Midtown is one of the most prominent business districts in NYC. Midtown West gained popularity in the 19th Century, when it became the center of garment production for the USA. New technologies and the Industrial Revolution only led to further corporate development in the 20th century, when the Garment District became the leading scene for designers, seamstresses, wholesalers, and more. In 1904, The New York Times opened its new headquarters in Times Square, and the area soon became the…
Midtown is one of the most prominent business districts in NYC. Midtown West gained popularity in the 19th Century, when it became the center of garment production for the USA. New technologies and the Industrial Revolution only led to further corporate development in the 20th century, when the Garment District became the leading scene for designers, seamstresses, wholesalers, and more. In 1904, The New York Times opened its new headquarters in Times Square, and the area soon became the world’s most renowned theatre district-home to almost 40 Broadway theatres today! Though shiny and popular, Midtown was also known for its grunge. In the 1990s, the Disney Corporation decided to produce shows on Broadway, like The Lion King, and worked with Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to make the area more family-friendly. Today, the buildings still blare with flashing color and advertisements, and residents and tourists of all ages and backgrounds crowd the streets.
Relatively less densely packed than other neighborhoods, at just under twice as dense on a population per square mile basis than New York as a whole. That said, Midtown is full of big buildings and office workers; during the day sidewalk space is at a premium.
Times Square, Rock Center, some great restaurants, theater, and a whole lot of office buildings. Year round, the area around 42nd St. and 7th Avenue buzzes with tourists anxious to see the iconic space, as well as locals, on their daily commute to various office buildings and studios in the area. And of course, Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres heavily populate the neighborhood. The red TKTS booth in the center of 42nd St and Broadway sells discount tickets. Times Square offers a variety of attractions, from enormous big name stores like Forever 21 and Toys R Us, to large restaurants, like Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
While many of the businesses may seem generic, head off to the side streets, such as 46th Street (Little Brazil), to discover more of a local community. Get glamorous in the Diamond District, located at 47th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, or head to Koreatown, between 30th and 36th Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. The Fashion District, between 34th St and 42nd St. on 7th Avenue, is home to the Fashion Institute of Technology as well as tons of fabric and design shops. A recent attempt to make living in midtown trendier has relabeled the area "MiMa", as in Midtown Manhattan. Other attractions include Carnegie Hall, The Museum of Modern Art, and Radio City Music Hall. Madison Square Garden, at 33rd and 7th Ave, is home to the Rangers and the Knicks, and hosts massive sell-out concerts year round.
Tall office buildings and luxury high-rises abound in the eastern part of the neighborhood. As you go west, though, there are low-rise apartment buildings and pretty brownstones on the side streets.
Dining, theatre, music, shopping, touring
New Year’s Eve is the most popular time of year at Times Square: the ball drops at midnight and “New Years Rockin’ Eve” is hosted live from the center of town. Try securing early entrance to a party in a hotel or venue nearby, for the best views and least crowded experience.
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N Q R B D F M
0.13 mi - 34th St (34th St)
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B D F M 7
0.26 mi - 42nd St (42nd St and 6th Ave)
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1 2 3 A C E N Q R 7 S
0.30 mi - Times Square-42nd St (40th St and Broadway)
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6
0.35 mi - 33rd St (33rd St and Park Ave)
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4 5 6 7 S
0.37 mi - Grand Central (42nd St and Madison Ave)
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