Is New York the place of your dreams, but you don’t want to worry about COVID-19? Have you always wanted to walk along the most famous streets in the world? Do you want to feel just like the protagonist of your your favourite movie? Well…if the answer is yes, wear your face-mask, refill the hand-sanitiser, and after having washed your hands for more than 30 seconds, get ready to dive into the 5 best COVID-friendly things to do in the heart of NYC, Manhattan.
Manhattan is most iconic and attractive area in NYC. Known regionally as “the City”, it’s consider as the urban core of the New York metropolitan area and the most dense populated of the five boroughs. Spoiler alert! It will be almost impossible to visit the entire area of Manhattan in few days. Don’t worry, we got you…Thanks to this small guide, I hope to help you to choose and enjoy the most relevant attractions of this area.
Before starting…
WARNING! If you are reading this article, you might stay in the city for a limited period of time. Unless you want to train for the next New York marathon, I kindly recommend to use the public transport: subways and buses will ease your travel. Further, I found it very useful to drop my suitcase at a New York luggage storage. You can get rid of all the unnecessary weight. Furthermore, the service is really safe and cheap. Despite it might seem useless, at the end of the day makes the difference, don’t underestimate it! My advice is to use the bag storage services located in Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and 33 Street Station. They are all in Midtown, the center of Manhattan, where you can find the great part of the city’ attractions.
Enough talking! Let’s dive in the 5 best COVID-Friendly things to do in Manhattan:
1. CENTRAL PARK
Central park is THE spot. Firstly, it’s the most visited urban park of the United States with the astonishing number of 38 million visitors every year! Further, it is the most filmed location in the world, so, don’t hesitate and take a memorable picture with your family and friends. It is located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan. Moreover, the park is full of well-known attractions like the Ramble and Lake, the Central Zoo, and the Hallet Nature Sanctuary. However, I will give you a tip: go visiting the Cleopatra’s Needle, one of the most ancient monuments in New York. Central Park is also a perfect outdoor COVID-friendly place, where you can keep the safety distance and enjoy a sunny day.
2. TIMES SQUARE
Times Square is one of the world’s most visited attractions, drawing more than 50 million visitors every year. Also referred to as “the crossroads of the World” and “the center of the Universe”, it is a unique spot, brightly lit by endless billboards and advertisement posts. If you dream of becoming a movie or a theater star, this place in also known for being the hub of the Broadway Theater District. It is located in Midtown, 5 minutes away from Grand Central Terminal. Due to COVID, you’ll have the unique opportunity in history to see Times Square half-empty. Just look at the bright side!
3. THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA, is a must-see of NYC. It is identified as one of the largest and most influential modern art museums of the world. It’s located in Midtown, on the 53rd street between the 5th and the 6th Avenues. MoMA’s collection offers a snapshot of the most famous modern and contemporary artists in history. Among those masterpieces, you will find The Starry Night by Van Gogh, The Sleeping Gipsy by Rousseau, and the Persistence Memory by Dalí. Due to COVID restrictions, the entrance to the Museum is limited and so it is the capacity. To book a ticket, click here.
4. THE VESSEL
The Vessel is a brand-new (2019) staircases connected structure located in the Hudson Yards Public Square. The structure, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, is 150-foot-tall, has 2500 steps, and 80 landings. In short, it’s a good cardio training! On the top of The Vessel, visitors can see the Hudson River. The honeycomb-like structure is part of Hudson Yard Redevelopment Project and offers a valid alternative to the standard tours of New York.
5. ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY
To conclude, one of the best experiences you can live in NYC is definitively visiting the One World Observatory. It’s situated on the 102 floor of the Freedom Tower, the sixth-tallest skyscraper in the world and focal point of the Lower Manhattan skyline. As a result, the Observatory offers a breath-taking view of the city, thanks to a 14-foot wide circular glass disc that delivers a spectacular perspective. If you are afraid of heights, it’s the right time to challenge your fear! Get your tickets here, and enjoy your COVID-friendly visit!
Despite we are still living the nightmare of COVID-19, Manhattan remains a magical place, full of opportunities and adventures. This city has the ability to change and adapt to every change, just like us! If you don’t have the chance of visiting New York due to the current situation, don’t worry, this guide can be used at any time!
Well…That’s All Folks! Thank you for the attention and stay safe!!!