New Yorkers, we vociferously complain as soon as winter moves in on us and we hibernate for the next three months. A rare few city anomalies venture out for a skiing or sledding trip. Most of us city creatures, however, chill indoors with Netflix and hot cocoa. Now imagine that in some places in the world winter is the most prominent, most highly expect season. In Russia, and all the post-Soviet nations, winter is sacred and ice skating is a religion. Entire parks are glazed with ice throughout cities. NYC does not lag behind on the rinks because we have a formidable number of them ourselves, as long as we are willing to climb out of our winter-proof homes.
Here I present you with New York's best ice skating rinks (definitely not all):
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Starting with New York's most iconic rink, I have only one thing to say: DON'T GO THERE. But things are not as horrible as long as its off-season, really early in the day or really late. The rink has a view of one of NYC's anchor holiday installations: the Christmas tree. Expect a line of up to two hours because only 150 individuals are allowed on the rink at the same time for an hour and a half. Reservations can be made on-line. The rink also offers a variety of packages including drinks, food and even marriage proposals. Overall, it's a one-time mandatory experience but not the place to learn skating.
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza (access via B, D, F and M trains to 47–50th Sts–Rockefeller Ctr)
Price: $25-$32, seniors and children under 11 $15; $12 skate rentals
Trump Wollman Rink (the one in central Park)
Another one of New York's better known rinks easily competes with the Rink at Rockefeller Center. Not only does the rink have a gorgeous view of New York's skyline and Central Park, it is much easier to get into than the aforementioned. While it gets packed during peak season and especially weekends, if you can make it during the weekdays you are guaranteed a Blair Waldorf moment. Plus, for newbies, they offer a learn-to-skate program. And between you and me, you can always find me at this rink before any other.
Location: enter Central Park at W 59th St and Sixth Ave (access via 1, A, B, C, D, F, N and Q trains)
Price: $11–$17, seniors $5–$9, children 11 and under $6; $8 skate rentals
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park (the FREE one)
Ice skating is not cheap at all, especially if you need to rent skates. Bryant Park makes it easy for those who have ice skates to skate for free and others just pay the rent fee for the skates. However, expect hour long lines and a PACKED rink (you're not skating, you're walking.) Fast passes are offered. On weekdays, earlier in the day and maybe midday the rink clears up a bit. And if a friend refuses to skate, he/she can always explore the holiday shops at the park and tease you with some Max Brenner hot chocolate.
Location: Bryant Park (access via B, D, F and M trains to 42nd Street, Bryant Park)
Price: FREE; $19 skate rentals
The Rink at Brookfield Place
You did not hear it from me, but this one's a hidden gem of NYC. The quaint, smaller rink is a perfect getaway from the Downtown hustle. Divided in 90 minute sessions, the prices are cheaper and you can even get a first free lesson. While at it, explore The Museum of Feelings or the NEW Winter Garden installation while at it.
Location: Brookfield Place Plaza, 230 Vesey St (access via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, E, F, J, R, and Z trains)
Price: $15 (per 90-min session); $5 skate rentals
The Standard Ice Rink (yes, like the hotel)
Located right below the High Line, the downtown nightlife scene can now add a skating rink to its entertainment. This miniature square rink provides an apres-ski vibe with its rink-side patio catering Alpine themed food and drinks. Moreover, the rink remains open until 12-1 am. While kids are welcome, the rink is geared towards adults (perfect spot for that date?)
Location: 848 Washington at 13th Street (access via A, C, E and L trains)
Price: $13 adults; $6 children; $4 rentals
The Sky Rink at Chelsea Peers (the one for the pros)
The indoor skating rink at Pier 61 is open seven days a week year-round. It accommodates skaters of all ages and levels, and provides training programs for new skaters. If you get lucky, you can even see the hockey team or professional figure skaters training at the twin rink.
Location: Pier 61 - 23rd St. & Hudson River Park (closest train station at 23rd street via the C and E train lines; 3-block walk)
Price: $10; $5 skate rentals
... and because NYC extends outside Manhattan, we cannot forget:
City Ice Pavilion (Long Island City, Queens)
New York's only rooftop rink stretches an NHL-appropriate 85-by-200 feet under a waterproof air dome. The rink is designated for skating lessons and hockey practices, so you will surely spot some rising champions.
Location: 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City (access via 7 train to 33rd St, or drive)
Price: $6-$9; $5 skate rentals
Lakeside Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Prospect Park Alliance spent a whooping $74 million to renovate the southeast corner of the park into the LaFrak Center. The pavilion houses an outdoor and an indoor rink where visitors can take distinct classes. Besides Brooklyn's scenic lake, individuals can also take curling and broom-ball classes, or simply take a walk through New York's other park. Brooklyn also poses as a foodie's heaven, so make sure to check Yelp in advance.
Location: Parkside and Ocean Avenue Entrance (access via Q train and a walk from the F line)
Price: $6-$9; $6 skate rentals
Aviator Sports and Events Skating Rinks (Brooklyn)
Housed in a decommissioned airport, this venue boast with TWO NHL sized rinks. The rinks draw a crowd on weekends and holidays, but they have some of the best quality ice coverage in NYC. As the ice, there are also world class instructors- Russian World and Olympic Champions. You WILL learn to skate well here. If the rink is too crowded, you can always rock climb, practice basketball, gymnastics or any other activity at the complex.
Location: Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave (must DRIVE there)
Price: $11; $5 skate rentals
