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Neighborhood in New York City
Photo: Terabass, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Broadway. Times Square. Madison Square Garden. The name says it all: the Theater District is the entertainment hub of the city, and possibly the entire nation. The western half of Midtown Manhattan (to be distinguished from Midtown East), this is where you'll find Times Square, the streets packed with people taking in one of the brightest entertainment districts in the world. Despite its gaudy signage and superficial nature, a place where no local would want to be caught dead, it's hard not to be awestruck by it all. This is where the famous musicals of Broadway perform, where many famous TV shows are taped, and where the Knicks and Rangers play to sellout crowds.
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A place filled with video screens, LED signs, and flashing lights; a world wonder or a tourist nightmare depending on your perspective, the "new" Times Square is a family-friendly theme park of themed restaurants, theaters and hotels, as well as a developing business district. The lights and signs can be viewed anytime, but the most enchanting experience comes when one visits Times Square at night, as all the signs and screens are ablaze with color. Times Square is also well known for its famous New Year's Eve ball drop. Those looking for the seedy Times Square of years past will find it around the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and on Eighth Avenue to the west.
A ticket booth selling discounted Broadway and off-Broadway shows. However, the cheaper tickets aren't the only attraction, as the back of the booth is a large, red-lit glass staircase facing Times Square, which serves as a set of bleachers and offers an excellent opportunity to get above the street and just watch the crowds and flashing signs. Above the booth is a video screen with a live feed of the top step, giving you a chance to appear (if only briefly) on one of the many signs in Times Square.
Originally the second-tallest building in the world when it opened in 1905, One Times Square was constructed to be the headquarters for The New York Times, a function it would serve for less than ten years. The annual Times Square ball drop is performed from the roof of this building. And you can't miss the famous Dow Jones news and sports zipper (the first news ticker in the world) attached to its lower facade.
The Christmas Tree, the Skating Rink, NBC Studios, the shops and hubbub - you can't miss it. The Christmas Tree and the Skating Rink are naturally not year round, but in the summer, the complex is a hub for touristy operations. Within the striking Art Deco buildings of the complex are several dining establishments overlooking the area and many stores.
See the Rockettes, another show, or just tour the famous Art Deco masterpiece.
On the 70th floor of the Comcast Building (better known by some as "30 Rock") is this narrow observation deck, built to resemble the deck of a cruise ship. The deck affords uninterrupted views over Central Park to the north and across Midtown to the south.
MoMA
One of the greatest and most popular collections of modern art, on a par with the Tate Modern in London or Paris's Centre Georges Pompidou. Exceedingly popular so be warned: queues for tickets start early and stretch long. To avoid the crowds, turn up at the door at least a half hour before opening, then take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down. The building is as much a draw as the outstanding collection; possessing arguably the best collection of modern masterpieces world-wide, MoMA houses important art works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Paul Cézanne, Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian, and works by leading American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and Chuck Close. MoMA also holds renowned art photography and design collections. In addition to being the crown jewel of modern art museums, MoMA puts on a terrific repertory program in a nicely renovated theater below the museum.
The aircraft carrier Intrepid is docked here and loaded with spacecraft and aircraft, including the very cool Blackbird spy plane and the prototype Space Shuttle Enterprise. On the other side of the dock is a guided-missile submarine and a Concorde, both of which you can tour also, and some tanks.
Get up close to over 200 lifelike wax figures of the biggest stars and icons in entertainment, sports and history.
A very large miniature world.
The interior of this Episcopal church is a peaceful place, and both the exterior and interior are architecturally harmonious and worth looking at if you are walking nearby.
formerly the Museum of Television & Radio
Dedicated to preserving and collecting television programs as a service to the public, the museum consists of two museum branches in Los Angeles and New York City; combined they hold over 100,000 television programs that are available to the public, providing a historical, artistic and cultural perspective to television and radio. You may use their library here for the price of admission. They have lots of old shows and a database so you can see if they have what you want.
Opened on November 15, 2022, this interactive museum utilizes technology to convey the history of Broadway, complete with props from past shows, costumes, and other artifacts. You can learn about how a Broadway show is made, and there is a gift shop selling not only their own merch, but also products from current Broadway shows and Broadway in general.
This large multiplex cinema shows first-run, mainstream films on 25 screens. It also contains an IMAX cinema showing mainstream feature films.
This historic club (though not at the original location of W. 52 St.) — universally acknowledged as one of the top jazz venues in the city — features a great lineup of justly famous performers and has good acoustics. Expect to pay a fair price for that quality.
If you ask a New Yorker how to get to Carnegie Hall, you may get the answer "Practice, practice!" This elegant 19th-century hall is New York's premier venue for famous recitalists and visiting symphony orchestras. The complex also includes the more intimate Weill Recital Hall slightly further east and Zankel Hall, in the basement of the side of the building facing 7th Av. near 56th St, a medium-sized venue used by jazz groups and classical concert pianists, alike.
This theater is over 100 years old and remains the third oldest theater on Broadway. Located right next to the Millennium Broadway Hotel, it remained defunct as a theater for decades, acting as the hotel's event space, before reopening in February 2017.
For Seinfeld fans. Kenny Kramer, said to be the inspiration for the character Kramer, tells about the show, in a fun way. And guides on a tour to places seen in the show. Stop for photo outside the restaurant seen in the show.
An incredibly popular show which has been on Broadway for over twenty years, Wicked is one of the highest rated shows that has ever hit Broadway. It's based on the Wizard of Oz, but told from the witch's point of view instead of Dorothy's. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The highest grossing stage production of all time, this musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film has won numerous awards and has been going strong since its premiere in 1997. This show runs about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
This is one of the most respected comedy clubs in all of New York City, one that has played host to the likes of Joe Devito, Scott McFadden, Jimmy Fallon, David Letterman, and many others who have gone on to make it big in television. Tickets generally run for about $20 a night, and include a free pitcher of beer. Shows run up until as late as 11PM and are a great way for you to end your evening.
Hudson Yards Staircase
This photogenic 16-story vase-shaped structure on Manhattan's West Side allows intrepid visitors to climb 154 flights of stairs. In return, you get great views of the surrounding area, the Hudson River, and the structure itself. It re-opened in October 2024 with steel-mesh safety nets and the unusual rule that solo visitors are not allowed. There is one elevator, stopping at only three floors, usually with a long wait. Wheelchair users are given priority for the elevator. Baby strollers, bicycles, skateboards, food, pets, and emotional support animals are prohibited. Most admission tickets are for a specific date and time; same-day and walk-up tickets are not always available.
Serves wonderful Greek pastries, savory and sweet alike. There is no place to sit, but the staff are very friendly and helpful, and you can have a delicious, cheap meal for takeout.
An extremely popular and affordable food stand that is probably the only Mediterranean stand in Manhattan that was given a name. This is the original location and since it started in 2008, it has begun a chain and opened 5 more throughout Manhattan and Bergen County, New Jersey. Delicious gyros, wraps, and falafel, and each dish comes with rice and pita bread. There's also an incredible white sauce that's worth trying. If you want some on a weekend, you're going to have to get there early because there is guaranteed to be a long wait.
Inspiration for the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. Menu items change daily. The best soup in the area, but only if you follow the rules! "NO SOUP FOR YOU!"
Popular 24-hour joint with an extensive selection of empanadas ranging from classic to creative, as well as other Latin American dishes. The focus is on Colombian flavors but there's quite a bit of fusion. Excellent vegan options. A second location at 200 W 40th St near Times Square is mainly for takeout, with a smaller menu and slightly more limited hours.
Very good food, which of course includes kebabs, but also peppery Aush (a type of beany noodle soup), Badinjan Burani (a fried eggplant appetizer garlic and yogurt, served with bread), etc. Salads, which come with main dishes, have a dressing which includes mayonnaise. Ask for no dressing and put the green hot sauce on them yourself.
Burger spot also known for disco fries (with gravy & cheese), beer & alcoholic shakes.
Dos Caminos' fifth New York City location. Designed by Brooklyn-based company, hOmE, spanning two floors, and featuring a 40-seat mezcal and margarita bar on the street level and a guacamole bar on the subterranean level. Expanded menu of Chef Ivy Stark’s healthy Mexican dishes as well as a selection of 120 premium tequilas.
Try their famous "soup dumplings", listed on the menu as "steamed buns", and their other delicious Shanghai specialties. Pricier than the Chinatown location.
A popular pizza option with a lovely and spacious atmosphere and brick oven, coal fired, thin crust pizzas. Whole pizzas, no slices. Many fans, however, consider that the pizza at this location is not nearly as good as at their original Greenwich Village location. Also, pre-theater, it can be absolutely mobbed, with wait times of an hour or more.
Simple, but tasty Italian fare.
Real New York diner, excellent place for good value breakfast. Very good service.
Small restaurant, so expect to wait on line at peak hours (e.g., Friday and Saturday nights); generally considered to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Manhattan. Food ranges in spiciness from mild to very spicy, not always consistent with what you ask for, but staff are happy to provide extra dried red pepper flakes on the side. Consistently tasty food, especially if you stick with the items on the "secret Thai" menu card on the table and ask for everything to be "very spicy and Thai style, not sweet."
This is a great and very popular place for yakitori, which is Japanese food on sticks. If you're ordering drinks, be careful: their tea is very good but charged by the cup and the sakes are very expensive. However, the food is a very fair value.
Sushi bar, bar and lounge area, communal table and expanded private dining room options.
This Brazilian steakhouse is renowned for its churrasco/rodízio experience, wherein servers bring various fire-roasted meats to your table. It's all-you-can-eat and includes an extensive salad bar and feijoada—a black bean and pork stew—as well as various sides such as pão de queijo (cheese bread).
Steakhouse with a raw bar boasts walls covered with photos of old-Hollywood stars. Part of a small chain with another location on E. 12th St. and one in Las Vegas.
Great place to drink after a long day at work.
This is an unpretentious pub in the middle of a pricey neighborhood. The pub also provides downright good food. Their dining room is upstairs. Service is pleasant and helpful.
Two-story pub off of Times Square with good Irish beers on tap and pricey main courses. Definitely not typical pub-grub, but the price matches.
Boutique hotel just off Times Square. High-speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in Rick's Cafe 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings except for Sunday nights.
King and double-bed rooms. Standard rooms are much larger than typical as the hotel was designed as a suite hotel.
A Times Square-area hotel offering modern accommodations.
Boutique hotel built in 2022, featuring a rooftop garden terrace with panoramic views of Hudson Yards.
Art Deco hotel.
Upscale hotel with 770 guest rooms, Manhattan's largest indoor lap pool, Brasserie 1605 Restaurant, meeting facilities.
A massive, amenity-laden hotel tower.
Art Deco hotel built in 1931, steps from Times Square, known for its mock-Art Deco murals on the ground floor.
Extended stay NYC hotel. Complimentary Wi-Fi and wired Internet access. Free hot full breakfast each morning and evening dinner and drinks, Monday through Thursday.
Suites and first class services and amenities. Each suite features appliances, plush fabrics and elegant furnishings with marble baths. Timeshares available.
Hotel near Broadway that features spacious rooms and suites, a conference center, wedding reception locations, event venues and an on-site restaurant.
Gigantic in size with updated hotel rooms, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. It is known for its revolving bar and the view from its clear-sided elevators.
Right next to Carnegie Hall and close to the Theater District. While its renovations have significantly improved this hotel, it is, at best, a four-star hotel and clearly not one of New York's luxury hotels.
An extended stay hotel offering pet friendly lodging accommodations and suites with fully equipped kitchens.
Studios, one- and two- bedrooms suites with floor to ceiling views of New York City.
An upscale hotel offering 114 rooms and suites. The hotel has many interesting features, including a mica-covered vaulted ceiling, silver-leafed wood paneling, pleated-silk walls, marble, and Baccarat crystal elements throughout.
Has a rooftop bar.
Perhaps the most famous of New York's luxury hotels, the Plaza is an attraction in and of itself, having been used as a backdrop in numerous movies and TV shows and serving as the meeting place for many celebrities and politicians. The Plaza is also famous as the place to go for afternoon tea or cocktails, and of course you will pay dearly for that.
Featuring natural light, organic and reclaimed materials. Farm-fresh meal at the restaurant, menu created by Chez Panisse alum, Jonathan Waxman,
You are able to purchase all types of chocolate goodies and Hershey-themed products at this store. A few dollars can also get you a personalized message scrolled across their zipper outside on the store's facade. Hershey stores are all over the country but this particular store is the largest Hershey's store in the world. It has three floors of pure chocolate, and Hershey's products.
Macy's Herald Square
Billing itself as "The World's Largest Store" on the large signs outside, this is the flagship store of the national chain and covers an entire city block. Its holiday window displays are so popular that they usually have a corporate sponsor. One useful tip for visitors is to go to the Macy's guest center on floor 1 1/2 and they will give you a guest card that discounts virtually everything in the store by 11%. This store features wooden escalators, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus during the Christmas season. But, be prepared to wait in long lines for the elevators, as the store is always busy no matter what day it is.
A Japanese book dealer, carrying a huge selection of Japanese reading material. It also sells a number of books by Japanese authors in English translation. It is also known as a source of excellent Japanese anime and manga, much of which is difficult or impossible to find anywhere else in the United States.
You can purchase all types of M&M goodies and M&M-themed trinkets here.
An absolutely gigantic comic book store, one of the largest and most well-known in the country, with two full floors of comics, collectibles, manga, and back issues, as well as a very knowledgeable staff. Signings by giants in the comic book industry are a regular occurrence here and the store also sponsors the annual New York Comic Con held every October. Smaller locations can be found in Midtown East and the Financial District.
One-stop shopping for cosmetics.
Very high-end designer clothing, jewelry and accessories store for women, men and kids.
Perhaps the best wine selection in the city, this is the place to go if you want to find that unusual bottle to take home as a gift. They also ship all over if you want to take home more than you can carry!
more commonly just referred to as the Nintendo Store
A two-story specialty store that sells a wide variety of Nintendo merchandise, including videogames, t-shirts, and plushies of your favorite Nintendo characters. The most popular aspect of the store is their Pokecenter which has a wall dedicated to Pokemon videogames, DVDs, action figures and plush dolls. The plush dolls and action figures that are on sale change every week or so, so you need to be quick to find and buy your favorite pokemon’s plush counterpart. The store has a large section devoted to Wiis and 3DS/DS’s that are opened for customers to play and preview videogames before they purchase them. The store also sometimes holds tournaments and video viewings to promote upcoming releases of games.
A 2-level store for Disney merchandise located in the heart of Times Square.
Vintage jewelry shop.
By MTA bus
Quite a number of city bus routes serve the area (see the MTA website for a map), but crosstown routes in particular can be subject to gridlock at peak times.
By long distance bus
Manhattan's main long distance bus station is the Port Authority Bus Terminal, between 8th and 9th Avenues and 40th and 42nd Streets.
By taxi
Taxis ply the area day and night but can slow to a standstill during rush hour, lunchtime, and even mid-afternoon.
On foot
Walking is the way you can see the most, but even walking can be a problem, particularly in Times Square (on Broadway and 7th Av. between 42nd and 48th Sts).
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