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Midtown Manhattan with yellow taxi cabs at the crossroad, NYC.

Things to do in  Midtown

There’s nothing mid about it

Midtown Manhattan—the area that runs from the East River to the Hudson River and from 34th Street to 59th Street—is the heart of New York City. A must-see for out-of-towners, this section of the city is home to popular attractions, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway, Hudson Yards, and Madison Square Garden. Toward its outer east-west boundaries, the chaotic energy of bustling Midtown tends to quiet a bit, but there’s never a shortage of things to do in Midtown.

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When to visit

The best time to visit Midtown Manhattan is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, making both seasons ideal for exploring the city outdoors. Summers are usually hot and muggy, while the winters are cold. If you want to experience the city’s festive holiday spirit, visit in December for a magical experience, from the window decorations along Fifth Avenue to the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

Getting around

Midtown Manhattan is the most accessible location in NYC, with multiple transportation options. Almost all subway lines run through Midtown, and MTA buses serve the area. The Port Authority Bus Terminal, which services New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is located here, and Grand Central Terminal has the Metro-North Railroad. The city’s bike-sharing program has stations in the area. Yellow cabs and rideshare services are available, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Traveler tips

There are four observation decks in Midtown Manhattan: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Summit, and The Edge. Admission prices are roughly the same and start in the US$40 range. Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building are traditional observation desks, while the Summit and The Edge are more modern.

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People Also Ask
Q:How do you spend a day in Midtown Manhattan?
A:

Start your day in Midtown Manhattan by exploring Times Square and Bryant Park before the crowds converge, then check out the New York Public Library and browse the shops on Fifth Avenue. After lunch, visit Top of the Rock and end the day with dinner and a Broadway show.

Q:What is Midtown Manhattan best known for?
A:

Midtown Manhattan is best known for its many landmarks and cultural attractions, including Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the New York Public Library. Plus, high-end stores line Fifth Avenue. Because of this, Midtown is where tourists typically stop first when visiting NYC.

Q:What is the difference between downtown and Midtown in Manhattan?
A:

Downtown generally refers to the southern part of Manhattan, typically south of 14th Street. Midtown spans the blocks between 34th Street and 59th Street and is characterized by tourist attractions, entertainment venues, and commercial activities. Downtown is more residential, boasting trendy shops and a vibrant arts scene.

Q:Is Midtown the same as Times Square?
A:

No, Midtown Manhattan is not the same as Times Square, though Times Square is within Midtown. Times Square is centered around Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 47th streets. Bustling Times Square features billboards and Broadway theaters, while the rest of Midtown includes corporate offices, residences, and tourist attractions.

Q:Is Central Park considered to be in Midtown?
A:

No, Central Park is not in Midtown Manhattan but borders it. Central Park runs from 59th to 110th streets and Fifth Avenue to Central Park West. The southern edge of the park, known as Central Park South, lies adjacent to the northern boundary of Midtown, which extends to 59th Street.

Q:Why is Midtown Manhattan so expensive?
A:

Midtown is the heart of already expensive New York City, with access to major business hubs, tourist attractions, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks. Its central location makes it highly desirable for businesses, plus the limited space equals more expensive real estate. Those costs get passed to consumers.

Things to do near Midtown

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