Midtown is the bustling heart of Manhattan between 14th and 59th Street. No time to relax let alone promenade here; the endless stream of professionals and tourists will chase you under a cab in no time. With the tourist attractions come the tourist traps, which make a guide indispensable. I picked my favorite activity per neighborhood, paired with a memorable option for food or drinks. 

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Chelsea

The High Line

Chelsea is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city; there is always a lot going on, without the craziness of central Midtown. The Chelsea Film Festival is a must if you’re around in October. A yearlong attraction is the High Line, a greenway built on a former rail track. Located at an elevated level, it holds great views of Chelsea and the Meatpacking district.

Fuel up: Chelsea Market is a hip food court housing over 40 bars, restaurants and shops. Lobster rolls, world-class wines, fresh pastries, design kitchen supplies – if it’s somehow related to food, Chelsea Market has it. Pack up a picnic and enjoy it on the High Line, Chelsea’s green vain.

Flatiron & Tenderloin

Madison Square Park

Not to be confused with indoor arena Madison Square Garden, Madison Square Park is a green space in central Midtown. With a popular dog park and an army of squirrels, it’s an urban oasis in a part of town dominated by skyscrapers. You’ll find one of NYC’s most remarkable buildings in the southwest corner. As its nickname suggests, the Flatiron Building resembles a flat clothing iron.

Fuel up: The frontal view of the Empire State Building from 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is hard to beat. In summer, the lounge becomes a tropical oasis in Manhattan’s concrete jungle. The palm trees make way for heated igloos in winter, when the large outdoor patio turns into a winter wonderland.

Murray Hill

Grand Central Terminal

Public transport doesn’t get more glamorous than NYC’s Grand Central Station. The majestic terminal has made an appearance in countless American movies and tv-shows, most of a romantic nature. Even if you are not commuting to the suburbs or saying an epic goodbye to your lover, Grand Central is worth a visit.

Fuel up: Grand Central Oyster Bar is an iconic seafood eatery on the terminal’s lower level. It opened right after the inauguration of Grand Central Terminal, over 100 years ago. The oyster shots, seafood platters and caviar sandwich are close to legendary in the city.

Koreatown

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building might just be the most iconic building in the United States. The art-deco skyscraper held the title of tallest building in the world for about 40 years, until the World Trade Center took over. The open-air observatory at the 86th floor offers spectacular views of New York City and beyond. If you can’t decide between a day- or nighttime view, opt for a CityPASS; it includes two visits on the same day.

Fuel up: Koreatown is only two blocks wide, but has no shortage of food options. For authentic Korean BBQ, delicious ramen or Korean-style karaoke, look no further.

Garment District

Bryant Park

Anyone who claims that Manhattan lacks green spaces is clearly wrong. Another urban oasis in the midst of Midtown’s skyscrapers is Bryant Park. With many office buildings around, it makes up a popular lunch spot with New Yorkers.

Fuel up: Have lunch at Bryant Park and blend into Midtown’s office crowd, with the help of a classic New York bite. Best Bagel & Coffee wraps up a delicious smoked salmon bagel.

Hell’s Kitchen

Drag Queen Show

New York City is all about theater, and that includes drag queen shows. With the Theater District as a neighbor and NYC’s gayborhood as a nickname, Hell’s Kitchen is the prime location to catch a drag queen show. Lucky Cheng’s combines the best of both worlds: bottomless brunch and a long-running drag queen show.

Fuel up: Dear Irving on Hudson offers front row seats to the sunset spectacle over Midtown Manhattan. From the 41st floor of the Aliz Hotel, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Go for the views right before sunset, stay for the perfectly crafted cocktails and swanky design.

Theatre District

Broadway Show

The Theater District houses a total of 41 Broadway theaters, showing both musicals and plays. Productions vary, but classic shows like Phantom of the Opera and Chicago have been running non-stop for years. As Broadway shows are considered top level in the theatre world, they come at a price. Same-day discounted tickets are available at the TKTS booth on Times Square.

Fuel up: The Times Square experience wouldn’t be complete without braving the crowds in an all-American restaurant chain. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. meets these expectations with flying colors.

Central Midtown

Top of the Rock

The Rockefeller Center is the Empire State’s closest competitor when it comes to stunning views of the NYC skyline. Top of the Rock tops the view from the Empire State Building for two reasons. One, you get a birds-eye view of the city’s green heart, Central Park. Two, the most iconic NYC building appears on the skyline.

Fuel up: Fogo De Chao in Midtown Manhattan is a great location to try out this Brazilian steakhouse. The churrasco experience comes with continuous service of signature Brazilian cuts. A green “Yes Please” and red “No Thank You” sign tell the waiters whether you need a break from the steak.

Turtle Bay

United Nations Headquarters

Since the United Nations brought me to New York City in the first place, I had to include the UN Headquarters on this list. From witnessing the Popemobile arrive to a screening of Belief with Oprah and a handshake with Ban Ki-moon, my internship came with many memorable moments. Guided tours of the building are available to the public.

Fuel up: A throwback to my days as an intern, when $1 pizza slices featured on the dinner menu regularly. NYC’s signature slice seems to beat inflation: they are still sold across Midtown, at just a little more than the “99 cent fresh pizza” banners let you believe. 150 Fresh Pizza has several locations in Turtle Bay.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been updated for accuracy.