In June, New York hit its 70% adult partial vaccination milestone, meaning an end to most of the COVID-19 safety rules that have been in place for well over a year.
Tourism to New York City is starting to pick back up, reviving the city that saw 66.6 million visitors in 2019.
There are no more social distancing or gathering limits for sports and recreation, gyms, retail, malls, movie theaters, and more. Capacity restrictions, health screening, and contact tracing protocols have also been done away with.
If you're traveling to New York City, note that individual establishments can choose to enforce stricter standards, but the state mandates are no longer in place. Unvaccinated people are still responsible for continuing to wear masks.
New York City reopening
If you're planning a trip to New York City, here are some of the things you should know about the city's reopening.
No curfew on New York City bars
As of Memorial Day 2021, the midnight curfew for indoor service and bars and restaurants has been lifted in New York City. Patrons can now be served until 4 a.m., so if you visit the city you can plan to dance the night away.
Broadway reopens in September
Musical theater fans, rejoice! Broadway will open in September, with dozens of shows hitting the big stage, including Aladdin, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, and Waitress. Select shows are already selling tickets to fall performances, so don't wait to grab yours. See the full rundown of all Broadway shows opening here.
Museums and cultural institutions are open
As of May 19, museums and cultural institutions are open at 100% capacity. New York City is home to some amazing history, arts and culture, and it's all ready to enjoy, from the The Metropolitan Museum of Art to the American Museum of Natural History. Museums still have individual safety guidelines in place, with many requiring face coverings, so check their website before you go.
24-hour subway service has resumed
The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day and has implemented new safety procedures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The MTA still requires passengers to wear masks while riding its subways, buses and commuter rails, though masks are not required on outdoor platforms or at bus stops.
Where to stay in New York City
A vacation in the city that never sleeps can be hard on the wallet. On average, a week in New York City will cost $2,500 in an Airbnb, which can be cost prohibitive for many families.
But traveling with HomeExchange means you can visit the city like a local while saving your money. Eliminating the cost of accommodations, you can spend your travel budget on the marvelous attractions and cuisine the city has to offer.
The HomeExchange community offers many possibilities of home swaps in New York City. Apart from the cost of the yearly membership, you can enjoy unlimited vacation stays all year with no additional cost.
Here are some of the amazing HomeExchanges in New York City to discover on your next vacation to the Big Apple.
Spectacular New York City townhouse with garden
This modern, spacious, luxury townhouse is located in the heart of New York's East Village. It has a beautiful backyard with fairy lights and a BBQ for relaxing in the evening, and is surrounded by lush community gardens.
Cozy, trendy Brooklyn apartment
This upscale apartment faces the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and is just minutes away from Prospect Park. The charming apartment is newly renovated in a pre-war building that is quiet and safe, and located in a prime location to explore Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Bright, stylish apartment in the heart of SoHo
At the top floor of this beautiful old building, you can settle into this welcoming apartment flooded with natural light. Guests can enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of home in this comfortable living space. The apartment is in a convenient location for walking around the city and has easy access to public transportation.
Huge renovated historic home in Chelsea
This historic house can accommodate your whole family, with five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a lovely garden and roof deck. The home is surrounded by great restaurants, shopping, and art galleries and is nestled in a classic New York neighborhood.
Light-filled waterfront home in Tribeca
This stunning, light-filled apartment in Tribeca has amazing views from every room from huge windows. Enjoy the apartment's amenities, including a doorman, fully equipped kitchen, gym and laundry, and more!
HomeExchange in New York City
The principle of home exchanging is simple: swap your home with someone else and enjoy the wonders of each other's city! HomeExchange also has a points exchange system, offering even more flexibility to members and facilitating non-reciprocal exchanges. Learn more about GuestPoints here.
With more than 600 HomeExchanges in New York City, you're sure to find one that meets your family's needs and exceeds your expectations! Signing up for HomeExchange is free, so you can start communicating with members as you organize your next vacation. You are only required to pay the annual membership fee when you're ready to finalize your first exchange.