Midtown is full of Manhattan’s iconic sites: Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, NYC Public Library, and Bryant Park.
Pop up shops, tall buildings, speakeasies, parks and more. Travel the chic but fun way in Midtown. Explore this cheat sheet to Midtown, you won’t be disappointed!
SEE
Rosé Wine Mansion – best happy hour
111 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001, United States
If you’re ready to wine down, check out the Rosé Mansion, where you taste global and wines in different exhibit rooms then learn how rosés are made. Different rooms are paired with rosé specifically tailored for various themes. Each room has photo props and yes, they want you to take as many pictures as you want. Gather a group of friends, put on a cute outfit, and reserve a time to go! You do not want to miss out. Also, they have a Taco Numbo and a ball pit!
Empire State Building – the iconic
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
It is a must to see the notorious Empire State building when in New York. Take the tour and go all the way to the top. If you get hungry, they have a restaurant State Grill and Bar, ranked at 4.8 stars and offers packaged deals for the restaurant and tour!
Times Square – it really doesn’t sleep
Between Broadway and 7th Ave. Stretches from W 42nd to W 47th St Manhattan, NY 10036
The iconic Time Square is how NYC got its name of “the city that never sleeps”, whether it’s 1pm or 2am, Time Square is always lit up and honestly astonishing. The only downfall with this area is that it’s a high tourist area where you can barely walk without getting stuck in a crowd or getting shoved. Best time to see Time Square might be early morning from 3am-6am.
Broadway shows – best song & dance
Either buy the best Broadway tickets in advance or go at matinee time on Wednesdays, Saturdays at 2 pm, or Sundays at 3 pm and get a cheaper deal. Many movies and books have been turned into Broadway plays, with the extreme of advance technology in this decade, you will be memorized by these shows. As well as the venues, there are authentic theaters that won’t disappoint.
Madison Square Garden – dribble…shoot, shoot.
4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, United States
MSG is a landmark venue that is connected to New Your Penn Station. Go see a concert or a basketball game in this legendary venue.
The Vessel – extraordinary centerpiece
The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States
Located in the Hudson Yards which was recently built. This bronze-colored beautiful edifice is where you can walk the entire building or take the elevator all the way up. It is free to stroll through the Vessel but you must book online in advance. Book a few days prior because the free admission tickets will run out and you either pay $30 admission or can only see the outside.
New York Public Library – more than bookworms
One of the most divine libraries in midtown, it is definitely considered a landmark in Manhattan. It was built in 1911 and it has such a charming, authentic character. The one in midtown is the main branch and often mentioned in movies, music, television shows and books. Admission is free, but some lectures might require advanced tickets.
Bryant Park – world class restrooms
Whether you want to ice skate in the winter or watch a movie on the lawn in the summer, Bryant Park is where you should go in Midtown. During the winter, check out winter village produced by Urbanspace, where you can eat and drink at several street stands. Don’t miss the Bryant Park Fountain, dedicated to Shaw, a social worker active in the late 19th century. There’s tons of events that happen at this park, always check their website to see what’s going on.
EAT
STK – celeb hotspot
1114 6th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States
An upscale steakhouse that makes the most phenomenal meals. Have a glass of red wine or a Moscow Mule and share a medium or large steak with a lover or friends. Add a side of Yukon gold mashed potatoes and creamy spinach, I swear you’ll thank me. To the non-red meat or Vegetarians readers, there are other options such as: shell fish, chicken, and salads! This is a high end restaurant therefore, it is on the pricey end and you must make a reservation. Fun fact: I saw the music artist J. Cole here!
Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery – cheesecakes & brooklyn-themed
1515 Broadway, W 45th St, New York, NY 10019
A diner with banging milkshakes and desserts. But not only that, this dine-in offers juicy burgers and triple deckers but also potato pancakes with apple sauce! Their wide range menu will have something you like! Also their streak fries taste amazing, dipped in a chocolate milkshake. Juniors is a very popular place so be prepared to wait for a table. Tip: have dessert or grab it to go! Their red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting is my favorite. Oh, and drinks are served with paper straws!
SERRA by Birreria – rooftop & high-end beer
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Every season Serra by Birreria, an Italian restaurant, changes its theme. In the summer, you’ll see flowers and roses, in the fall you’ll see leaves, in the winter you’ll see snow and garland, and in the spring, you’ll see more flowers! Since seasons change, it means the menu changes with it. Don’t be fooled by the illusion of pictures, this restaurant is not outside, it just has glass windows. Please make a reservation! One of the best restaurants to take pictures as well! Tip: it is above the Eataly food market and you have to walk through the store to get to the host.
Spoon Table & Bar – new american cuisine & craft cocktails
40 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
If you are looking for a brunch place check out Spoon Table and Bar. Such a cute modern place with marble and fine wood tables. They serve their food in a skillet and mimosas are awesome! After sipping all of your mimosas then have a latte, it’s killer. I recommend the breakfast skillet or the chicken and waffles!
DRINK
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – chic penthouse
230 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10001
If you want the perfect view of the Empire State building, come here! 230 has a bourgeoisie atmosphere inside but also the only club I’ve seen with carpet on the inside. Every VIP section has the coolest couch and chairs. Best time to come here is in the winter! They have igloos on the rooftop! You cannot reserve an igloo for night time because 230 wants people to make friends with other parties! Did I mention that the igloos are heated and light up at night? They serve hot spike drinks and let you borrow red hooded robes. The spiked hot chocolate is a must-try ! One of my favorite lounges in Midtown.
Patent Pending – hidden cocktail bar
49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
This is a speakeasy in midtown that its front is a coffee shop. There is a secret door beyond the menu in the coffee shop where you enter the lovely brick bar. Check it out for a fun night of conversing and drinking. Shhh…I won’t say no more! Just don’t forget to make a reservation!
Magic Hour – rooftop bar
485 7TH Ave, New York, NY
This is a speakeasy in midtown that its front is a coffee shop. There is a secret door beyond the menu in the coffee shop where you enter the lovely brick bar. Check it out for a fun night of conversing and drinking. Shhh…I won’t say no more! Just don’t forget to make a reservation!
STAY
Arlo NoMad – trendy & eco-friendly
11 E 31st Street New York, NY 10016
Hands down, the best place to stay in Midtown. If you ever stayed in the city, you’d know that most rooms are small, but they are shaped in a way that works. This is an eco-friendly hotel with exquisite service. But not only that, it has a modern interior and there is a view in each room. The windows are as elevated as the walls where you actually wake up to the city! Arlo Nomad has a rooftop, a restaurant and a small store where you can order excellent coffee. Tip: book the sky room, you will not regret it.