There’s a running joke that New Yorkers never step foot above 14th Street or below 59th Street, the section of the city more commonly known as Midtown. While this area of New York City is certainly a huge draw for tourists due to its many famous attractions, there are still plenty of fun things to do other than going to Times Square or the Empire State Building. Follow along to get a New Yorker’s guide on what to do in Midtown NYC.
1. See Cool Art at the Museum of Modern Art
Check out over 200,000 pieces of contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art. From the exhibits to the interior, everything about this museum is modern and fun. The museum changes the exhibits often, but the permanent collection has pieces from artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and more.
There’s a beautiful outdoor garden where you can relax and enjoy some drinks and snacks. And don’t miss the gift shop downstairs, which has the best selection of books, home items, clothing, furniture, games, and souvenirs.
2. Relax at a Park
Even in the hustle and bustle of the offices and tourists buzzing around Midtown, there are some lovely parks to enjoy.
Bryant Park is located a few short blocks from Times Square. This park gives strong European park vibes with a central lawn surrounded by chairs and tables on the perimeter and a beautiful fountain at the entrance. There are also food vendors in the park if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Madison Square Park is located right near the Flat Iron Building and has some adorable dog parks. There are benches throughout the park perfect for people-watching but we prefer dog-watching 😉
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3. Explore Koreatown
Have you ever been to Koreatown in NYC? It’s certainly one of Midtown’s gems. Located on 32nd Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway, the two blocks are packed with amazing Korean BBQ, karaoke lounges, bakeries, and beauty stores. It’s much smaller than other ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little Italy, but there’s still much to do here.
4. See a Live Recording of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Sit in the audience at a filming of the legendary Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Tickets are free and open to the public (although it does require a bit of persistence and advance planning). It’s a memorable experience and definitely one of the most unique things to do in Midtown.
5. Walk the High Line
The High Line is one of New York’s most unique parks. Running through Chelsea and ending at Hudson Yards, it’s more of an elevated walking path but has spots for relaxing as well. It replaces what once used to be train tracks and the quiet park feels like an oasis. The 1.5-mile path will take you through some of the most beautiful buildings in Chelsea and bring you straight to the Vessel in Hudson Yards.
6. Watch a Game or Concert in Madison Square Garden
Located right in the heart of Midtown, New Yorkers don’t have to travel far to Madison Square Garden, one of the most popular venues for sports, concerts, and shows. At this world-famous stadium, you can catch a New York Knicks or New York Rangers game which fills the city with the most exciting energy.
And of course, there are some pretty epic concerts here too. The 20,000-seat stadium has hosted concerts for some of the biggest names in music as well like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, and recently, Harry Styles’ New York residency (that earned him a permanent banner!)
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7. See a Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, right by Rockefeller Center is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. It was built starting in 1858 and has been an icon of New York’s architecture since it opened its doors in 1879. This awe-inspiring cathedral takes up the entire block and will make you marvel at the stonework and stained glass windows. It’s open for daily visits and also has services as well.
8. Tour the United Nations
Get a glimpse at where international policy is created at the United Nations Headquarters, right in the heart of the city! You can even take a tour to peek inside. A tour guide will take you through the building and you can even see the famous General Assembly Hall.
9. Go Shopping on Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is home to some of the city’s best department stores and luxury shopping. Follow Fifth Avenue from 49th Street to 60th Street to visit stores like Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Harry Winston. And check out some of the best department stores: Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman.
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10. Get Lost in a Library
There are some really great libraries located in Midtown.
Of course, there’s the New York Public Library, the crown jewel of the city’s libraries. Outside you can see the large stone lions, Patience and Fortitude, and inside, you can peruse the grand halls and special collections.
A lesser visited library is The Morgan Library, located in Murray Hill. A visit here will make you forget you’re in New York’s busiest neighborhood. The library used to be the private library of J. Pierpont Morgan, a successful American banker and founder of J.P. Morgan. It’s majestic, ornate, and feels like a palace. Book nerds will be excited to see an original Gutenberg Bible, one of only 23 copies of the Declaration of Independence, Mozart’s handwritten score of the Haffner Symphony, Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, and the only complete manuscript of Paradise Lost.
11. Watch the Sunset on a Rooftop Bar
While you may be trying to skip the crowds at the Empire State Building, you can’t deny that the Midtown skyline is a pretty gorgeous sight. Thankfully, you can visit plenty of rooftop bars that will give you the same view without the lines. Check out Refinery Rooftop, right in front of the Empire State Building, Bar 54, one of the most popular and scenic bars, or Electric Lemon, which has a great waterfront view.
That wraps up this list of what to do in Midtown NYC, according to a New Yorker. What spots did we miss?