After more than 500 days, the long-awaited moment is finally here: on the 8th of November, the New York, United States is reopening its borders with the UK and Europe.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe, the United States closed its borders on the 16th of March 2020, banning entry to travelers from the UK and Europe, among others. The borders have remained closed ever since, until now.
How has the pandemic affected New York?
New York has been strict since the beginning of the crisis, managing to improve the situation faster than other states. Still, the impact of the coronavirus in New York was devastating. Many businesses that depended on tourism shut down, most attractions were deserted for months, and the city that never sleeps suddenly fell into a deep slumber.
Broadway closed its doors for more than a year and some of the city’s most iconic events, such as the Time Square ball drop and the New York Marathon, were held virtually in 2020. Did you know that the ball drop had only been canceled twice before since 1907, and that was due to World War II?
As a good (adopted) New Yorker and Big Apple travel expert, I couldn’t have been happier when I got the news – New York is awakening from a long slumber and the next few months are full of amazing events in New York! Now the question is, where to go first? Check out these options.
Summit, Manhattan’s newest observation deck
This autumn, the inauguration of a new observatory Summit One Vanderbilt takes place. This new observation deck offers, in addition to breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Its exterior glass lift and different rooms separated by glass and mirrors will leave you astonished. This observatory is for the truly adventurous who are not afraid of heights. Would you dare to stand 300 meters above Madison Avenue?
Let the show begin!
Many of the theaters hosting New York Broadway shows have reopened in September and this year, the Times Square ball drop and the famous New York Marathon are taking place again! November also sees the return of the most eagerly awaited Christmas show, the Radio
City Christmas Spectacular. This family-friendly musical is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. As the name suggests, the Rockettes, with their perfectly synchronized choreography, offer a spectacular performance.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
If all goes according to plan, New Yorkers will be able to watch the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! On November 25th, the famous giant balloons of cartoon characters such as Spiderman, Hello Kitty, and Pikachu will once again parade through the streets of Manhattan.
Four kilometers of floats, cheerleaders, and marching bands attract no less than three million visitors every year.
How can I travel to New York?
Currently, to enter the US, people over 12 years must be able to present a certificate of vaccination as well as a PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to travel.
In New York, in order to enter indoor areas such as restaurants, event venues, museums, and attractions, you need to show proof that you have received at least one dose of a WHO-approved vaccine.
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling in November or December or even next year, just starting to organize your trip is exciting. After a year and a half of crisis and uncertainty.
It’s time to pack your bags and hop on a plane to New York – the Big Apple awaits! If you have any questions about planning your trip, send an email to eric@newyork.co.uk or check out this New York Facebook page.
Also read:
Boston To New York City: 4 Best Ways To Get There
