Attractions
While there are countless places to visit in New York City, a fare share of them are easily found in East Manhattan. From the paintings of masters like Henri Matisse to the awe-inspiring skyscrapers of the 1930s, iconic works of art and landmarks can be spotted almost anywhere you look.
Rockefeller Center
Aside from being home to New York City’s biggest Christmas tree—and ice skating! —during the holidays, this Art Deco building offers stunning views of the city from the “top of the rock” and boasts an excellent shopping concourse and plaza. And, as you may know, the building happens to be home to NBC—If you’re a fan of talk show geek, try your luck grabbing tickets for Late Night with Seth Meyers or Saturday Night Live. For more cultural immersion, book a tour of the Radio City Music Hall, meet the Rockettes, or snap photos in front of the iconic Atlas and Prometheus statues.
45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111
212.332.6868
https://www.rockefellercenter.com/
Distance from hotel: 0.6 miles
Central Park Zoo
Central Park has something for everyone in the family, from the marathon-running fitness guru to the sun-bathing picnic enthusiast and the lovebirds who want to row a boat together in the lake. The whole family will enjoy the Central Park Zoo, a fantastic destination for kids and parents alike. The zoo attracts over a million visitors a year, who come to see notable exhibits like the Alison Maher Stern Snow Leopard exhibit, which showcases these big predator cats navigating the steep rocky terrain similar to that of their habitat in the wild. Then there’s the sea lion pool, Tisch children’s zoo, and a rainforest tropic zone.
*Check out our Live Like A Local Package for discount tickets in partnership with the Central Park Zoo!
E 64th St and 5th Ave, New York, NY 10021
212.439.6500
https://centralparkzoo.com/
Distance from hotel: 1.3 miles
Empire State Building
Visiting the Empire State Building is a New York City rite of passage. With an 86th-floor outdoor observatory deck boasting iconic views of Manhattan and beyond, there’s a good reason why the skyscraper remains one of the must-visit destinations in town. Other attractions within the space include the 102nd floor indoor observation deck and the Dare to Dream exhibit honoring the thousands of folks who built the 1,454-foot building.
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
212.736.3100
http://www.esbnyc.com/
Distance from hotel: 1.3 miles
The New York Public Library
Discover the flagship building of The New York Public Library—one of the world’s great libraries. A magnificent example of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture, this library has symbolized the democratic ideal of free and open access to knowledge since it opened to the public in 1911. Today, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building welcomes millions of visitors a year from across the world who find inspiration in its majestic public spaces, unparalleled research collections, and vibrant programs and exhibitions.
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
917.275.6975
https://www.nypl.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.7 miles
Grand Central Terminal
This beautiful and instantly-recognizable Beaux-Arts train terminal is the nation’s biggest transit hub and one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Even if you aren’t taking a train, be sure to check out the enormous main concourse, with its oversized windows and pristinely painted ceiling. And if you’re in the mood for a bite, the station is home to the famed Grand Central Oyster Bar as well as both a bakery and fine-dining restaurant by legendary Scandinavian chef and Noma co-founder Claus Meyer.
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
212.340.2583
https://www.grandcentralterminal.com/
Distance from hotel: 0.8 miles
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is home to the largest collection of modern paintings and sculptures in the world, housing Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Monet’s breathtaking 14-foot wide Water Lilies, among other seminal works of art. Though smaller than the Met, the MoMA is almost as significant and certainly worth a visit. Opened in 1929, the museum houses art from the 18th century to the present day. Children 16 and under always get in free, and adults can too every Friday evening from 4 to 8pm.
11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
212.708.9400
https://www.moma.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.7 miles
Seagram Building
This minimalist, 60s-era skyscraper, designed by German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is a contemporary fixture of the city’s skyline and an engineering marvel. Inside the 38-story building, find three restaurants from NYC’s celebrated Major Food Group: The Grill, The Pool, and The Lobster Club.
375 Park Ave, New York, NY 10152
212.572.7404
http://www.375parkavenue.com/
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
The United Nations
See the world-famous diplomatic collective in action at the UN. Designed by famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the 39-story Secretariat Building is the most visually stunning building from the outside, though visitors are not allowed inside. You can, however, book a tour of the General Assembly Hal, the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council Chamber,
46th St and 1st Ave, New York, NY 10017
212.963.7539
https://visit.un.org/
Distance from hotel: 0.5 miles
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Located in Midtown East, this legendary cathedral is one of the most storied and beloved religious sites in America, as well as the seat of the Archbishop of New York. A prime example of New York’s Gothic Revival architecture, the house of worship sits across the street from Rockefeller Center between East 50th and 51st Street and is open to the public most days for church service and self-guided tours. Key points of interest include the Louis Tiffany-designed altar, magnificent rose window, and soaring marble towers.
5th Ave and 51st St, New York, NY 10022
212.753.2261
https://saintpatrickscathedral.org
Distance from hotel: 0.4 miles
Radio City Music Hall
Also known as the “Showplace of the Nation”, Radio City Music Hall is long-lasting entertainment institution in Rockefeller Center. When the Hall first opened its auditorium was the largest in the country, and while that’s changed, its cultural significance and entertainment quality persists. Radio City is the site of numerous awards events and shows, namely the Radio City Rockettes, a spectacular precision dance performance.
1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020
212.465.6741
https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall
Distance from hotel: 0.8 miles
Tram to Roosevelt Island
For just the $2.75 standard MTA fare, you can enjoy an aerial view of the city’s skyline while gliding over the East River. The Air Tram to Roosevelt Island leaves every seven to fifteen minutes so there’s never a long wait for what is likely to be the most picturesque public transit experience you’ll have in the city. At the end, hop off at Roosevelt Island, a historic isolated neighborhood that is also technically part of Manhattan.
2nd Ave between East 59th and 60th St
New York, NY
https://mta.info
Distance from hotel: 0.6 miles
Chrysler Building
A stunning example of Art Deco architecture, the Chrysler Building is one of the most beloved skyscrapers of all time. Topped with a 185-foot high needle (a last-minute addition to increase the tower’s height in a race to the sky), the structure secured the title as the world’s tallest building for a mere 11 months before surpassed by the Empire State Building.
405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174
Distance from hotel: 0.8 miles
