Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Midtown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Midtown
1. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Glide under the flags and towers of Rockefeller Center on NYC’s most iconic seasonal ice. The sunken plaza feels cinematic and surprisingly intimate for first-timers.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Midtown’s signature skate experience—perfect ice maintenance, skyline backdrops, and easy access to food and transit make sessions effortless.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late evening on weekdays from mid-October through early spring to avoid holiday crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter via the 49th Street side and stash belongings light; lockers are limited. Check the calendar for weather-related closures and special sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters rave about the postcard setting and smooth ice, noting lines move faster than expected if you prebook.
2. The Rink at Bryant Park
A spacious outdoor rink set amid Midtown skyscrapers and trees, with seasonal shops and eateries making it a full outing.
✓ Why Go:
Free-admission skating (with your own skates) and long open hours make this a budget-friendly favorite steps from Times Square and Fifth Avenue.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and late nights from late October to early March; aim for shoulder periods between ice cuts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring your own skates to skip rental lines and fees; travel light as bag check can add waits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the festive ambiance, skyline views, and generous ice time; crowds are the only consistent complaint.
3. East Midtown Greenway
A new waterfront esplanade floating over the East River from E 53rd to E 61st Streets, with silky pavement ideal for inline and longboard cruising.
✓ Why Go:
Close, car-free river views in the heart of Midtown East—finally a smooth, scenic stretch made for flowy laps and sunset pushes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour on weekdays for lighter traffic; mornings on weekends before walkers peak.
✓ Insider Tip:
Access via the E 54th Street pedestrian bridge; wind can funnel along the FDR—bring a layer.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters praise the fresh surface and views, calling it a long-overdue Midtown gem.
4. Hudson River Greenway at Pier
The West Side’s waterfront path through Midtown West offers long, uninterrupted pavement beside the Hudson—great for distance skates.
✓ Why Go:
Wide lanes, river breezes, and minimal intersections let you settle into a rhythm; piers offer benches and water fountains for breaks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise or dusk for cooler temps and lighter bike traffic; avoid weekend midday when cyclists peak.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at Pier 84 and head north toward Pier 96 for a smooth out-and-back with fewer stoplights than street routes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Inline and longboarders love the glide factor and sunsets; some note wind and weekend congestion—timing is key.
5. Sixth-and-a-Half Avenue
A quirky chain of midblock passages from W 51st to W 57th between Sixth and Seventh Avenues—dry, smooth, and partially covered.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a Midtown-only shortcut with polished floors and minimal cars, perfect for weather-proof cruising and flatground practice off the sidewalk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings after office hours or weekend mornings when foot traffic is low.
✓ Insider Tip:
Be courteous—these are privately owned public spaces. Keep speed in check and yield to pedestrians and lobby security.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters appreciate the novelty and silky surfaces, calling it Midtown’s best hidden-in-plain-sight route.
6. Pershing Square Plaza
Freshly expanded car-free space by Grand Central with granite paving and café seating—an urban patio to roll through or stage a Midtown skate linkup.
✓ Why Go:
Central location, new surfaces, and iconic station views make this a photogenic meet point that’s easy to reach from multiple subway lines.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons for golden light on the viaduct; weekday mornings if you prefer quieter laps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab water or a bite under the Park Avenue viaduct before continuing east to the greenway.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the calm in the middle of Midtown and praise the upgraded paving and seating.
7. Duffy Square
The northern plaza of Times Square under the red TKTS steps—buzzy, bright, and surprisingly skateable at off-peak hours.
✓ Why Go:
For skaters who want that neon-night glide and people-watching; it’s a classic Midtown moment on wheels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Very early mornings or late nights to avoid heavy crowds and event closures.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep speed slow and watch camera gear, characters, and stanchions; security is present and pedestrian priority rules.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters call it chaotic but unforgettable—the photos and vibes are worth the timing dance.
8. Bella Abzug Park
A linear park threading Hudson Yards with smooth paths, fountains, and seating—good for mellow rolls and practice between sessions on the West Side path.
✓ Why Go:
Sheltered seating, clean paving, and proximity to the 34 St–Hudson Yards station make it a convenient rest-and-reset spot for skaters.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for sun and open benches; evenings light up the surrounding architecture for night shots.
✓ Insider Tip:
Link this park with Pier 84 for a Midtown West loop that balances distance and downtime.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the tidy design and reliable surfaces; families like the open sightlines.
9. Columbus Circle
A grand roundabout at Midtown’s north edge with broad plazas and easy access to Central Park South for scenic cooldowns.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a photogenic staging area with flat stone plazas and transit galore—great for meeting up before rolling nearby routes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning on weekends or weekday evenings; midday can be tourist-heavy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the outer plazas—traffic is fast around the circle. If you roll into the park, follow posted rules and yield to pedestrians and bikes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters like the energy and convenience; many call it the perfect jump-off point.
10. Seagram Building Plaza
The minimalist granite forecourt on Park Avenue offers ultra-smooth stone and classic Midtown East architecture as a backdrop.
✓ Why Go:
A design icon with premium paving—ideal for slow rolls, flat tricks, and striking photos when it’s quiet.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekends to avoid office traffic and building activity.
✓ Insider Tip:
Security can restrict skating—keep it low-key and respectful; this is primarily a space to cruise, not a spot for heavy sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the surfaces and aesthetics, often calling it a must-see even for a brief roll-by.
