The big story this morning is the announcement that land borders between Mexico and Canada will reopen to the vaccinated in early November. Canadians historically send more travelers to NYC than any other place save the U.K., and land borders will be easier to cross as no negative Covid test will be required. The Delta variant appears to be waning, with global rates of infection falling. Recovery is not overnight, but the U.S. economy is emerging with consumer sentiment, spending, and employment more resilient than it has been following previous surges. United Airlines's domestic capacity in December will be 91% of what it was in 2019. Their data suggests pent-up demand will be manifesting ahead of the holidays.

Although the Delta variant's impact on the economy is drawing most of the headlines, it's worth noting the good news for New York that's out there as well. The city will not be competing with European destinations in light of new international restrictions. On the domestic front, the number one fall destination for Airbnb searchers? That would be New York City. NYC will be ready to greet these visitors—many coming for longer stretches than usual—as reopening news continues to post.

More data points toward recovery. The city's unemployment rate dropped in September, now back into single digits. Schools have reopened but the positivity rate among students is minuscule—0.2%. In fact, New York state has the third lowest positivity rate in the nation (and that's with ample testing). Nationally, the Domestic Travel Safety Barometer score rose above 50% for the first time since the pandemic began. The TSA screened over a million air travelers for the first time since March. (Those passengers are primarily leisure travelers, too.) Despite the small spike in infection rates, indicators are looking good for a New York comeback.

New York is obsessed with movies, and we’re very glad it is. City parks and rooftops fill with picnic blankets and cinephiles throughout all five boroughs every summer, taking in movies from black-and-white classics to international hits to superhero blockbusters.

When the weather gets warm, the city spills outside to enjoy every moment of its hard-won good weather. In the next few months, you can take a trip to Coney Island or linger in Central Park to hear musical acts from Cardi B to Dead & Company to Morrissey. Here are some of the best places to listen to live music and boost your vitamin D at the same time in New York City.

If you’ve never been to the Big Apple before, it can be overwhelming the first time you visit. There is so much to see and do that you need to realize that you certainly won’t see it all in one stay. If you’re wondering which attractions are absolute must-sees for your first time, here is your guide to our picks for the top nine.