

Catch the sunset over the Hudson River or continue your day of shopping at Brookfield Place.

Dinner:

End your trip with a dinner at Michelin-starred Le Bernardin (seafood-focused) or go to The Smith for a more American brasserie dinner.

Post-dinner:

Your nightcap should be at The Dead Rabbit, a historic pub in the Financial District, famous for its award-winning cocktails.