As we come down the homestretch on 2021 we are feeling thankful at City Guide. Thankful for the return of international tourists. Thankful for vaccines and the new treatments that will allow us to come together again. Thankful for governmental support and its promotion of our city. Most of all we are thankful for our colleagues and all our loyal partners. As we reflect with friends and family this weekend, we will feel grateful we have such a strong, vibrant community in New York City tourism, one that has better times ahead on the near horizon. 

One New York experience that doesn’t cost a penny is running—just toss those kicks and basic gear in your bag and you’re set. There are parks, loops, and trails fit for everything from a gentle jog to a long distance workout, many with wonderful views of iconic NYC sites.

The River Cafe is one of New York City’s preeminent dining institutions. The restaurant’s owner and operator Michael “Buzzy” O’Keeffe ensures it stays that way.

Gowanus is a Brooklyn neighborhood once known for manufacturing and shipping, as its namesake canal runs directly through the area. Once an eyesore wedged between prettier areas like Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, Gowanus has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years. We’ve put together a day of fun in Gowanus for the adventurous and hungry visitor to this remarkable neighborhood.

The tip of Manhattan—The Battery, connected to Liberty and Ellis islands across New York Harbor—is the cradle of New York history. A strategic battle site in the Revolutionary War and the former seat of the United States capital, this area combines the old and the new, with beautiful antique buildings like City Hall near brand-new construction projects like the ultra-modern Oculus mall.