By: Stefanie DiMartino

New York City restrictions are being eased and the city is set to be fully re-opened by May 19. Broadway is even coming back in the fall! With all of this promising news, that means there will be even more things to do and see, all while still following all remaining safety guidelines and protocols. Below are my top picks for the best things to do in NYC May 10-16.

The Top 8 Best Things to do in NYC May 10-16

THINGS TO DO

THE GREEN AT LINCOLN CENTER

May 10 – Fall 2021 

Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Officially opening May 10th, Lincoln Center’s iconic Josie Robertson Plaza is being re-imagined into “The Green” to welcome spring and New Yorkers back! This 14,000 square foot open plaza is the physical centerpiece for Restart Stages. 

“Restart Stages is an outdoor performing arts center with 10 outdoor performance and rehearsal spaces—to help kickstart the performing arts sector and New York City’s revival.” – Lincoln Center

MACY’S FLOWER SHOW

Now – May 16, 2021 | FREE!

Macy’s Herald Square, 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

Macy’s Flower Show is a springtime and floral celebration with exotic flowers & plants from around the world, transforming their NYC location into a stunning floral extravaganza. The flower show only lasts for 2 weeks. This is the last week, so that’s why it’s one of the best things to do in NYC May 10-16. Check it out before it’s gone!

“This season’s show is our gift to the local community for rising to the challenges of last year with resilience & optimism. We’re celebrating the promise of 2021—with all our beautiful blooms inspiring joy & hope for brighter days ahead.” – Macy’s 

SPRING JAZZ BRUNCH AT NORWOOD

Saturdays until May 29, 2021 | 11am-4pm | Age 18+ with ID | $60+

The Norwood Club, 241 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011

It’s been a long year without live entertainment. Now is your chance for an intimate and socially distanced brunch series featuring Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra.

“It’s a rare opportunity to be a personal guest at this chic and quirky private arts club! Jazz Age Lawn party is excited to safely and responsibly host you for this indoor Jazz brunch experience where you’ll get to eat great food and hear some dreamy music. On top of the beautiful music, there will be a Delightful Full Brunch menu from owner-chef Alan Linn with items such as french toast, an herbed omelet and a pastrami hash with fried egg and a Full Bar available for purchase once inside!” – Spring Jazz 

Note: $30 pre fixe menu is available for purchase and is not included in your Fever ticket (only a complimentary Kir Royale sparkling cocktail is included)

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

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

Tourism is finally picking up again in NYC! And, there’s no time like the present to book a SarahFunky NYC tour. You have quite a few tour options! You can book a custom designed private tour to fit your own personal interests with Sarah, Luis, Gary, or Marcus! 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 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 any of these one-of-a-kind experiences!

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS: NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL EXHIBITION

Now – May 21, 2021 | $25

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

“This exhibition features nearly 250 works of art by New York City teens who received the highest regional recognition in the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards—the Gold Key Award. Presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Scholastic Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in the United States.” – The Met

WORLDS BEYOND EARTH

Now – July 11, 2021 | $23+

Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Now that theaters have finally reopened in NYC, the immersive Hayden Planetarium theater has also reopened! “Worlds Beyond Earth takes viewers on an exhilarating expedition through the solar system, from our own blue planet to far beyond the habitable zone. Narrated by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, Worlds Beyond Earth tells the story of the dynamic worlds that share our solar system and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible.” – AMNH

MADELINE HOLLANDER: FLATWING

Now – August 8, 2021 | $25+

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

“Flatwing (2019), Hollander’s first video installation, explores the emergence of silent crickets in Kauai, Hawaii, and the imminent extinction of their chirping rivals. The film guides the viewer through Hollander’s expedition through Kauai’s cacophonous rainforest nightscape, and her futile attempt to record the movements of this elusive new species. Ventriloquizing their fellow cricket’s mating chirp by silently rubbing their wings together, the trickery of the mute crickets’ movements perform a choreography of survival. The video installation is accompanied by a display of drawings, diagrams, and research materials created by the artist in the process of making the film.” – The Whitney

DRINKS/DINING

IL PATIO DI EATALY – FLATIRON

200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

“Just like dining in an Italian piazza, enjoy your favorite Eataly dishes outdoors at Il Patio di Eataly! Our chefs have put together a curated menu of substantial apertitivi plates that go from grande to grandissimo, Salumi & Formaggi boards that go as far as the eye can see, pizza napoletana, and authentic pasta di Gragnano IGP,  to celebrate the Italian spring, for the first time – again. Join us for outdoor dining in the Flatiron district on 5th Avenue.” – Il Patio di Eataly 

In conclusion, these are the top 8 best things to do in NYC May 10-16. Have fun and most importantly, stay safe!