If you’re dreaming of an authentic white winter, what better place to visit than New York? For Australians, the soft powder snow, chilly temperatures and hearty activities will make flying to New York in winter a trip that seems straight from a fairytale.
If you’re not sure where to start, use our guide to help plan your trip to one of America’s most iconic states:
What to take
With average temperatures ranging from -3 degrees to 5 degrees during the winter months, packing for the weather is a must. Keep warm in woolly jumpers, hats, scarves, gloves and thick socks, and pack shoes suitable for walking on icy ground.
Apart from the essentials to keep wrapped up warm, remember to bring a camera to capture your trip on film, general medical supplies and consider investing in a tourist guide book once you get there.
What to see and do
If you want a winter filled with places to go and things to do, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re into the great outdoors or just want a relaxing escape, head upstate. Once you’ve made a cheeky snow angel in the fresh snow, try a spot of cross country skiing. Glide across groomed snow through evergreen trails at cross country ski centres such as Tree Haven Trails near Saratoga Springs and Pineridge Centre, which is closer to the state’s capital, Albany.
Travelling during the winter months means plenty of events and festivals in the city, too. Perhaps undeniably, the Super Bowl is the biggest event on the agenda for New York residents during winter.
Held each February at a different arena across the nation, the American football event attracts millions of viewers and offers entertainment from some of the worlds biggest stars. Times Square’s Super Bowl Boulevard turns into an area for celebration in the week leading up to the game.
For those after fine food and wine, the Big Apple offers many quality restaurants to try. For a real cultural experience, look out for food and wine festivals while you’re visiting, such as the Long Island Culture & Wine Winterfest. This showcases art, premium wine and musical entertainment from February 8 to March 16.
Once you’ve ticked the more unconventional tourist activities off your list, don’t forget to check out New York City’s biggest icons. Take a romantic walk in Central Park, visit Times Square, get a photo near the Statue of Liberty and admire the Empire State Building.
Where to stay
New York offers many forms of accommodation, so choosing is really up to personal style. Pick from staying in a five-star hotel to renting a lakefront property, or if you’re feeling like something a little more down to earth, consider staying in a cosy lakeside cabin or even on a dude ranch.
Getting around
Be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet – hence packing some durable, comfortable walking shoes.
Aside from walking, New York City offers 24 hour bus and subway train services. Purchasing a MetroCard will get you affordable travel around city – the way the locals do it.
Another great way to see all the sights is by water taxi or ferry. The New York Water Taxi will get you around stops like Pier 84, Battery Park and Pier 1, and the free Staten Island Ferry runs every morning between Staten Island and the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in Manhattan.
