Quarantine is not easy for a New Yorker. We know. That’s why we have come up with some tips to keep enjoying the Big Apple without leaving your place!
It’s no secret that we’re living crazy, scary times. Not being able to leave our homes except for essential activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic can put a lot of stress on anyone (nope, jogging your way through Brooklyn is NOT essential right now!). Quarantine mode is hard, no matter how much you love your apartment or how many binge-watching marathons you think you can endure. This claustrophobic vibe can be especially intense among New Yorkers, used to spend plenty of time exploring the five districts of its wonderful town. Been there, believe us. At some point, you just need to get out to get a slice of pizza, watch a live performance, or just engage face-to-face with another human being. But how, in the CDC’s name, can we urbanites do that if we are not supposed to leave our home?
Don’t despair. Turns out, there are ways to enjoy New York City even from the safety of your apartment. These are just a few recommendations to make the quarantine way more bearable. Cabin fever? Fuhgeddaboudit!
Grab some food!
Even if New York bars and restaurants are officially closed, many of them still “open” for delivery and takeout options! From Asian food to BBQ treats, it’s easy to find your craving using the usual suspects any New Yorker knows like the back of their hand: Seamless, UberEats, and Grubhub, to name just a few of the many food delivery apps available just a click away. Knickerbockers have been eating like this for years after all, so why stop now? OpenTable is another useful way to discover where to get your carbs, by the way.
You’d be happy to know that your favorite spot might still serve you during these unprecedented times. New York favorites like The Bean, Amorino, S’MAC, or Luke’s Lobster have stepped up boosting their door-to-door service like never before. Want a full box of joe? A peanut butter gelato? A manchego mac and cheese? A lobster bisque? You got it. This is the perfect moment to make the most out of those apps while supporting your favorite venues during this crisis.
Take a virtual tour of these NYC museums
Have you ever thought of hosting a virtual cultural weekend? Get dressed in your coolest outfit and experience some of the best cultural offerings in the city from the comfort of your favorite couch. Google Arts & Culture platform has partnered with some noteworthy cultural staples of the city, including the Met (one of my personal favorites), the Brooklyn Museum, the MOMA, and other lesser-known cultural jewels.
Other museums are offering free virtual tours of their collections on their own websites (like the Frick Collection, the New York Public Library, the New York Transit Museum or the Museum of the City of New York, to name a few.) It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the city history (if you are interested in ye olde New York, don’t forget to visit The Tenement’s Museum site for a glimpse behind-the-scenes of how New Yorkers lived in even more cramped quarters.)
Enjoy a Broadway show…for free!
Something changed in Manhattan when the lights of the Theater District went out and. New York’s just not the same without Broadway’s glam and glitz. Luckily, there’s still one legit way to enjoy these wonderful performances from your couch. Since 2013, the streaming service BroadwayHD has been bringing home the best theater and musical productions for those who can’t (or won’t) commute their way to hectic Midtown Manhattan.
But there’s more: the online platform recently announced that it’s offering a 7-day free trial version! After that first week, you’ll need to pay a monthly ($8.99) or annual subscription ($99.99) if you want to keep enjoying Broadway’s best shows without leaving home. If you’ve always wanted to see classics like Cats, Kinky Boots, The Phantom of the Opera, or The King and I, this is your chance to do it from the best theater in town: your place. We haven’t tested their service yet, but we might give it a try during this crazy quarantine since we are big Broadway fans!
Meet new friends!
What’s really driving people crazy (not only in New York but on the whole planet) is the social distancing. Not being allowed to hang out with our friends feels like a direct attack against human nature, right? Fortunately, videoconferences and chats keep us running and socializing, even if it’s from a safe distance. Technology has come to the rescue, no doubt. But this is a great moment not only to catch up with your buddies, but also to meet new people in the city. Popular hangout platforms like Meetup are arranging virtual meetings to remind you that there’s life outside. Don’t know where to start? Check groups like NYC Social. No matter if you’re into speed dating, trivia nights, or just want to make some new friends. There will never be shortage of interesting people to meet in New York!
We want to hear from you! How are you making the most of New York from the comfort of your home? Are you doing virtual visits to the major New York attractions? Be safe and be well, and remember: To protect your fellow New Yorkers, please stay home. #istayhome #anditsfun
Thanks so much for mentioning Luke’s and other restaurants!
It’s our pleasure! We hope we can go back to enjoying a taste of Maine really, really soon. Take care!