Be A Tourist in NYC

New York City is a revolving door of tourists, crowds, visitors almost year round. But in February and March, there is lull. Snow is on the ground, the temperatures are less than ideal and everyone is still recovering post holidays. It is the perfect time to be a tourist, local or visiting. And with the “mild” winter *cough* lack of snow, exploring outdoors is more inviting.

Double Decker Tour

You’ve seen them, they’ve asked you on the streets if you want to sign up (how dare they think you’re not local), the Big Bus Tours. The double decker sightseeing buses. A little cheesy, yet one of the best ways to tour the city without getting lost in it, literally. Get history, pictures, and look down at the plebs on the sidewalk. Go for the top deck, bring an umbrella and bundle up!

Statue of Liberty

She’s gorgeous in green, among the waves, greeting those coming to Manhattan. She’s the Statue of Liberty. There will always be a line to the top for a view of her crown, but if you don’t want to get off on the island the best known secret is to take the Staten Island Ferry. Running from Whitehall to Staten Island with a drive by of the statue. Sit on the top level and step out on the deck for fresh air and pictures without the filter of a window.

SNL/Late Night Show Tickets

Live taping of talk shows. A couple of these do take a little pre-planning but with less traffic to the city, the odds go up - that’s how math works, right? Unfortunately, Saturday Night Live only takes requests once a year in August for the next year and specific dates can’t be chosen. But some shows have a little more flexibility to get on waitlists for specific days of your visit i.e Late Night with Seth Meyers. It’s a gamble but if it happens you’ve hit the jackpot.

Magnolia Bakery

Velvety, delicious banana bread pudding. Even if you don’t like bananas, you have to try this - it’s more pudding/cream/shortcake than bananas. Definitely not a bad thing. Mosey over there on a mid-afternoon/weekday shopping trip at their original location in East Village and find no line out the door. Get the pudding (what they are known for) then throw in a mini red velvet cheesecake, a slice of hummingbird cake and a couple of cupcakes. Since you’re here and all. Levain’s Bakery almost made it on the tour but on the last walk by, there was a queue down the street. No thanks.

Central Park/Times Square

Pretty much anything outdoors is guaranteed to have less foot traffic. Park Central Hotel(s), in New York City, is steps away from Central Park for a morning stroll with coffee in hand, a walk by the iconic rocks where everyone gets their engagement photos taken (ref. Sex and the City), or visit the Boat house deeper in the park. And if you’re willing to be up a little early, Times Square isn’t too packed weekday mornings after the commuters have filed into their office buildings and retail stores are just opening up.

This is the time of year New Yorkers aren’t fans of the best city but this is a way to turn lemons into lemonade until Spring arrives.