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User:Sapphire/Sandbox/Places/NYC/Midtown Travel Guide

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Midtown Manhattan is the core retail and commercial neighborhood of New York City, containing the highest concentration of business and money this side of, well, the planet. The Empire State Building, once again the tallest building in Manhattan, is here. Shady Bryant Park abuts the imposing New York Public Library main branch at 42nd Street, while to the east is the magnificent Beaux Arts Grand Central Terminal. Le Corbusier's landmark UN Headquarters is located on the East River. The masterpiece art deco towers of Rockefeller Center and adjoining Radio City sit opposite 5th Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral, the seat of the city's archdiocese. Fifth Avenue below 59th remains the toniest and most exclusive retail neighborhood in New York City, home to names like Saks, Tiffany, FAO Schwarz and Bendel. Murray Hill north of 34th Street is home to some of the city's nicest brownstones. Much of the real estate in this neighborhood is likewise quite expensive, and the restaurants, bars and other facilities notably cater to a higher-paying clientele.

Contents

Understand

Orientation

Midtown, also called Midtown East to distinguish it from the Theater District to the west, is the area between around 34th St and 59th St (beyond which is Central Park), and from the East River through avenues First, Second, Third, Lexington, Park, Madison, Fifth and Sixth. Broadway forms the absolute western boundary of the district as it merges with the Theater District.

Get in

Subway

There are subway lines on Park Av. South/Lexington Av. (4 and 5 express, 6 local) and 6th Av. (B, D, F). The neighborhood is also served by the Times Square - Grand Central Shuttle; the 7 train, which stops at Times Square, 5th Av., and Grand Central before going to or after coming from Queens; the R and N Broadway Line trains, which when Queens bound turn east after stopping at 57 St. and 7 Av.; and the E train, which when Queens bound turns east after stopping at 50 St. and 8th Av. For more detailed information, download a subway map at the MTA website or pick one up for free at any token booth.

Metro North Commuter Train

Metro North trains originate and terminate at Grand Central Terminal on E. 42 St. between Vanderbilt and Lexington Avs. Note that the train terminal (but not the subway stop serving it) closes from approximately 1 A.M. to 5 A.M. daily.

MTA bus

Buses run along every avenue except for short avenues like Vanderbilt, and there are also crosstown buses on 34th, 42nd, 49th/50th, and 57th Sts.

See

Landmarks

  • Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue (Fifth Avenue at 34th Street), ☎ +1-212-736-3100, http://www.esbnyc.com/. Hours: Daily: 8:00 - 24:00 with summer hours normally being extended.. Once again the tallest building in New York, since the destruction of the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 11 September 2001. Between its completion in 1930 and the building of the Twin Towers, the New York icon also held the record as the tallest building in the world. Admission: Adults: $16.00, Youth (12 - 17): $14.00, Children (6 - 11): $10.00, Seniors (62+) or Military with ID: $14.00, Military in uniform or toddlers (Under 5): Free; 102nd floor Observatory tickets are only sold at the Observatory ticket office, located on the 2nd floor of the building, which cost an additional $14.00 to regular tickets..
  • Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Ave at 42nd Street.
  • Daily News Building, 220 East 42nd Street (Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), ☎ +1-212-555-5555. This Art Deco design classic, completed in 1930 to a design by Raymond Hood, was made famous by the Superman films; to be admired are the extreme verticality of the design, the understated setbacks and functional design. The newspaper no longer holds offices here, but a visit to the foyer is well worth a visit if passing, if only to see the newspaper's giant globe sculpture and wall weather stations.
  • MetLife Building, 200 Park Avenue (Between 44th and 45 Street), ☎ +1-212-555-5555.
  • United Nations Headquarters, First Avenue at 46th Street (No parking available; take public transport to Grand Central Station then walk, or take the M15 bus up 1st Avenue or down 2nd Avenue), ☎ +1-212-555-5555, http://www.un.org/. The UN HQ sits on an 18-acre site between 42nd and 48th Streets, and between First Avenue and the East River. It is noted for its gardens and outdoor sculpture. There is a charge for the tours of the General Assembly and Secretariat but you can visit the Visitors' Lobby for free. There are two levels to the lobby area which includes exhibits, gift shop, bookshop etc. If just visiting the lobby, don't join any queues once you're in the lobby - just find your way around. There is little in the way of signs to tell you where you can go - this is the UN, well-meaning but not well organised. Guided tours only; Adults: $11.50, Seniors: $8.50, Students: $7.50, Children (6 - 14 years): $6.50.
  • Waldorf-Astoria, 301 Park Avenue (Between 49th and 50th Streets), ☎ +1-212-355-3100, http://www.hilton.com.
  • Rockefeller Plaza, Address, http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html. The Christmas Tree, the Skating Rink, the shops and hubbub - you can't miss it. The Christmas Tree and the Skating Rink are not year round. You may take skating lessons. There are several dining establishments overlooking this area. The art deco buildings of Rockefeller Center are quite cool. Saks Fifth Avenue is across the street, and there are many other stores throughout the complex.
  • Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Avenue (Between 50th and 51st Streets), ☎ +1-212-307-7171, http://www.radiocity.com/. Monday–Sunday: 11:30 – 18:00. See the Rockettes, another show or just tour the famous Art Deco masterpiece.
  • SONY Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Avenue, ☎ +1-212-833-5414, http://www.sonywondertechlab.com/. Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00, Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00, Closed Monday and major holidays. Last admission entrance is 30 minutes before closing. An interactive hands-on experience of cutting edge technology, sponsored by Sony. Reservations are highly recommended.

Museums and galleries

  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), 11 West 53 Street (Between Fifth and Sixth avenues), ☎ +1-212-708-9400 (), http://www.moma.org. Saturday - Monday: 10:30 - 17:30, Closed Tuesday, Wednesday - Thursday: 10:30 - 17:30, Friday: 10:30 - 20:00, Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.. One of the greatest and most popular collections of modern art, on a par with the Tate Modern in London or Paris's Centre Georges Pompidou. Exceedingly popular so be warned: queues for tickets start early and stretch long. To avoid these, turn up at the door at least a half hour before opening. Travellers may wish to utilize a new, unofficial service of podcasts for MoMA tours - simply download to your iPod and off you go! [1] The newly-renovated and re-opened building is as much a draw as the outstanding collection. Considered by many to possess arguably the best collection of modern masterpieces world-wide, MoMA houses such important art works as Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso, a Monet Water Lilies triptych, Dance by Henri Matisse, The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí, The Bather by Paul Cézanne, Self-Portrait With Cropped Hair by Frida Kahlo, Broadway Boogie Woogie by Piet Mondrian, and works by leading American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Chuck Close. MoMA also holds renowned art photography and design collections. Tip: get there early and take the elevator to the top floor where many of the major attractions are, then work your way down the floors. Hungry / thirsty punters can be refreshed at one of several great cafés or the in-house restaurant The Modern. Admission: Adults: $20, Seniors: $16, Students with ID: $12, Children under 16 and members: free. Free for all every Friday 16:00 – 20:00 (tickets not available in advance)..
  • Museum of Television & Radio, 25 West 52 Street, ☎ +1-212-621-6600, http://www.mtr.org/. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 - 18:00, Thursday: 12:00 - 20:00, Closed Monday. Founded in 1976 to preserve and collect television programs as a service to the public. The museum has expanded and consists of two museum branches in Los Angeles and New York City. The two museums hold over 100,000 television programs that are available to the public. Its programs provide a historical, artistic and cultural perspective to television and radio. You may use their library here for the price of admission. They have lots of old shows and a database so you can see if they have what you want. Admission: Members: free, Adults: $10, Students and senior citizens: $8.00, Children under fourteen: $5.00.
  • American Folk Art Museum, 45 West 53rd Street, ☎ +1-212-265-1040 (, fax: +1-212-265-2350), http://www.folkartmuseum.org/. Tuesday - Sunday: 10:30 - 17:30, Friday: 10:30 - 19:30, Closed Monday. Admission: Adults: $9.00, Students & Seniors: $7.00, Children under 12, members, or admission after 17:30 on Friday: Free.


Parks and gardens

  • Bryant Park, Main Library 42nd and 6th Avenue, ☎ +1-212-768-4242 (, fax: +1-212-719-3499), http://www.bryantpark.org. Free wireless Internet; children's carousel; several food and drink kiosks and seasonal shows such as Fashion Week


Other destinations

  • Roosevelt Island Tramway, 60th Street at 2nd Avenue. Take a quick tram ride to Roosevelt Island for gorgeous city and river views. Note however that the tram is currently out of commission while work is ongoing to prevent a recurrence of unplanned stoppages, one of which stranded riders for hours above the East River. The city government has given assurances that the tram will not resume operation until safe, efficient service can be guaranteed.


Do

  • 'Top of the Rock' Rockefeller Center Observation Deck, West 50th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenue), ☎ +1-212-698-2000 (), http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/. Daily: 08:30 - 24:00, Last elevator at 23:00. The newly-renovated Rockefeller Center Observation Deck, at a cost of $75 million, having been closed for 20 years, the 70th story vantage point (850 ft above street level) promises spectacular views once again from the narrow observation deck, reminiscent of a cruise ship in the sky. Long attributed the reputation for the best views in Manhattan, the Top of the Rock affords uninterrupted views over Central Park to the north and across Midtown to the south and the Empire State Building. Visitors will pass through a multi-media exhibition space on the mezzanine concourse devoted to New York's architectural heritage. A unique feature will be a vertiginous (but completely safe!) steel girder walk screening images of an apparent 800 ft drop below. A Summit Shuttle will then whisk visitors to the Grand Viewing Room on the 67th floor (available for functions), where stairs and lifts will lead to the Grand Viewing Terrace on the 69th floor. Just above, the ocean liner style summit of the 70th floor provides the peak viewing platform. Admission: Adults: $17.50, Seniors: $16.00, Children (6 - 12 years): $11.25.

Buy

  • Fifth Ave shops, aka "The Miracle Mile of Windows". It's shoppers' paradise on 5th Ave from 42nd to 60th Streets: Niketown, NBA Store, Bergdorff, Saks Fifth Avenue, Versace, Gucci, Armani Exchange - all the brands you know and crave.
  • Tiffany & Co., Fifth Avenue at 57th Street, ☎ +1-(212)-755-8000, http://www.tiffany.com/. M-F 10am-7pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 12noon-5pm, closed Memorial Day.. The famous jewellers, scene of Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's
  • FAO Schwartz, 767 Fifth Avenue (58th Street and Fifth Avenue), ☎ +1-(212)-644-9400 Ext. 4242, http://www.fao.com.


Eat

  • Woo Chon, W. 36 St. just west of 5th Av., is a fine Korean restaurant with an extensive menu.
  • Asia de Cuba, 237 Madison Avenue (Between 37th & 38th Streets), ☎ +1-(212)-726-7755, http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/adecNY/main.cfm. An excellent fusion of Asian and Latin in Ian Schrager's Morgan Hotel. Reserve in advance and go dressed - no jeans/sneakers. Everything is fabulous from cocktails to dinner items to dessert. The custom is to get many dishes that are shared at the table, but you don't have to stick to that format.
  • Joe's Shanghai, 24 West 56th Street (Between Fifth and Sixth Avenue), ☎ +1-(212)-333-3868 (fax: +1-(212)-397-1107), http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com/. Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00 - 23:00, Sunday: 13:00 - 22:30. Try their famous "soup dumplings" -- listed on the menu as "steamed buns", and their other delicious Shanghai specialties. Pricier than the Chinatown location. $10-$20.
  • Cho Dang Gol, 55 West 35 Street (Between 5th and 6th Avenues), ☎ +1-(212)-695-8222 (, fax: +1-(212)-695-3797), http://www.chodanggolny.com/. A slightly upscale Korean restaurant that specializes in dishes made with artisanal tofu, several varieties of which are made on premises. Lunch is cheaper (~$20) and more informal. Expect to pay about $30 for dinner..
  • Han Bat, West 35 Street (Between 5th and 6th Avenues), ☎ +1-(212)-629-5588. Han Bat has the feel of a Korean diner with excellent inexpensive food. Expect to pay around $15 for a hearty meal including 6 banchan (side dishes provided to diners for no additional charge).
  • Havana NY, 27 West 38th Street (Between 6th & 5th Avenues), ☎ +1-(212)-944-0990, http://www.havanany.com. Well-priced Cuban casual restaurant & bar for lunch and dinner. They serve a variety of daily specials, including Plaintain Soup and Suckling Roast Pork, yum.
  • Keens Steakhouse, 72 West 36th Street, ☎ +1-(212)-947-3636 (, fax: +1-(212)-714-1103), http://www.keens.com/. Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:45 - 22:30, Saturday: 17 - 22:30, Sunday: 17:00 - 21:00. New York Chophouse with excellent steaks and great bar for pre & post dinner drinks or just drinks nice one!. Fine dining in comfortable surroundings. The restaurant was founded in 1885 it has a interesting ceiling covered in 90,000 clay pipes which the customers used to smoke after dinner. Pipes where left at establishments as they were to brittle to transport!


Drink

  • Under the Volcano, 12 East 36th Street (Between 5th Avenue and Madison), ☎ ++1-212-213-0093. Darkly lit atmospheric bar, this place usually caters to the after-work crowd. Relatively small, it can get crowded but after the throngs leave, you will enjoy the fun and friendly staff who'll let you invent your own drinks. Malcolm Lowry themed through and through.
  • The Ginger Man, 11 East 36th Street, ☎ +1-212-532-3740 (fax: +1-212-532-3490), http://www.gingermanpub.com/ny/ny-frame.html. Sister bar to the Volcano (above). Larger bar with a broad selection of drinks that also serves bar food and snacks. Also an after-work crowd, this bar is also popular with your average Joes. Good place for groups.


Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

  • Four Seasons Hotel, 57 East 57th Street (Between Madison and Park Avenues), ☎ +1-212-758-5700, http://www.fourseasons.com/newyorkfs. Check in time: , Check out time:. The last word in opulent accommodation
  • Casablanca Hotel, 147 West 43rd. Street, ☎ +1-212-869-1212 (, fax: +1-212-391-7585), http://www.casablancahotel.com/. Check in time: , Check out time:. The Casablanca Hotel is a warm and friendly boutique hotel just off Times Square offering guests free high speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in Rick's Cafe 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings except for Sunday nights.
  • Library Hotel, 299 Madison Avenue at 41street, ☎ +1-212-983-4500 (, fax: +1-212-499-9099), http://www.libraryhotel.com/. Check in time: , Check out time:. The Library Hotel has the warmth and elegance of a private club and offers guests free high speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in the Reading Room 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings except for Sunday nights.
  • Hotel Giraffe, 365 Park Avenue South, ☎ +1-212-685-7700 (, fax: +1-212-685-7771), http://www.hotelgiraffe.com/. Check in time: , Check out time:. The Hotel Giraffe is one of the most luxurious hotels on Park Avenue South and offers guests free high speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in the Grande Lobby 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings except for Sunday nights.
  • Hotel Elysee, 60 East 54th Street, ☎ +1-212-753-1066 (, fax: +1-212-980-9278), http://www.elyseehotel.com/. Check in time: , Check out time:. The Hotel Elysee enjoys one of the best locations in Manhattan for both business and pleasure, amidst New York’s most prestigious shops, restaurants and galleries. The country French style Hotel Elysee offers guests free high speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in the Club room 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions on weeknights.
  • Grand Hyatt New York, Park Avenue at Grand Central Terminal, ☎ +1-212-883-1234 (fax: +1-212-697-3772), http://grandnewyork.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml. Check in time: , Check out time:. Attached to Grand Central Station and conveniently located in the heart of Midtown
  • 70 Park Avenue Hotel, 70 Park Avenue (Corner of Park Avenue & 38th Street), ☎ +1-212-973-2400 (fax: +1-212-973-2401), http://www.70parkave.com. Check in time: , Check out time:. Nice boutique hotel with good bar Silverleaf Tavern which serves a good G&T. Lovely rooms including LCD TV's etc. Some rooms have view of the Empire State Building.

Contact

Stay safe

Cope

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