Coronavirus Concerns in NYC: What’s still open?
Things you can still do in New York right now
With most major attractions closed amid the coronavirus concerns in New York, your sightseeing options are extremely limited. If you are currently in New York and you don’t want to be stuck in your hotel room, you can find information on attractions that are still open and alternative activities to consider below.
Coronavirus - Offical Sources
To stay up-to-date on the latest developments worldwide, head to these official sources:
If you are currently in New York City, I recommend sending a text with “COVID” to 692-692 to receive important updates to your phone.
❗Please take precautions like washing your hands regularly and thoroughly, not touching your face, avoiding mass transit, and keeping social distance seriously at all times.
❗Please also note that the current situation is changing hourly. Attractions that are still open now, may decide to close with short notice. We will do our best to keep this article updated for you.
Enjoy Views from the Empire State Building
CLOSED AS OF 3/16
The Empire State Building is the only major attraction that has not yet announced a temporary closure. As of 3/15, visitors can still experience the views from New York’s most iconic skyscraper. To ensure safety, the Empire State Building has taken preventative measures recommended by the Center for Disease Control and the New York City Department of Health and capacity limitations as directed by Governor Cuomo and Mayor DeBlasio.
Climb the Vessel
CLOSED AS OF 3/17
Despite Hudson Yard’s temporary closing of New York’s newest observation deck, Edge, the Vessel remains accessible to visitors. It is, however, operating at reduced capacity only allowing fewer than 500 people at a time in accordance with recent state guidelines. Even if you cannot get tickets to climb the structure, it’s still worth a visit!
Tickets cannot be booked online currently.
Visit Madame Tussauds
CLOSED AS OF 3/17
Another attraction that remains open as of 3/15 is Madame Tussauds. Amid COVID-19 concerns in New York, Madame Tussauds is taking measures to minimize the risk of contagion: 1) The number of guests is limited to comply with the mandate to ban all gatherings and events of more than 500 people 2) An enhanced cleaning regimen throughout the attraction as well as increased sanitizing stations have been implemented 3) While you are still welcome to interact with the figures, you should avoid touching them.
Head to the Statue of Liberty
CLOSED AS OF 3/16
Statue Cruises ferries are still running, offering service between New York, New Jersey, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island. The increased efforts to combat the spread of the virus include thorough cleaning of frequently touched items, as well as the provision of hand sanitizer onboard every vessel.
Explore New York’s Parks
Instead of sharing indoor space with fellow travelers, parks can help you to keep social distance while still enjoying beautiful sights of the city. Speaking of parks, did you know that the first cherry blossoms are blooming in Central Park?
Unfortunately, the High Line is not one of the parks you can visit these days. As of 3/16, the park with narrow walkways will close to the public as they cannot guarantee social distance.
Discover New York’s Outdoor Art Scene
Now is the time to explore New York’s outdoor activities. With most attractions closed, you can choose to explore the streets while keeping social distance. Because appreciating artwork doesn’t require physical contact, it is an activity to consider. My recommendations for your New York art dose are:
- Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City
- Bushwick Collective in Bushwick
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