Author: izest

Planning a Valentine’s getaway or a cosy winter escape? New York City is the ultimate destination for couples looking to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re visiting for Valentine’s Day, planning a post-Christmas treat, or simply want a romantic weekend in Manhattan, NYC offers endless ways to celebrate love.

From ice skating under twinkling lights to sipping cocktails in rooftop igloos, here’s your guide to the most romantic things to do in New York this February.

Ice Skating in NYC for Couples

Few activities say “winter romance” like ice skating hand-in-hand. NYC boasts iconic rinks perfect for couples:

• Rockefeller Centre Ice Rink – A classic New York experience.
• Bryant Park Winter Village – Free admission and a festive atmosphere.
• Central Park Wollman Rink – Surrounded by scenic park views.

Tip: Book early for Valentine’s weekend as slots fill fast!

Rooftop Igloos in NYC

Imagine sipping champagne in a heated igloo with panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Rooftop igloos are one of the hottest winter trends for couples:

• 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – Famous for its cozy igloos and skyline views.
• PHD Terrace – Chic vibes and romantic ambiance.

Search for “rooftop igloo NYC” to find the best spots and reserve in advance.

Romantic Restaurants in NYC

Valentine’s Day calls for an intimate dinner. NYC is home to countless romantic restaurants:

• Marea Restaurant – Ranked as one of the most romantic in the city, and just a 20 minute stroll from our Manhattan location.
• Cafe Carmellini – Fine dining at it’s best, serving you medieval vibes and cushy seating, this is the perfect location for a romantic meal.
• La Grande Boucherie – French elegance and signature cocktails for a special night.

Cozy Bars for Couples

After dinner, unwind in a warm, inviting bar:

• The Wheeltapper – Perfect for Irish couples seeking a familiar vibe.
• Dear Irving – Speakeasy-style with plush seating.
• Bar Sixty-five – Stunning views from Rockefeller Centre – located very close to our Grand Central location.

Romantic Walks & Central Park Carriage Rides

Bundle up and explore NYC’s winter beauty:

• Central Park – Stroll through snow-dusted paths or book a horse-drawn carriage ride for a timeless romantic experience.
• Brooklyn Bridge – Sunset walks with breathtaking skyline views.

Diamond District & Jewellery Shopping

Thinking of popping the question? NYC’s Diamond District on 47th Street is the place to find the perfect ring. This is very close to both of our hotels! Combine shopping with a romantic day out.

Most Romantic Hotels in New York

For the ultimate Valentine’s experience, stay at a boutique hotel in Manhattan:

• Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel – Steps from Central Park and Fifth Avenue.
• Fitzpatrick Grand Central – Ideal for couples seeking classic Irish charm and convenience.

If you are looking for a suite deal, you can get 20% off 4-night stays from Jan to early March 2026!!

Book Now Grand Central

Book Now Manhattan

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is January a good time to visit New York?” the answer is a resounding yes! While summer and the holidays get all the hype, January offers a unique charm for travellers looking for an affordable, less crowded, and truly magical NYC experience. Here’s why New York in January should be on your travel radar.

Lower Hotel Rates

Admittedly, January is traditionally a quieter month for travel, and at Fitzpatrick’s Hotels, this means guests can enjoy our central New York locations at more accessible rates. With the holiday season behind us, it’s a great opportunity to experience comfortable, city-centre stays without the usual peak-season prices, ideal for a relaxing winter getaway. We even have a 20% off 4 night stays until March 4th.

Fewer Crowds

Tourist hotspots like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park are far less crowded in January. You’ll enjoy shorter lines at attractions and a more relaxed vibe while sightseeing in winter. If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect photo without throngs of people, this is your chance.

Ice Skating in Iconic Locations

Nothing says New York winter activities like ice skating. Glide across the rinks at Central Park, Bryant Park’s Winter Village, or the world-famous Rockefeller Centre. These spots are still open in January, offering a quintessential NYC winter experience.

Broadway Week

Love theatre? January is prime time for Broadway Week NYC, where you can score 2-for-1 tickets to some of the best shows. It’s an unbeatable way to experience the magic of Broadway without paying peak-season prices.

Restaurant Week

Foodies rejoice! Restaurant Week NYC kicks off in January, giving you access to prix-fixe menus at top restaurants across the city. It’s the perfect opportunity to savour world-class dining at a fraction of the usual cost.

Winter Village Still Open

Bryant Park’s Winter Village remains open through early January, so you can shop at charming holiday stalls, sip hot cocoa, and soak in the festive atmosphere, even after the holidays have passed.

Post-Holiday Shopping Deals

January is a fantastic time for shopping in New York. With the holiday season behind us, major retailers and luxury brands roll out deep discounts during their winter sales. From Fifth Avenue boutiques to SoHo’s trendy stores and outlet malls just outside the city, you’ll find incredible bargains on fashion, electronics, and more. Combine sightseeing with retail therapy and take advantage of these post-holiday deals while they last.

NYC January Weather: What to Expect

Yes, it’s cold, average temperatures hover around 32°F (0°C), but that’s part of the magic! Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the crisp winter air as you explore the city.

Things to Do in NYC in January

• Ice skating at Rockefeller Centre or Central Park
• Catch a Broadway show during Broadway Week
• Indulge in gourmet dining during Restaurant Week
• Explore museums and indoor attractions without the crowds
• Stroll through Bryant Park’s Winter Village

Why Visit New York in Winter?

Lower costs, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal events make January one of the best months to experience NYC like a local. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous getaway or a carefully curated trip, New York winter travel offers unbeatable value and unforgettable memories.

Ready to book your trip? January in NYC is waiting for you, don’t miss our 20% off offer when you stay 4 nights of more from January to early March!

Book Now Grand Central

Book Now Manhattan

Forgive us for thinking that all times of year are the best time to travel to New York City, but Winter truly is a special time in the city that never sleeps. The city transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland and is filled to the brim with festive markets, iconic ice-skating rinks and dazzling lights. We’ve put together this guide for you to be able to experience all of NYC’s winter magic all from the comfort of our warm and hospitable hotels.

Christmas Markets in New York

New York over Christmas a variety of festive markets perfect for picking up gifts, seasonal treats, and handmade treasures:

• Bryant Park Winter Village – This is particularly good for those staying in our Grand Central location. There are dozens of boutique stalls, cosy hot chocolate spots, and a full-sized ice rink, which is FREE to use (note, there is a fee for renting of skates).
• Union Square Holiday Market – The Union Square Holiday Market is a holiday market with over 150 unique vendors selling arts, crafts, home accessories and food. Perfect for a pre-dinner stroll.
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market – This holiday market open for all of December, located in Central Park, has over 100 artisans and designers selling unique wares, like special foods, jewellery, art, home goods, and much more.

Ice Skating in Iconic Spots

Nothing says NYC winter like gliding across a frozen rink surrounded by city skyscrapers:

• Rockefeller Center – A stone’s throw from our Grand Central location (0.5 miles) and perhaps the most iconic rink in the city, with the towering famous Christmas tree and festive music, ice skating at Rockefeller centre is a must do activity with a wonderful atmosphere.
• Wollman Rink in Central Park – Ice skating in Central Park offers scenic views and a true New York skating experience away from the crowds. This is very convenient to our Manhattan location.
• Bryant Park Rink – Close to our Grand Central location and free admission bar skate rental fee, ice skating in Bryant Park is perfect for a budget-friendly winter outing.

Rockefeller Centre & Holiday Light

December marks the start of Rockefeller Centre’s annual Christmas tree lighting, which is a must-see spectacle if you are staying at this time – Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10 PM EST. Even after the official ceremony, the tree and surrounding decorations light up the plaza daily, making it a perfect spot for holiday photos.

Elsewhere, Christmas lights in NYC include:

• Fifth Avenue Window Displays – Department stores like Saks and Bergdorf Goodman go all out with themed windows. You would have to see it to believe it!
• Dyker Heights displays, Brooklyn – If you were planning a trip to Brooklyn, Dyker Heights is a neighbourhood renowned for “over-the-top” residential holiday decorations.

Our tips!

• Arrive Early – Markets and skating rinks get crowded, especially on weekends.
• Dress in Layers – NYC can be chilly in November and December. Gloves, scarves, and hats are essential. Make sure you have layers you can take on and off!
• Have your phone on the ready – Rockefeller Centre and some of the window displays on 5th avenue are top spots for photos!
• Combine Activities – You can easily pair a market visit with skating nearby to make the most of your day. Or even a market visit for an amble pre dinner.

Is New York City worth visiting over Christmas or in the lead up to? Yes it is! New York in winter is an unforgettable experience — a mix of sparkle, festivity, and energy that only the city that never sleeps can deliver. Whether you’re ice skating at Rockefeller, exploring festive markets, or wandering past dazzling lights, NYC’s winter magic is not to be missed!

We all know that fall is a dream time for shopping in New York. The heat has retracted, the air is crisp (but not too cold), the leaves in Central Park are turning golden, and the shops are decked out with new-season collections. Whether you’d like to invest in timeless designer pieces or refresh your wardrobe with the latest high street trends, Fitzpatrick Hotels New York places you right in the heart of the action. Both our Grand Central and Manhattan locations are just steps from 5th Avenue New York, Madison Avenue, and some of the world’s most iconic stores.

Of course, for fashion aficionados, 5th Avenue shopping is the ultimate runway. Saks Fifth Avenue is the home of luxury brands, while Bergdorf Goodman offers everything from couture gowns to statement accessories (certainly worth the look if you are not planning on splurging!). Nearby Madison Avenue is home to some luxury flagship stores like Chanel, Prada, Hermès, and a host of cool independents if you appreciate craftsmanship and exclusivity. A stroll along these streets is as much about people-watching as it is about shopping, with classic New Yorkers to observe just like the movies!

If your style is more about the everyday pieces, or you want to balance a splurge with a steal, 5th Avenue NYC will deliver in spades. Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo have flagship stores on 5th Avenue that offer big collections at affordable prices – you might end up spending more time here than you planned. Anthropologie is perfect for a more boho-inspired feel, while LuLu Lemon and Athleta will appeal to the yoga and athleisure lovers with high quality technical apparel. It would be remiss of us not to mention Abercrombie, if you are on the hunt for jeans, you must stop here, catering to all lengths, styles, shapes and sizes!

Of course, shopping in New York isn’t just about clothes. The MoMA Design Store, a short walk from our hotels, is filled with cool, art-inspired homeware and unique gift ideas you won’t find anywhere else. We would really recommend a look here. Tech enthusiasts can’t miss the Apple Store at Grand Central Terminal or 5th Avenue (open 24/7) offering the latest gadgets, accessories, and cutting-edge innovations. Whatever it is you are looking to buy, Manhattan will certainly deliver it in style!

When the bags are full and your feet are ready for a break, return to the comfort of Fitzpatrick Hotels. Unwind in your elegant guest room or toast your new purchases over a drink at either of our cosy bars. This fall, make your shopping in New York trip as memorable as the city itself, with Fitzpatrick Hotels as your stylish home base.