A Visitor’s Guide to Fun Things to Do in Midtown NYC

Midtown Manhattan is one of the world’s most iconic cities and the heart of New York City. It’s a vibrant hub of culture, art, and entertainment that welcomes millions of tourists each year. From the Empire State Building to Grand Central Station to Broadway shows, there are countless fun activities and attractions in Midtown that can be enjoyed and explored by everyone.

History and Overview of Midtown NYC

Midtown is the largest central business district in the United States, and it’s been home to some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers and attractions for over a century. Stretching from 34th Street to 59th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the East River, Midtown is the largest section of Manhattan and one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

The rise of Midtown as a major business district can be traced back to 1884 when the opening of Grand Central Station made it easier for people to commute in and out of the area. Since then, the area has been home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and more. It’s also home to the headquarters of many of the world’s most influential companies and organizations, such as the United Nations, CBS, Time Warner, and Fox News.

Midtown offers a wide range of cultural attractions and activities for visitors from all over the world. From world-class museums and galleries to Broadway shows and theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone in Midtown. The area also boasts some of the finest dining and shopping experiences in the city with countless restaurants, bars, cafes, and boutiques for visitors to explore.

Popular Attractions in Midtown NYC

Midtown NYC is filled with countless attractions and activities for visitors from all over the world. From world-class museums to iconic landmarks to vibrant shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Midtown. Here are just a few of the most popular attractions in Midtown NYC:

Empire State Building

The iconic Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Midtown NYC. Located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, the Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper that was completed in 1931. Visitors can go up to the 86th floor observation deck for stunning views of the city skyline or take an elevator ride up to the 102nd floor where they can see all five boroughs of New York City.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is one of the most iconic transit hubs in the world. Located on Park Avenue between 42nd and 45th Streets, Grand Central Station is a magnificent Beaux-Arts building that opened in 1913. In addition to its bustling train station, Grand Central Station also houses several restaurants, cafes, shops, and even a secret oyster bar hidden beneath its grand hallways.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is one of Midtown’s most iconic landmarks, located between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue between 48th and 51st Streets. The complex includes 19 commercial buildings with gardens and plazas, a famous skating rink, shopping centers, and Radio City Music Hall. It’s also home to NBC Studios, where visitors can actually take tours of their favorite television shows!

Times Square

Times Square is one of the most popular attractions in Midtown NYC. Located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 42nd Street and 47th Street, Times Square is a vibrant hub of activity with countless shops, restaurants, theaters, and other attractions. It’s also home to some of the city’s best hotels, such as The New York Marriott Marquis, The Hilton Times Square, and The Courtyard by Marriott Times Square South.

Museums and Galleries

Midtown Manhattan is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums and galleries. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), located on 53rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, is one of the world’s premier modern art galleries featuring works from renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and more. The Guggenheim Museum is also located nearby on Fifth Avenue between 88th Street and 89th Street and features works from artists like Salvador Dalí, Mark Rothko, and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Fun Activities in Midtown NYC

In addition to its countless attractions, Midtown Manhattan also offers plenty of fun activities for visitors from all over the world. From Broadway shows to comedy clubs to live music venues, there are plenty of fun things to do in Midtown NYC. Here are just a few of the most popular activities in Midtown NYC:

Broadway Shows

Broadway shows are one of the most popular things to do in Midtown NYC. Located between 41st Street and 54th Street on Broadway Avenue, Broadway is home to some of the most acclaimed shows in theater history such as Hamilton, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Cats, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, and more. Visitors can purchase tickets at any of the show’s official box offices or online through sites like TodayTix or Telecharge.

Comedy Clubs

Midtown Manhattan is home to some of the best comedy clubs in the city. Gotham Comedy Club on West 23rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue features nightly stand-up performances from some of the best comedians in New York City. The Comedy Cellar at West Village on MacDougal Street between West 3rd Street and West 8th Street is another popular comedy club that offers an impressive line-up of comedians from around the world.

Live Music Venues

Midtown Manhattan is also home to some great live music venues. B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on West 42nd Street between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue features live performances from some of the best blues musicians in the city while The Mercury Lounge on East Houston Street between 2nd Avenue and Avenue A offers an eclectic line-up of indie rock bands from around the country.

Tours in Midtown NYC

In addition to its countless attractions and activities, Midtown also offers plenty of guided tours for visitors from all over the world. From walking tours to bus tours to river cruises, there are plenty of ways to explore Midtown NYC with a knowledgeable local guide who can show you all that this vibrant area has to offer. Here are two popular guided tours for visitors looking for an unforgettable experience in Midtown:

NYC Central Park Horse & Carriage Ride Tour

The NYC Central Park Horse & Carriage Ride Tour is one of the most popular tours in Midtown NYC. Visitors will get an up close view of one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks with a leisurely carriage ride around Central Park. This tour will take you past some of Central Park’s most beloved landmarks including Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle, Gapstow Bridge, The Mall & Literary Walk, Wollman Rink, Sheep Meadow, Turtle Pond and more. Book a NYC Central Park Horse & Carriage Ride Tour here.

NYC Skyline Cruise

The NYC Skyline Cruise is one of the best ways to explore all that Midtown has to offer. Visitors will get spectacular views of some of New York City’s most iconic sights with a leisurely cruise along Manhattan’s East River. This tour will take you past some of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks including The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Governors Island and more. Book a NYC Skyline Cruise here.