Union Square NYC Guide

Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy

Union Square (my hood!), the Flatiron District and NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) 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. Gramercy is a very wealthy and residential area, with deliberately little commerce, as well as the famous Gramercy Park, where only the elite few have the elusive key.

Each of these neighborhoods is tiny in size, but jam-packed with so much to do, so please see our separate guides for the Greenwich Village & NoHo and East Village.

Things to Do Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad

Flatiron Building (175 5th Ave, 22nd/23rd) –  beautiful building and icon that has appeared in countless movie and television productions and on more postcards than perhaps any other modern building.

Flatiron District (175 5th Ave, 22nd/23rd) – Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership offers free walking tours every Sunday, 11am. Meet at the SW corner of Madison Square Park, 23rd/Bway.

Madison Square Park  (23rd to 26th St, 5th Ave and Madison) – some believe this was where baseball was born. Check out the reflecting pool, fountain, playground, and use the free outdoor Wi-Fi. Grab a snack at Shake Shack, frozen custard, shakes, Shack burgers, Chicago hot dogs, ‘shroom burgers, and more.

Union Square Park (14th to 17th St, Park Ave S) – right in the middle of the City, lots of history and statues, a new expanded 15,000-square-foot playground opened 2009, free Wi-Fi outdoors, and surrounded by hundreds of shops and restaurants. Free tours every Sat at 2pm, meet in front of Lincoln Statue along 16th Street transverse.

Union Square Greenmarket (@17th & Broadway, Union Square Park) – Regional farmers, fishermen & bakers, the seasonal bounty is unparalleled, with hundreds of varieties to choose from. Fresh fruits & vegetables, heritage meats, farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, jams, pickles, flowers, plants, wine, ciders, maple syrup & much more; tastings & cooking demos by the hottest local chefs. M/W/F/Sa, 8-6. Winter Hours: December-June, 10-4

Eataly (200 5th Ave, Flatiron) – all things Italian. Markets, shops counters, bars and mini-restaurants on the ground floor. The 14th floor rooftop, SERRA by Birreria changes with the seasons, always offering a fun, themed atmosphere and a rustic menu reflective of the Italian countryside.

Free Walking Tour – Every Saturday at 2pm. Meet in front of the Lincoln Statue in Union Square Park’s South Plaza. Please check the schedule in advance: Union Square Walking Tour

Greenwich Village NYC Tours

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

More NYC One Day Tours

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Union Square, NoMad, Flatiron Sightseeing Passes

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

See All: NYC Attractions Pass Comparison Chart

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Union Square, NoMad, Flatiron NYC Restaurants

Top Ten NYC Restaurants, all three delicious “high end” American food, expensive and worth every penny.

• Union Square Café (101 E 19th St)
• Gotham Bar and Grill (12 E 12th St, University and 5th Ave)
• Gramercy Tavern (42 E 20th, Park Ave/ Bway)

Casa Mono (125 E 17th St, Irving Place)  – Tapas, a local favorite, small intimate restaurant, reservations highly recommended. Their sister wine bar, Bar Jamon, next door is always packed as well with great service.

Max Brenners – Imagine if the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory had a cafe in it’s lobby…try the King Of Chocolate’s Crispy Mac & Cheese and learn all about the “The Legend of the King of Chocolate”

S’MAC Sarita’s Macaroni & Cheese – All about Mac and Cheese. Casual, great for kids and students. (345 East 12th, 1st /2nd Aves)

Pete’s Tavern (129 E 18th, Irving Place) – opened in 1864, classic NYC Tavern with history, burgers and beer. Featured in dozens of TV Shows and Movies and where O. Henry wrote the Gift of The Magi.

Maoz Vegetarian (38 U Sq E, 16th/17th) – easy, cheap falafel, great for grab and go lunch, especially to sit in Union Sq. Park

Basta Pasta (37 W 17th, 5th/6th Aves) – one of the most “hidden” restaurants and interesting menus. Italian/Japanese combination made and presented by sushi chefs.

Shuko (47 E 12th St) – upscale, intimate, Japanese omakase-only experience with daily tasting menus. Reservations a must.

AbcV (38 E 19th St) – From the people behind ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina, A Jean-Georges Restaurant. Plant based, non GMO, sustainable, artisanal and organic whenever possible. Locally and globally from small & family farms. abcV’s goal is to inspire a cultural shift towards plant based intelligence, through creativity and deliciousness.

Additional Restaurants – Boqueria (tapas), Rosa Mexicano

Shake Shack (Madison & 23rd St) – in the park, great burgers, fries and shakes

230 Fifth (230 5th Ave, 27th St)  – huge restaurant and nightclub on a rooftop with palm trees, cozy seating, heat lamps and 360 views of NYC at night.

McSwiggans Bar

More Union Square Restaurants

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Union Square, NoMad, Flatiron Neighborhood Guide Shopping

Union Square – DSW Shoes, Nordstrom Rack, American Eagle, LuLuLemon, Barnes and Noble, Sephora, Paragon Sports

5th Ave b/w 15th and 23rd St  – Tons of shopping including: BCBG, Banana Republic, J. Crew, H&M, Gap, Zara, Club Monaco, Coach, Anthropologie, Kenneth Cole and much more.

Harry Potter Wizarding World – Opened June 2021. (935 Broadway @ 22nd St, next to Flatiron Building) – Houses the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world under one roof, where you can buy your wand at the wand ship and much more.

Union Square Holiday Market

The outdoor Union Square Holiday Market is filled with thousands of unique gifts created by local craftsmen and artists. Artwork, accessories, home goods, jewelry, candles, bags and so much more will keep you checking off your holiday shopping lists. November/December every year: Guide to Holiday Markets in NYC

More New York City Shopping

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Union Square, NoMad, Flatiron, Gramercy Hotels

Hotel AKA NoMad

Opened May 2023, Hotel AKA NoMad (formerly The Roger) was designed by renowned architect and designer Piero Lissoni. The accommodations range from comfortable guest rooms to expansive suites, each exuding a serene, residential ambiance. Opening soon are the wine bar, Technogym fitness center and an exclusive outdoor terrace with TV/Movie screen.

• Discount Rates: Hotel AKA NoMad
• 131 Madison Ave (@ 31st St), NoMad

Virgin Hotels New York City

Opened early 2023, Virgin Hotels New York City features a seasonal rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, garden and terrace. The hotel has 460 “Chambers,” suites and penthouses, meeting spaces and plenty of restaurants and bars, including the brand’s flagship space, Commons Club, as well as the restaurant Everdene. A select few Chambers offer unparalleled views of the Empire State Building, New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and/or Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

• Discount Rates: Virgin Hotels New York City
• 1227 Broadway (@ 29th St), NoMad

The Ned NoMad

From the people behind SoHo House, opened Summer 2022, the The Ned NoMad is NYC’s newest Hotel and Membership Club and includes Ned’s Club, a members’ club that gives access to spaces including a rooftop terrace, as well as 167 bedrooms with a nod to 1920’s glamour. Features include Cecconi’s, a modern-day classic Italian restaurant; Little Ned, a 1920’s style bar with New American cuisine featuring time-honored staples and classic cocktails; a members-only club area featuring various cocktail bars, sitting areas and dining rooms, such as “The Library,”“The Atrium Stage,” a rooftop bar and terrace, “The Magic Room” and “The Dining Room.”

• 1170 Broadway (@ 28th St), NoMad

SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Park Avenue

Opened late 2022, the SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Park Avenue is designed for family stays and has “double double rooms,” free fitnes center, free breakfast, microwaves and mini-fridges.

• 111 E 24 St @ Park Ave, NoMad

Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel

Opened in late 2021, the Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel is a very affordable no-frills hotel addition in Nomad, just 4 minutes from the Empire State Building and a short walk to Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building and Eataly.

• 16 East 30th St (Madison/5th Ave), Nomad

Pestana Park Avenue

Opened in 2020, Pestana Park Avenue, owned by a Portuguese hotel group with over 100 other hotels worldwide, is a 28 story hotel in Murray Hill, with décor intended to recreate a Portuguese home.  There are only 3-4 rooms per floor, large windows and select rooms offer balconies with Empire State Building views.

• 23 East 39th Street, Murray Hill

W Hotel Union Square NYC

Opulent. Bohemian. And everywhere in between. Bridging the gap between old and new, New York’s famous landmark Guardian Life Building has undergone renovations and reemerged as the stylish W Hotel Union Square. The 1911 Guardian Life building – designed in the Beaux-Arts style – is a magnificent granite and limestone structure with all the exquisite details inherent in traditional European architecture.

• Discount Rates: W Hotel Union Square
• The Living Room (Lobby Bar and Lounge) – always packed with all walks of life. Great place for a drink, business meeting, some light co-working.
• See Also: New York City Boutique Hotels

Hyatt Union Square New York

The Hyatt Union Square, only a few years new and in my neighborhood – so you know it’s a great location. With their free bicycles, cool lobby bar and (coming soon) rooftop deck and bar, you can’t go wrong at the Hyatt.

• Discount Rates: Hyatt Union Square
• 134 Fourth Ave (@13th Street), New York City, NY 10003
• More: Hotels with Free Bicycles

While you most certainly won’t want to bike in Union Square, the easiest path is to take Broadway 4 blocks south (in the bike lane), make a right on 9th Street, and follow it west all the way to the Hudson River. From there, the city is at your feet and you can bike South for views of the World Trade Center and Statue of Liberty, plus great places to eat along the way. Bike north and grab yourself a lunch at the Pier 1 Cafe or head into Central Park and explore 843 acres of lush greenery.

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Royalton Park Avenue

The Royalton Park Avenue, has one of the BEST indoor/outdoor rooftops in New York City, along with a great cocktail lounge and club. Check out their romatantic Mr. + Mrs. G package which includes perks like one dozen roses, deluxe accommodations, champagne, spa treatments and more!

• Discount Rates: Royalton Park Avenue

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Freehand Hotel Flatiron

Freehand Hotel, opened December 2017, offers 358 rooms ranging from suites to bunk beds, starting at $199, including one room type specifically geared toward three people. Dining includes the ground-floor restaurant, Simon & the Whale, and the rooftop cocktail bar, Broken Shaker. Reviewers say, “Cool vibes that felt almost mediterranean and nautical.” and “As a very frequent traveler, I would 100% recommend this hotel.”

• Discount Rates: Freehand Hotel Flatiron NYC
• 23 Lexington Ave (@23rd Street)

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MADE Hotel

MADE Hotel – new in 2017, MADE describes themselves as a “boutique hotel with a global soul”. Rooms with Frette linens and towels, floor to ceiling windows mostly with great views, and all the little luxuries you may want during your stay away from home. MADE offers some amazing new spaces including the new communal coffee shop ‘Paper’, the intimate lobby bar and the newest rooftop bar, “Good Behavior,” along with a second floor patio open only to hotel guests.

• Discount Rates: MADE Hotel
• 29th & Broadway (Near Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, short walk to the Highline)

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The Paul Hotel

The Paul Hotel, with 122 rooms, features a sun terrace, rooftop patio, fitness center and on-site restaurant. Room selection varies from the ultimate King Terrace suite with views of the Empire State Building, to budget-friendly bunk bed rooms. They offer lots of specials for the Javits Center, Metroplitan Pavillion and even people named Paul or Paula! Centrally located off Broadway just North of Madison Square Park, The Paul is in the middle of everything great and exciting about Manhattan.

• Discount Rates: Paul Hotel
• 32 W 29th St, New York, 10001

Studios Midtown Manhattan

Studios Midtown Manhattan, located in NoMad, right on the edge of Koreatown and Midtown West, is a super affordable vacation rental option, with rave reviews online. If you are willing to bunk up, or share a room with 4-6 people, then you can’t beat the value offered at these studios.

• Discount Rates: Studios Midtown Manhattan
• 38 West 31st Street, NoMad, More: NYC Vacation Rentals

The James New York NoMad

Opened in June 2017, James New York NoMad (formerly the Carlton Hotel) is a 344-room luxury boutique hotel with complimentary WiFi, luxury amenties, and – rumor has it – a free wine happy hour. Soon to open, the hot restaurant, Scarpetta, relocating from the Meatpacking District.

• Discount Rates: James New York NoMad
• 22 E 29th Street (@ Madison Avenue)
• Sister property: The James SoHo

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The New York EDITION

The New York EDITION – “The vibe of the hotel seemed romantic – the lights were low and all of the included amenities (soap, shampoo, lotion) included a custom Edition scent that was deep and slightly musky.” and “If you want a low key, romantic, sophisticated hotel this is it.”

• Discount Rates: The New York EDITION
• 5 Madison Avenue @ 24th Street
• Sister Hotel: Times Square EDITION

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Ace Hotel

Boutique, hip, trendy and a definite NYC destination spot. Locals visit often for Ace Hotel for The Breslin (restaurant), John Dory Oyster Bar, Stumptown Coffee Roasters and live music in the hotel lobby. If you can’t tell they are a super hipster hotel smack in the heart of Manhattan, perhaps their own description as a “hotbed of startups, freelancers and people who just want to kick it,” or the fact they offer bunk beds, mini rooms and loft style rooms will convince you.

• Discount Rates: Ace Hotel
• 20 W 29th, 5th Ave/Bway

Sister Hotel: Sister City, Bowery

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Seafarers & International House

A Lutheran mission for seafarers and sojourners. “Our 84-room guesthouse is located at the corner of East 15th Street and Irving Place in Manhattan. The mission has come full circle to serve seafarers and asylum seekers, drawing upon a long tradition of hospitality and service among the Swedish and German peoples, extending to people of all nationalities, cultures and faiths. From: $90

• Discount Rates: Seafarers & International House

See More: Discount NYC Hotels

More Union Square, Gramercy, Murray Hill Hotels

• Innside New York Nomad – 132 West 27th Street
• Inn at Irving Place
• Hotel 17 (super cheap!)
  225 East 17th Street, New York City, NY 10003 – Extended Stay Only, Over 30 days minimum. Shared Baths.
• The MAve 
  62 Madison Ave (27th Street), NY, NY 10016, from $159
• The Evelyn – 7 E 27th Street, New York City, NY 10016

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Subways

• N/R/Q/W (Broadway Line)
• 4/5/6 (Park Ave S/ Lexington Line) to Union Square
• General Address: 4 Irving Place, NY, NY 10003

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Union Square, NoMad, Flatiron Printable Map

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Manhattan Weekly brings you the latest on NYC, Events, discounts, specials, Broadway and more. New subscribers to our newsletter receive a free NYC Insider Mini Guide. If your trip is several months away, this a great way to start getting a feel for the City, when tickets are going on sale to big events, which stores are having sales, tons of my insider tips and much more.

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, Times Square Ball Drop New Years, 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

Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District, also known as the Gansevoort Market, is only a few blocks, so you cannot get lost, but it is packed with upscale restaurants, night clubs and designer shopping. Like many NY neighborhoods, the MP District retains it's historical architecture, as it is lined with cobblestone streets and old warehouses, but, today, these same buildings house very modern shopping and dining. The heart of the Meatpacking District is Little West 12th Street.

• Explore: Meatpacking District Guide
• To Do: The Highline, Restaurants, Clubs & Rooftops, Little Island, Upscale Shopping