Best Things to do in Midtown Manhattan NYC
When people think Manhattan, they most often think Midtown. It’s one of the busiest spots in New York and usually flocked with tourists.
Midtown is the center of the bustling borough known as Manhattan. The energy, the buildings, Broadway shows, and more are what bring people to the neighborhood. Midtown Manhattan is a top spot every year for tourists along with residents willing to brave the crowds.
Midtown is known for several of the most recognizable buildings and areas- think Times Square and the Empire State Building. And while you don’t necessarily have to visit Times Square (unless you haven’t before, in which case you SHOULD at least once), there are several places you should add to your itinerary while visiting.
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Best Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan
So what are some of the best things to do in Midtown Manhattan? Well there’s so many we don’t even have enough room for all of them on this list! Here’s a roundup of our favorite places to visit or things to do while you’re visiting this incredible area.
1. Empire State Building
The symbol of New York. This building has been famous to the New York City skyline for years. In my opinion, it’s still the most thrilling and recognizable building to date.
If you visit the 86th floor of this building, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of New York. You’ll also fight a lot of tourists off while heading to the top so just be aware of that. It’s a tad pricey coming in at $36 for adults and $31 for children but the experience is worth paying for (also look into the Top of the Rock for another great observation rooftop).
You can also go to the observation deck on the 102nd floor of the building for around $10 extra.
Location: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
2. Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock)
This popular attraction is 70 floors up and, like the Empire State Building, offers 360 degree panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Unlike the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock is a tad less visited and you are able to book reservations ahead of time with your purchased tickets. This can save you a lot of time and headache of waiting in line.
Going to the top of Top of the Rock you’ll also have the distinct advantage of seeing Manhattan’s most famous skyscrapers – The Empire State Building, The Chrysler building and the Freedom Tower.
This observation deck is still a little pricey but the saved time of waiting in line is probably worth it. Tickets start at $38 for adults and $32 for children ages 6-12. You’ll find the entrance on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY
3. Grand Central Terminal
Another world-famous landmark in New York, Grand Central isn’t just your average transportation hub, it’s actually a center of shopping, dining, and also a cultural destination.
This spot contains beautiful artwork on both the exterior as well as the interior of the building. Outside you’ll find several sculptures and inside you’ll come across the Main Concourse which is the hub of activity where people also rush to catch their trains. It’s in this room that you’ll find the beautiful celestial ceiling and the four-sided clock.
This landmark has over 750,000 visitors a day, making it one of the most visited spots in New York (and an incredible spot for a photo)! Try to come during off hours to avoid the crowds.
Location: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
4. Times Square
Located in the Theater District and the in the heart of Midtown, most likely you’re already very familiar with this area of Manhattan. This is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas and is a major commercial intersection along with entertainment center and well-known and traveled tourist attraction.
You’ll find an energy here like no other along with costumed characters willing to take pictures with you while you roam the streets with your backdrop sporting huge billboards and advertisements. You’ll also find massive-sized retail stores and find yourself in the heart of Broadway.
Location: Times Square is the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. This area sits at W 42nd to W 47th streets.
5. A Broadway Show
Speaking of Broadway, you’ll want to experience a show in Manhattan if you can. Broadway is the spot for some of the best performers in the country or even the world. Broadway shows are quite the event, one that you’ll never forget. You’ll be entertained and enthralled as soon as you step into the beautiful theaters and you’ll forget where you are while you watch the show from start to finish.
Broadway tickets can be expensive so try and buy tickets in advance or try an off-Broadway show for a less expensive way to experience the unforgettable arts that New York offers.
Location: All Broadway theaters are situated between 41st Street and 54th Street and between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan (except the Lincoln Center).
6. Bryant Park
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Bryant Park is a well known and loved year-round spot in Midtown. It’s known as Manhattan’s Town Square. The park boasts a well-maintained lawn, beautiful lush gardens, free activities, chairs and tables for lounging, and is situated right next to the beautiful public library.
The park also has a French style merry-go-round along with ice-skating in the wintertime. Often, you’ll find concerts here during the summer or if you’re looking for a free concert, just lounge and enjoy the scenery and live musicians who often play here for free.
Location: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets
7. New York Public Library
While you’re in New York you should try and visit the Public Library if you get a chance. It features several notable displays, rooms, and objects including: the Gutenberg Bible, Astor Hall, the Rose Reading Room, and the McGraw Rotunda among several others.
Admission is free. You can get lost in here as there is so much to see and do as there are several floors and rooms to discover. If you’re up for it, take one of the offered tours for a guided look on the history and insight into what the library offers.
Location: 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, takes up two blocks 42nd and 40th streets.
8. Flatiron Building
This twenty-two story iconic building is famous for its oddly shaped exterior that appears like a triangle or wedge-shaped building. This building is one of the most recognizable in the city due to its shape and many flock to it each year to capture a picture near it as it can make for a pretty unique photo.
Location: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Related: Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
9. 5th Avenue Shopping (Macy’s Flagship Store)
If you’re a fashion enthusiast, you’ll definitely want to add Fifth Avenue shopping to your list of things to do in Midtown. It’s one of the most well-known streets to shop on in America and the store options won’t disappoint. You’ll find anything from Saks Fifth Avenue to Zara.
It’s a little off of the beaten path from Fifth Avenue, but don’t forget to visit the legendary Macy’s flagship store as well nearby.
The best shopping is located between 39th and 60th streets and Fifth Avenue offers store options for almost any budget and style.
Location: Between 39th and 60th streets on Fifth Avenue
10. Madison Square Garden
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For all of you sports lovers out there, this is a great spot to add to your itinerary while you’re in Midtown. This sports arena is a multipurpose indoor arena that is home to the New York Rangers hockey team as well as the New York Knicks basketball team so depending on the season you should grab tickets to a game.
“The Garden,” as it’s referred to by residents, also houses special events, concerts, ice shows, and other types of sports and entertainment throughout the year.
This arena is located in the middle of Midtown atop of Penn Station making it very central and convenient to get to.
Location: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
11. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
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For anyone who is interested in the arts or, specifically contemporary art, you should add the Museum of Modern Art also known as MoMA to your list of places to see while you’re here in Midtown NYC.
MoMA houses some of the world’s finest collections of modern art and also features special exhibits and events throughout the year. The Museum is known for its modern art but also its promotion of understanding modern art and expansion of the definition of art.
There are six floors to work your way through in this museum so you’ll need to set aside some quality time to look at all of the art and exhibits offered here. Famous artists you can expect to see are Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol.
Tickets for adults will put you back $25 but are free for children under 16. Friday evenings between 4pm and 8pm the museum is free for admission.
Related: See other free things to see and do in NYC
Location: 11 West 53rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues
12. Radio City Music Hall
Who hasn’t heard of the Radio City Music Hall? America’s favorite performance space. It’s a music and entertainment venue most famous for the Rockettes.
Check out a tour of the venue that will give you an insider’s look at the legendary space, learn the secrets of the Great Stage, and you’ll even meet a Rockette! The price for adults is $30 and is $26 for children.
Location: 1260 6th Ave, New York, New York
13. United Nations Building
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The Headquarters of the United Nations is located here in the heart of New York City, so while you’re in the area you should definitely check out the well-designed rectangular building with all of the flags out front.
You can take a one-hour guided tour of the building to discover its history, the work of the United Nations, and check out the famous General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber. During the summer months, general tours are offered of the North Lawn to the general public on Wednesdays at 2:30pm. Remember though, there are no tours offered on weekends.
Tickets for adults are $22 and $15 for children.
Location: 405 E 42nd St, 1st Avenue, New York City, NY 10017
Where is Midtown Manhattan?
The neighborhood of Midtown is actually a very spaced out section of Manhattan. It encompasses several areas and neighborhoods.
This neighborhood includes the area between 34th Street and 59th Street. Additionally, many people break Midtown into two major sections: Midtown East and Midtown West. The police force even break it up into a North Midtown and South Midtown but that’s probably more than what you needed to know.
How to Get to Midtown
Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll have several options to get to Midtown. This is somewhat up to preference.
Looking to save money and take public transit? The subway in New York is unlike any other in the U.S. You can get anywhere on the subway.
If you’re not sure you’re up for the challenge of discovering how the NYC Subway works, and you’re willing to pay a little extra, you can hail a cab or order an Uber or Lyft.
Wrapping Up: The Best Things to do in Midtown Manhattan
Of course this is a very limited list of all of the things that Midtown offers for you to do and see. Just like any neighborhood in New York, there’s always far too many places to visit and sights to see. You’ll probably need several trips or a decent number of days to visit even all of these mentioned.
Midtown is bustling and full of energy. It offers everything including history, retail, entertainment and culture. Don’t forget to check out these great spots while you’re in town to make sure you’re checking off all of the best things to do in Midtown Manhattan.
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What’s your favorite part of Midtown? Is there anything here that wasn’t included but you think should have been?
