The insider’s guide to New York City

Here’s what’s new and notable in the ultimate city-break destination

Broadway lights are shining, restaurants are abuzz, red carpets have returned and gridlock is once again making it impossible to cross Midtown at rush hour. New York City is back, and while it’s great to see the revival of beloved old staples, it’s even more exciting to uncover what’s new. From lineupworthy tacos to secluded glamping grounds, here are just a few of the city’s latest arrivals. (Travellers should note that proof of vaccination is required for most indoor activities throughout NYC.)

For Brooklyn’s best tacos

Taqueria Ramirez (94 Franklin St., Brooklyn)

It’s not unusual to see a line snaking out the door of this unassuming white facade in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighbourhood. Once you try the Mexico City-style tacos at Taqueria Ramirez, which softopened this summer, you’ll understand why. The restaurant distinguishes itself from other Mexican joints by cooking meat in a choricera, a method that ensures juicy, rich flavour. And don’t worry, the line moves fast.

For the stage drama

“The Woman in Black” at The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th St., New York)

The McKittrick Hotel, which found its niche in spooky immersive theatre, will host another run of the successful West End play “The Woman in Black,” beginning this Thursday. Based on the Gothic horror novel by Susan Hill, this production will return to the stage just in time for Halloween, reimagined for the Club Car venue

at the McKittrick, where you can experience the haunting ghost story as it was meant to be seen: up close and personal.

For seductive cocktails Coby Club (156 1/2 Seventh Ave., New York)

This subterranean cocktail lounge was inspired by the nightlife of 1950s San Francisco and named after Miss Coby Yee, an exotic dancer and owner of the iconic Forbidden City. If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, perhaps the shadowy velvet interior and menu of small plates will. Come for the speakeasy ambience and craft cocktails with a kick; stay for the jazz musicians and singers, who grace the stage Tuesdays through Saturdays.

For art appreciation

Fotografiska New York (281 Park Ave. S, New York)

The latest draw in the trendy Flatiron district is Fotografiska New York, an offshoot of Stockholm’s contemporary photography

museum. Located in a Renaissance Revival-style historic landmark (previously the Church Missions House), the museum has a more eclectic, casual vibe than other whitewalled institutions. This playful energy pairs well with their latest exhibition, “Andy Warhol:

Photo Factory,” a survey of 120 photographs and four 16-mm films by the artist. From his famous Polaroids to intimate snaps in a photo booth, the exhibition considers Warhol the artist as well as Warhol the person.

For a bucolic city escape

Governors Island

While not new, Governors Island has undergone many evolutions, becoming a popular cultural destination and city escape. In addition to old draws like the LMCC Arts Center and the historic Castle Williams fort, you’ll now find the Collective Retreats luxury camping hotel. Also opening soon is a splashy day spa, QC New York, an outpost of an Italian wellness company, complete with thermal infinity pools, saunas and steam rooms. Beginning Nov. 1, Governors Island will be open to visitors year-round; just hop on the quick ferry ride from Lower Manhattan (daily) or Brooklyn (weekends).

COURTESY OF NYC & COMPANY A bird’s-eye view of New York City in the fall. There’s never a shortage of experiences to be enjoyed in the Big Apple.

ROGER KAPSALIS / THE TRUST FOR GOVERNORS ISLAND Take a quick ferry ride to Governors Island, a sizable city escape in New York Harbor.

ADAM FRIEDLANDER Try the worth-the-wait Mexico City-style tacos at Taqueria Ramirez in Brooklyn.

Catch an immersive production of “The Woman in Black” at the McKittrick Hotel.