Home to many of the most iconic attractions in New York, Midtown may be far from the trendiest neighborhood in the city… but it’s one that virtually all visitors to NYC will visit at least once, and there is absolutely no shortage of interesting things to do in Midtown!
It also happens to be our accidental stomping grounds in NYC, and a neighborhood that we know quite well… because thanks to a dreamy apartment that we simply couldn’t turn down, we spent over a year living there!
For a lovely stretch of time, places like Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue became part of our daily walks–along with slightly more under-the-radar spots like Sutton Place and the new East Midtown Greenway.
This is also the home where our son was born and where many of his early firsts happened, and Midtown will always hold an extremely special place in our hearts as a result!
While we originally published this blog post in partnership with Moon Travel Guides, we have significantly expanded it after our experience living in Midtown.
Here are some of the best things to do in Midtown, NYC, from the utterly iconic to the more under the radar.
Table of Contents
Where is Midtown in New York City?
Neighborhoods in NYC have a tendency to blur together, but generally speaking, Midtown runs from 59th Street (where you’ll find the southern edge of Central Park) down to 34th Street (where you’ll find the Empire State Building and Macy’s at Herald Square).
Many, many smaller and more specific neighborhoods fall within these parameters, including but not limited to Hell’s Kitchen, Murray Hill, Sutton Place, the Theater District, and more.
Nailing down the exact parameters of each smaller neighborhood is generally impossible (good luck getting any random grouping of New Yorkers to agree on all of them), but for the purposes of this NYC blog post, we’re covering the broad area of Midtown, plus a few very nearby places that I can’t bear to leave off.
Top Things to Do in Midtown NYC
Midtown is home to some of the most famous tourist destinations in not only New York City, but in the entire world.
If you’ve ever planned to visit any of these iconic places to visit, you’ve planned to visit Midtown.
Head to the top of the Empire State Building.
Once the tallest building in the world, visitors have been flocking to the Empire State Building since 1931 in order to appreciate what is arguably the best view of NYC (after visiting many of them, it still ranks among my favorites).
From here, you’ll have sweeping views reaching down to Lower Manhattan and the Financial District, as well as a view of the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
If you’re hoping to soak in some excellent skyline views, you won’t be disappointed by adding a visit to the top of the Empire State Building to your list of things to do in Midtown.
Pay a visit to Times Square at night.
The square where night never arrives: walk through Times Square at midnight, and the entire place is still so bright that it almost still feels like daytime.
That being said, nighttime is definitely the best time to appreciate it!
Endlessly crowded and crawling with pickpockets, Times Square isn’t any New Yorker’s favorite spot in the city… but it is memorable, and iconic, and unlike anywhere else, and absolutely worth visiting once during your trip to New York.
Plus, if you’re planning on snagging tickets to a Broadway show during your trip to New York, odds are you’ll pass right by anyway!
See a Broadway Show.
Broadway calls Midtown–though not just the street of Broadway–home, and attending a show is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Midtown!
The Theater District is scattered across Midtown in the area surrounding Times Square, with each show having the same home for its entire run (which could last a season or decades).
Classic, popular shows are generally easy to get tickets to, and if you’re flexible on what you see, you can sometimes score deals by waiting for same-day tickets (if you have more than a group of 2, though, this gets tougher).
We usually shop through TodayTix, and some more established shows (Hamilton, The Lion King, Moulin Rouge, Chicago, etc.) are also available through Get Your Guide and Viator.
Very generally speaking, the longer-running the show, the more affordable the tickets (though the family-friendly shows like Alladin and The Lion King do command a bit of a premium).
While it’s hard to go wrong on Broadway, if there’s a show you’re interested in that still has its original stars, we highly recommend the splurge!
Stroll down Fifth Avenue.
Home to some of the most iconic storefronts in the world, including Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue, Fifth Avenue is a shopper’s paradise and an interesting destination even for those not looking to make a purchase!
Fifth Avenue technically runs all the way from 143rd Street in Harlem down to Washington Square Park in the Village, but its most famous section runs right through Midtown.
Starting from 59th Street and heading south, you’ll find The Plaza on the edge of Central Park, followed quickly by Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, The St. Regis New York, and many more.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located at 50th, but don’t miss the striking Gothic-style St. Thomas Church at 53rd, either.
Rockefeller Center is at the intersection of 5th and 50th Street, the flagship branch of the New York Public Library at 42nd, and the Empire State Building at 34th.
Along the way, you’ll pass storefronts from dozens of familiar brands, all eager to claim their own piece of one of the most iconic shopping streets in the world.
Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).
One of the 3 most iconic museums in New York City (along with The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side and the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side), MOMA is one of my favorite museums in the world and well worth adding to your list of things to see in Midtown!
Covering art from the 1880s to present day, you’ll find works here from Vincent Van Gogh (this is the home of The Starry Night), Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and so many more.
It’s impossible to cover the museum in one visit, but every corner of the museum is worth exploring–so wherever you choose to start and end, you’re bound to see some incredible art.
Unfortunately, the free entry nights that used to be open to everyone are now much more limited and closed to non-residents, but the museum is worth the entry price.
Get tickets to visit MOMA today!
Check out Rockefeller Center.
Rockefeller Center is best known for two things: its gigantic annual Christmas tree that overlooks an ice skating rink, and the view from the top (AKA, The Top of the Rock).
Both of these things are well worth seeing, but be sure to stop by regardless to check out the Atlas statue and the lovely surrounding area!
Radio City Music Hall is right around the corner, as is St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Travelers looking for things to do in Midtown with kids will no doubt want to drop into the impressive Lego or Nintendo stores!
The American Girl Place is also located just around the corner.
Marvel at Grand Central Terminal.
Grand Central Terminal just might be one of the most famous film locations in the world, with countless movies and TV shows using it as a backdrop.
Don’t forget to look up when you’re inside!
Personally, before visiting I never knew that Grand Central had a painted turquoise ceiling, and it’s now my favorite aspect of the building.
For the best photos with your group, be sure to head up the staircases on either side of the main atrium (there’s an Apple store on top of one of them).
If you’re hungry, consider also ducking down to the famous and incredibly beautiful Grand Central Oyster Bar to see a different side of the station.
Pay a visit to the New York Public Library.
The Central Branch of the New York Public Library, famously guarded by its impressive lion statues, is a must-see for any bibliophile looking for things to do in Midtown.
The famous Rose Reading Room, pictured below, isn’t as easy for visitors to see as it once was (you used to be able to just walk in).
As of 2025, visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, but we recommend double-checking the times before visiting if you have your heart set on going inside, as they’ve changed a few times over the years.
The building itself is open to visitors daily!
Enjoy an immersive art experience (and views) at Summit ONE Vanderbilt.
While the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock have been popular observation decks for close to a century, they got new competition in Midtown when Summit ONE Vanderbilt opened in October 2021!
Featuring several unique rooms, Summit ONE feels like exactly what it is: a collection of immersive art that leans heavily toward indulging a crowd that always has a camera in hand, with a side of excellent views of the Manhattan skyline (complete with icons like the Empire State Building featured front and center).
This is also where you’ll find NYC’s version of the skyboxes that allow you to take photos in (what appears like) midair, though note that the crowd control is extreme here–our group was only allowed to stay for a minute or so.
Summit ONE is located right by Grand Central Terminal, and you can access the building without going outside (which we were glad to realize when visiting on a rainy night).
Less Obvious Things to Do in Midtown NYC
I wouldn’t necessarily go so far as to call most of these things to do in Midtown hidden gems–but they’re definitely not as well-known as the options above!
Enjoy the Morgan Library and Museum.
Initially founded by Pierpont Morgan (think J.P. Morgan Chase Bank), the Morgan Library and Museum is extremely easy to access when visiting Midtown and is incredibly beautiful.
The museum is only a short walk away from Grand Central Terminal, and in addition to its gorgeous library, it also regularly houses interesting exhibitions.
The price to visit is quite steep, but it does offer free admission on Friday nights (reservations required), which is a great way to visit!
Admire the Chrysler Building.
Once considered the ugliest building in the world, the Chrysler Building (located at 42nd and Lexington Ave) is now known as an Art Deco masterpiece and is my personal favorite building in Manhattan.
You can see it from the street when you’re near Grand Central, so keep an eye out!
Step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The stunning Neo-Gothic facade of St. Patrick’s Cathedral looks almost out of place on modern, consumer-focused Fifth Avenue!
However, as best known religious building in all of NYC, it’s definitely worth adding to your list of what to see in Midtown.
The interior is free to visit and worth a quick peek inside and in many ways feels like a crisp, modern version of a European church.
Grab barbecue in Koreatown.
Technically speaking, Koreatown is just south of Midtown, but it’s nearby and I couldn’t resist adding it to this blog post!
Much smaller than the famous Chinatown but incredibly fun to visit, Koreatown is packed full of delicious restaurants and entertaining karaoke bars.
If you are looking for a fun food experience in Midtown, we highly recommend diving into a feast of Korean barbecue while you’re here (we love Miss Korea BBQ).
Tour the United Nations Headquarters.
Interested in global politics?
The UN’s headquarters are located in Midtown, and if you’d like, you can tour them during your trip to New York!
Get NYC skyline views for the price of a subway ticket.
Want incredible views of the New York skyline and East River without paying for a pricey observation deck?
If so, head to 2nd Avenue between 59th and 60th (on the border of Midtown and the Upper East Side, essentially), and board the Roosevelt Island Tramway!
As part of the MTA (NYC’s public transportation system), the tramway runs every 7-15 minutes and costs exactly what a subway ride does: $2.90 as of 2025.
Once you arrive, Roosevelt Island feels like a green and quiet oasis from the city, offering a park-like atmosphere, incredible views of the skyline, and some interesting attractions like the picturesque ruins of the Smallpox Memorial Hospital and the Blackwell House.
Stroll down Park Avenue.
Almost as famous as Fifth Avenue, but not half as crowded, Park Avenue in Midtown is more of an office district than a shopping one.
However, thanks to its wide sidewalks, interesting buildings, and plentiful seating areas, it’s a lovely place for a walk–and a more peaceful one than what you can find over on Fifth or Madison.
Grand Central Terminal is located along Park (look for the MetLife building, famously the former Pan Am building and headquarters), so if you’re walking to or from the station, you have a good excuse to walk down the avenue.
Keep an eye out for St. Bartholomew’s, AKA St. Bart’s, along Park between 50th and 51st for a lovely blend of historic and modern architecture!
See a show at Carnegie Hall.
Arguably the most famous concert hall in the world, attending a performance at Carnegie Hall is a dream come true for many.
If you’re interested in the hall and don’t have the opportunity to take in a performance, though, you can still take a tour of Carnegie Hall to get a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic venue.
Relax in Bryant Park.
Located right next door to the main branch of the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the much smaller cousin of Central Park to the north.
In addition to a near-constant roster of daily events ranging from yoga classes to chess lessons, Bryant Park is also known for being home to the Bryant Park Winter Village (one of the best Christmas markets in NYC) and an excellent ice skating rink during the winter!
Summer brings free Movie Nights to the park, which can be a fun addition to a summer in the city!
During the day, you’ll see many New Yorkers enjoying lunch and a break from the office here, along with plenty of tourists enjoying the open space and view of the Empire State Building.
Visit the Intrepid Museum.
When imagining visiting museums in NYC, boarding a WWII aircraft carrier may not be what immediately comes to mind… but that’s what you get at the Intrepid Museum, which is named for its central aircraft carrier.
Housed in and around the Intrepid, which is parked on the Hudson River, this STEM and military history-focused museum also includes highlights like the Concorde and the Enterprise (the world’s first space shuttle).
The Intrepid is one of several possible inclusions with a New York City Pass (one of the only city passes in the world that we can heartily recommend) and absolutely a memorable one!
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Step inside the Macy’s Flagship Store at Harold Square.
Are you a fan of the classic movie Miracle on 34th Street?
If so, a visit to the gigantic–and original–Macy’s on 34th Street absolutely belongs on your list of things to do in Midtown.
If you’re visiting New York during the Christmas season, be sure not to miss the enormous Santa display on the eighth floor of the store!
Visit Central Synagogue.
Built in the early 1870s, Central Synagogue immediately draws the eye when passing by the intersection of E 55th Street and Lexington Avenue.
Designed by Henry Fernbach, it famously drew inspiration from Budapest’s Dohány Street Synagogue.
Visiting hours are extremely limited, but you can step inside on Wednesdays from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM–or stop to enjoy the exterior any time you’re passing by!
Where to Stay in Midtown Manhattan
While New York City’s public transportation is undoubtedly the most comprehensive in the USA, it essentially exists for one primary function: to ferry people in and out of Midtown and the Financial District, where so many commuters work.
Because of this, Midtown is arguably the best-connected neighborhood in the city, as countless trains, buses, and even ferries connect Midtown with the rest of NYC and beyond.
Add in the fact that there are hundreds if not thousands of hotels here, and you have a recipe for a very convenient place to stay when visiting New York!
We’ve personally stayed in and can recommend the Club Quarters Hotel Times Square (tiny rooms, but comfortable and well-located) and Omni Berkshire Place (beautiful, extremely well-located, spacious rooms–this is our go-to hotel in Midtown these days).
On the more luxurious end of things, The Plaza and The St. Regis are both icons well deserving of their status.
If you’re trying to stick to a budget, Pod 51 offers (somewhat) economical rooms with shared bathrooms… but if possible, the best way to stick to a hotel budget in New York is to have flexible travel dates, because hotel prices vary dramatically depending on when you visit!
Check rates & book your stay in Midtown Manhattan today!
Where to Eat in Midtown, NYC
Wondering where to eat when visiting Midtown?
This is absolutely not a comprehensive Midtown food guide in the slightest, but here are a few places we love and can recommend in the area.
For bagels, one of the most popular bagels in the city, Ess-a-Bagel, calls Midtown home and is absolutely worth the trip. It’s our go-to bagel stop when in the city, though we also like Bagel Express for something less famous. Zucker’s also has a location by Bryant Park and is absolutely delicious, though it’s not their original location.
For Indian, we love Spice Mantra.
For a cozy pasta place, Cafe Luce is lovely (order anything with the vodka sauce).
For a diner, Sarge’s has been our go-to for years. The sandwiches don’t quite live up to Katz’s, but the atmosphere is delightful and the desserts phenomenal (order the peanut butter cheesecake).
For halal food, Ahmed Falafel at E 55th & 3rd (a cart, not a storefront) is one of Jeremy’s favorite meals in the city.
Thanks to its status as a business district, several of the classic New York steakhouses call Midtown home. We had a great experience at Smith & Wollensky, and Keens is extremely popular.
For a slice shop, Xeno’s is tasty as is the classic Joe’s, which has a location near Bryant Park. Don’t stop for a slice of pizza without checking out the reviews, especially in Midtown! The area around Grand Central is especially rampant with very bad pizza.
For burgers, Burger Joint is a fun experience (you access it through a hotel lobby, there are no signs) that is both tasty and more affordable than you might think. It makes a great stop after a Broadway show! PJ Clarke’s has a fun old-New York vibe, and Shake Shack is a fast food classic for a reason (though we also like Schnipper’s for a similar casual burger).
Read More About Visiting New York (and Beyond)
If you found this Midtown travel guide helpful, we’d love to continue to be part of your trip planning here on Our Escape Clause!
You can check out our 100+ blog posts about the USA here, or browse these guides:
- The (Massive) Ultimate 4 Days in New York Itinerary
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- Empire State Building vs. Top of the Rock: 9 Crucial Things to Know
- 101 Fun Things to Do in the USA (Attractions, Parks + More!)
- How to Have a Fun Weekend in Baltimore: Itinerary + Tips
Looks like so much fun! I visited New York in 2015 but definitely need to go back and see/do more. The Morgan Library looks so beautiful. Definitely adding to the bucket list.
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