Midtown Manhattan often referred to as “The City” by residents, is home to a diverse cultural scene that offers endless options for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. From tasting gourmet meals to viewing the Manhattan skyline, this section of the city has a lot to offer tourists. It will take you days to explore the entire place, which is why it’s a smart idea to get a hotel near transportation hubs so that you can make the most out of your trip.
One of the best places to stay in during your visit to NYC is the Westgate New York Grand Central. Located just two blocks from the famed Grand Central Station, it’s a practical accommodation for tourists who want to explore Midtown Manhattan. Read more about the hotel by visiting their website.
After deciding on where you want to stay, the next thing you want to do is to tweak and review your itinerary. Remember that Midtown Manhattan offers a lot of things to see, eat, and do, and you’ll want to narrow down your route to the ones that matter to you. We’ve compiled a list of must-see attractions that you shouldn’t miss while in the area:
1. Grand Central Terminal
The Grand Central Terminal is more than just an average train station. It has been a beloved landmark in New York City for more than a hundred years. This terminal is accessible, in part, because of its historical background and breathtaking architecture. Many tourists drop by the pier to see the Celestial Ceiling, try exchanging messages in the Whispering Gallery, and meet up at the Grand Central Station Clock. Also, the terminal features 60 retail stores and 35 food concessions, proving itself to be an unmissable destination for shopping and dining.
2. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, which was completed in 1931, is the first skyscraper that exceeded 100 floors. It was also the tallest building in New York City, but it was surpassed by the World Trade Center in 1972 and One World Trade Center in 2006. Nonetheless, this architectural spectacle is still one of the most famous attractions in the city. The 360-degree viewing deck on the 86th floor offers an unprecedented view of the Manhattan skyline. The observation deck is open from 8 am to 2 am.
3. Rockefeller Center
Found in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center has been a popular tourist destination since it was completed in 1939. This 22-acre complex is famous for housing several iconic spots in New York City: the NYC ice skating rink, Channel Gardens, Top of the Rock, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and many more. This site hosts various activities that you’ll enjoy.
4. MoMA
Museum of Modern Art MoMA is one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world. It welcomed 2.8 million visitors in 2016. It houses about 200,000 artworks, including iconic pieces such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. From time to time, the museum also holds exhibits and installations that showcase developing artists.
5. Bryant Park
Bryant Park first opened to the public back in 1934. The park is right next to the New York Public Library, and while it isn’t anywhere as big as the Rockefeller Center, it does offer a lot of fun activities. In summer, the park hosts outdoor concerts and movie screenings. In winter, it turns into a fun ice-skating park surrounded by stores and stalls perfect for holiday shopping.
These places not only give visitors a good view of what New York has to offer in terms of sights, sounds, and taste; they also provide an excellent backdrop for lovely photos that will serve as a reminder of your time in The Big Apple.
6.Central park
A walk through the world-famous Central Park should be at the top of your list: »Things to do in New York» It is the ideal place to relax on one of its exciting tours. Try some of the delicious lunches at the Whole Foods Market in Columbus Circle. There is a small bakery, several small shops and a large counter where you can choose your lunch from a wide selection of salads and hot dishes. Try some delicacies: you will find the ones that suit you best!
Central Park is perfect for a rest in the middle of a beautiful natural environment – take a seat on a bench or find an ideal place under a tree and look at people. Look at the runners, the dog walkers, and the artists: feel the energy of the Big City! During the summer, many families spend their time on the grass, and during the winter, they take off the skates to show off their best movements on the ice rink.
If you have the opportunity to rent a bicycle to explore the entire park, visit the Conservatory Garden. An oasis of nature in the middle of a city, Central Park is just what you need to sit down and take some rest time before jumping into the bustle of the town again.
7.Wall Street and Trinity Church
You can take subway lines 4 and 5 (direction Wall Street) from the Grand Central Station and walk about 20 minutes until you reach Manhattan. You can visit the famous Wall Street and the bull in Bowling Green Park. The financial district is full of life and the economic heart of New York. Still, there was a specific building that especially caught my attention between the busy and commercial environment, located among all the skyscrapers, the magnificent Trinity Church, surrounded by a small and historic cemetery.
This place is a home of many famous people in American History, and the church was an essential refuge for rescue forces during and after 9/11. Today you have the opportunity to listen to the Grammy-nominated choir or concerts. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Church of Trinidad!
8.9/11 Memorial
Two steps away, the 9/11 Memorial is situated, a tribute to remember and honor the victims who died in the terrorist attacks of 2001 at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. While many museums refuse to exhibit original remnants of the World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial presents a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Some of the pieces are integrated into the architecture of the museum. Visitors can go through a destroyed ambulance or by steel strips melted by heat.
Those who have enough courage can listen to the last calls of the victims of the attack or can watch several videos about the hours following the terrorist attacks. It is worth the visit. The most emotional aspect of this tragedy is the capacity of recovery and altruism of New Yorkers, who were united and supported each other in the wake of this tragic event.
9. Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island is located in the Upper New York Bay and was the gateway for immigrants to the US, as it was the immigrant inspection station from 1892 to 1954. Today it is a museum. You can have a magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty from Ellis Island, and both the museum and the Statue of Liberty can be easily reached by ferry (you have to pay for it). With the New York CityPASS, you have free access to these attractions.
The best part of your ferry trip is the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline – this is the moment when you realize how impressive New York is. It will not only be the places of interest that captivate you during your vacation but the city itself! New York seems to have its personality that will delight you. Those of you who have already been to New York will confirm that you will fall in love with this city at first sight.
Which of these spots will you be visiting first?
