This week we're confronting the E.U.'s decision to drop the U.S. from its list of COVID-safe countries for travel. Strictly taking a tourism point of view, New York becomes an even stronger attraction for those seeking European lures without enduring passport control. The word is getting out about New York's commitment to safety, too—a round-up of top Labor Day destinations includes NYC at #5 thanks to our vaccine requirements (the Washington Post called us out as well for being a safe option).

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.

The situation for city tourism is changing in a New York minute. The latest guidance from the Governor gives us extended bar and restaurant curfews, zoo and museum capacity expanded to 50%, and movie theaters up to 33%. Sports and large event capacity moves to 25% as of May 19th. The city's COVID rate is the lowest its been in almost five months. In addition, there are plenty of green shoots on the reopening front, especially for culture.

You probably never thought you'd be uplifted by reports of increased rat activity in the city, but such are the times we're living in. The uptick in rodent complaints reflects an increasingly bouncing back city. In more pleasant indicators, subway ridership just had its first 2 million-plus rider day in eons; nationally Uber saw rides spike almost 10% in March. There's much more on the opening front, too.

We are again overflowing with reopening news, as vaccine eligibility further expands and the CDC greenlights travel for those who've got their shots. Live theatre, music, and comedy have returned at least in part—even Jerry Seinfeld is back.

New York City has secrets and City Guide loves to seek them out. Our new video series Behind The Experience takes you backstage of NYC's most intriguing places with the experts who know them best. Whether you're curious about museums, attractions, restaurants, travel, cultural venues, or the history of New York City itself, you'll find insights here that you can't get from a company webpage.

With the state infection rate below 1% for more than 11 days in a row—the rate is lower now than it was in June—the Governor has cleared the way for NYC bowling alleys, cultural institutions, and gyms to open.