Rediscovering NYC: 6 Renewed Things to do Summer 2020

This pandemic has made New York City seem to be the scariest city to be in during such times. Almost everybody who got the chance to leave the city vacated their homes within no time and flew back to their homes or moved to another location temporarily. It was an absolute TERROR in the beginning, but the city has started to adjust and adapt well to the circumstance. We have all been home for months and just can’t wait to go outside in the open, for some change in life or to just feel like life’s ‘normal’. Don’t worry, ya girl’s gotcha 😉 Now that we’re officially in Phase 4 of reopening NYC has done its best possible to accommodate all activities during the social distancing period with all possible safety measures. Missing those summer beach days? Sunbathing? Picnics? Dates? Well you don’t have to anymore!!! Here are things to do in NYC during the Covid-19 pandemic (or even later on)….

Sight-seeing with the pros

When it’s too crowded and risky to get a nice experience in Manhattan, don’t you worry. One of NYCs unique features is the Helicopter tours where can you get a bird’s eye view of the marvelous borough. Experience NY Harbor, Central Park, Hudson River, Empire State, you name it. Book a tour https://heliny.com/

Rooftop fun at Pier 17

The Rooftop at Pier 17 is launching a new hangout spot called The Greens with a coronavirus approach to it. This spot has 28 individual mini lawns accommodating 8 people. They’re also providing us an umbrella, Yeti cooler and cabana-style lounge chairs which are cleaned at regular intervals to ensure everyone’s safety. So, head to the seaport district to catch a scenic escape with the views of NYC skyline.

Patsy’s is Back

Patsy’s have been serving New York for about 76 years and is one of those few restaurants that started their service and has never stopped ever since. They were shut for the past few months because of the city’s regulations but they’re back with takeout services along with outdoor seating from 4-9pm Wednesdays-Sundays. Make reservations by calling +1212-247-3491

Zoos are Open Now

NYC Zoos (Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Bronx Zoo) have returned. To maintain safety for all they will not be selling tickets at the counters on site but only in advance on their websites or anywhere else online. There will be a touchless experience with mandatory face coverings required by all along with regulations to follow markers to ensure 6 feet distance among each other, and most importantly, limited capacity.

Rockefeller Center

Surprisingly Rockefeller has reopened their retail shopping as well as an open-air dining at The Rink. The world-famous ice-skating destination is now an open dining spot with oversized tables to make social distancing an easy task. The restaurants serving at The Rink are Rainbow Room (!!:30am-3pm) and Alidoro (11am-3pm), both serving from Monday thru Friday. To explore further visit https://www.rockefellercenter.com/

Virtual Tours

Still worried to step out until all this is over? No worries, almost all locations are giving access to virtual tours, from One World Observatory to Broadway Shows to Museums. There are so many options to keep ourselves entertained while in our couch by listening to podcasts, live streams, talks, events and what not. If you’re unsure about who’s open and what’s going on, visit their websites and you can find some detailed descriptions of services they offer under these circumstances.

Away from City Life

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle-bustle of a busy city and need to do something completely new, hiking it is. Upstate New York has so many destinations for hiking and so much safer compared to walking around the city. A few famous hiking locations just outside NYC are Franny Reese Sate Park, Storm King State Park, Neversink Reservoir, Bull Hill, Harriman State Park, Fire Island National Seashore and Blue Mountain Reservation, in ascending order of hike distance. Plan a trip upstate for some fresh air and take in natural beauty. To know more about these places read this article.

These are some new and exciting things to explore among a lot more if you haven’t yet. Almost all restaurants are now offering take outs and deliveries or outdoor seating with safety measures in control. Most of your favorite parks have done something special to keep everyone safe and yet enjoy the experience just like those good old days. Go visit the websites of your favorite spots to keep updated with what’s new.

Author- Shweta Shetty