By: Stefanie DiMartino

Finally, NYC is reopening and mask mandates for those vaccinated are being lifted. An actual return to “normalcy” is within sight! So, if you’re looking for the best things to do, the best art exhibits, and the best in dining, look no further. These are my top picks of the best things to do in NYC May 24-30.

The Top 9 Best Things to do in NYC May 24-30

NYC THINGS TO DO

VOYEUR: A PARISIAN THEATRICAL WALKING TOUR 

May 28-29, 2021 | 6-9:30pm | $69+

The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, New York, NY 10014

NYC’s Voyeur: A Parisian Theatrical Walking Tour is back! 

“Peer through the windows of old Paris, where unexpected moments of art, beauty, and seduction await you during this pandemic-friendly theatrical walking tour inspired by Bated Breath Theatre’s long-running immersive hit Unmaking Toulouse-Lautrec (named one of the “best immersive plays and interactive theatrical experiences” by Time Out). In this open air, intimate theatrical experience, you and seven other masked audience members will be guided through the dreams of iconic artist Toulouse-Lautrec as he recalls his final absinthe-laced years living and working in Montmartre. The sidewalks, doorways and windows of Greenwich Village become the setting as live accompaniment collides with the city’s soundscape, transporting you into the bohemian world of 1899 Paris.” – Voyeur

ESCHATON: IMMERSIVE NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE

May 29, 2021 | 10pm | Age 18+ | $20+

Online/Virtual!

If you are missing nightlife and partying, then you’re not alone! 

“After a debut year of outrageous performances and sold-out shows, the internet’s favorite club is reopening its doors for an exciting new chapter. Eschaton is a virtual nightclub and immersive experience featuring dozens of world-class performers. Wander a maze of rooms where you can interact and find a new strange delight behind every doorway. Meet up with friends, invite a date, or come alone to this unique virtual nightclub!” – Eschaton 

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

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

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

NYC MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

ARTE DEL MAR: ARTISTIC EXCHANGE IN THE CARIBBEAN

Now – June 27, 2021 | $25

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

“Arte del mar (“art of/from the sea”) explores the artistic exchange around the rim of the Caribbean Sea before the sixteenth century between the Taíno civilizations of the Antilles archipelago and their powerful peers on the continental mainland. Recent archaeological, ethnohistorical, and art-historical research has deepened our understanding of indigenous Caribbean concepts of ritual knowledge, ceremonial performance, and political power.” – The Met

FUTURES EVER ARRIVING: ART EXHIBITION

Now – June 27, 2021 | Free!

Chelsea Market, 75 9^th Avenue, 5^th floor, New York, NY 10011

“Futures Ever Arriving is inspired by Can Xue’s novel, Love in the New Millennium, which paints a picture of a hidden region in China where villagers shapeshift, impart the knowledge of life-giving medicine from the Earth, and protect each other to survive and thrive. Driven by this cosmovision, the exhibition is inclusive of works from 5 emerging Asian American artists (Raymond Hwang, Christina Yuna Ko, Jennifer G. Lai, Kim Sandara, and Jia Sung) who are examining our past and present to dream up new futures with their work.” 

ORACLE AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER

Now – June 29, 2021 | Free!

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

Surprisingly, Rockefeller Center is not just for ice skating. Did you know that you can view art exhibits right in Rockefeller Center? How cool is that?

“In partnership with Art Production Fund, Rockefeller Center will present a series of public art pop ups throughout the center. Taking place in unique and unexpected locations, the multidisciplinary program will showcase installations inspired by the New York City landscape and contemporary life. On display now is Sanford Biggers’ largest-scale commission to date; a 15,280 pound, 25-foot-tall monumental bronze sculpture titled Oracle.” – Rockefeller Center

BANKSY: GENIUS OR VANDAL? – THE EXHIBITION

September dates available now! | $29.50+

Location TBD 

Finally, Banksy is coming to New York this summer. If you are an art lover, then you do not want to miss out. Tickets will be selling fast, so make sure to get yours now! 

“It’s official: NYC will soon be welcoming Banksy: Genius or Vandal, the new exhibition dedicated to the famous and enigmatic British artist. The experience plunges you into the mysterious universe of the Bristol-born street artist, offering you an incredible journey featuring 100 genuine and certified artworks. After touring through cities in Europe, Asia and the Americas, this highly-successful event finally makes its way to NYC. At last, you will be able to enjoy a rich selection of works lent from private collectors around the world, plus a unique virtual reality experience guiding you through the artist’s career. Certainly get ready to embark on a journey to the heart of the artwork of the mysterious king of the streets!” – Banksy: Genius or Vandal, The Exhibition

NYC DRINKS/DINING

LOLA TAVERNA

210 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10014

If you are looking for authentic Greek, then check out Lola Taverna. Of course with a catchphrase like “SoHo Scene, Greek Island Cuisine,” Lola Taverna piques one’s interest. And obviously, the beautiful and magical floral patio draws you in. Firstly, the colorful scenery instantly allows you to forget that you are in the middle of the West Village. Secondly, with brunch and dinner offerings, there is a lot to satisfy differing tastes.

With heavy Greek influence, some menu highlights include Spanakopita Spring Rolls, Chicken Gyro Bao Buns, fresh Grilled Whole Fish, the Lola Salad, and of course, their signature Moussaka. And in order to pay homage to the Greek islands, some fun-named cocktails include an Aegean Dirty Martini with Olive Oil Washed Tito’s Vodka and Mediterranean Brine, Chios Magic with Casamigos Reposado, Firewater, Mastiha, and Grapefruit, Santorini Spring with Casamigos Blanco, Strawberry, Mint, and Lemon, and a Naxos Swirl with Suntory Toki, Brown Butter, Rum, Apple Brandy, and Maple. All in all, you cannot go wrong at Lola Taverna.

CANTINA ROOFTOP

605 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036

If you’re craving great Mexican, then Cantina Rooftop is the place for you! As soon as you enter, you are transported to a colorful and fun oasis under bright umbrellas, with panoramic views of New York City. Cantina Roofop offers a modern Mexican menu with an eclectic assortment of specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, so you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose. The best part is that the rooftop has a climate-controlled retractable glass rooftop terrace that is perfect for all seasons and any weather. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their “Big Ass Taco” that feeds 8 people and weighs more than 8 pounds with a price tag of $80! 

Overall, these are the top 9 best things to do in NYC May 24-30. Have fun, but most importantly, stay safe!