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.)

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. 

It's been a little over a week since international tourists were allowed back in and already we're starting to see the impacts. One promising note in an article on big bets by midtown restaurateurs is a report of a sushi counter already fully booked through Christmas—and that's at a place that just opened! It's all thanks to international travelers.

It's "a major turning point," in the words of U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. The Biden Administration is finally relaxing the rules that have kept international visitors out of the city for a year and a half. The new requirements are not too onerous—vaccines and a negative Covid test, with exceptions for kids too young to be vaccinated yet. 

This week's game changer is the beginning of vaccine requirements for indoor life in NYC. The Mayor's new "Key to NYC" program began yesterday, although enforcement is still a month off. For vaccinated tourists it will increase a sense of safety and it won't stop families from coming—under 12s are still welcome, just required to be masked and accompanied by a vaccinated adult. For the unvaccinated, the indoor city will become less accessible, although so much is now outdoors that they should still be able to drink, dine, and otherwise get around.

If you're planning a trip to New York, you'll need to think about how you're going to get around. Many people bring their own cars if visiting from nearby areas or choose to rent a car from the airport when they arrive, and cars give you a lot of freedom for getting around the way you want. However, if you don't have much experience of driving in New York, especially in New York City, you could find yourself in some tricky situations along the way, so it's wise to prepare properly before you go. This guide will go over some simple but effective tips for safe driving around New York.

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 almost impossible to find a hotel that hasn't introduced a new sanitation program, promising its rooms are squeaky clean and coronavirus-free. But how do you know if your hotel room is really clean?

Mean Girls, Tina Fey’s über-popular musical based on her 2004 cult movie, thrives on the themes of fitting in, girl power, and competition—all cooked up in the familiar high school petri dish of cliques and one-upmanship.

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

New York’s theatrical roster is always a treasure trove of long-running classics, with star power in perennial full force. Musicals, comedies, dramas—the adventure begins.

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.

Let me be among the first to welcome you to a new season of theatre—New York style.

We’ve rounded up some recently completed projects and things to look forward to—The Shed, Edge, Electric Lemon, Tiffany & Co., and more, this fall and beyond at Hudson Yards.

You may see everything from Hamilton to Hadestown, but New York’s theatre culture extends far beyond the stages of Broadway’s 41 theatres. The following experiences are for anyone looking for theatrical flourishes in their walking tours, exhibits, karaoke, and dining. Broaden your Broadway experience with these 9 fun-filled activities in the theatre capital of the world!