Midtown West
Midtown West has varied attractions ranging from great parks to great entertainment. Explore New York’s amazingly large Central Park, with its lake, zoo, trees, fountains, statues and museums. Shop and dine around Columbus Circle at the southwestern corner of the park. Head east for luxury shopping on 5th Avenue, the boundary between Midtown West and Midtown East.
Rockefeller Center offers outstanding views from the Top of the Rock observation deck. At Rockefeller Plaza on ground level, enjoy summer garden dining, winter ice-skating and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Get tickets to see live television filmed in studios nearby. See the Rockettes dancers and other entertainment across the street at Radio City Music Hall.
Take a subway or bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal and exit on the southern end of the Theater District, with 40 distinctly attractive theaters. Enjoy long-running and original Broadway performances in this area around Times Square.
Relax in Bryant Park, south of Times Square and just off 5th Avenue. Have a picnic on the large lawn or participate in activities ranging from chess and backgammon to ping-pong and kubb. Skate for free in winter. Walk past two marble lions to enter the New York Public Library, officially the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, to see lavish chandeliers, beautiful murals and millions of books.
The westernmost part of Midtown is known as Hell’s Kitchen. Once the home of poor Irish immigrants, its gentrification has created a lively upscale neighborhood. Visit the area for gastronomic delights, with ethnic food from six continents.
Arrive in Midtown West via Amtrak at the underground Penn Station, one of the busiest train stations in the U.S. Above the station, attend Knicks’ basketball or Rangers’ hockey games, as well as major concerts, at Madison Square Garden. From the arena, explore Herald Square’s shopping area. The flagship Macy’s department store here is the endpoint for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that has been held every November since 1924.