22 reasons to take a trip to New York City

Highlights include everything from new and upcoming developments and openings, to tried-and-true New York City classics.

News 12 Staff

Feb 23, 2022, 2:07 PM

Updated 955 days ago

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22 reasons to take a trip to New York City
New York City has always been a revered travel hub, for its plethora of fine dining and cuisines, abundance of shopping, and countless tourist attractions - but NYC & Company is pushing even further, unveiling Tuesday 22 reasons for you to make the trip to the Big Apple.
The list of highlights includes everything from new and upcoming developments and openings, to tried-and-true New York City classics.
"New York City is known for constant renewal and reinvention. In honor of 2022, we're pleased to share 22 reasons to visit NYC this year, with this new resource highlighting just a few of the City's newest and most iconic attractions," says Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. "From brand-new hotels and restaurants to upcoming star-studded Broadway shows, exhibitions and events, we invite New Yorkers and our global community alike to experience the vibrant offerings found only in NYC this year."
Here's just a few reasons you should look forward to your next trip to the city:
1. The 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week
The beloved tradition of celebrating the city's restaurant industry returns with the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, which kicks off in July. Since the event first kicked off in 1992, it has grown into a four-week program taking place at restaurants and neighborhood eateries around the boroughs.
2. More options for places to stay
More than 9,000 new hotel rooms will be available in the city this year, from the Hard Rock Hotel New York, opening this spring, to the Moxy Hotels opening properties on Manhattan's Lower East Side and Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
3. Returning New York City classics
You can check out some of the world-renowned attractions in the city, from the iconic Statue of Liberty to well-visited venues such as Belemens Bar, located on the Upper East Side at the Carlyle Hotel.
4. See the city from above
From classic observatories like the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock, to new additions such as One World Observatory and the Edge at Hudson Yards, there's no shortages of breathtaking venues to take in views of all of New York City.
5. Go international through the boroughs
New York City is known as one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities worldwide, and throughout the five boroughs, visits can explore and taste the different cultures that exist within the city. From Little Caribbean in Flatbush, Brooklyn, to the Bronx's Arthur Avenue for authentic Italian cuisine, you can try it all.
6. A new era of air travel
New York City's gateways have undergone exciting transformations, from brand-new terminals at LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport, bringing new shopping and dining options to the city's local airports.
7. A greener New York City
Sustainability remains at the forefront for the city, with the newly renovated and expanded Javits Center debuting its state-of-the-art seven-acre green roof to the city's newest public park, Little Island, located near the Meatpacking District.
8. Brand-new culinary experiences
Across the boroughs, visitors and locals can expect a slate of new restaurants and the return of New York City favorites.
9. Enticing exhibits debuting this year
New York City has a plethora of exhibitions at locations ranging from the American Museum of Natural History to the Whitney Museum. In July, the Brooklyn Museum will host its first survey exhibition dedicated to late artist and designer Virgil Abloh.
10. Stars and beloved stories return to Broadway
Broadway is going to become home for some of the biggest stars in entertainment, with Hugh Jackman returning for the revival of The Music Man, and Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick starring in the Broadway revival of Neil Simon's Plaza Suite - there's no shortage of shows to pick from.
11. New York City as seen on TV
The most memorable and iconic television series set in New York City have recently returned to the small screen, with the return of shows like Gossip Girl and And Just Like That.
12. Shopping in New York City
This fall, visitors can stop at the new Tiffany & Co. flagship store on Fifth Avenue, or return to the city's most iconic department stores, including Macy's Herald Square, Nordstrom NYC, and more.
13. New and evolved museums and cultural institutions
The Museum of Broadway, the first permanent museum dedicated to Broadway, will open in Times Square this summer and celebrate Broadway's history. The Bronx Children's Museum, which celebrates the natural curiosity, creativity, and compassion inherent in all children, is opening this year after moving to a new home in Mill Pond Park.
14. Festivals and festivities returning this year
New York City play hosts some of the largest events in the world, from the Afrofuturism Festival at Carnegie Hall through the end of March, to Asia Week, a celebration of Asian art throughout metropolitan New York from March 16-25.
15. Food halls featuring international delicacies and NYC favorites
An enormous Singaporean-inspired food hall, Singapore Hawker Center, will soon open in Midtown, bringing with it traditional cuisine from 18 street-food vendors. And in the fall, the James Beard Foundation will open an 18-stall, 16,000-square-foot hall at Pier 57. Those are just a couple of the food halls joining the multitude that are already open.
16. Explore what's new on Staten Island
Hop on a ferry to visit Staten Island to visit the acclaimed Clinton Hall, which opened its sixth beer hall in the city at the Empire Outlets, or catch a baseball game with the brand-new Staten Island Ferry Hawks team, playing in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball this summer.
17. Year-round and citywide celebrations of pride
As the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, New York City is proudly the center of pride celebrations each June, and throughout the year. The annual NYC Pride March is taking place on June 26 this year, one of the largest pride marches in the world and draws tens of thousands of participants.
18. New and revamped performing arts centers take the stage
New York City's performing arts scene is making more than just a comeback in 2022, such as with the return of Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem after a two-year hiatus.
19. Explore the great outdoors within the five boroughs
Experience the beauty of the outdoors without leaving the city, with a vast array of floral and nature-related offerings, from the annual blooming of the cherry trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to the horticultural spectacle of The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
20. Rejuvenating wellness experiences
Find tranquility at the city's numerous wellness outposts in 2022, from the seasonal Winter Spa at the William Vale hotel in Brooklyn to the new sauna on Governors Island, QCNY, set to open on March 4.
21. A more accessible New York City
New York City is on a mission to make the destination more accessible to all, such as some Broadway shows making adjustments like reducing jarring sounds and eliminating strobe or spotlights that shine into the audience.
22. World-famous sporting events
The NYCRuns Brooklyn Marathon & Half Marathon takes place April 24, offering runners the chance to explore the borough from North Williamsburg and along the waterfront, before finishing in Prospect Park. Or on May 1, bike enthusiasts can take to the streets in the TD 5 Boro Bike Tour to experience New York City's streets without any traffic.
The Key to NYC program mandates proof of full vaccination for staff and all patrons age 5 and older for indoor dining, indoor fitness, and indoor entertainment and certain meeting spaces. Patrons should visit each location's website for additional information on safety protocols.
If these 22 ideas aren't enough to get you ready to visit New York City, check out NYC & Company's full list of ideas and attractions that are open to get your trip planning started.