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Throwing back brews at the Oculus Beer Garden

Patio dining and drinking at outdoor spots across the neighborhood

Cooling off at the Playscape splash pad at Battery Park

Doing a cold plunge at Spa 88

Sipping cocktails and yacht-peeping at Brookfield’s Portside

Waving “hi” to Lady Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry

Hopping on the ferry to Rockaway for some beach time

Ice cream!

Joining the outdoor party on Stone Street

Shopping in central air-conditioning at the Westfield Shops at the Oculus, Brookfield Place, Printemps or Century 21

Watching the July 4th fireworks from Manhatta, the Tin Building or the One World Observatory

Playing tourist at Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Shakespeare performances at Castle Clinton

The reopening of Wagner Park on July 19

Walking through the downtown streets that feel 10 degrees cooler and breezier than anywhere else in the city (whether true or not) — thank you to the skyscrapers!

Interiors are, of course, a masterclass in high-end cool: think exposed concrete paired with plush carpets, mid-century furniture rubbing elbows with collectible contemporary pieces, and art by New York legends like Stephen Sprouse and Jeff Koons scattered throughout. Even the furnishings from the old Fifth Avenue store make cameo appearances, reimagined in Louis Vuitton’s quest for circular creativity.

Sweet tooth? You’re covered. Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton has also made its way over the Atlantic to the new New York flagship. There are signature bars, hazelnut bonbons, and even the Vivienne-on-a-Malle – a chocolate music box where the Maison’s mascot pirouettes atop a miniature trunk. Yes, it’s as extra as it sounds, and yes, you deserve it.

A Year After the Grand Re-Opening, What’s in Stock at Century 21?

It’s been about one year since the grand re-opening of Century 21’s flagship location, which brought thousands of enthusiastic shoppers to Lower Manhattan. A year later, the store’s four levels of clothing, perfume, shoes, accessories, household goods and much more continue to delight shoppers looking for affordable designer goods.

We stopped by Century 21 to see what’s in stock and chat with customers, and it turns out that even though Century 21 is one of Lower Manhattan’s most famous stores, it’s also one of downtown’s best kept secrets. The wares and bargains here are truly excellent — read more about our experience, and be sure to swing by 22 Cortlandt St. to get a firsthand look at the goods!

Governors Island Spa QC NY Will Be Even Bigger, More Relaxing This Summer

Good news for those of you who love being pampered with a side of Lower Manhattan’s striking skyline: QC NY, everyone’s favorite Governors Island spa, is expanding its offerings this summer. In July 2024, a new 15,000-square-foot building will add even more luxurious experiences including sensory saunas, waterfalls, a salt room, an ice room, a lavender room, a relaxation room with waterbeds and Casa QC, an Italianesque bistro.

You can find more pricing and information here. BYO stress (but we promise you won’t leave with it).

On December 7, Rockefeller Park will be full of holiday cheer for observers of both Christmas and Hanukkah. The joint tree lighting and menorah lighting kicks off at 6 p.m. and will feature carols, drinks, treats and performances from Broadway’s Sam Primack, who starred in “Dear Evan Hansen,” as well as the chorus from PS/IS 276. Feel free to bring a toy with you for the Coalition for the Homeless’s toy collection. They’ll be accepting unwrapped gifts at 75 Battery Pl. on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. if you miss the park celebration.

Hanukkah Celebration at Bowling Green

On December 7, the Jewish Learning Experience is hosting a celebration at the “location of the first Jewish community in North America” that dates back 369 years. It will feature the lighting of a grand menorah, Hanukkah treats, music, balloons, face painting and more. The event starts at 4 p.m. at Bowling Green Park.

Menorah Lighting at the New York Stock Exchange

Not every menorah lighting is in a park; this one happens right outside the New York Stock Exchange, and comes with a chance to enter the famous “pen” inside the building. On December 11, the menorah lighting party will feature sufganiyot and other holiday treats, and a live performance from rapper Nissim Black. Plus, every 10th registration comes with a special VIP entrance to the NYSE pen. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; register here.

Rooftop Hanukkah at the Hyatt Centric

On December 12, you’re invited to the rooftop lounge of the Hyatt Centric at 75 Wall St. for a huge party that includes an open bar, sushi buffet and menorah celebration. The festivities run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature a menorah lighting by youth community leaders, tunes from DJ Leviticus and loads of food: a sufganiyot-and-latke buffet and an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet by the in-house chef. Tickets are $54 before December 7, and $72 afterwards.

Art Is All Around Returns With Two Art Installations, Lunchtime Concert Series

This week the Downtown Alliance’s Art Is All Around campaign returns with two newly installed interactive art pieces — “Optik” and “Roseaux” — plus, later this month, a free lunchtime concert series. The art will be on view through June 21, and the concerts will take place on Wednesdays at 12 p.m., beginning May 17.

“Optik,” on display at Cortlandt Way, was created by the Urban Conga in collaboration with Serge Maheu. “Roseaux,” at 200 Water St., was created by 1ToMn in collaboration with UDO Design and Serge Maheu. And New York-based musician/producer Svetlana Shmulyian is programming the weekly concert series set at both locations. You can check out Shmulyian’s lineup here.

Restaurant Week Is BACK: 25 Delicious Deals in Lower Manhattan

Just in time for peak outdoor dining season, everybody’s favorite culinary event is back and ready to feed budgeting New Yorkers looking to try the best restaurants in the city. And Lower Manhattan’s first-rate dining rooms are turning out, with generous Restaurant Week deals: Two- and three-course prix fixe meals hitting a range of price points for the diner who craves a little affordability — maybe even an ability to try ’em all.

The promotion begins Monday, July 18, through Monday, August 21. You can read more details at the Restaurant Week site, but for your convenience, see the following for the participating restaurants below Chambers Street:

Anassa Taverna (104 North End Avenue)

Barbalu (225-227 Front Street)

Bill’s Bar & Burger—Downtown (85 West Street)

Blue Smoke (255 Vesey Street)

Carne Mare (Pier 17)

Casa Taqueria (40 Gold Street)

Del Frisco’s Grille (250 Vesey Street, Brookfield)

Felice (15 Gold Street)

Firenze Ristorante Toscano & Bar (101 Liberty Street, Eataly)

The Fulton (Pier 17)

Industry Kitchen (70 South Street)

La Pizza and La Pasta (101 Liberty Street, Eataly)

Mad Dog & Beans (83 Pearl Street)

Malibu Farm (Pier 17)

Morton’s The Steakhouse (136 Washington Street)

One Dine at One World Observatory (117 West Street)

Route 66 Smokehouse (46 Stone Street)

Sant Ambroeus (200 Vesey Street)

Schilling (109 Washington Street)

Seamore’s (250 Vesey Street, Brookfield)

Stout NYC FiDi (90 John Street)

Temple Court (5 Beekman Street)

Treadwell Park (301 South End Avenue)

The Tuck Room (11 Fulton Street)

Vino e Grano (101 Liberty Street, Eataly NYC Downtown)

Happy eating!

Ferry Cruises

You don’t need a ticket to enter the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, but you do need a ticket to ride the ferry to get there. Here’s a very important part: the only vendor authorized to sell tickets to Liberty and Ellis Islands is Statue Cruises. If someone else tries to sell you a ticket, don’t buy it!

Tickets include round-trip ferry rides, an audio tour, access to the Ellis Island Museum and the Statue of Liberty pedestal (the crown of the statue is currently not open to the public). Ferries run from morning through late afternoon. Check here for updated times.

Where To Get Tickets

You can buy tickets at the Statue Cruises ticket booths in Castle Clinton in Battery Park, or in Liberty State Park on the New Jersey side. Get your tickets online in advance to cut down any confusion when looking for the ticket booth. Tickets start at $23.80.

Boat By, For Free

This is a hack we will repeat to our tourist friends until the Harbor runs dry: The Staten Island Ferry is a perfectly fine, and free, way to see the Statue of Liberty. The ferry leaves from Whitehall Terminal, goes right by Lady Liberty, providing some perfect picture opportunities (twice, with the round trip). Plus, you can buy cheap beer on board the boat too.

Tags: Statue of Liberty

Yet another survey shows NYC as the #1 travel destination for the holidays. Priceline flight data shows has NYC in the top spot, and the second-most sought-after destination by hotel bookings. (Priceline also notes NYC as a top hotel destination for 2022; the Western and Southeastern U.S. were at the head of the class in 2021.)

NYC just hit a hotel occupancy record for the pandemic—and is leading the nation. Although not at 2019 numbers yet, the weekend record occupancy (88.75%) and ADR ($380.41) confirm what early data suggested about the city’s rebound.

Manhattan luxury sales break record as ultra-rich return. November set new sales records, another reminder that people are once again betting big on New York City.

We remain optimistic for the prospects of a full recovery, beginning next year and really heating up in the spring. We wish all of our guests: future, current and past a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. After all, New York City is ranked as the nation’s most festive city—more than double our nearest competition!

NYC Tourism Update

Although the Delta variant’s impact on the economy is drawing most of the headlines, it’s worth noting the good news for New York that’s out there as well. The city will not be competing with European destinations in light of new international restrictions. On the domestic front, the number one fall destination for lodging searchers? That would be New York City. NYC will be ready to greet these visitors—many coming for longer stretches than usual—as reopening news continues to post:

The Met has extended its hours, Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday, 10am-5pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm

The Museum of Arts and Design has returned to its regular hours, 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday

The Municipal Art Society of New York returns to in-person tours on September 11th

The UniverSoul Circus brings international talent to Queens starting September 11th

The MTV Video Music Awards return to Barclays Center on September 12th

Dior Beauty will open a retail pop-up fragrance installation in the Meatpacking September 13th-16th

TDF’s TKTS discount ticket booth reopens “under the red steps” in Times Square on September 14th

Joe’s Pub returns to live programming this fall starting October 5th; there’s a free preview Friday Night Cabaret on Astor Place, September 17th

The Feast of San Gennaro is back, September 16th-26th, this year honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11

The Brooklyn Americana Music Festival returns in-person September 18th-19th

Luna Park kicks off the spooky season with annual Halloween Harvest starting September 25th

The Big Apple Comic Con hosts its Silver Anniversary Event on September 25th-26th, featuring a first-ever “Gallery of Great Collectible Comics”

Ballet Hispánico will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the return of its A La Calle Block Party on the Upper West Side on September 26th

Symphony Space live programming resumes September 28th

Open House New York Weekend offers 150+ ways to explore the city October 16th-17th

Twenty years ago New York City suffered terrible losses in the September 11 attacks. We have listed highlights of the city’s commemorative events below. Along with NYC institutions, City Guide remembers the lives of the victims, the strength of their families, and the sacrifices of first responders, recovery workers, and volunteers. Many of us questioned what kind of city would come back in the wake of so much destruction. As we remember this solemn anniversary, we should also keep in mind the outpouring of support NYC received, and the exponential growth of the city as a tourism destination in the years since. Although we are again facing challenges, we have another chance to show the world New York City’s extraordinary resilience.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert hosts full capacity, vaccinated audience

New public park Pier 76 has opened

One World Observatory expands programming, including Chef’s Table, Sky Yoga, and paint and sip experiences

July 4th fireworks show is on, will be “bigger than ever”

Ticker tape parade to fête front-line workers on July 7th

Blue Man Group will make its colorful return to the Astor Place Theatre on September 3rd

The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) is back at the Park Avenue Armory for its 61st edition, September 9th-12th

The New York Philharmonic releases new season schedule, debuting September 17th

Brew at the Zoo hits the Bronx Zoo on September 17th

The Book of Mormon has its opening date: November 5th

NYC Re-Opening Update

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:

The Downtown Alliance presents Downtown Live shows May 15th-16th and 22nd-23rd

The Affordable Art Fair NYC is returning, to the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, May 19th-23rd

Bryant Park’s live Picnic Performances return, starting June 9th

Immersive art favorite Happy-Go-Lucky Exhibit 2021 starts up again June 23rd

Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage will be back with in-person shows

The Mermaid Parade will take place in-person on Coney Island

On the national recovery front, restaurant sales spiked last month to return to 2019 levels. The most recent retail sales report suggests the U.S. will see its fastest growth since 1984. Since the first of the year, Google searches for hotels are up 92%. With each passing day, recovery draws closer.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel reopens for its 100th year this Friday, April 9th

Renovated, expanded Dia Chelsea reopens April 16th, with no more admission fees

Film at Lincoln Center is back April 16th

North River Lobster Company sails again April 22nd, joining a fleet of floating bars and restaurants

Tavern on the Green returns, with a to-go window, April 29th

Governors Island is back for the season May 1st

The Brooklyn Cyclones are back—home opener is May 18th

The Tribeca Film Festival will have in-person screenings, running June 9th-20th

The Jazz Age Lawn Party will be back in-person on Governors Island the weekend of June 12th-13th

Powersport festival IMS Outdoors comes in-person to Brooklyn Army Terminal from September 3-5