Overview
Midtown East is the core retail and commercial neighborhood of Manhattan, containing the highest concentration of business and money this side of, well, the planet. The Empire State Building, the most iconic building (even if no longer the tallest) in the city is here. Shady Bryant Park abuts the imposing New York Public Library main branch at 42nd Street, while to the east is the magnificent Beaux Arts Grand Central Terminal. Le Corbusier's landmark UN Headquarters is located on the East River. The masterpiece art deco towers of Rockefeller Center and adjoining Radio City sit opposite 5th Avenue from St. Patrick's Cathedral, the seat of the city's archdiocese. Fifth Avenue below 59th remains the toniest and most exclusive retail neighborhood in New York City, home to names like Saks, Tiffany and Bendel (and Apple!). Murray Hill north of 34th Street is home to some of the city's nicest brownstones. Much of the real estate in this neighborhood is likewise quite expensive, and the restaurants, bars and other facilities notably cater to a higher-paying clientele.
13 sights · 7 places to eat · 20 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Midtown East
Greenacre Park
One of New York's many "pocket parks," Greenacre is a small plot of green space and an excellent place to relax, with a nice waterfall in the back, plenty of seats and tables, and lots of shade, plus a small tea shop.
Paley Park
Another pocket park which is celebrated among landscape architects and urban designers, Paley is a great place to relax, with plenty of chairs below a canopy of trees and a waterfall spanning the entire back wall of the …
Chrysler Building
One of the most recognizable and favored structures of New York, the Chrysler was the world's tallest building when completed in 1930, but lost that title to the nearby Empire State Building less than a year later. But w…
Citigroup Center
With its distinctive slanted roof and long, slender base columns, this building is another great skyscraper with a grand atrium.
Daily News Building
This Art Deco design classic, completed in 1930 to a design by Raymond Hood, was made famous by the Superman films; to be admired are the extreme verticality of the design, the understated setbacks and functional design.…
Empire State Building
A legend from the moment it was finished in 1931, the Empire State Building was easily the tallest building not just in New York, but the entire world for many years before being overtaken by another New York landmark - …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby New York City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- TEB Teterboro Airport, Teterboro — 8 mi away. Directions
There is plenty of subway service to this area. The 4, 5, and 6 lines travel under Park Avenue (south of Grand Central Station) and Lexington Avenue (north of Grand Central), stopping at 42nd St. (Grand Central Station) and 59th St., with the 6 also stopping at 51st St. and 33rd St. Running under 6th Avenue are the B, D, F, and M lines, which stop at 34th St. (close to the Empire State Building), 42nd St. (at Bryant Park, near the library) and 47-50 St. station (near Rockefeller Center). The F line continues up 6th Avenue, stopping at 57th St., while the E and M lines head under 53rd Street, stopping at 5th Av. and Lexington Av. (a passageway offers a free transfer to the 6 line). The 7 and S (Grand Central Shuttle) lines run under 42nd St. Both of them stop at Grand Central Station, with the 7 also stopping at 5th Av. (free transfer to the B, D, and F lines). Also serving the neighborhood are the N, Q, R, and W lines, which stop at 34th St. and 6th Av., close to the Empire State Building.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $25–$35 a night (typical $35), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$90, comfortable ~$160.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Greenacre Park, Citigroup Center, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
- Lunch Ess-a-Bagel
- Afternoon St. Patrick's Cathedral, Paley Park
- Dinner Dos Caminos
Day 2
- Morning Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, MetLife Building
- Lunch Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
- Afternoon The Morgan Library, Empire State Building
- Dinner Franchia Vegan Café
Day 3
- Morning Daily News Building
- Lunch Delegates Dining Room
- Afternoon United Nations Headquarters
- Dinner VietHaven
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Orientation
Midtown, also called Midtown East to distinguish it from the Theater District to the west, is the area between around 34th St and 59th St (beyond which is Central Park), and from the East River through First, Second, Third, Lexington, Park, Madison, and Fifth Avenues, with Sixth Avenue as the western boundary of the district.
There is a small but vibrant Koreatown neighborhood, which is focused on 32nd St. between Broadway and 5th Av. and extends a bit north, south and east. It has a Midtown character and has been included in this article.
Get in
By subway
There is plenty of subway service to this area. The 4, 5, and 6 lines travel under Park Avenue (south of Grand Central Station) and Lexington Avenue (north of Grand Central), stopping at 42nd St. (Grand Central Station) and 59th St., with the 6 also stopping at 51st St. and 33rd St. Running under 6th Avenue are the B, D, F, and M lines, which stop at 34th St. (close to the Empire State Building), 42nd St. (at Bryant Park, near the library) and 47-50 St. station (near Rockefeller Center). The F line continues up 6th Avenue, stopping at 57th St., while the E and M lines head under 53rd Street, stopping at 5th Av. and Lexington Av. (a passageway offers a free transfer to the 6 line). The 7 and S (Grand Central Shuttle) lines run under 42nd St. Both of them stop at Grand Central Station, with the 7 also stopping at 5th Av. (free transfer to the B, D, and F lines). Also serving the neighborhood are the N, Q, R, and W lines, which stop at 34th St. and 6th Av., close to the Empire State Building.
By MTA bus
Regular MTA buses run along every avenue except for short avenues like Vanderbilt, and there are also many crosstown routes. These include the M34 and M34A SBS (34th St), M42 (42nd St), M50 (49th/50th Sts), and M31 and M57 (57th St). Local buses charge $2.75 and enable free transfers to other local routes and the subway. In addition, express buses stop along these avenues, providing service to other boroughs. Express buses charge a $6.75 fare, with free transfers available to other routes.
By Metro-North commuter rail
Metro-North commuter trains originate and terminate at Grand Central Terminal on E. 42 St at Park Av. See the By train section on the main New York City page for more info. Note that the train terminal (but not the subway stop serving it) closes from 2 am to 5:30 am daily.
See
Parks and recreation
See Greenacre Park
One of New York's many "pocket parks," Greenacre is a small plot of green space and an excellent place to relax, with a nice waterfall in the back, plenty of seats and tables, and lots of shade, plus a small tea shop.
See Paley Park
Another pocket park which is celebrated among landscape architects and urban designers, Paley is a great place to relax, with plenty of chairs below a canopy of trees and a waterfall spanning the entire back wall of the park.
Skyscrapers
See Chrysler Building
One of the most recognizable and favored structures of New York, the Chrysler was the world's tallest building when completed in 1930, but lost that title to the nearby Empire State Building less than a year later. But what it lost in fame it makes up for in beauty, with its gorgeous, instantly recognizable Art Deco crown.
See Citigroup Center
With its distinctive slanted roof and long, slender base columns, this building is another great skyscraper with a grand atrium.
See Daily News Building
This Art Deco design classic, completed in 1930 to a design by Raymond Hood, was made famous by the Superman films; to be admired are the extreme verticality of the design, the understated setbacks and functional design. The newspaper no longer holds offices here, but the foyer is well worth a visit if passing, if only to see the newspaper's giant globe sculpture and wall weather stations.
See Empire State Building
A legend from the moment it was finished in 1931, the Empire State Building was easily the tallest building not just in New York, but the entire world for many years before being overtaken by another New York landmark - the twin towers of the World Trade Center. With the destruction of those two buildings, the Empire State Building was once again the tallest building in the city, but that lasted less than eleven years. But even though it's no longer the tallest, it remains iconic and one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. Expect long lines, and a lot of them - you'll have to wait in line to pass through a security checkpoint, wait in line to get tickets, wait in line for the elevators, and then make your way through the crowd on the outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor. One way to deal with the lines is to buy an express line ticket, which will bring you to the front of any line, but it will more than double the cost of your ticket. Another option is to visit very early in the day or late in the evening, when the lines will be considerably shorter. Despite the long lines and inevitable tourist kitsch, the views are excellent and the experience of being outdoors on top of New York City is a great one. Hawkers outside the building may try to tell you there is a very long line inside and that they can get you tickets to cut the line for some exorbitant price; before believing them, go inside and check the actual wait time which is clearly written on the electronic boards.
See MetLife Building
Since it was built it has been probably the most hated building in New York, mostly because it rises up over Grand Central Station, completely blocking the view up Park Avenue, but it is a good example of modern architecture.
See United Nations Headquarters
The UN HQ sits on an 18-acre site between 42nd and 48th Streets, and between First Avenue and the East River. It is noted for its gardens and outdoor sculpture. There is a charge for the tours of the General Assembly and Secretariat but you can visit the Visitor's Lobby for free (although you do have to pass through a security checkpoint). There are two levels to the lobby area which includes a gallery, a gift shop, and a bookshop. If you're just visiting the lobby, don't join any queues - just find your way around. There is little in the way of signs to tell you where you can go - this is the UN, well-meaning but not well organized. Outside the building is a display of national flags which represent the 193 sovereign states that are members of the UN. Highlights include the 116-kg Japanese Peace Bell, where the bell is traditionally rung twice a year in honor of world peace.
Historic buildings
Museums
See The Morgan Library
Once J. Pierpont Morgan's private library, this building houses his art collection, a Gutenberg Bible, and a first printing of The Star Spangled Banner. The bookshelves lining the walls include books by Dante, Dickens, Einstein, Twain, and several First and Second Folios.
Do
- Walk on 5th Av. Around Christmas, it is usually mobbed, but off-season, it can be downright pleasant, and you can get to see just how pretty some of the department stores and high-end shops are. You may even be able to walk around Rockefeller Center at a strolling pace and see a view of the entire plaza.
For great views:
- Walk or bike across the Edward I. Koch Queensboro Bridge.
- Take the Roosevelt Island Tram.
More about Roosevelt Island below:
Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is an elongated island in the East River between Manhattan Island and Queens. Originally a cattle farm, over the years it has had various names and uses, including as an asylum and a quarantine hospital. Today called Roosevelt Island, it is the home to several thousand New Yorkers who like its calm ambiance and connection to Manhattan. The island offers excellent views of the Manhattan skyline, particularly at the Meditation Steps, just north of the Tramway stop, and Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a public space at the southern tip of the island, accessible by one of the riverside promenades. The island also affords one of the best views of the city's 4th of July Fireworks displays when they take place nearby in the East River (some years, they are too far away); in such cases, get to the island very early, or you'll find that the seats are sold out.
There are two ways to access the island from Manhattan. The most popular way for tourists (and certainly the most scenic) is to take the [https://rioc.ny.gov/302/Tram Roosevelt Island Tramway], an aerial tram which crosses over the stretch of the East River between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island next to the Queensboro Bridge, offering splendid views of the skyline along the way. You can board the tram on Second Avenue at 60th Street; the one-way fare is $3, payable via the OMNY system. The second option is to take the subway: the F train makes a single stop on the island at Roosevelt Island station, connecting it to Midtown Manhattan to the west and Queens to the east. Additionally, a road bridge connects the island to the intersection of 36th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard in Queens, allowing you to drive, walk, bike, or take the Q102 bus to the island from Queens.
Buy
Fifth Ave is a shoppers' paradise from 42nd to 60th Streets, boasting numerous flagships stores of national chains. Perpetually mobbed with shoppers and tourists, Fifth Avenue is a virtual standstill during the Christmas shopping season, when FAO Schwarz, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Tiffany's, and Lord and Taylor put out their holiday displays. Other popular stores include Niketown, NBA Store, Versace, Gucci, Armani Exchange.
47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues is a large wholesale and retail Jewelry District. It is said that nearly every diamond sold in the US passes first through this street. On this street a dealer's reputation among the community of jewelry dealers is all-important, and million-dollar contracts are agreed to with just a handshake because of the reputation of each dealer.
Shop FAO Schwarz
This three level toy store in the heart of Manhattan New York City will make you feel like a kid again. You can take a selfie with the toy soldiers and watch live demonstrations of toys given by store employees. Also a good place to stop if you need a public restroom. Many toys sold here are either rare and hard to find or exclusive to FAO Schwarz
Eat
Eat Ess-a-Bagel
This legendary place serves up doughy, chewy bagels the size of hubcaps that some New Yorkers consider 'the best bagels in NYC - which means everywhere'. Bagel-eaters will also find a wide variety of mixed cream cheeses, tofu spreads, and smoked fish. Bagels are cheap, but prices depend on whether you eat in or take out! Expect to pay $3 for two bagels and a small tub of your favorite cream-cheese spread. Lines can be long at lunchtime.
Eat Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
An institution, opened in 1913 along with the station itself.
Eat Tao
Trendy Asian cuisine; reservations required. Beautiful decor.
Eat VietHaven
Very nice Vietnamese restaurant with full bar. Nice food and decent prices. Try seafood combo.
Eat Delegates Dining Room
Located on the 4th floor of the UN General Assembly, this high-class dining hall lets you eat alongside delegates, ambassadors, and celebrities at the heart of international politics. The menu changes every day, providing a unique international buffet every day as you sit with a gorgeous view of the East River. Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Do note that with security concerns, you'll be escorted to and from the dining room. Dress attire is business casual.
Eat Franchia Vegan Café
Asian fusion. Try the fruit teas and the fried cauliflower.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Waldorf Astoria New York
Another famous luxury hotel that is among the more notable in New York, with a long history in a lavish Art Deco building that has housed many a celebrity. Perhaps one of the most famous guests was President Franklin Roosevelt, and a secret platform that is believed to have been used by Roosevelt to travel directly from the train to his hotel room so he could hide his paralysis from the public survives under the hotel. The secret platform is not open to public.
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