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Best Things to do in New York City This Winter 2020-2021

(1) Take a Horse and Carriage Ride Around Central Park 

One of the most iconic and romantic things to do this holiday season, take a Horse and Carriage Ride around Central Park. Ride past all of the major areas including Bethesda Fountain, Balto Statue, Bow Bridge, and more! Great for couples and families!

Central Park Sightseeing is offering short and long rides available for reservation here.

Operating Hours: 10AM-10PM

 

(2) Ice Skate at Rockefeller Center

One of the best activities to do around the holidays is ice skate in the rink at Rockefeller Center. Visit the shops in the center, the iconic Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and enjoy a meal in the nearby shops. Perfect for couples, families, and friends!

Book your ticket here.


Alternatively, if the Rockefeller rink is too busy, visit the Wollman Rink in Central Park, with spectacular views of the city.

Keep a look-out for one new build coming, the William Vale is building a rooftop rink that is coming soon!

(3) Visit the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

The Dyker Lights are going up again! Started over 40 years ago, the hill between Bensonhurst and Borough Park, the neighborhood between 7th and 14th avenues, 65th street, and the Belt Parkway is famous for its Christmas Holiday decorations.

Enjoy a stroll around the neighborhood and feel the holiday spirit!

(4) Visit the Empire State Building

With brand new renovations, and a completely revamped experience, the Empire State Building boasts a world-class view of New York City. Visit during sunset – and see the sun go down along the Hudson River! As a fun-fact, the Empire State Building’s antenna gets hit by lightning roughly 25 times a year!

Book tickets here.

(5) Take an Online Cooking Class

Stay in the warmth of your home and develop one of the best skills one can learn for themselves- cooking! Check out Sur La Table, located right in Midtown Manhattan, and one of their virtual learnings for just $29!

With a constantly changing menu, pick from amazing dishes such as homemade lasagna, homemade tiramisu, holiday tamales, beef bourguignon and more!

(6) Drink Hot Chocolate or a Cocktail in an Igloo Bar

Head to 230 Fifth Avenue for some night time fun. See spectacular night views of the city, including the Empire State Building, all while enjoying a nice drink with friends or your loved one!

Open from 3PM-10PM.

(7) Take a Guided Bike Tour around New York City

Bundle up and take a guided bike tour around New York City! In one of the best ways to see Manhattan, join Unlimited Biking for a 3 hour guided bike tour from Harlem all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge! Start from just north of Central Park, and get a ride through the iconic Central Park, down the Hudson River, past Times Square, Chelsea and Chinatown, all the way to Wall Street, ending at the Brooklyn Bridge location where guests can get cozy and rest up before maybe walking across the bridge.

Book here!

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A Tandem Ride for Two – Happy Valentines Day!

New York City may be one of the most romantic destinations in the world, which is why it is the perfect city to spend the day with your sweetheart on the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day! Except, the big dilemma remains every year: Where to go? What to do? What would make this year even more special?

For those with an adventurous heart, a bike ride along the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and, of course, Central Park is a classic option to spend the day. With this wonderful warm winter we’ve been having, there is no better way to explore this lovely city has than by bike.

Of course, it is also about the stops, so here we have gathered some of the most popular spots couples visit on this amorous day:

  • the 2020 Times Square Valentines Heart, perfect for a selfie
  • the American Museum of Natural History’s annual event called “Romance Under the Stars” in its Hayden Planetarium
  • Ice Skating at Wollman Rink or Lasker Rink inside Central Park
  • Bow Bridge, an iconic proposal spot for many,
  • Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, or a meal at the Boathouse overlooking the Lake
  • The Empire State Building, for breathtaking views of NYC

As for sweet treats and chocolates to share and gift to your special someone, shops like The Sweet Shop, Li-Lac Chocolates, Mariebelle, M&M’s World, Max Brenner and Hershey’s Chocolate World are great stops for a lively sugar rush!

At Unlimited Biking we equip you with all you’ll need to sweep ‘em off their feet on this very special day, so don’t forget to stop by to grab your ride, or give us a call at 212.749.4444 to book in advance for this sweet day!

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Already Biked the Brooklyn Bridge? Now Ride the Manhattan Bridge!

NYC has over 2,000 bridges but if you aren’t a commuter, then you’ve most likely only heard of one NYC bridge: the Brooklyn Bridge. To be fair, the Brooklyn Bridge is iconic; it was, arguably, the greatest feat of engineering in the nineteenth century. But if you only visit the Brooklyn Bridge during your trip to New York, you’re missing out. One other bridge definitely worth riding over is the Manhattan Bridge. Like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge spans over the East River to connect the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, but that is where the similarities end. Read on to discover what makes the Manhattan Bridge a unique ride.

What to expect on your ride:

Compared to the Brooklyn Bridge, your ride on the Manhattan Bridge will be a breeze. Since the bridge isn’t a go-to tourist attraction, you won’t be competing for space with a crushing crowd of people. In fact, bikes have their own designated lane on the bridge barrier from the pedestrians. A couple of quirks of the Manhattan Bridge might make your ride less-than-idyllic, however: the B/D/N/Q subway lines use the bridge to cross between Brooklyn and Manhattan, so be prepared for some rumblings from the trains every few minutes. Also, the Manhattan Bridge gives you stellar views of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, that view is somewhat obscured by the bridge’s chicken wire fencing.

Photo opportunities:

A little known fact, a ride over the bridge provides a great photo-op of the NYC skyline, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge. 

To get this must-have shot, ride over to Washington Street between Water Street and Front Street. If you angle your camera just right, you’ll get the Empire State Building in the background, too!

Things to Do:

While you’re in the area, don’t forget to explore the neighborhoods of DUMBO, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. You can take a boxing lesson at Gleason’s Gym, shop at Empire Stores, or spend some time at Jacques Torres’ chocolate paradise. In Brooklyn Heights, you’ll find even more cute boutiques, as well as kayaking and more outdoor fun at Brooklyn Bridge Park. 

On the Manhattan side of the bridge, you’ll find the ever-bustling neighborhood of Chinatown, where there’s great shopping and great food. Be sure to stop at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else; walk along Canal Street and browse the never-ending supply of gods; and visit the Museum of Chinese in America where you’ll get context on the neighborhood as well a s the diverse stories of Chinese immigrant communities across the US. 
Ready to take a ride over the Manhattan Bridge? Visit any of our Unlimited Biking locations and we’ll get you set up with the perfect set of wheels for your day of exploration. And if you want to know even more about the Manhattan Bridge and the NYC’s many other bridges, book our Bridge Delight bike tour, where you’ll get to know the city through four of its bridges.

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Make the Most of NYC’s Fall Weather with These Outdoor Activities

The start of cooler weather doesn’t mean that it’s time to hibernate indoors just yet. There is still plenty of fun to be had outside in the crisp autumn air. If you’re looking for ideas for what to do, we’ve put together the perfect list of NYC’s best autumn outdoor activities

Go Apple Picking!

Autumn doesn’t just mark the comeback of pumpkin spice; it also means that it’s apple season! What better way to celebrate the return of fresh, juicy apples than to head to an orchard and pick some yourself. Unfortunately there are no apple orchards to be found within the city limits of NYC, but there are a few right outside the city: Harvest Moon Farm in North Salem, NY is just a 90-minute train ride from Grand Central Station, and in Warwick, NY, you’ll find Masker Orchards, a cute Hudson Valley farm that’ll let you eat the apples while you pick them. 

Visit a Rooftop Farm!

Everyone’s been to a rooftop bar by now, but we doubt that you’ve stepped foot onto a rooftop farm. And luckily for you, you don’t have to travel outside the city for this experience. Head over to Brooklyn to visit Brooklyn Grange and Eagle Street Farm. Between them, they produce over 50,000 pounds of produce each year, and perhaps, with your tour, you’ll get to sample some of what they’ve grown. If you want more of a dining experience, check out Bell Book & Candle, a restaurant that doubles as a rooftop vegetable garden. 

Take a Fall Foliage Ride up the Hudson River!

Taking a bike ride up the Hudson River Greenway is always fun no matter the time of year, but the fall foliage makes the ride during autumn particularly special. Experience the best plumage Manhattan has to offer, riding north from the garden haven of Battery Park City to Inwood Hill Park at the very top of the island. Along the way, make sure to stop at the Cloisters or Fort Tryon Park. From there, you’ll be treated to a view of New Jersey’s Palisades.

Get lost in a Maze!

Nothing says fall fun like wandering through a corn maze. You’ll find NYC’s only corn maze at the Queens County Farm in Floral Park, Queens. This year, the three-acre labyrinth is shaped like the iconic Universphere, which is reason enough to check it out. But if you need more reasons to head over to the farm, they also have pumpkin picking and a haunted farmhouse. 

Take a Walking Tour!

What’s better than taking a walk in the fall? How about adding a tour guide to make it a walk to remember? With the cool weather and the hints of fall foliage, this is the perfect season to take a walking tour. Luckily for you, this is something that your favorite bike rental company excels in, too! We offer walking tours of both Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge so you’ll get up-close and personal to your favorite NYC sites during the city’s favorite time of year.

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Feast of San Gennaro

For the past two weeks, more than a million people have ventured over to the Lower Manhattan neighborhood of Little Italy for the Feast of San Gennaro, a food-and-fun-filled festival that takes place every September to honor the patron saint of Naples.

This 12-day festival is the ultimate Italian-American celebration: the tiny neighborhood shows off its Italian pride with its red, white, and green decorations as well as portraits of Saint Genarro. But it’s hard to focus on the decorations when you’re surrounded by every type of Italian food you can imagine and all the carnival rides of your childhood dreams. With so much to do, see, and eat crammed within a few streets, it’s nearly impossible to fathom that the 93-year-old Feast of San Gennaro used to take up thirty blocks!

Although the festival is much smaller than in previous years, the activities and the excitement around it have only grown. While the pizza and the cannoli eating contests have already passed, there’s still time to catch the closing events of San Genarro. On Saturday, September 21st, you can watch people participating in a glutton’s dream of the annual meatball eating competition followed by a singing competition in honor of the great Italian singers.

On Sunday, the festival concludes with music from Jimmy Russo & the Flowers and Jenna Esposito. And of course, all the while there will be zeppoles, torrone, and cannolis to snack on and Ferris wheels and tilt-a-whirls to ride on. So head down to Little Italy as soon as you can before the festivities are over!

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Rider Recommendation: Prospect Park

While it’s often overshadowed by its more popular Manhattan counterpart, Prospect Park is one Brooklyn attraction that can’t be missed. Both parks were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux; however, these park masterminds actually considered Prospect Park to be their masterpiece, a chance to correct the mistakes they made when they designed Central Park a few years earlier. At first glance, these green oases are very similar but upon your visit, you’ll find that Prospect Park is more “natural” than Central Park and much quieter. Make sure not to overlook these things the next time you stop by “Brooklyn’s backyard”:

Grand Army Plaza

As the name suggests, Grand Army Plaza is the grandest entrance to Prospect Park (which has seventeen entrances total). It’s impossible to miss this massive arch with several bronze statues jutting out of it. Called the Soldiers and Sailors Arch, these statues give homage to the “Defenders of the Union” during the Civil War. The inner curve of the arch also features carvings of President Abraham Lincoln and Union General Ulysses S. Grant. If you’re brave enough to cross the busy intersection to get a closer look at the arch, you’ll also be treated to a small park separate from Prospect Park, decorated with other sculptures and a mermaid fountain.

Prospect Park Carousel

Just a quick walk from the Prospect Park Zoo is the wildly whimsical Prospect Park Carousel. This functional work of art has been a delight to both children and adults since the early 1900s. Like most other carousels, this one is equipped with a fleet of horses –53 in all– but quite unusually, it also features a deer, a giraffe, a lion, and two dragon chariots. Something else that makes the Prospect Park Carousel unique: it’s one of the few wheelchair-accessible carousels in the country. There’s no reason why anyone should miss out on the fun. 

The Ravine

There’s a reason why Prospect Park is considered a “natural” park. Unlike with Central Park where trees and bushes had to be imported, the designers of Prospect Park worked with Brooklyn’s native forests to create the woodsy Ravine. Step into the Ravine today and you’ll think that you’re in the Adirondack Mountains. Along with being a great place to escape the city without actually leaving, the Ravine is a prime spot for bird watching. While you’re there see what other wildlife you can spot. 

Need a bike for your adventure through Prospect Park? Stop by one of our Unlimited Biking locations and we’ll set you up with the perfect ride.

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A Cyclist’s Guide to the Jamaica Bay Greenway

Out of all of NYC’s “greenways” the Jamaica Bay Greenway is probably the only one that actually lives up to its name. This 19-mile cyclist and pedestrian loop in southern Brooklyn and Queens runs along a wildlife refuge that’s the largest of its kind in the city. The area is teeming with all sorts of fauna and flora, as well as a few historical gems. There’s a lot to see and do on one of the longest bike rides in the city, so here are a few of our recommendations that will help you make the most of your ride.

Go birdwatching at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Birdlovers rejoice! The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is paradise for both birds and birdwatchers. Over 70 species of bird regularly nest within the refuge’s 9,000 acres, but over 200 species have been sighted here. Spend some time among the calm of the refuge’s wetlands, salt marshes, and woods and you’ll see warblers, egrets, all kinds of waterfowl, and much more. With all the wildlife around you, you’ll forget that you’re in the city.

See antique planes at Floyd Bennett Field.

Floyd Bennett Field has had a lot of past lives. In 1928 it was a municipal airport, but during World War II the federal government decided it would be of better use as a naval air station. Today Floyd Bennett Field doesn’t see as much action, but it is dedicated to preserving the history of its glory days. Stop by the Field’s gorgeous art deco terminal, which has now become a museum of the airport’s history. Then check our Hangar B, where you can get up close to WWII -era planes. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday in the summer, don’t miss the 2.3-mile bike race around the field.

 

Venture through the abandoned ruins of Fort Tilden.

Unlike Floyd Bennett Field, this military base hasn’t been given a new 21st-century purpose. Ever since the base was decommissioned in 1972, the area is slowly being reclaimed by nature. If you’re a fan of venturing into abandoned buildings, Fort Tilden is the spot for you. Just beware of the poison ivy.

 

Take a swim at Jacob Riis Park.

Jacob Riis Park, like a lot of places around the Jamaica Bay Greenway, has a military backstory. This park was previously a naval air station but now it’s one of New York’s favorite public beaches. The relatively uncrowded beach and the art deco bathhouse are some of the main draws, but locals also take advantage of Jacob Riis’ opportunities for surfing and golfing, too. The 88-acre park is divided into 14 bays, but FYI, Bay 1 is considered the “adult” part of the beach, since it is frequented by nudists. 

Interested in biking the Jamaica Bay Greenway and seeing these sites?

Stop by one of our Unlimited Biking locations to pick up the perfect bike for your journey.

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NYC Summer Streets 2019!

This August, Unlimited Biking is partnering with Summer Streets to provide

for individuals participating in the highly anticipate event of the summer!

Unlimited Biking will be present with 75 complimentary bikes at three rest stops along the seven miles of Summer Streets:

We will have a wide range of sizes available, including kids bikes! All rentals will include helmets, baskets/bike bags and a map! Bikes are available on a first come, first serve basis, and an active credit card must be on file in order to rent.

Should the complimentary bikes run out, guests can visit any of Unlimited Biking’s six store locations around Manhattan in the following neighborhoods for a FREE HOUR bike rental!

To get a head start on our Check-In Process, visit our website here!

Should you have any questions, please give us a call at 212-749-4444 or email us at [email protected]

See you on the Streets!

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New York’s Best Food Tour!

Interested in turning your All Day Bike Rental into a Self Guided Food Tour?

Here is our foodie bucket list with the ‘must eats’ and favorites from real New Yorkers!

  • $1 Slice Pizza (2 Bros Pizza)
  • Cannoli (Ferrara Bakery & Cafe)
  • Bagel & Schmear (Black Seed Bagels)
  • Chicken & Waffles (Sweet chick)
  • Hand Pulled Noodles (Xi’an Famous Foods)
  • Shack Burger (Shake Shack)
  • Corned Beef or Pastrami (Katz’s Delicatessen)
  • Dim Sum (Nom Wah Tea Parlor)
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie (Levain’s Bakery)
  • Pierogi (Veselka)
  • Babka (Breaks Bakery)
  • Ramen (Ivan Ramen)
  • Ice Cream (Morgenstern’s, Ample Hills Creamery)
  • Fresh Pasta (San Marzano)
  • Korean BBQ (Jongro BBQ)
  • Donuts (Dough Doughnuts)
  • Falafel (Mamouns)
  • Dumplings (Vanessa’s Dumpling House)
  • Shaved Ice (Grace Street Cafe)

Now that you’ve got your list, get out there and eat! And we’ve got the bikes to get you there!

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Where the Stars Align: The Top Movie Spots to Bike To!

Katz’s Deli (When Harry Met Sally)

Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, When Harry Met Sally is a quintessentially “New York” film. Following the relationship between the title characters over the space of twelve years, the film is the romantic comedy classic – which makes it the perfect film to start off this list!

Founded in 1888, it’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike – so it hasn’t lost that homemade charm. Serving kosher-style Jewish meats (and monstrously big pastrami-on-rye sandwiches), this is a fantastic spot to soak up traditional New York vibes. It’s perfect for lunching between bike rides. You’ll have what she’s having, for sure!

Mulberry Street (The Godfather II)

Little Italy is an exceptionally historical part of New York City. Named for the large number of Italian immigrants who came to live there at the start of the 20th century, the neighborhood has seen more than its fair share of gangster films centering around the Italian mob.

The Godfather II stars Al Pacino as he rises in the ranks of his father Marlon Brando’s mafia gang. One scene in particular features a stunning and terrifying shootout on Mulberry Street during the colorful Feast of San Gennaro, setting the stage for the drama to follow.

Cycle up to Mulberry Street and walk your bike down its bustling avenues, and see if you can spot the Mediterranean-inspired facades and food stores.

The Literary Walk & Bethesda Fountain (Big Daddy, Kramer Vs. Kramer, Maid in Manhattan, Gossip Girl)

Central Park has played host to countless films and television productions over the past century – and why not? The park is the endlessly beautiful epicenter of the city, and one of the largest urban green spaces in the world. If there’s any spots to bike to as a film fan, it has to be The Mall. It’s been the spot of nearly too many films, from comedies like Big Daddy and Maid in Manhattan to hard hitting legal dramas like Kramer vs. Kramer.

For the glamorous socialites in all of us, the Mall is capped at the north end by the Bethesda fountain. Fans of Gossip Girl will know it as the popular meeting location for Serena Van Der Woodsen and her friends, and the spot for the wedding of Blair and Chuck at the series finale.

The MET (Ocean’s 8)

Continuing on Central Park, another fantastic spot is the MET Museum. Home to an extensive collection of art and historical works, the MET is a highlight enough in itself. Not least for the legendary Gala it plays host to each year, with a unique theme and extensive celebrity guest list.

To add an item to the ever-growing list of reasons to visit this exceptional landmark, the 2018 action sequel Ocean’s 8 takes place within these very walls.

Lock your bike outside and take a stroll up the very same steps that Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, and countless others have before.

FDNY Ladder 8 (Ghostbusters)

If Bill Murray ain’t afraid of no ghost, then YOU ain’t afraid of no ghost! The Fire Department of New York’s Firehouse Ladder 8 is the home base for history’s favorite: Ghostbusters. 

Cycle down Grand street and take a turn onto North Moore Street – you won’t be able to miss the sign!Pose outside with some of the best street art homages in the city, and enjoy stepping back to the 1980s.

 

The Staten Island Ferry (Spiderman: Homecoming)

A fresh addition to the list of best New York places to take your bike is for sure the Staten Island Ferry. Take your bike from the mainland and relax as the completely free Ferry takes you around the harbor to see all of Manhattan’s incredible skyline.

Recent fame as a movie hotspot comes from it featuring in Marvel’s Spiderman: Homecoming. In a jaw-dropping fight sequence, Peter Parker saves the ferry passengers from the efforts of The Vulture by holding the Ferry together with his web. This is definitely one for the comic book fans and superhero movie buffs riding around NYC!

Spot the hottest movie locations and more, only with Unlimited Biking.