Things to Do in Midtown NYC
A tourist staying in Manhattan is most likely to spend most of his time in midtown Manhattan. This is where most hotels in Manhattan are located, as well as arrival points that include Grand Central and Penn stations as well as the Port Authority Bus terminal. The area is in many ways the center of New York City. So there is plenty to do while staying there.
The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is on the corner of 42nd street and 5th avenue. Thanks to a number of movies, the white marble façade and twin lions on the steps have made it one of the most recognizable libraries in the world. While the public is free to wander the building, the library gives free tours that last about an hour.
Grand Central Terminal
More popularly known as Grand Central Station, this famous train terminal is the largest in the world by number of platforms. Its major features include the cavernous main concourse, baroque ceiling and dining concourse whose oyster bar is world famous. Among the oddities you will find in Grand Central Terminal is a tennis court in what was once a television studio.
Rockefeller Center
The lower plaza, the most visualized area Rockefeller Center, is a sunken area that holds a restaurant in summer months and an ice rink in the winter months. Surrounding the plaza and its golden statue of Prometheus are office spaces, cafes, a theater, underground concourses and rooftop gardens. The GE Building contains NBC Studios, home of both "The Today Show" and "Saturday Night Live."
Radio Hall
At the corner of Sixth Avenue and 50th Street sits a monument to the art deco movement of the 1930s, Radio City Music Hall. The building has been nicknamed "The Showplace of the Nation." It is known as the home of the Rockettes, a women's precision dance team.
Central Park
Books have been written about Central Park and its attractions. While this 843-acre green space looks natural, it is actually completely landscaped. Attractions that can easily be reached from the midtown end of the park include a petting zoo, carousel, dairy, chess and checkers pavilion, and the Wollman memorial rink. Also accessible from midtown is the Tavern on The Green restaurant.
Tags: Grand Central, York Public Library, Central Park, Central Terminal, City Music, City Music Hall