Re-Opening, Open, Closed, Explore Virtual NYC
NYC is over 70% vaccinated and most everything is open. We still have some distancing guidelines and reservations required, but, thankfully, things are slowly moving more towards how they were before.
NYC Travel Health & Trip Insurance
If you are traveling to NYC from a country that supports/pays your healthcare (lucky you!), you may want to consider a short term medical plan for US Travel, especially one that specifically says "Covid-19 Medical Covered" or "Covid-19 Cancellation Covered."
My research shows plans start at $20 USD per week per person that include Covid Medical Care, and you can add trip cancellation and other travel insurance coverage (luggage, delays, etc) in the online comparison tool. Our US medical expenses are not for the faint of heart, or anyone used to medical care being paid for (our ACA-Obamacare charges $600/month + the first $7,000 of medical expenses per year be paid per person and then denies 17% of care as "not medically necessary" so you have to pay for that care outside of the $600/$7,000). Please consider this small investment if it makes sense for you. We recommend SquareMouth to compare global travel health insurance plans.
NYC Travel & Health Guidelines
Most indoor establishments require masks be worn: subway/public transportation, Broadway theaters, attractions, shopping, museums, etc and most ticketed events (shows, sports) require vaccination proof.
Check the latest NYC Travel requirements. As of November 2021, Before boarding a flight to the United States, you are required to show one of the following:
- If you are fully vaccinated: Proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days before travel.
- If you are NOT fully vaccinated: A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel.
Children under 2 years old do not need to test. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Fun Things to do in New York in Winter
- Ice Skating in New York City
- Things to do in NYC in December
- Things to do in NYC in January
- Things to do in NYC in February
- Holiday Markets in NYC
- Christmas in New York City
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
- Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
- New York City Museums
- NYC Helicopter Tours
- Free Things to Do in New York City
NYC Maps, Subway, Streets, Apps, Directions
- NYC Printable Map Book
- NYC Subway Map Guide
- Maps of Manhattan NYC
- Manhattan Neighborhood Maps
- New York City Street Map
- NYC Tourist Maps
- NYC Boroughs
Newest NYC Experiences - Be The First!
Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:
- Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
- The Ready @ Moxy NYC East Village - all-season rooftop with an amazingly eclectic vibe and great skyline views. (photo)
- The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals
See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops
Museums
Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.
Attractions & Sightseeing
NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.
Go HIGH or Go Home
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.
- Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
- Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
- One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
- Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
- Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town
Known Rescheduled Events
- Macy’s Flower Show – May 2-16, 2021 (usually March/Apri)l
- Tribeca Film Festival – June 9- 20, 2021 (usually April)
- TD Five Boro Bike Tour – August 22, 2021 (usually May)
- Shakespeare in the Park – July 5 – August 29, 2021
- NY Auto Show – Aug 20-29, 2021 (usually April)
- Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day – September 18, 2021 (usually April)
- Coney Island Mermaid Parade – September 12, 2021 (usually June)
- Governors Ball Music Festival @ Citi Field – September 24-26, 2021 (usually June)
- NYC Marathon – November 7, 2021
Broadway Opening Dates
See All: List of Broadway Shows
Chicago Broadway Musical and NYC Insider Guide Review and Tips
Resumes September 14, 2021. Chicago is a musical tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery—all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.
Come From Away Broadway Musical – Resumes Sept 21, 2021
On September 11, 2001, 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to the air strip in Gander, Newfoundland. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
Six the Musical Broadway - On Sale Through September 2023
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Six centers on the six ex-wives of King Henry VIII, who take the mic to reclaim their identities out of the shadow of their infamous spouse. They remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power. Opened September 17, 2021. Ages 10+
Aint Too Proud Broadway Musical - Closing January 16, 2022
Ain't Too Proud is the electrifying new musical that follows The Temptations' extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one. Some of the group's treasured hits include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Previews Feb 28, Opened March 21, 2019, Resumed October 16, 2021. Ages 13+
Mrs. Doubtfire Broadway Musical Tickets - On Pause Jan 10 - April 14, 2022
Helloooooooo! Mrs. Doubtfire is a musical now, poppets, and she's here to make everything better! Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he disguises himself as Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new persona begins to take on a life of her own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. Previews October 21, 2021. Ages 8+
Phantom of the Opera Broadway Musical – 1988 Tony Award Winner!
Resumes October 22, 2021, Tickets on Sale Now.
Sheltered from the outside world in an underground cavern, the lonely, romantic man tutors and composes operas for Christine, a gorgeous young soprano star-to-be. As Christine’s star rises, and a handsome suitor from her past enters the picture, the Phantom grows mad, terrorizing the opera house owners and company with his murderous ways. Ages 12+
The Music Man on Broadway - Starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster.
Closing Jan 15, 2023. The Music Man follows traveling salesman Harold Hill (Jackman) as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys band that he vows to organize, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. When he soon falls for the town librarian, Marian Paroo (Foster), his plans take an unexpected turn. One of the most cherished musicals ever on Broadway, The Music Man was an instant smash hit in 1957 and went on to win five Tony Awards. Dec 20, 2021 - Jan 15, 2023
Top Virtual NYC Things to Do
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Travel Guidelines & Quarantines
Asymptomatic travelers entering New York from another country, U.S. state, or territory are no longer required to test or quarantine as of April 10, 2021. Quarantine, consistent with the CDC recommendations, is still recommended for all travelers who are not fully vaccinated or have not recovered from laboratory confirmed COVID-19 during the previous 3 months.
Read More: NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory
NYC Opening
All NYC attractions and tours that have reopened have strict safety protocols in place. Please read each businesses guidelines to book your tickets, make reservations and learn more about safety precautions.
- Indoor Dining – 100% capacity beginning May 2021
Watch Broadway Shows Online
Relive the Great White Way at home! Rent, In the Heights, If/Then, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Bruce Springsteen and more.
See All: Watch Broadway Shows Online
RENT: Broadway Production (Full Live Performance, 2008)
One of my all time favorites, and of course, originally starring two of my high school friends and native New Yorkers, Idina Menzel and Adam Pascal. In New York City’s gritty East Village, a group of bohemians struggle to live and pay their rent. "Measuring their lives in love," these starving artists strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic.
Explore NYC from Home
Take a Virtual Walk in Central Park
Central Park is bringing sweeping views and stunning vistas, sublime natural wonders and thriving wildlife to your home, every week on a 15-minute virtual walk. Explore Shakespeare Garden, The Ramble, The Reservoir, The Mall and much more. Check out the Conservatory Garden below, one of our Central Park favorites!
92nd Street Y Virtual Programming
The 92nd Street Y is a classic NYC institution and we often say it’s one of the best places in NYC to spot celebrities. They are offering a ton of virutal programming, interviews, streamed concerts and more right now.
Check Out a TimesTalk
One of the BEST ways to experience celebrities and A-Listers like only a New Yorker can. Times Talks are a diverse series of interviews, in a fairly intimate setting, with world-famous authors, actors, politicians and celebrities (I mean SUPER A-LIST), each facilitated by a New York Times reporter (Master of Ceremonies).
Nightly Met Opera Streams
Each day, a different encore presentation from the Met Opera’s Live in HD series is being made available for free streaming on the Met Website, with each performance available for a period of 23 hours, from 7:30 p.m. EDT until 6:30 p.m. the following day. The schedule will include outstanding complete performances from the past 14 years of cinema transmissions, starring all of opera’s greatest singers.
Karma Kids Yoga LIVE on YouTube, Insta and Facebook
Karma Kids Yoga is founded and managed by my awesome friend, Shari Vilchez-Blatt, with loads of help from her precious daughter, Layla Moon. No one in NYC does Kids yoga better than Karma Kids! Classes include Super Hero Yoga, Storytime Yoga, Pajama Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga and tons more! Shari and her team are currently offering live stream (EST) classes on Zoom, Instagram and their YouTube Channel. More Info: Karma Kids Yoga NYC
Kids Yoga Zoo Adventure!
Learn about the Statue of Liberty
Met Anywhere: Virtual Events – Tap into art and culture from home with a variety of new virtual events. This week, join The Met for a performance that celebrates rock’s Black roots, an opportunity to recreate The Met’s Balcony Bar experience, a storytelling session for kids, and a sketching activity for teens.
More Fun Things to Do Online
These are not necessarily NYC based, but fun and educational
- New York Public Library – for New Yorkers with library cards and the SimplyE on their device, you can download over 300,000 books and access their research services online
- Visit The Guggenheim and take a virtual tour
- See The MET’s current digital offerings, which change daily
- The Met Opera is live streaming some performances
- 450 Ivy League courses you can take online right now for free
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