Things to do in New York during COVID

By Suz Pathmanathan

It’s still summer out there but creeping into fall, and with most of us having spent the best part of the year indoors, you’re wondering how to make the most of all the sunlight and slightly cooler temperature. This 'things to do in New York during COVID' list has been designed to take in your key considerations during this time including:

Be safe. Get active!

On Location Tours: Central Park Filming Location Walking Tour

Did you know that Central Park’s 18,000 trees play a critical role in fighting climate change by cooling the urban heat of Manhattan? Team your appreciation for stunning outdoor spaces (and everything they do for us) with your love of entertainment, while getting your step count up. Join an On Location Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour to visit the places your favorite movies were shot. Step into the shoes of Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2 and feed the pigeons. Visit the Boathouse Café used in When Harry Met Sally. Your expert guide will point out key locations from iconic movies to ensure that you swap passing by for being part of the action! There are also some points to consider on the timing of your visit here so read is New York Safe for further tips.

Availability: Daily

Ages: All ages

Duration: 2 hours

Great for: Entertainment and nature lovers, outdoor types, sightseers, local explorers

Booking Type: Pre-book or join free with The New York Pass

Virtual TCS Marathon

The great thing about a crisis is that creative minds among us think of inventive ways to the things they love uninterrupted. So while most conventional marathons are cancelled, for now, New York Road Runners virtual marathon is allowing runners to race five boroughs virtually, from around the globe. To learn more about and sign up for the Run for Guaranteed Entry or Run for the Medal tiers, visit the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon guide. And if you need a bit of a training boost, enjoy 10% off NYRR Coaching Lab Essentials 26.2 and a 30-day Strava subscription. This is definitely one of the more challenging things to do in New York during COVID, so if you're entering, good luck!

Availability: October 17 - November 1

Ages: All ages

Great for: Fitness enthusiasts, locals

Booking Type: Pre-book

Brooklyn Bridge Tours & Rentals by Unlimited Biking

Twenty-one elephants walked across the Brooklyn Bridge in 1884. Why not trace their footsteps on your bike in the present day? This Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tours & Rentals brought to you by Unlimited Biking, allows you to see some of the best parts of Brooklyn from the saddle. Opt for an all-day self-guided bike ride or be part of a 2-hour guided bike tour. Spot the Statue of Liberty. See Ellis Island and Staten Island. Coast past New York Harbor. All while soaking in views of the famous New York City skyline.

Availability: Daily

Ages: All ages

Duration: 2 hours

Great for: Outdoor types, fitness enthusiasts, sightseers, local explorers

Booking Type: Pre-book or join free with The New York Pass

Get excited for Halloween

Pumpkin picking at Decker Farm

If you’re worried about the pandemic affecting your Halloween, it's time to get back into the spirit of the season. Set in Historic Richmond Town, Decker’s Farm is NYC’s oldest working family farm. Impressively, it was also designated a New York landmark in 1967. Visiting the attraction not only supports the farm itself, but bolsters the work they do. They're a key part of the Staten Historical Society, who preserve and present centuries of American life.

Have a great day searching the patch for the perfect pumpkin. Learn about the farm. And have some delicious autumnal food, all while making a little slice of history.

Availability: Saturdays and Sundays in October

Ages: All ages

Great for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, history enthusiasts

Booking Type: Pre-book

Re-embrace culture

The Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim is an NYC architectural masterpiece. It's also home to one of the finest modern art collections in the world. If you haven’t been before, why not go during this quieter period? The museum opens its doors again on October 3, giving adoring art enthusiasts the opportunity to safely experience the art housed within. Ascend the landmark's grand spiral and experience the Guggenheim’s special exhibitions and permanent collections.
Availability: Daily from October 3

Ages: All ages

Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers

Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass

The Whitney Museum of American Art

As a thank you to the local community, The Whitney is asking visitors to donate what they want to enter. Just remember to pre-book. The affordability and general experience of The Whitney make it one of the best things to do in New York during COVID. Explore one of New York City's most prominent art museums, specializing in art from the 20th and 21st centuries. And surprisingly so. It features works from artists like Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Jasper Johns and Jackson Pollock. But the museum has also made a reputation for purchasing art from upcoming artists within the same year the pieces were created. Expect dynamism that captures your attention and imagination from this great museum.

Availability: Closed on Tues & Weds

Ages: All ages

Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers

Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MoMA)

With limited tickets available, it’s worth mentioning from the offset that art lovers need to pre-book early to avoid disappointment. With over 5,000 years of art, more than 2 million works and more than 30 annual exhibits behind its doors, it’s no wonder the Met is one of the most famous museums in the world. Discover the art centre of the city (and one of the best things to do in New York during COVID).

Availability: Daily - check the official site for updates

Ages: All ages

Great for: Art & culture lovers, families, sightseers, local explorers

Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass

Be a part of nature

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is New York’s beloved oasis. From the 500-year-old Shogun lantern from Japan to its Fragrance Garden for the visually impaired, the attraction is an amazing piece of American horticultural history. And it's home to secrets that make every visit unique.

Creating a paradox between the city’s urban landscape, every garden on display showcases a rich and diverse mix of botany in every color and size. It’s a great day out for the entire family. Kids will love the Children's Garden, which also features award-winning raised fruit and vegetable beds. The project was designed to teach children the importance of a sustainable environment for growing food.

Availability: Daily - check the official site for updates

Ages: All ages

Great for: Families, sightseers, local explorers, nature lovers

Booking Type: Pre-book or enjoy free entry with The New York Pass

There's still so many things to do in New York during COVID, make sure you check them out. And keep an eye on our attractions page for a reactive list of open and closed attractions.

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Things to Do in NYC for European Visitors on Vacation

Looking for things to do in NYC for European visitors? New York City is one of the top destinations in the United States for Europeans. If you're traveling to America from this area of the world and are looking for the top things to do in the city, we've got you covered. Our recommendations for our European visitors include: The Statue of Liberty The Met Cloisters One World Observatory The High Line Food on Foot Tours Broadway And more Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is an American icon that represents the freedom immigrants find when they arrive in the country. A gift from France, this is the perfect place for Europeans to get a glimpse into what makes the United States what it is. If you have ancestors who traveled to the US, you may even find their names in the American Family Immigration History Center found on Ellis Island. Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum and ferry tickets are included on The New York Pass. Please note: tickets for access to the pedestal and crown levels in the Statue of Liberty are sold separately and require advanced reservations. You will not be granted admission with The New York Pass. Times Square Many people are familiar with Times Square and its popular New Year's Eve celebration, but this area of New York is a true sight to behold throughout the year. As you walk through this busy area of the city, you will notice a vast array of people, making it ideal for people watching, along with costumed characters, bright lights, flashy billboards, musicians and more. It's the perfect place to spend some time shopping and taking in the unique sights of this popular city destination. Getting in: Times Square is free and open to the public. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour A fully-guided hop-on hop-off bus tour is one of the best ways to start your trip. It's one of the most popular things to do in NYC for European visitors in particular because you can listen to pre-recorded narration of the tour in your choice of 10 languages. You'll learn all about some of NYC's most important history, see all the biggest landmarks and sights, and get a feel for the layout of the city so you can make a note of the attractions and areas you want to come back to and explore after the tour or later in your trip. Getting in: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass. One World Observatory Get sky-high views of the city skyline from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Even though the observatory is located above floor 100 in the building, it takes a mere 60 seconds to get to the top via the unique elevators that allow you to look around while you are on your way to the top. This observatory is located at the top of the new One World Trade Center building. Getting in: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately. Food on Foot Tours The food you will find in New York City is diverse and unlike anything you have likely experienced anywhere in Europe. The Food on Foot Tours have earned a number of awards and is a great way to get a taste of the various types of foods available throughout the city. On the tour you'll get to walk through many of New York City's boroughs and experience the various culinary styles that can be found in each one. Getting in: Food on Foor Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour New York truly is a melting pot of cultures, and it's quite evident when you spend time touring some of the most cultured areas of the city. The SoHo - Little Italy - Chinatown walking tour is the best way to learn more about the variety of customs that have made this city what it is. This tour is operated by experienced guides who can tell you a little about each area and its history and significance to New York culture. Getting in: Soho - Little Italy - Chinatown Walking Tour tickets are included with The New York Pass. Go to Yankee Stadium One of the most American things you can do is take in a New York Yankees baseball game. If you're an avid sports fan or simply want to immerse yourself in this popular American pastimes, consider taking in a game while you are in the city. Even if you are here during the offseason, you can get a glimpse into this important part of American culture by taking a tour of the stadium. Not only will you see one of the most famous stadiums in the country, but you will learn all about the 27-time World Champion team. Getting in: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are included on The New York Pass - all games and other events are separately ticketed. The High Line By David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsIn a major metropolis like New York City, finding green space can be difficult. While most people are familiar with Central Park and it certainly is a must-do for most visitors to the city, the High Line can offer a unique experience in a similar atmosphere. Build on an old railway line that went out of service in the 1980s, this park runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea, creating the perfect place for hikers to take in the sights and sounds of the city in a luxurious green space. Getting in: The High Line is free and open to the public. The Met Cloisters By Jose olivares (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsThe Met Cloisters is an interesting type of museum that will rival many of the museums that are commonly found throughout Europe and a favorite museum among NYC natives. This museum is home to the Met's medieval arts and architecture and consists of beautifully designed gardens and a castle that looks like it came straight out of medieval Europe. Even though this castle was built fairly recently, it was constructed from stone acquired from several French cloisters, giving it an authentic feel. Getting in: The Met Cloisters tickets are included on The New York Pass. Broadway Shows You haven't seen a show until you've taken in one of Broadway's finest - catching a Broadway show is one of the most popular things to do in NYC for European visitors-or any visitor of that matter. In this area of the city, you will find a vast array of show options, including musicals and plays. You will enjoy some of the most popular musicals and plays ever written, all performed by seasoned actors and actresses. This is an experience that is unlike any other theater event you will ever see.. Getting in: Broadway shows are separately ticketed events. Learn about Graffiti as an Artform Graffiti has become somewhat of an icon in a major American city like New York City. While Europeans aren't as used to the presence of this type of art, it has become an essential part of New York culture and truly makes the city unique. In fact, when you take the Graffiti & Art walking tour in New York City, you will be exposed to some of the most expressive pieces of street art in the country, all created by talented New York artists who have taken their art to the streets in a new medium. Getting in: Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included on The New York Pass. Remember To Save On Attraction Admission Lots of the fun things to do in NYC for European visitors on vacation mentioned in this post are included on The New York Pass. Whether you’re interested in going on guided tours of the city, going museum hopping, or getting out on the water, an NYC sightseeing vacation that the whole family will enjoy is easy to plan with The New York Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, consider using the New York Pass which grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way you can do more when you sightsee and make the most of your time in New York City. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
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Things To Do In New York Indoors For Tourists

While NYC is well known for its majestic skyline and landscaped parks, the city’s indoor treasures can actually rival its outdoor ones. Here’s a roundup of 10 great ways to spend your time indoors when in the Big Apple. Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. 1. A Broadway Show Take in a high-kicking Broadway show. There’s always a great lineup of popular shows. See the new Cirque du Soleil Paramour, the Lion King, Chicago, Waitress, Cats and much more. You won’t mind being indoors when at a terrific Broadway show. You can easily purchase tickets online. Tip: New York Pass holders can save 10% off Broadway tickets when purchasing through the New York Pass Concierge 2. Museum of Modern Art Explore the Museum of art. It’s one of the world’s largest collections of modern art and showcases the timeline of art history. See masters like Monet, Manet, Pollock and Warhol. Plus, you can dine, drink and watch a movie all under the same roof. Films range from art flicks to indie foreign movies. Visit the bookstore and its gift shop for some cool souvenirs. Dine at Terrace 5 for some yummy dessert and indulge in some gourmet French-inspired fare at the Modern. A day at the Museum of Modern Art is just plain fun and cool. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass. 3. Chelsea Piers You can golf, rock climb and play ice hockey, all indoors at Chelsea Piers. There’s even batting cages. This 28-acre waterfront complex stands over the Hudson River. It’s the ideal place to have some indoor fun and stay fit. Get your exercise on at Chelsea Piers. Admission: Chelsea Piers activities are not included with the New York Pass. 4. Madame Tussauds Take a stroll through the bright lights of Times Square and head to the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street. It’s an entertaining afternoon, and you snap some selfies with famous celebs like Obama and Justin Timberlake. It’s both spooky and exciting. Plus, it has the exhibit Ghostbuster’s Experience. It’s a truly virtual ghostbusting reality experience and one of its newer additions. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass. 5. Bowlmor Lanes Bowlmor is not yesteryear’s bowling alley. It’s got a cool soundtrack, shiny lanes and a full cocktail menu. And with its New York style comfort food, you can enjoy a two-foot-long hotdog-the Coney Mega Dog. There’s also a very large entertainment space with a video arcade, laser tag and a ropes course. Let the good times roll at Bowlmor. Bowlmor is a day of indoor adventure. It’s definitely a very distinct New York place. 6. American Museum of Natural History Dart over to the American Museum of Natural History and explore nature indoors. There’s a massive underwater world in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life where you gaze up at a 94-foot blue whale. Discover the fauna and flora of the Big Apple. Meet the giant dinosaurs of yesterday and watch the solar system come to life in the Hayden Planetarium. It’s a walk on the wild side at the American Museum of Natural History. Admission: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York Pass. 7. Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal is a great indoor escape. It features classic architecture, many boutiques, a gourmet market and upend cocktails. See the famous astrological ceiling and take a detailed audio tour. You can even hop on a train or subway. If you’re feeling some hunger pangs, pick up some gourmet sandwiches at the Grand Central Market or some fresh seafood at Grand Central Oyster Bar. Enjoy a picnic on the grass at Central Park. It’s right nearby. Admission: Grand Central Terminal Audio-Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. 8. Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool The Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is the ideal indoor rooftop retreat. Take in sweeping vistas of Central Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also relax in its 40-foot long pool with its soothing waters. Get poolside room service, eat at the hotel’s famous Burger Joint and get access to the Gravity Fitness Center. There are basketball courts, racquetball courts and cardio machines. It’s more than just swimming indoors at the Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool. Admission: Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is not included with the New York Pass. 9. La Mano Pottery Feel like getting your hands dirty? Head for La Mano Pottery. Take a pottery workshop in this large studio, which has electric kilns, throw wheels and pottery tools. You don’t have to be experienced. The workshops are for beginners too.There’s also a gallery of fine art exhibitions of pottery. Admission: La Mano Pottery is not included with the New York Pass. 10. Modern Pinball Indoors According to CNN, this unique pinball parlor it totally retro. Play pinball on machines that date back to the 1970s while listening to retro tunes. You can get a pass for the day or purchase playing time by the hour. Who knows? Maybe you’re a pinball wizard. It doesn’t even have to be a rainy day to enjoy the city’s indoor treasures. You’ll want to be a part of it even if the sun is out. From indoor activities to outdoor activities, the Big Apple serves it all for tourists. And that’s one of the reasons why millions of folks around the globe take a trip to New York City. There’s just no other place like it on the planet. Admission: Modern Pinball is not included with the New York Pass. Remember To Save on Attraction Admission Paying admission to all of these attractions in New York City can certainly put a dent in your pocket. However, the New York Pass grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York so that you can enjoy more and save more during your trip. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.
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