Your updated guide to visiting New York City

Fred Michmershuizen / DTA

Fri. 19 November 2021

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NEW YORK, N.Y., USA: If you’re attending the Greater New York Dental Meeting from out of town, chances are this is your first visit back to New York City since before the pandemic. You might notice that things here have changed quite a bit, and we’re not just talking about the skyline, which now includes dozens of new high-rises.

Perhaps your favorite restaurant or shop has closed forever — or maybe it’s still there as if nothing ever happened. You’ll notice lots of outdoor dining shacks, some of which are heated and surprisingly cozy. When you dine out, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination. A photo of your vax card on your phone will suffice.

Many Broadway shows, including “Hamilton,” “Aladdin,” “Chicago,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Wicked,” have reopened. If you attend a play or musical, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask.

Masks are also required on public transportation. You can now use your smartphone to pay for subway or bus fare, which is currently $2.75. To use this convenience, simply authorize express transit payments in your digital wallet, then hover your phone over the OMNY reader screen. You don’t need to open an app, it’s really that simple.

If you decide to venture out for some sightseeing after show hours, you’re in luck. That’s because several new attractions have opened recently. See below for a few ideas on what to do about town.

But before venturing out, a word of caution: New York City has experienced an increase in random crimes over the past few months. While the chances of anything happening to you are slim, it’s a good idea to keep your wits about yourself when you’re on the street. Be aware of your surroundings. Look both ways before you cross the street, and never stand too close to the edge when you’re waiting for the subway. Just use your common sense, and you’ll be fine.

OK, are you ready? Then let’s check out some interesting sites to consider visiting.

Edge

Located just steps from the Javits Center at 30 Hudson Yards, Edge is a 7,500-square-foot outdoor observation platform that offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s a glass floor allowing you to look straight down, and angled glass walls that let you lean out over the city below. Don’t do this if you’re afraid of heights!

Tickets for Edge, which start at $36 for adults, $31 for children and $34 for seniors, are available for purchase online at edgenyc.com or by visiting the box office located on Level 4 of the shops and restaurants at Hudson Yards.

If you’re feeling even more daring, there’s City Climb, located directly above Edge. Tickets for this guided building ascent are $185 and include entry to Edge. Visit www.edgenyc.com/en/cityclimb.

Related attractions: If you’re interested in the views without the scary height feeling, go to the Empire State Building, which is also walkable from the Javits (www.esbnyc.com); Top of the Rock, at Rockefeller Center (www.topoftherocknyc.com); or One World Observatory, at the top of One World Trade Center (www.oneworldobservatory.com).

Little Island

Located in Hudson River Park on the West Side of Manhattan is Little Island (hudsonriverpark.org/locations/pier-55-little-island), an innovatively designed green space. It has just been open since May, but it’s already immensely popular with New Yorkers and visitors alike. It’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s free — but you will need to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance.

Related attraction: The High Line (www.thehighline.org).

Van Gogh experience

There are currently two different immersive exhibitions on display in New York City in which the works of post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh are projected on walls as visitors walk through. You can choose between the “Immersive van Gogh Exhibit New York” (www.vangoghnyc.com), at Pier 36; and “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” (vangoghexpo.com), at 300 Vesey St.

Related attraction: “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” (sistinechapelexhibit.com), at 100 Sixth Ave.

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