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 moves and evolves very quickly. Thus, during the years 2020 and 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 inclined glass walls, its glass floor and its eastern 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 $36 for the classic entry for an adult to $92 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.
Take advantage of your visit to Hudson Yards, this brand new eco-district, to admire The Vesselbut also shopping in its centre commercial.
Summit One Vanderbilt, the last Observatory of the Big Apple
After The Edge in 2020, October 21, 2021 opens a new observatory in New York. Located near Grand Central Terminal, the observation deck of Summit is 397 meters, and its total height reaches 427 meters arrow included. 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 Thursday 3pm-10.30pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-midnight, Sunday 10am-7pm (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 8 p.m. (hours subject to change depending on the season).
Experiences that will delight fans: Harry Potter, Friends, Stranger Things
The Harry Potter Shop
Le Harry Potter Store New York is the largest store 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 11am-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 $45
La boutique Stranger Things
Waiting for the opening of the Stranger Things experience in May 2022 (and season 4…), you can immerse yourself in the universe of the series with this dedicated store. Ephemeral, it opened its doors in November 2021 and it is not yet known when it will close its doors. One thing is certain, don’t wait to get there and be patient to get in, the line is long!
Address: 200 W 42nd St NW corner of 42nd St & 7th Avenue, New York – Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Free
But New York in 2022 is also…
Repercussions of covid-19… 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 most popular restaurants are still open but we strongly advise you to book if you don’t want to find yourself hungry at no time. A word of advice: remember to always have your passport on you because your identity will sometimes be checked at the same time as your health pass.
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, for your return to France, an antigen test or PCR is required. We advise you to arm yourself with patience if you plan to take a free test as there are on every street corner in the “covid testing” vans or to be prepared to pay between $75 and $300 for paid tests in laboratory but for which you are guaranteed a faster result.
Another tip: still wear your mask even outside when there are crowds and take out covid insurance. Unfortunately, we experienced the positive test the day before returning to France, and the extra nights at the hotel while waiting for a negative test hurt the budget! Just as if your general condition deteriorates, the insurance will cover all or part of the medical costs (as a reminder, they are exorbitant in the United States).
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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