Covid cases are plunging in NYC. Headlines like "Here Comes the Travel Boom" are everywhere. Delta reports a 450% surge in international bookings. Tourism research firms have shaved a year off the rebound timeline in their latest forecasts—U.S. hotels could be fully recovered by next year. At City Guide we certainly think so, and we're backing that with our newly redesigned magazines hitting the city next week.

Although the major tourism headlines this week were about postponements—both the Philharmonic and Broadway are pushing off to at least summer 2021—a scan of the wider scene reveals green shoots of rebirth. NYC luxury is making a comeback, suggesting the affluent may be making their way back to the city—Louis Vuitton is open again, Bergdorf Goodman is expanding its hours, and Per Se returns tomorrow. Read on for more on NYC and broader tourism trends.

Hudson Yards is the state-of-the-art building development, new to the West Side of Manhattan. Larger than Rockefeller Center at 28 acres, this impressive neighborhood contains a climbable monument, a hotel, a mall, an arts space, offices, residences, restaurants, and 14 acres of public space. For decades, this patch of the Hudson River shoreline—from West 30th to 34th Streets, between 10th and 11th Avenue—was a waystation for subway train cars. Now, floating above those trains is a luxurious collection of sights, shops, eats, and the northern terminus of High Line Park. Located between Midtown West and Chelsea, Hudson Yards can be the launching point for your next visit to New York.

Pre- or post-theater, brunch or dinner, upscale or casual, French food fits any occasion. Indulge in a best-of-the-best tasting menu, grab some wine and escargots before a show, or enjoy a casual weekend brunch at one of these eight exceptional French restaurants in the Theatre District and Hell’s Kitchen.

It’s here! Hudson Yards opened earlier this month on the far-west side of Manhattan, attracting visitors with a slick new mall and a climbable sculpture called The Vessel. New restaurants to check out include Wild Ink, Mercado Little Spain, Fuku, Estiatorio Milos, TAK Room, and Kawi.

In Brooklyn’s ever-burgeoning culinary scene, renowned chefs are setting up shop in the borough and serving award-winning cuisine. But at these restaurants, don’t expect a posh place where you need to dress up. Expect a Brooklyn facade—a warehouse, a pier, a pizza parlor—with an array of fascinating dishes awaiting you inside.

Comedy shows can be found all throughout the city, but rarely do you find an affordable show as authentic and fun as Casual Town. This weekly stand-up show is hosted, produced, and starred by a powerhouse comedy crew and really gives ‘underground comedy’ a whole new meaning. Casual Town occurs every Thursday in the basement of the unique and eclectic East Village karaoke bar, Sing Sing Avenue A, which serves $4 beer and well drinks and $3 well shots until 9pm. If you’re feeling extra feisty, you can pay $2 to sing karaoke at the bar for all of your fellow happy hour dwellers to enjoy.

NYC has you covered for indoor shopping locations with clothes, shoes, accessories, and even some food when you need to refuel. Read on for nine stores and malls where you’ll spend a dog day afternoon inside, cool, and in style.