Midtown East NYC Neighborhood Guide

United Nations, Grand Central, St. Patrick’s

Midtown East is a huge tourist, commercial and residential area. Around 5th Ave, the neighborhood is home to many tourist attractions, such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music. Hall. Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are close together. Moving towards 3rd Ave and further east, the area is more residential, and generally, the restaurants are better and more affordable, with the UN being the only attraction in that part of the neighborhood.

Midtown East NYC Things to Do

The Plaza Hotel, Apple Store – 59th and 5th Ave

Shopping down 5th Avenue, (Tiffany, Cartier, Henri Bendel) – start at 59th and work your way down to Rockefeller Center, shop the whole way.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA, 11 W 53rd, 5th/6th Aves)

Rockefeller Center – includes Top of the Rock, NBC Studios, American Girl Place, Nintendo, Ice Skating. 47th-50th along 5th Ave

Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, 50th/51st)

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes 2021

With up to 5 shows per day on weekends, the Rockettes are a tradition during the NYC Holiday Season for more than 75 years. Don’t miss the signature eye-high kicks, precision choreography and exciting, show-stopping numbers – including one with Santa.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral (5th Ave, 50th St) – across the street from Rockefeller Center

Dylan’s Candy Bar (60th and 3rd Ave) – world’s largest candy store, owned by Dylan Lauren (Ralph’s daughter), Right across from Bloomingdale’s

Paley Center for Media (formerly Museum of Television & Radio, 52nd, 5th/6th Aves). Closed Mon/Tues. $10 adult, $5 children suggested.

Bryant Park NYC

Bryant Park, in the heart of Midtown, just next to the New York Public Library and a few blocks from Grand Central Station, is home to thousands of free events and programs every year, including free movies, free Broadway, free ice skating, the annual Skate-tacular (Christmas Tree Lighting), Holiday Markets and Winter Village. A small selection of the tours and classes they offer include arts & crafts, yoga, juggling, fencing, poetry, kung fu, beekeeping and just about everything else you can think of. Enjoy our Bryant Park Guide.

New York Public Library (42nd and 5th Ave)

Grand Central Terminal NYC

Grand Central (42nd/Lex) has so much to offer and is definitely worth a stop. The building is gorgeous, especially the ceiling, they offer free tours (though if you can snag a Secrets of GC tour, they are amazing!!!!!!), the Whispering Gallery is really cool and there’s a huge market where you can get all kinds of food, as well as the large food court.

Coming in October 2021, is NYC’s newest sky-high observation deck, Summit Vanderbilt, which will include an all-glass elevator ride to the 59th floor for outdoor deck NYC skyline views over the Chrysler Building, an outdoor bar and an immersive art experience.

United Nations (1st Avenue, between 45th and 46th Street) – Guided and Audio Tours Mon-Fri, 9:45am – 4:45pm, approximately one hour (tours closed in 2021).

Nearby Tours & Activities

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Midtown East NYC Sightseeing Passes

To explore Midtown East using a NYC Tourist pass, you’ll want to look for Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center Tours, Radio City Music Hall Tours, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Paley Center for Media, Grand Central Terminal Tours and a St. Patrick’s Tour.

NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared

See All: New York City Pass Comparison Chart

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Midtown East Recommended Restaurants

Tao Uptown (58th, Park and Mad) – Asian hot spot with a 16 ft Buddha, gorgeous decor and lots of fun. You may have seen it on a Sex and the City episode.

Del Frisco’s Steakhouse – 1221 6th Ave (49th St)

Serendipity – (225 E 60th, 2nd/3rd Aves)  Best known for Frozen Hot Chocolate, one of Oprah’s favorites

The Modern (and others restaurants in MoMA)

Sofia Wine Bar & Cafe – (242 E 50th / 2nd Ave) – Tapas, amazing meatballs, quaint and tiny brownstone. Quintessential NYC.

Rosa Mexicano (58th & 1st)- Mexican, fresh guacamole prepared tableside and great Margaritas. A few in the City now, but this is the original.

PJ Clarke’s (55th and 3rd)- good, old-fashioned burgers, very casual, packed happy hour, old NYC institution

Serafina Osteria (58th b/w Park and Mad) – northern italian, beautiful garden at their Alwayslocation (61st b/w Mad and Park). There are 10 Serafina’s in NYC, each different, and you can’t go wrong at any of them.

Daniel – upscale French. Many lifelong NYers vote it the best meal they have ever had. Ideal for special occasions.

McFadden’s Saloon – Irish Pub, a NYC classic

Kurant – (1091 2nd Ave @ 58th) wine bar & casual restaurant. Lunch, brunch, dinner & daily happy hour in the understated elegance of exposed brick and reclaimed wood.

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Midtown East Shopping

Midtown East is the area you’ve seen and heard of everywhere and contains part of our famed 5th Ave. Here you’ll find department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Tiffany & Co, and it is also where you’ll find the majority of holiday lights, which you can explore on a Holiday Lights Tour.

In this area, you’ll also find Rockefeller Center, Dylan’s Candy Bar, the Apple Store Flagship, Nintendo, Lego and much more. 57th Street is home to Prada, Dior, Breitling, Louis Vuitton and more.

Bergdorf Goodman (754 5th Ave, 57th/58th)

Saks Fifth Avenue (611 5th Ave, 49th/50th)

Bloomingdales (1000 3rd Ave, 60th/61st)

More New York City Shopping

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Midtown East Hotels

Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center

Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:

See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th - 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels

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Luxury Hotels in Midtown NYC

Any luxury hotel in Midtown NYC provides you with our top of the line accommodations while placing you in the heart of all the action. From decadent dining to killer skyline views to the world's best spas, these luxury hotels put you in the premier location in the heart of the best city in the world.

See More: Exclusive Luxury Hotels in Midtown NYC

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Spacious Suite Hotels in Midtown NYC

Many NYC visitors love staying in Midtown, putting them within a mile of Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Grand Central, Empire State Building, Broadway, Times Square and tons of restaurants and shopping. One could easily spend 2-3 days in Midtown alone and only see a fraction of all there is to offer. Some of our top spacious and family-friendly Midtown Suite Hotels include:

See More: Spacious Suite Hotels in Midtown NYC

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Boutique Hotels – Midtown East

Library Hotel NYC

The Library Hotel has some of THE most interesting rooms in all of NYC and an awesome rooftop! The hotel is organized like a library with 10 floors arranged according to the Dewey Decimal System. Each floor has a theme (literature, languages, math & science) and each room has a theme and tons of books – try the Love Room, Astronomy Room or Fairy Tales Room.

Romantic Packages: The Guilty Pleasure Package, Erotica Package and several other choices.

• Sister Hotels: Casablanca Hotel, Hotel Elysée, Hotel Giraffe
• Favorites: Bookmarks Roof Bar, Free Breakfast
• See Also: Boutique Hotels, Romantic Hotels

The Gotham Hotel

The Gotham Hotel offers airy, light-filled guest rooms appointed with streamlined European furnishings, tailored minibars, and lavish linens. Every room is large, has an outdoor terrace with loft-like ceilings, and features funky vintage books, king-size beds, and gorgeous tiled bathrooms with dual showerheads.

• 16 E 46th St, (Fifth and Madison Aves)
• Discount Rates: The Gotham Hotel
• See More: Boutique Hotels

More Hotels: The Dylan

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Cheap Budget Hotels – Midtown East

Pod 39 Hotel NYC

Targeting the “Hip and Thrifty” market, the Pod 39 Hotel offers extremely compact, cleverly designed guestrooms with iPod docking stations and small LCD TVs. Rooms have shared or private baths and in-room displays indicate availability of the shared baths. The shared bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads, water jets built into the sides and streaming music. Private bathrooms also have rainfall showerheads (no jets), along with sleek stainless-steel sinks. The Pod also offers suites with standard TVs, private bathrooms and living areas with sofa beds.

• Discount Rates: Pod 39 Hotel
• Sister Hotels: Pod Hotel Times Square, Pod 51 Hotel, Pod Hotel Williamsburg Brooklyn
• 145 East 39th Street
• See Also: Cheap Budget Hotels in NYC

Seton Hotel NYC

The Seton Economy Option, (SEO) at the Seton Hotel, designed for travelers on a budget, offers a price point significantly lower than traditional hotel rooms and includes: a beautifully designed room with a double bed and a vanity sink, a shared bathroom (2-4 rooms per floor), complimentary robe and slippers to make your way to and from the bathroom and free Wifi.

The Seton was built in 1931, and converted from an apartment building to a hotel in 1945. Make yourself at home in one of the 60 air-conditioned rooms featuring 32" in-room flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, beautiful décor, premium bedding, newly renovated bathrooms and more. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and blackout drapes/curtains.

• Discount Rates: Seton Hotel
• 144 East 40th Street, NY, NY 10016 (between 3rd and Lexington Avenues)

Hotel 31 NYC

Reflecting the eclectic, cosmopolitan personality of New York City itself, each of the 60 rooms in the eight-story Hotel 31 New York City have their own unique decorative design. Stylish, comfortable, and very affordably priced, Hotel 31 offers accommodations for the discerning traveler on a budget.

• Discount Rates: Hotel 31 New York City
• 120 East 31st Street (Lexington & Park Aves)
• See More: Cheap Budget Hotels in NYC

Vanderbilt YMCA NYC

Vanderbilt YMCA – Offering hotels (or hostels, depends on your definition) for budget travelers from every continent, seven YMCAs in New York City provide great value for visitors who want to experience NYC’s multifaceted neighborhoods as well as its fabled sites and entertainment venues. Three YMCAs in Manhattan, two each in Brooklyn and Queens offer clean, comfortable and tranquil hostel accommodations for under $100 per night—in some cases, much less.

• Discount Rates: Vanderbilt YMCA
• 224 East 47th Street
• See More: Cheap Budget Hotels in NYC

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Romantic New York City Hotel Deals – Midtown East

Hotel Elysée

Once the playground for the rich and famous, Hotel Elysée has been home to movie stars, artists, writers and intellectuals. Hotel Elysée has been repeatedly honored as the “Most Romantic New York City Hotel” by Business Insider, and one online hotel reviewer titled their photo "The Most Romantic Hotel Room in the World."

Guests enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, cookies and coffee, an evening reception with champagne, wine and cheeses, wireless internet and more, while being central to all of Manhattan.

Romantic Packages: Suite Love Romantic New York City – Prepay your extended winter getaway in one of our three luxurious Premier Suites with features such as a baby grand piano once owned by Vladimir Horowitz, decorative fireplace, spacious bedroom with a King bed, dining area, kitchenette and based on availability, a magnificent terrace over-looking 54th Street.

• Sister Hotels: Library Hotel, Hotel Giraffe, Casablanca Hotel
• 60 East 54th Street New York, NY 10022
• See More: Romantic Hotels in NYC

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Hotels Near Grand Central Station

• Archer Hotel New York
• Club Quarters, Grand Central
• The Dylan
• The Gotham Hotel
• Grand Hyatt New York
• Hilton Manhattan East
• Hotel Boutique At Grand Central
• Library Hotel NYC
• Pod 39 Hotel
• Refinery Hotel
• The Tuscany
• Vanderbilt YMCA
• Westin NY Grand Central

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Subways to Midtown East

• 4, 5, 6 to 42nd or 59th Street
• B, D, F, V to Rockefeller Center
• General Address: 875 Third Ave, NY, NY 10022

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Midtown East Printable Map

Midtown East NYC Map
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NYC Insider Printable Guides

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NYC Neighborhood Guides

Harlem

Our Harlem neighborhood guide will show you the wonderful cultural, food, music and historic value of this landmark area, which has long, strong and proud NYC roots. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s began the golden age of African-American culture, literature, music, artists, theater and art, which continues to strengthen today. If you want to eat authentic soul food, hear mind-blowing jazz and gospel and clothing shop with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, then Harlem is on your bucket list!

• Explore: Harlem Neighborhood Guide
• To Do: Apollo Theater, Striver's Row, National Jazz Museum

Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a residential neighborhood filled with young professionals and families. It is a great place to stay if you are looking to avoid the heavy crowds of Midtown, explore Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, the West Side Highway and still be about 20 minutes from most of Manhattan.

• Explore: Upper West Side Guide
• To Do: American Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, Time Warner Center

Central Park

Central Park offers 843 gorgeous acres to explore and 100s of things to do, which is why we consider it an unofficial neighborhood. Central Park draws 38 million visits a year and is home to the Central Park Film Festival, SummerStage, Shakespeare in the Park, Ice Skating, Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, biking, playgrounds, the Carousel and much more.

• Explore: Central Park Guide
• To Do: Central Park Zoo, Carousel, TV and Movie Sites, Ice Skating, Loeb Boathouse

Times Square & Broadway

Times Square New York and the Theater District are some of New York City's most popular tourist attractions. Of course, Broadway, also known as the Great White Way, is most definitely for locals as well. Spend a bit of time here and make sure to see the lights at night, the Hershey's and M&M Stores, as well as catch a great Broadway Show.

• Explore: Times Square & Broadway NYC Guide
• To Do: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Broadway Shows NYC, Ripleys Believe it or Not!, M&M World & Hersheys Chocolate World

Midtown West, Koreatown, Hell's Kitchen

Midtown West is a huge tourist area with great neighborhoods like NYC's famous Diamond District, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell's Kitchen, is the most western section and an "up-and-coming" residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.

• Explore: Midtown West NYC Guide
• To Do: Empire State Building, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Madison Square Garden, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Javits Center

Garment District / Fashion Center

The Garment District, also called the Fashion District or Fashion Center, is home to many of the world's most famous fashion designers and showrooms. The area is an amazing resource for fabrics, beads and trims, however, unless you are trade, don't expect to walk in off the street to designer showrooms. The best way to possibly get access to private showrooms is through a private tour or a NYC Sample Sale.

• Explore: Garment District Guide
• To Do: Fashion Walk of Fame, Museum at FIT, Parsons School of Design

Chelsea & Hudson Yards

Chelsea NY is known for art galleries, nightlife and gay-friendly culture. It is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with some of New York City's top restaurants, clubs, art and things to do outdoors and along the Hudson River. While Chelsea boundaries are West 14th-34th Streets, from 7th Ave to the Hudson River, the new Hudson Yards occupies it's most North and West streets, West 30th to 34th Streets between 10th and 12th Avenues.

• Explore: Chelsea & Hudson Yards Guide
• To Do: The Highline, Art Galleries, Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Edge, The Vessel, The Shops at Hudson Yards

Greenwich Village & NoHo

Our Greenwich Village NYC Guide provides insight into one of NYC's most cherished neighborhoods. The Village is full of history, celebrity, politics, landmarks and so much more. The NYU campus, Washington Square Park, gorgeous brownstones and cobble stone streets, amazing restaurants, tons of trees and much more make this area a local favorite.

• Explore: Greenwich Village & NoHo Guide
• To Do: Washington Square Park, NYU Campus, Astor Place, Shopping, Restaurants

West Village

The West Village is filled with tree-lined streets, beautiful old brownstones and hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés. It is truly a quintessential NYC neighborhood, inhabited by locals and celebrities who can afford to live anywhere they choose. If you're a Friends or Sex and the City fan, then you are already quite familiar with the West Village...now it's time to come experience it!

• Explore: West Village Guide
• To Do: Restaurants, boutique shopping, gorgeous brownstones

SoHo

SoHo (SOuth of HOuston - pronounced How-ston) is another NYC neighborhood filled with the best shopping and restaurants. Traditionally known as a haven for artists and their lofts, it has become more upscale over the years and a much sought-after place for New Yorkers to live.

• Explore: SoHo Guide
• To Do: New York Fire Museum, Shopping, Art Galleries, Brunch & Restaurants, Broken Kilometer & Earth Room

Financial District and Wall Street

The Financial District (FiDi), at the southern tip of NYC, is one of NYC's most bustling business and tourist areas, from Monday to Friday and is near dead on the weekends. Sights include the 9-11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, One World Observatory, The American Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl and views of the Statue of Liberty.

• Explore: Financial District Guide
• To Do: One World Observatory, Staten Island Ferry, 9-11 Museum, 9-11 Memorial, Charging Bull & Fearless Girl, American Stock Exchange, The Oculus, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport and much more.

Upper East Side NYC

The Upper East Side is an upscale, residential neighborhood and home to Museum Mile, some uber-upscale shopping and Gracie Mansion. The homes on Fifth Avenue, along Central Park, are some of the most exclusive in all of Manhattan. You've likely seen the Upper East Side on Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, The Real Housewives of New York, I Love Lucy, Breakfast at Tiffany's and dozens of other times on your screens.

• Explore: Upper East Side
• To Do: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Museum Mile, Central Park, Gracie Mansion, Upscale Shopping

Midtown East

Midtown East is a huge tourist, commercial and residential area. Around 5th Ave, the neighborhood is home to many tourist attractions, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall. Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are close together just south. Moving towards 3rd Ave and further east, the area is more residential, and generally, the restaurants are better and more affordable, with the UN being the only attraction in that part of the neighborhood.

• Explore: Midtown East Guide
• To Do: The Plaza Hotel, Upscale Shopping, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, New York Public Library, United Nations

Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy

Union Square (my hood!), the Flatiron District and NoMad all have a mix of residence and business tenants. Additionally, colleges such as NYU, The New School and FIT dominate the area, making it very fun and lively. It is one of the best dining and nightlife areas in Manhattan, with something for every palate and budget and offers fabulous hotels of all kinds.

• Explore: Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy
• To Do: Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, Eataly, Union Square Park & Greenmarket, Harry Potter Wizarding World

East Village

While originally part of the Lower East Side, an immigrant neighborhood, the East Village, has separated itself and become home to some of the City’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is full of character, diversity, fine dining, shops and live music, and includes a subsection named “Alphabet City.” East Village culture ranges from tattoo parlors and “dive bars” to some of New York City’s nicest hip and trendy hotels.

• Explore: East Village
• To Do: Blue Man Group & Stomp, St. Mark's Place, Nightlife, Speakeasies, Curry Lane

Lower East Side NYC

Traditionally, the Lower East Side was a working class immigrant neighborhood (think “Gangs of New York”). Today it is a wonderfully ethnic and diverse neighborhood and serves as a shopping, dining and nightlife destination for many NYC locals. Even with all its modern upgrades, the LES retains a large amount of its history, especially it’s Jewish, Polish, Irish and Italian cultures. The LES also has one of the best selections of hotels in NYC - tons of boutique hotels with amenities, rooftops, skyline views and seconds from 1000s of cool restaurants and hot spots.

• Explore: Lower East Side
• To Do: Tenement Museum, Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue, Food Tours, Nightlife, great Hotel selection

Chinatown NYC

Chinatown NYC is a small, but very densely packed area of shops and restaurants. It is really fun to walk around, enjoy the culture, pick up some souvenirs, and most definitely, eat some delicious and affordable Dim Sum, dumplings, pork buns and other amazing Chinese cuisines.

• Explore: Chinatown NYC Guide Guide
• To Do: Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), Mahayana Buddhist Temple, Dim Sum & Dumplings

Little Italy NYC

Little Italy NYC Guide is a just a few blocks, with tons of outdoor restaurants and owners promising free wine and sangria to lure you in. Puglia is a favorite restaurant for families with their live singing and kids standing on their chairs waving napkins. Visit the new Italian American Museum, which tells the story "from Columbus to Cuomo," the original Old St. Patrick's Church and NYC Police Headquarters.

• Explore: Little Italy NYC Guide
• To Do: Feast of San Gennaro, Old St. Patrick's Church, Food Tours, Italian American Museum

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