What’s NEW and UPCOMING in NYC?

February 28, 2022 | Sarah Funky

New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world. There is always something new and exciting to see and do. And, for 2022, NYC has amazing things planned. I’m sharing 12 new attractions, restaurants, bars, and more that are all coming to New York City during 2022. 

Watch the video guide to the coolest things to do in NYC now: 

Top 12 Best and Coolest Things To Do in NYC in 2022

QC NY SPA 

Governor’s Island, 112 Andes Rd, New York, NY 10004

Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It is a popular destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, all year long! Some of the top things to do on Governor’s Island include biking, walking tours, a hammock grove, and the only lavender field in NYC! 

And now, there will be a spa on Governor’s Island! QC NY SPA is part of the renowned QC Terme Spas and Resorts, previously only found in Europe. The Governor’s Island spa is the only location outside of Europe. With abundant amenities and outdoor pools, it is the perfect hideaway where guests can truly Relax, Revive, and Restore.

QC Terme Spas and Resorts was established in 1982 in Italy by two brothers, Saverio and Andrea Quadrio Curzio. Ultimately, it was their vision and roots in construction that enabled them to expertly innovate and develop the global brand, which offer 9 incredible destinations throughout Europe that over 1.5 million visitors from around the world come to experience each year. 

Much of QC Terme is influenced by and rooted in history and culture. Ancient Roman Baths were places of wellness, pleasure, gathering, and relaxation. There, the thermal waters would offer physical wellness and spiritual rejuvenation. Their spas have upheld these traditions and philosophies, with unique nods to the local history throughout each of their locations in Italy and France: Milan, Rome, Bormio, San Pellegrino, Torino, Dolomiti, Pre Saint Didier, Chamonix, and Monte Bianco. On average, European patrons spend 8 hours at the spas – a true testament to the spa’s ability to allow people to slow down, and get lost in the experience.


QC NY marks the first QC Terme location to open in the United States, with more to come. Fittingly, the day spa is situated across three historic Army Barrack buildings on the island, which have been refurbished and preserved to maintain the rich history of the local property while bringing it new life.  

QC NY SPA
Photo: QC NYC SPA (https://www.qcny.com)

OVERSTORY ROOFTOP + SAGA

70 Pine Street, 63rd & 64th Floors, New York, NY 10005 

Overstory is an amazing rooftop bar located in the landmarked Art Deco building known as 70 Pine. Overstory is on the 64th floor and the space is surrounded by a wraparound terrace with 360-degree views of the New York City skyline. They offer excellent, elevated cocktails (and mocktails, too). Sip the night away while taking in views that are unlike any other, and rival those of observation decks. 

And, for a luxurious dining experience, check out Saga. The food at SAGA is rooted in European technique but draws inspiration from around the world.

Photo: Tina Sokolovskaya

A SARAHFUNKY NYC TOUR + VACATION PACKAGES

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $49-$599

In exciting news, more tours are being added to the SarahFunky tour roster, plus vacation packages! 

Rated 5-stars on TripAdvisor, you certainly do not want to miss out on any of these one-of-a-kind experiences! In addition to our walking tours, multi-day experiences will be offered that include lodging, restaurants, bars, and activities. 

We have a few different tour options to choose from that fit different interests and budgets!

For a truly unique experience, book a custom designed private tour with either SarahLuisMarcusGary, or Nicola! For the best of both worlds, with food and sightseeing, consider joining our award-winning Best of New York Food Tour offered on Sunday mornings. The tour includes five epic spots and behind the scenes experiences! Another option is to join A Secrets of New York Tour on Saturday mornings and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! Each guide is an NYC expert and enjoys showing others around the city they love, so be sure to book today!

If you’re planning a trip to NYC and want help, consider booking our vacation planning services! An NYC expert will help you plan your dream NYC vacation! You can make your NYC trip and experience more special with custom-designed plans that fit your budget and your unique interests.

Live NYC Food tour with Luis & Sarah
Live NYC Food tour with Luis & Sarah. Photo by Jason Gonzalez-Smith

THE MUSEUM OF BROADWAY

145 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036

Broadway is back! In addition to brand new shows making their way to the spectacular stages,NYC is also getting its first Broadway Museum! The Museum of Broadway will be in the heart of Times Square and is opening this summer. “It is the first permanent museum dedicated to Broadway. The Museum of Broadway is an interactive and experiential museum that celebrates Broadway’s rich history, the behind-the-scenes and its game changers.” – The Museum of Broadway

The Museum of Broadway
Photo: The Museum of Broadway (https://www.themuseumofbroadway.com/)

NEW BROADWAY MUSICALS

NYC Times Square
Photo by Alek Burley on Unsplash

The Music Man

Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

The Music Man stars Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. “One of the most universally cherished treasures of the American musical theater, The Music Man was an instant smash hit when it first premiered on Broadway back in December 1957. It went on to win five Tony Awards®, including the prize for Best Musical, and ran for 1,375 performances. The Smithsonian Institution ranks The Music Man as one of the “great glories” of American popular culture.” – The Music Man

Funny Girl

August Wilson Theatre, 245 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

The classic musical comedy Funny Girl is back on Broadway! Starring hilarious screen star Beanie Feldstein, Funny Girl previews begin March 26. “Featuring some of the most iconic songs in theatre history including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” Michael Mayer’s bold new production marks the first time Funny Girl will return to Broadway since its debut 58 years ago. The original production of Funny Girl premiered on Broadway in 1964 starring Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice and was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical.” – Funny Girl

Paradise Square

Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036

Paradise Square is about a New York neighborhood of yesteryear. Previews begin on March 15. “With visceral and nuanced staging and choreography that captures the pulsating energy when Black and Irish cultures meet and set to a contemporary score that reimagines early American song, Paradise Square depicts an overlooked true-life moment when hope and possibility shone bright.” – Paradise Square

The Little Prince

Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

The Little Prince tells the story of a young prince who visits various planets in space, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love and loss. Previews begin on March 29

CITY CLIMB

Edge, 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 | $185+

Organizers of City Climb brand this as “climbing out of your comfort zone.” Um, yes definitely! Located at 30 Hudson Yards in one of New York City’s newest and tallest buildings, City Climb is the highest open-air building ascent in the world at 1,200 feet including the skydeck known as the Edge. People – OK, let’s really call them daredevils who have no fear of heights – climb the steps on the outside of the building (not all 1,200 feet worth). And, that’s not all! Once at the top, climbers are then strapped to a harness on an outdoor platform and can literally lean out over the building and soak in the greatest view of NYC ever. This activity is perfect for the thrill-seekers! 

DOORS-OFF HELICOPTER RIDE

FlyNYON, 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, NJ 07032

If the thrills of City Climb aren’t enough for you and you want more of an adrenaline rush and more adventure, then try a doors-off helicopter flight. You can take a 16-minute or 30-minute flight that “offers signature downtown skyline views from a distinct vantage point that gets you up close and personal with Lady Liberty like no one else. Your experience starts at the NYON Terminal, an amazing 10,000 square foot space that features a helicopter fuselage with an interactive floor, and relaxing lounge areas featuring spectacular flight footage from around the country and local food and drinks.” – FlyNYON

Helicopter above NYC. Tina Less
Helicopter about NYC. Photo by Tina Lee from @OfLeatherAndLace

CHRYSLER BUILDING OBSERVATION DECK

Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174

The Chrysler Building will be getting an observation deck, making it the 6th observation deck to be added to NYC’s already impressive roster! The Observation Deck will be located on the 61st floor. Right now, there is no set opening date, but it’s anticipated to be soon. 

NYC Chrysler Building
Photo by Anthony Fomin on Unsplash

PLUS POOL

Plus Pool, 25 Park Place, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10007

If you’ve always wanted to swim in the East River, then soon you’ll have your chance! (Well, sort of.) A pool in the East River will be coming to NYC! Plus Pool “is a plus-shaped, water-filtering, floating swimming pool, designed to filter the very river that it floats in through the walls of the pool, making it possible for New Yorkers and its visitors to swim in clean river water. Plus Pool strives to reclaim the river as a recreational resource for the city, while educating the public about issues affecting our water quality.” – Plus Pool

Photo: Plus Pool (https://pluspool.org/)

WILLIAMSBURG WATERFRONT PARK

Brooklyn, Kent Avenue between North 11th Street and North 12th Street

A new $7 million park called 50 Kent is coming to Williamsburg! It is set to open in April and will feature an elevated lawn, a forest grove, water play area, and plenty of greenery and spots for relaxation. 

Sarah on a Citibike in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Photo by Luis Yanes
Sarah on a Citibike in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Photo by Luis Yanes

AMAN NEW YORK

The Crown Building, 730 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

What promises to be one of the most luxurious new hotel openings of the year, Aman New York at 5th Ave. and 57th St. is set to open its doors in May. The address alone screams opulence. It is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, just two blocks from Central Park and is a walking gateway to either the Upper West Side or Upper East Side, as well as some of the best museums in the world. But be forewarned, it is pricey!

“Aman New York celebrates Aman’s philosophy of creating sanctuaries beyond commonplace notions of luxury, whilst paying homage to the building’s striking architecture and significant history. Aman New York will consist of 83 hotel rooms, as well as restaurants, a Garden Terrace & Bar with 7000 square feet of outdoor dining space, private members club, three-floor Aman Spa, Jazz Club and Wine Room.” – Aman New York

ANTHONY BOURDAIN FOOD HALL (NAME TBD)

135 West 50th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, New York, NY 10020

It was always the dream of the late Anthony Bourdain to open a food hall in New York City inspired by the ‘food hawker centers’ he loved in Singapore. Now KF Seetoh, founder of the World Street Food Congress and a former judge on TV’s Top Chef, has picked up the mantle and will open the Singapore Hawker Center in the city early this year. Hawker Centers aren’t just people cooking food screaming at you to try their goodies. It’s actually an honored tradition in Singapore for communal dinners with friends and family. There will be 18 Singaporean vendors and New Yorkers can expect well-known dishes — including chile crab, oyster omelettes, and nasi lemak — that are staples of the most iconic hawker centers in the Southeast Asian country.

In conclusion, these are the top 12 best and coolest things to do in NYC in 2022. What are you most looking forward to? 

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