From visits to the botanical gardens that’ll gracefully guide us into the spring months, to romantic dinner dates or naming hissing cockroaches for V-Day—here are the best things you can do in February as we all patiently await springtime.
1. Head to NYBG’s dazzling Orchid Show
The 21st annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden returns on February 17th, and, as usual, it’s expected to be an absolute showstopper! Catch vibrant colors in this year’s The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion that will highlight designs from three visionaries. You won’t want to miss thousands of beautiful orchids overtaking the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory! Find out more here.
2. Clear your mind with this enchanting wellness experience at GAIA NoMaya in Brooklyn
End your week with Sonic Sanctuary Sundays in Brooklyn! Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in serene experiences which include an ancient Mayan Cacao Ceremony, sound healing meditation and holotropic breath work.
Be whisked away during a serene live instrumental concert in a salt cave with salt therapy & a one of a kind gong experience! Head over to GAIA Nomaya at 510 Flatbush Ave. Tickets are $65 for this three-hour experience and there are additional services you can try such as, massages, and reiki sessions!
3. Take a walk amongst the stars at Astra Lumina
Queens Botanical Garden has been entirely transformed into a celestial pathway full of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Don’t miss the last month to embark on this epic journey into the stars. Grab your tickets here!
4. Discover a pink paradise at Pier 15
February is the month of love and that means we’re talking all pink everything! We suggest you head to the world’s first all-pink pier at Pier 15, perfect for sweethearts, besties & families. Grab a cocktail and take in astonishing views of the Brooklyn Bridge in the background of your very own pink igloo. Secure your spot here.
5. See masterpieces by Goya, Ingres, Rembrandt & more for a limited time
Now in its final weeks, Frick Madison offers a unique experience showing masterpieces of The Frick Collection. Explore works from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century on view for a limited time at the museum’s temporary home, open through March 3rd. Have a Valentine that’s also an art enthusiast? Take them to see treasured paintings and sculptures by Bellini, Gainsborough, Goya, Holbein, Ingres, Rembrandt, Titian, Turner, Vermeer, and Whistler. Visit Frick Madison, located at 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-6pm.
6. Uncover the secrets of New York’s only Catholic catacombs
Venture underground into NYC’s only Catholic catacombs and explore off-limits areas of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. With your talented guide, you’ll discover the final resting place of famous New Yorkers past. Get your tickets today!
7. Spice up your Valentine’s Day with the best plans across NYC
Be hit by cupid’s arrow this year when you check out the cities most swoon worthy ways to spend V-Day in the city! From candlelit concerts, intimate restaurants, making your own cocktails, and more, you’re sure to find an event that you’ll be excited about.You can find out full list here. As for gift ideas, we’ve got you covered too!
8. Or don’t take part in all the mushy gushy
And name your slimy ex after a hissing roach! The Bronx Zoo brought back their annual “Name a Roach” program perfect for anyone looking to get back at a sleezy someone. You can simply name a roach after them or go out all and get them a roach tumbler, tote, and even a virtual visit with their new crawling pest. Discover more here.
9. Experience a full year’s worth of NYC’s vibrant culture and history at RiseNY
Warm up this winter with NYC’s most exciting new attraction, RiseNY! Escape the cold weather and soar above the street corner slush puddles (that is if the snow ever decides to stick!) to experience a full year’s worth of NYC’s vibrant culture and history. Grab your tickets here.
10. Be captivated by seductive cirque-style cabaret dinner shows
The AirOtic Soireé features special Cirque-style cabaret dinner shows that bring talented world-class acrobats together to wow its audience through mind-boggling stunts. Visitors will be wowed by extravagant costumes and seductive choreography for a one-of-a-kind burlesque circus style soirée. Grab tickets here.
11. Sip Swiss wine in a 1970s gondola at this charming bar in the West Village
Be transported to the heart of Switzerland’s french-speaking region at The Lavaux, a wine and fondue bar in the West Village where you’ll sip on delicious Swiss wines and indulge in a number of tasty bites from boards to entrees and, of course, fondue! Read all about it here.
12. Elevate your senses and taste buds at a ‘Dining In The Dark’ experience
Prepare yourself for a dining experience you’ve never had before–that blindfolds you! Awaken your remaining senses and put your dining skills to the test through a decadent meal while you’re blanketed in darkness. There’s only a few dates each month and they book up fast, so be sure to purchase asap! Reserve your spot here.
- Enjoy a secret omakase menu
- Or dine at a trendy Williamsburg Italian restaurant
- Or get a gift card if you can’t decide
13. Honor & celebrate Black History Month in NYC
Black history should be celebrated all year round, but if you’re looking to dedicate this month to a renewed learning and appreciation of Black stories, culture, and businesses, here are some ways to do that in NYC:
- 85 Black-owned restaurants in NYC
- 20 Black-owned restaurants in Brooklyn
- 30 NYC Black-Owned Businesses
Find some Black History Month events here.
14. Glide, slide, and spin around on Bryant Park’s wildly popular bumper cars
Bryant Park Winter Village’s iconic bumper cars have hit the ice once again, and you won’t want to miss this opportunity to act like a little kid again! Learn more about this wildly fun experience from how to reserve your spot and how much the experience costs here.
15. Explore a NYC neighborhood you may not have been to yet
It seems as if NYC goes on forever with how much there is to explore, and we’re making it our mission to explore every last look and cranny of the city we call home. We love to go to different spots around the city and create our own guides with our favorite things to do in the area, so that once you go to explore that neighborhood you know exactly what can’t be missed! Two of our most favored neighborhood guides include:
- 13 Lovely Things To Do In Little Caribbean, Brooklyn
- 18 Charming Things To Do In Chinatown, Manhattan
16. Take in a stunning concert by candlelight
The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is hosting an incredible selection of intimate concerts that are perfect for this romantic month! Embark on a musical journey bathed in flickering candlelight from Bach to the Beatles, Sinatra to classic rock. There’s truly something for everyone. Find one right up your alley here.
17. Score unbeatable prices during Restaurant Week
Dine at NYC’s top-tier establishments throughout Restaurant Week (also a part of NYC’s Winter Outing Program). With over 540+ participating restaurants, dine for a prix-fixed price with mouthwatering menus at some of the cities most delicious spots. Find out more details when you click here. (Restaurant week ends Feb. 4th).
18. Catch a movie at an amazing price
Escape from the cold and head to a participating AMC movie theatre, with an AMC black ticket that’s valid for any 2D movie, on any day, at any time, and at participating AMC Theatres at a discount promotional Fever price! Grab your ticket here.
19. Attend the 26th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
The Lunar New Year celebration is observed by many cultures around the world whose calendars follow the moon cycles. To celebrate, New Yorkers can once again prepare for the lively streets of Chinatown to fill with festivities at the 26th annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade, which will once again color the streets of Chinatown on Sunday, February 25th. Find out all the deets here and other ways to celebrate.
20. Hole up at NYC’s most romantic restaurants
Warm up from the cold with these dimly-lit, intimate spots across NYC perfect for some peace and quiet away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re treating yourself to a solo date or taking your significant other, check your daily stresses at the door and simply enjoy an incredible meal in a beautiful setting. See our full list here.
21. Warm up at the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen shop’s NYC outpost
With the chill of winter looming, we’ve got piping hot ramen on the brain, and thankfully the world’s first Michelin-starred ramen shop, Tsuta, has officially opened in Brooklyn! Known for their Truffle Shoyu Soba Ramen, it’s definitely the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter night. Read all about it here.
22. Or, stick to igloo dining
If you’d rather stick to outdoor dining, there are still plenty of cozy options—and don’t worry, most of them are heated! Here are some of our favorites:
23. Embark on an immersive music & wellness experience at Sonic Sanctuary Sundays
Open your heart to a world of wellness at Sonic Sanctuary Sundays. Practice breath work while listening to a 360 Spatial audio sound healing. You’ll experience Halotherapy Salt Healing for lungs and body during the salt cave Concert and aromatherapy energy cleansing, plus more! Get your tickets today
24. Head to two of America’s most-loved landmarks that are located here in NYC
When you think of the world’s most iconic landmarks images of the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Taj Mahal may come to mind. And NYC has a few landmarks of it’s own, of course–and two of them are considered America’s most-loved! Can you guess which ones they are? Find out here, and then plan a visit!47. Catch NYC’s buzziest new play “Lucy,” here for only a four-week run
25. Warm up with a hot chocolate
Nothing’s quite as comforting as hot cocoa! Lucky for us, NYC has tons of incredible joints to indulge in steaming cups with overflowing marshmallows and delicious flavors. Here are some spots we absolutely love:
- Dominique Ansel Bakery
- Maman
- MarieBelle
Our full list of recommendations can be found here.
26. Check out a new Broadway show
Many new Broadway shows are hitting the stage this year, and a lot of them are beginning to show previews this month! We gathered together the best shows coming to NYC this year, and from comedies to musicals, we’ve sharing them all with you! Check out our list here.
27. Take a wintry hike
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the beauty of nature! Get out and about and go for a little hike in one of the many parks in the five boroughs or beyond.
- Van Cortlandt Park (VCP)
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
- Green Belt Nature Center
- Pelham Bay Park
See the rest of our recommended spots here.
28. Not a hiker? Still explore the outdoors with these amazing activities…
Maybe a bike ride or a street art tour will do! Whatever you’re into there’s tons of outdoor activities to do this winter in the city. Check out our full list here.
29. Glide on the ice at one of NYC’s many skating rinks
From rooftop ice rinks to everyone’s favorite Rockefeller rink, lace up your skates for the perfect winter activity. Click here to find all the rinks open in the city.
30. Push your fear of heights aside at Rockefeller Center’s The Beam
Rockefeller Center’s The Beam is a thrilling experience which recreates the famous 1932 photograph “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper,” in which 11 ironworkers are seen perched on a steel beam eating lunch while 30 Rockefeller Plaza was under construction. Thrill seeking visitors will be strapped into seats on a recreated beam and lifted 12 feet above the observation deck platform, taking in stunning views of NYC’s beloved Central Park before descending. Read all about it here.
31. Take advantage of pay-as-you-wish weekdays at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is offering pay-as-you-wish admissions on weekdays to all visitors through the end of February. Enjoy the wintry grounds for whatever price you like from Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Find out more.
32. Or enjoy free entry on Friday evenings at the Whitney
The museum recently announced its greatest expansion of free access in decades with free entry on Friday evenings beginning January 12th and every second Sunday of the month. Read all about it in detail here.
33. Check out wintry transformations at NYC’s rooftops
Each year the city as a whole transforms into a winter wonderland, and that includes a number of the rooftop bars and restaurants. Here’s a few of our favorites:
- Pink Winter Lounge at the Moxy
- Haven Rooftop’s “Ski Chalet”
- Eataly’s SERRA by Birreria
- Gallow Green’s Rooftop Bar Has Transformed Into A Cozy Winter Hideaway
- Upstairs at The Kimberly, Midtown
34. Pretend it’s summer at this year-round rooftop pool
The TWA Hotel located at JFK Airport has a rooftop pool is actually open year round—and yes, it’s heated! The pool offers panoramic views of one of the biggest runways at JFK so you can watch planes and jets take off into the clouds as you sip on a drink by the water! Because who wouldn’t want to dip in a nice heated pool and pretend it’s not 30º outside?! Read more about it here.
35. Roam through enchanting ice castles upstate
Only a few hours outside of NYC, catch towering ice castles filled with slides, mazes, tunnels, and alcoves! Each fairytale structure is built entirely by hand. New York is one of the lucky five states in the U.S. that has such an experience. Find out more here.
36. Enjoy live music, drinks, & endless art at The Met Date Nights
On the nights that the temperatures dip into those lower numbers, we understand that planning date night could be discouraging, but you should never miss out on date night altogether, and you definitely won’t be able to turn this idea down! The Met Museum is once again hosting date nights in the comfort of their beautiful (and warm) indoor space every Friday and Saturday, and you won’t want to miss it! Learn all about it here.
37. Dance the night away at this unassuming nightclub inside a converted hangar in Brooklyn
Known as SILO, the club seeks to be an “open-minded exploration of sound” that promotes gender equality. The club invites a rotating spectrum of DJs and producers, in addition to ‘vinyl only’ nights. It’s the perfect way to escape the cold temperatures outside and work up some heat by dancing. Read all about it here.
38. See if you can crack the code to enter this new omakase speakeasy
The Office of Mr. Moto is an intimate speakeasy-style restaurant that offers the most mouthwatering omakase menu–that’s if you can get inside! With antiques from 19th century Japan, this new spot is way more than just a restaurant and speakeasy, but the food is still incredibly mouthwatering! Read all about it here.
39. Explore AMNH’s 230,000-square-foot Science Center for its one-year anniversary
Last February, a new addition joined the Museum of Natural History’s grounds with the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. This beautiful science hall is actually a completely new building being added to the Museum’s campus, and will be home to almost 4 million scientific specimens. Read all about it here.
40. Get some well deserved R&R at this converted Manhattan parking garage that’s now a bathhouse
Bathhouse is opening its second NYC location in Flatiron, transforming a former 35,000-square-foot underground parking garage into a dreamy wellness oasis. Sticking to its Williamsburg roots, the new location will offer a variety of global bathhouse traditions. Read all about it here.
41. Find fun for the whole family
From the coolest new exhibits to slime making experiences, there are never ending family-friendly activities to enjoy in NYC. Find some of our favorites here.
42. Save your money with all these exciting free things to do around NYC
Even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, there are loads of completely FREE things to do. If you’re paying the rent to live in a city this fantastic, you must take advantage of all there is to do and see! Some of our fav free things include:
Find our full list of free things here.
43. Run around NYC in your undies for Neurofibromatosis
Yes it’s January. Yes it may be freezing cold. Yes this event is asking you to come only in underwear. But hey, it’s all for a great cause! Cupid’s Undie Run is returning on Saturday, February 10 to raise money and awareness for those living with Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors. Find more details and why it’s all happening in your underwear here.
44. Explore Hudson River Park’s new climbable fish playground
A 4,000-square-foot marine-science-focused playground has opened up on Manhattan’s Pier 26. With the addition of Pier 26 Science Play Area, Hudson River Park now has five children’s play areas! Read more here.
45. Take a day-cation for a quick winter getaway
When winter hits it can be hard to force yourself to get out of your apartment. But with these beautiful day-cations only a short ride outside of the city, you’ll be motivated more than ever to get some fresh air. Whether you’re looking to strap on some skis or shop from adorable boutiques, see here for our full list of quick winter getaways.
46. Show of your skating skills at this retro rink
Get groovy at Roller Rock, a nostalgic retro roller rink, opening at The Rockaway Hotel + Spa for a second year. The vibes are absolutely immaculate with a checkerboard floor and twinkling disco ball, perfect for pictures. Learn more skating info here.
47. Munch on these epic food deals during Super Bowl LVIII
Whatever brings you to turn on your screen on game day, be it the half-time performance, commercials, or the actual sport, there’s no denying the food is a major part of the action. Find the most mouthwatering super bowl deals on wings, sliders and more across these NYC spots.
48. Learn something new at the just renovated Toby Devan Lewis Education Center
Brooklyn Museum’s new education center is inviting visitors to nurture their creative minds in a space where everyone is an artist. The new center features a gallery for rotating family-friendly installations, three studios and high-tech audiovisual systems and LED lighting. Museum goers will also be able to take advantage of unique programming and classes in regards to arts education and community engagement. Learn more here.
49. Be prepared for another six weeks of winter or early spring
This month, we’ll be anxiously awaiting the verdict from both Punxsutawney Phil, and our more local and reliable Staten Island Chuck, to see whether an early spring is ahead or if we’ll be subjected to more weeks of freezing winter. Whatever they predict, we’ve got solutions for the both. If it’s an early spring, be sure to check out these beautiful trails near NYC. If winter prevails be sure to click on our winter bucket list here.
50. Discover a new hobby at a unique class
NYC is home to tons of interesting and niche classes. From culinary creations, to flower arranging and dance, find what excites you the most with our full list here.
51. Take a drive to see the world’s oldest forest in New York
Apparently, an ancient forest in Gilboa, New York was once the old stomping ground for dinosaurs! Back then, the forest covered 250-miles-worth of land. Today, it only covers about half of a football field. Though you can’t actually enter the forest since it’s not open to the public, you can take just over a two hour drive from NYC to see the town its in! Read more here.
52. Cast your vote for Queens’ Best Bagel Competition
From January 29th to February 7th, you have the chance to help determine who offers up the best bagel in the entire borough of Queens. The inaugural competition from the Queens Chamber of Commerce will announce the official winner on National Bagel and Lox Day (February 9th). Read more here.