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.

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.

If it’s important that you’re never bored while you’re on vacation, you should definitely consider taking a trip to New York City. With over 65 million visitors a year and millions more residents, it should come as no surprise that the city features plenty of things to do in order to keep all these people busy!

If you’re hitting the Big Apple with your family, you won’t be at a loss for things to do—NYC might be the city that never sleeps, but there are still plenty of kid-friendly activities to try. Although traveling with your children is rewarding and often exciting, it can also be challenging. If you’re planning a trip to New York with kids, consider our surefire tips for a fantastic vacation. 

Your favorite characters are all in one place: The Disney Store in Times Square NYC! Disney princesses, Star Wars characters, Marvel superheroes, Mickey and Minnie all welcome you at this essential—and rather magical—shopping destination.

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.

It happens every year: the fall portion of the new Broadway season comes in like a lamb and moves into winter like The Lion King. Unlike the spring, musicals in fall are generally outnumbered by plays, which come packed with big name stars from the U.S. and U.K. For those willing to congregate at the stage door after the show, handshakes, autographs, and selfies with celebs add up to pretty awesome rewards.

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

June, July, and August in the Big Apple are known for Theatre Festivals—arguably the most innovative and inspiring in the world—and some of these events include shows from around the globe. And taking advantage of these fests is a right of theatrical passage for up and coming artists, and the audiences who ride the cutting edge to meet them for the first time during summer in the city.