Visiting New York in 2023: what new things not to miss this year

After 20 months of travel ban, between March 2020 and November 8, 2021, the American borders are open again for Europeans. 20 months is a long, very long time… especially for lovers of New York like at Masculin. And as you know, New York is a city that changes very quickly. Thus, since 2021, new places have opened and have become essential.

The Edge, a new observatory at Hudson Yards

The Edge is a new observatory located in Hudson Yards, west of Manhattan. Inaugurated in March 2020, The Edge measures a total of 395 meters. Its observation platform is located 345 meters high, on the 100th floor.

The Edge is distinguished from other observatories by its exterior platform with its sloping glass walls, glass floor and east point, accessible one person at a time.

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York – Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (hours subject to change depending on the season) – The entrance to the observatory is located on level 4 of the mall.

It is best to book your tickets online to avoid queuing but also to benefit from an advantageous price. From $42 for the classic entry for an adult to $75 with the premium package, choose the option that suits you best. If you want to go there for the sunset, you will have to add 10€ per head. If you want more sensation, opt for “City Climb” and let yourself go for the modest sum of $185.

Make the most of your visit to Hudson Yards, this brand new eco-district, to admire The Vessel, but also go shopping in its centre commercial.

Summit One Vanderbilt, the Big Apple’s Newest Observatory

After The Edge in 2020, October 21, 2021 opens a new observatory in New York. Located near Grand Central Terminal, the Summit observation deck is 397 meters, and its total height reaches 427 meters including the boom. The observatory is located on the 57th, 58th and 59th floors of the One Vanderbilt building.

Summit stands out from other observatories thanks to its different rooms with varied atmospheres that will tickle all your senses. Be careful, take the time to visit each floor before going up to the next one because you will not be able to go down there again. Upon arrival, you will be provided with overshoes and sunglasses. Believe us, these glasses are essential to live the experience.

Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York – Open every day except Tuesday, from 9:00 a.m. to midnight (hours subject to change depending on the season)

Several prices are offered depending on the formulas (between $39 and $73 per adult), and whether you visit during the day or in the evening. We advise you to opt all the same for the intermediate formula “Summit Ascent” for the experience of the glass elevator.

Take advantage of your visit to Summit to discover Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park.

Little Island, a new New York island on the Hudson River

Little Island is a park built on stilts on the Hudson River, the river that flows between Manhattan and New Jersey. The tulip-shaped stilts (280 in total) give it a futuristic look. It’s free, but you must first book a visit slot, except in winter when visits are free. The park offers you a breath of fresh air in the middle of New York buildings and offers you a breathtaking view of New Jersey.

Take advantage of being in the area to take a walk on the High Line, this walkway on an old railway line. And why not push on to The Edge, at Hudson Yards, then admire the Vessel.

Address: Pier 55 at Hudson River Park Hudson River Greenway, New York – Open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours subject to change depending on the season).

Experiences that will delight young and old

The Harry Potter shop

The Harry Potter Store New York is the largest shop in the world dedicated to the Harry Potter universe. Opened in June 2021, it stands on 3 floors, i.e. 1900m2. In full immersion, you can drink a butter beer (butterbeer) and also experience virtual reality, in addition to your shopping.

Adresse : 22nd St between 5th Ave and Broadway
935 Broadway, New York – Open Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm and Sunday 9am-7pm – Free

The Friends experience

THE fans de Friends will be delighted to stroll through the different places of their favorite group of friends (the apartments of Monica, Rachel, Joey and Chandleur, the Central Perk…), but also relive the cult scenes of the series.

Address: 130 E 23rd St, New York – Opening days depending on the season – From $40

Candytopia, the candy museum

Candytopia, it’s a candy lover’s paradise! You will follow a route made up of different rooms: candy sculptures, photobooth and fun activities… you will even be entitled to tastings throughout your visit. Finally, a pool of marshmallows in which you can dive.

Address: 111 W 32rd St, New York – Open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. – $36 per adult and $29 per child

Museum of Ice Cream, the ice cream museum

Eat ice cream at will that tells you? The New York Ice Cream Museum is a playground on three floors with playful and colorful worlds. Let yourself be surprised and fall back into childhood during your visit.

Address: 558 Broadway, New York – Open Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesday, Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – From $25

But New York in 2023 is also…

The repercussions of covid-19, and above all inflation… Many stores and restaurants have had to lower the curtain, including the famous Century 21 store, known to all for its good deals at discount prices. The reopening of Century 21 is also normally scheduled for spring 2023 if all goes well! For the occasion, the famous store is renamed Century 21 NYC and is set to reopen in its flagship location on Cortland Street next to the World Trade Center.

As for restaurants, while the most popular are still standing, many have closed. We strongly advise you to book if you don’t want to find yourself hungry at no time. In terms of prices, during our last getaway in February 2023, we were surprised by the increase in prices, with good shopping tips becoming rarer.

As for health rules, they are different from ours and are not always respected. Find out about the rules in force before you leave. At the time of writing this article, only your proof of vaccination will be required to fly. Just like with us, the health pass is stopped and wearing a mask is no longer mandatory.

Warning: the information written here is likely to have changed, check the official sites of the French and American governments for reliable and up-to-date information.

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