As we wrap up 2021, we look back at a year full of challenges, but also a time with many green shoots of growth—the return of Broadway, the return of international travelers, the return of New York City tourism. Even in the context of the Omicron variant, there remains plenty of supporting data indicating an ongoing return for New York City. Despite the high-profile Broadway cancellations of the last few days, and the early end of the Rockettes's run, a look at the Broadway League's new resource for schedules shows the majority of shows going forward as planned. (And grosses have been up, while capacity holds steady.)

The major question for tourism right now is whether Omicron is another Delta—suppressing travel and spending—or whether this variant will prove to be a milder version with less effect on New York City. Early reports are favorable from a tourism perspective.

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. 

Each year, New York City sees more than 66 million visitors, and for good reason. Beyond its rich history and cultural significance, “The Big Apple” is home to a seemingly infinite number of attractions, sites, and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Of course, a trip to NYC requires careful planning. If you plan on visiting New York City sometime in the near future, here are eight helpful tips to keep in mind!

Subway ridership is up and the MTA notes declining crime, back to pre-pandemic levels. (And there will be no fare hike this year.) More signs of return for NYC. The Times this week reports the city is looking to culture to lead the comeback. As the Broadway and Off-Broadway calendars fill in, and more festivals announce dates, that shift is already well underway.

For the third week in a row NYC tourism has a game changer. As of today, the vaccinated can go maskless (with exceptions, of course, like hospitals and public transportation). Normalcy is returning, quickly, and City Guide is seeing a rise in interest in NYC travel. The subways are back to 24/7. Take a look for Lion King or Hamilton tickets and you'll find availability is already down to scattered singles.

As much as I’d like to dazzle you with a complete list of Broadway previews, openings and re-openings, the current roster is far from complete. Still, considering the Great White Way has been dormant for over a year and a half, the evolving influx of announcements is dramatically optimistic!

It's getting hard to keep up. With the city's COVID infection rate below 2% and falling fast, reopening announcements are piling up, and Broadway is leading the pack. Hamilton. Lion King. Wicked. All back September 14th. Tickets on sale today. Capacity will be 100%. And further premieres and returns are close behind, including Broadway's longest-runner The Phantom of the Opera. Dr. Fauci has announced that, as vaccinations increase, relaxation of indoor mask requirements will follow. Broadway's return will change the city's dynamic for tourism dramatically. The savvy move of offering vaccinations to visitors will further help the travel market.

The world's smallest art masterpiece. The famous art you're probably carrying in your wallet. New York City’s unique resilience. The Behind The Experience video series discovers these and more little-known city secrets hidden inside the Museum of the City of New York.

New York City features a wide variety of historical homes that showcase our nation’s history. The houses honor people like LGBTQ pioneering photographer Alice Austen, founding father Alexander Hamilton, and poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe. You can still engage with the homes even when their physical buildings are closed because of COVID-19 restrictions. These are just a few New York historical homes and mansions that are offering virtual tours, collections, and more fun events online.

To make sure you get the most out of your trip to New York City, start planning what you want to do before you get there. Here are a few ways you can prepare for your visit from the comfort of your computer.

More data points toward recovery. The city's unemployment rate dropped in September, now back into single digits. Schools have reopened but the positivity rate among students is minuscule—0.2%. In fact, New York state has the third lowest positivity rate in the nation (and that's with ample testing). Nationally, the Domestic Travel Safety Barometer score rose above 50% for the first time since the pandemic began. The TSA screened over a million air travelers for the first time since March. (Those passengers are primarily leisure travelers, too.) Despite the small spike in infection rates, indicators are looking good for a New York comeback.

Times Square’s Bond 45 serves theatre-goers, sightseers, and locals alike.

The new theatre season is (finally!) official, marked by eye-catching previews and electrifying opening nights.

In the City That Never Sleeps, there’s always something to do at any time of day, from the conventional daytime options to the more unconventional nighttime options. But if you’re in need of some ideas for sheer entertainment, here are four of the best entertainment experiences NYC has to offer.