By: Stefanie DiMartino

While life still isn’t 100% back to normal, things are starting to look up. There are vaccines available now (almost 30% of New Yorkers have been vaccinated) and there is hope for some kind of “normalcy” soon! Also, things are opening up here in NYC and restaurants have indoor dining again. Of course, it’s still important to follow all safety protocols and guidelines in order to remain safe. Below are my top picks for the best things to do in NYC April 5-11. 

The Top 9 Best Things to do in NYC April 5-11

THINGS TO DO

CONEY ISLAND HISTORY SHOW & TELL 

April 8, 2021 | 7pm-8pm | FREE!

Online 

If you’re interested in NYC and history, this is the event for you. “Coney Island History Show & Tell is an interactive reminiscence event presented by the Coney Island History Project via Zoom on April 8. And, if you have historical or personal objects related to Coney Island history and want to share, after registering for the event, you can sign up to “show and tell” your story by emailing events@coneyislandhistory.org. Guest sharers on April 8 include Eric K. Washington, historian and author; Martine Emile, Coney Island filmmaker; and Lola the Illustrator, artist and muralist. Listeners are welcome and will have an opportunity to ask questions via chat.” 

NOT ANOTHER SECOND

Now – May 2021 | FREE!

The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, 21 Clark Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Not Another Second “tells the untold stories of 12 LGBT+ seniors (including a former politician, a Stonewall survivor, a Black Panther, and a military veteran) and explores the years they lost being unable to be their true, authentic selves, due to societal constraints. The project raises cultural awareness and acknowledges the sacrifices, hardships, and challenges of these seniors. The project also celebrates their contributions, beauty, bravery, and humanity. It also empowers them to share their words of wisdom with younger generations in the hopes of a more accepting future.” – Not Another Second

Not Another Second is an eye-opening and inspiring exhibit. Due to its impact, the exhibit has now been extended through May. Socially distanced viewings take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Time slots are filling up quickly, so be sure to reserve right away!

VAN GOGH: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

August-September | $36+ 

Secret Location TBA 

An exciting and new Van Gogh exhibit is heading to NYC! And it is selling out fast! June and July are booked, so be sure to grab your tickets for August and September! “Have you ever dreamt about stepping into a painting? Take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his work, and his secrets as never before through cutting-edge 360 degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and a uniquely atmospheric light and sound show. Become completely immersed in the works of art around you, and feel the shift in reality as you dive deep into the world created by Van Gogh’s brush strokes.” – Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

THE FRIENDS EXPERIENCE: THE ONE IN NEW YORK CITY

130 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010

Oh. my. god, The Friends Experience is back and here to stay! There are two floors of interactive experiences allowing you to relive nostalgic and iconic Friends moments! The Central Perk will be open daily, starting at 7am, and will be serving coffee and desserts. The Friends Experience is also touted as “Monica Clean” and has safety measures in place to make this a safe and enjoyable experience! 

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $57+ 

If you have been wanting to tour NYC, now is the perfect time to book a SarahFunky NYC tour. Officially restarting on April 10th, of course, this is the perfect activity in NYC for April 5-11.

You have quite a few tour options! You can book a custom designed private tour to fit your own personal interests with Sarah, Luis, or Tom. Or, you can get the best of both worlds with food and sightseeing and join a newly redesigned food tour to include four epic spots and behind the scenes experiences and book a Best of New York Food Tour with Luis. Or, join A Secrets of New York Tour with Tom and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! They are all NYC experts and enjoy showing others around the city they love. Certainly, you do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience!

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

GOYA’S GRAPHIC IMAGINATION

Now – May 2, 2021 | $25

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028

“Francisco Goya is renowned for his prolific activity as a draftsman and printmaker. Through his drawings and prints, he expressed his political liberalism, criticism of superstition, and distaste for intellectual oppression in unique and compelling ways. This exhibition will explore Goya’s graphic imagination and how his drawings and prints allowed him to share his complex ideas and respond to the turbulent social and political changes occurring in the world around him.” – The Met 

NOTHING IS SO HUMBLE: PRINTS FROM EVERYDAY OBJECTS

Now – Spring 2021 | $25+

Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014

This exhibition “looks at the creative and irreverent ways that seven artists—Ruth Asawa, Sari Dienes, Pati Hill, Kahlil Robert Irving, Virginia Overton, Julia Phillips, and Zarina—have employed the everyday objects around them to make prints. Nothing Is So Humble takes its title from an evocative proposition by Dienes that recognized aesthetic possibilities in the most mundane of subjects: “Bones, lint, Styrofoam, banana skins, the squishes and squashes found on the street: nothing is so humble that it cannot be made into art.” – Whitney Museum of Art

DRINKS/DINING

WAKUWAKU

269 36th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232

There are so many great dining options in NYC. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious outdoor dining experience, head to Brooklyn’s Industry City and dine at Wakuwaku. Wakuwaku is a traditional Japanese izakaya now serving Teishoku lunch sets and full dinner service featuring yakitori, kushiage, chuhai cocktails and much more!

Wakuwaku is located in the courtyard behind the Japan Village market and food hall. For year-round outdoor dining, there are partly open wooden structures designed to look like traditional Japanese houses, and there’s plexiglass panels between tables. There are also open-air tables, and the counter will remain open.

PATENT PENDING AND THE LAB

49 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Patent Pending is a speakeasy located in the historical Radio Wave Building. It has an industrial, yet upscale and welcoming vibe and are offering seating on a first come, first serve basis, as well as optional reservations. Takeout and delivery is also offered. There is also a heated and covered outdoor space. The Lab at Patent Pending is a hidden cavern connected through a natural arch inside of the speakeasy Patent Pending. It is the perfect spot for drinks!  

In conclusion, these are the top 9 best things to do in NYC April 5-11. Have fun and most importantly, stay safe!