New York City's lack of tourists in winter means good deals for residents on the town

Its slow time for visitors — and that means fun time for locals

Savvy city dwellers know there’s an upside to enduring cold winters in New York.

There may be a chill in your bones, but this time of year also brings the joy of walking the streets blissfully free of sidewalk-clogging tourists asking directions to the nearest Hard Rock Café.

Winter in the Big Apple belongs to New Yorkers.

While the city this week announced it broke a new record in 2011 by welcoming more than 50.5 million visitors, many are fair-weather travelers.

Deep winter is the slowest time for tourists — and that means fun time for locals, with a whole bunch of deals for those who want to experience playing tourist in their own city.

“We want to remind visitors and New Yorkers that there is no better time to visit New York City,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company.