Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, the Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, before a fast-paced day. The Chester restaurant inside your hotel offers French cuisine in a stylish atmosphere, far beyond a typical hotel breakfast. Munch on house-made granola, quiche Lorraine or salmon Benedict before heading out for a morning stroll.
Grab a cab and head to Central Park, since a winter trip to New York is incomplete without visiting one of Manhattan's iceskating rinks. Wollman Rink, generally open October through April, offers inexpensive skate rentals and plenty of space to skate with views of the New York City skyline in the background. It provides for a postcard-perfect memory-bonus points if it begins to snow!
Hang up your skates and walk over to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest and most celebrated art museums in the world, and the largest in the United States. In addition to regular new exhibitions (the Costume Institute ones are a must for fashion history buffs), the permanent collection includes classic European paintings, ancient Egyptian artifacts, Roman armor, musical instruments from around the world, modern American art and much more. Be careful to keep track of time, because you could easily spend all day here.
Winter calls for matzoh ball soup (with a side of pastrami, perhaps) from the Lower East Side's most famous dining establishment, Katz's Delicatessen. The kosher deli has been around since 1888 and has a no-frills appeal, staying faithful over the years to tried-and-true favorites like the pastrami sandwiches they're famous for. Sit at the table made famous in "When Harry Met Sally" where you can order "what she's having."
Walk over to the East Village for some shopping-you'll find unique gifts and fashion-forward vintage treasures from toys to records to gowns and jewelry. Check out eclectic stores like Spark Pretty, A-1 Records, Obscura Antiques and L Train Vintage, all located in close proximity for easy shopping and strolling. If you get hungry from all that shopping, pop into the 24-hour Ukrainian restaurant Veselka for a piping hot order of pierogies.
You can't spend a day in New York City without trying its pizza. And where better to try the Italian staple than in Little Italy Lombardi's Pizza, established in 1905, is located on a quaint, romantic corner. The checked tablecloths help complete the setting for a perfect thin slice of indulgence. Before hailing a cab uptown for a show, grab a craft cocktail or two at the trendy, upscale basement bar, The Ship.
It's time for some theater! Catch a top-rated musical or play on Broadway. Current hits and long-running shows like Hamilton, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge and Wicked are sure to be entertaining, with award-worthy acting and elaborate costumes. If you prefer more obscure fare, search around for buzzworthy off-Broadway shows-often those will be the ones to feature famous actors from your favorite movies or TV shows.
Arrive back at the hotel and go up to the rooftop bar for a nightcap and to discuss your thoughts on the night's show. The hotel's Lelie Rooftop offers 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and refreshing cocktails near well positioned heaters, because rooftop bars aren't only for the summer. Talk with our agency about booking this unforgettable itinerary today.
