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Finally, after what seems like the longest 18 months on record, things are slowly but surely getting back to normality. The last year and a half has seen some of New York City’s most famous and popular attractions close for what felt like forever – but as the festive season kicks off the City That Never Sleeps is back at her best. 

With the international border restrictions finally being lifted between the USA and Europe, as well as other parts of the world this November, there is no bigger sign that things are being restored. If you’re visiting the Upper West Side over the winter period, here is your neighborhood guide to what’s reopening within walking distance of the Hotel Beacon.*

*Please note - restaurants, bars and the majority of indoor attractions such as the theatres on Broadway, will require proof of COVID19 vaccinations and may require the use of masks. 

Broadway: 

In March 2020 all 41 Theatres on New York’s Broadway closed their doors to the public in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions – but in September they reopened their doors (to full capacity!) and are finally ready to make up for almost two years of closures. If you’re hoping to catch a Broadway Show this November, be sure to book in advance as theatre numbers are expected to reach all time highs. 

Thanksgiving Parade: 

After last year's audience-less Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, this year the event will return as normal, and like theatres is expected to see huge crowds to make up for lost time. If you’re on the Upper West Side during the Thanksgiving Day Festivities, check out our guide to the event here.

Wollman Rink: 

The Wollman Rink Partners have announced that Central Park’s famous ice rink will reopen to the public on November 14th, 2021. The site is currently undergoing an extensive redevelopment and promises to be bigger and better than ever before with a variety of attractions for the whole family, including private fire pits, food outlets and distanced family friendly-eating areas. 

Restaurants:

The Cottage (78th and Broadway): popular Szechuan Chinese restaurant that has reopened in a new location after closing last year. 

PJ’s Clarkes (Lincoln Square): a New York City restaurant dating back to 1884 has finally reopened on 44 West and 63rd Street. 

Peaky Barista (667 Columbus Avenue between 92nd and 93rd): the second and brand-new location for The Peaky Barista – a husband and wife run coffee shop. 

Agave Restaurant and Tequila Bar (688 Columbus Avenue): The new restaurant and bar will take over the former location of Gabriela’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar that closed in late 2019 – opening date TBD. 

Central Park Carousel:

In the middle of October, the famous Central Park’s Friedsam Memorial Carousel reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ferry-go-round is one of the biggest in the United States and has 57 individual hand-carved horses and has been closed since the start of the CoronaVirus Pandemic. 

If you’re on The Upper West Side this November, check out the Hotel Beacon for a hotel that provides a home away from home experience with apartment-style suites and views across the neighborhood.