New York : Midtown : DK Travel

The lights of Times Square, the spires of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, Rockefeller Center, the United Nations Headquarters, stores on 5th Avenue, museums, theaters, and grand buildings galore – all are found in the midtown area between 34th and 59th streets, extending from the East River as far as Broadway. The concentration of attractions makes this the most important area of the city for visitors, and many a day can be spent taking in the sights. Fifth Avenue, the dividing line between the East and West sides, is in many ways the Main Street of Manhattan, and in itself offers a generous sampling of the city’s riches, from architecture to commerce. Midtown also reflects the city’s characteristic diversity, with attractions that range from the bustling retail of the Diamond District, to the stately halls of the New York Public Library.

Page
1
2
3
4
5
6

A Day Exploring Midtown

Morning

Start at the Morgan Library , and see Morgan’s opulent study, then proceed to 42nd Street and turn east for a tour through Grand Central Terminal . Continue east on 42nd Street, stopping to look at the outstanding lobbies of the Chrysler Building , the Daily News Building, and the Ford Foundation, and climbing the stairs to see the Tudor City complex.

End the morning with a tour of the United Nations HQ. If you reserve ahead, you can have lunch in the very special U.N. delegate’s dining room (212 963 7625).

Afternoon

Take the 42nd Street crosstown bus back to Fifth Avenue and visit the New York Public Library. Walk uptown to 47th Street and turn west for the Diamond District, then pay a quick visit to the Museum of Television and Radio on 52nd Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Pop in to the new home of the American Museum of Folk Art (see Upper West Side) and stop for a coffee in the museum’s café before taking in the exhibits of traditional art.

Return to 5th Avenue where the uptown shops include Tiffany and Company ’swindows of jewels, Bergdorf Goodman’s stylish displays, and F.A.O. Schwarz. Round the day off at the Plaza Hotel at 59th Street, perfect for a refreshing cocktail in a landmark setting.
Alain Ducasse at the Essex House

The celebrated French chef offers outstanding delicacies in an upscale and intimate dining room. The sumptuous food comes at a price.
American Museum of Folk Art

The new museum quadruples the space for this extensive collection of folk art.
American Standard Building

Raymond Hood’s first New York skyscraper is an ornate black tower built in 1924, now a hotel.
Blue Fin

One of the coolest places in the area, this restaurant is dedicated to serving seafood dishes including sushi.
Brasserie

Newly remodeled with sleek, high-tech decor. The updated bistro menu features modern French/American Pacific dishes but still includes a few classics.
Carnegie Hall

New York almost lost its most famous concert hall when the New York Philharmonic moved to the newly built Lincoln Center in the 1950s. However, a coalition, led by violinist Isaac Stern, successfully fought to save the building from demolition. It was bought by the city in 1960 and became a National Historic Landmark in 1964. A major 1986 renovation restored much of the original appearance while updating technical facilities and preserving the hall’s famous acoustics. Musical memorabilia fills the halls and the Rose Museum.
Chanin Building

One of the great early Art Deco skyscrapers (c.1929) notable for its terra-cotta frieze and bronze band illustrating the theory of evolution.
Chrysler Building

The unmistakable shimmering spire of the Chrysler Building is one of New York’s great landmarks. The grand Art Deco lobby, once used as a showroom for Chrysler cars, has been restored to show off its lavish marbles and granite, and a vast painted ceiling depicts transportation scenes of the late 1920s.
Condé Nast Building

The 48-story tower, built in 1999, is striking and environmentally friendly, with photovoltaic cells on the façade and integrated recycling chutes.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable charges including tax.
- under $25
- $25-$50
- $50-$80
- over $80