Midtown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A city skyline with various high-rise buildings, including a distinctive skyscraper under construction, and a body of water in the foreground.
A city street lined with tall buildings, a green bike lane, and various shops.
A busy urban street with tall buildings, including a red brick building with a fire escape, and a yellow taxi.
A river with a city skyline in the background.
A city skyline with prominent skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, across a body of water.

One of the most recognisable areas in the world also has enough tourist attractions to fill several visits.

With its traditional gentlemen’s clubs, luxury retail outlets and hot dog stands, Midtown is an unmistakable sight that many visitors never forget. Ride to the top of the Empire State BuildingOpens in a new window and look out over panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Experience the spectacular lights of Times SquareOpens in a new window.

This is one of the most densely built areas in the world. While most of the buildings are devoted to commercial real estate, the area gradually becomes more residential moving east toward Grand Central StationOpens in a new window. Spend your sightseeing time on the western side of Midtown. If you do go east, step inside the beautiful lobby of Grand Central, a sight familiar from many movies. Admire the beauty of the architecture of this cavernous space.

Show business is a main reason why people come to Midtown. See a play, musical or comedy routine on Theatre Row. Wander under the bright lights of 42nd Street, also a popular Midtown destination for theatre. Catch a spectacular performance at Radio City Music Hall or pay for a guided tour that covers the art deco architecture of this legendary building.

Search for the latest fashions in upscale clothing retailers, including Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman. Visit the majestic plaza surrounding Rockefeller Centre.

Midtown is full of some of the most well-known and respected dining venues and accommodation in the world. Many options skew to the high end, but even if you don’t stay at the Palace, the Plaza or Waldorf-Astoria, visit their sterling lobbies and sit down for a cocktail at one of their bar-restaurants.

Nearly every subway in New York passes through Midtown. Get off anywhere between 59th Street and 34th Street, where all the main attractions are concentrated. You’ll have a lot of crowds to weave through in order to see all the famous sights of this exciting part of the city.


Stay near popular Midtown attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Midtown Hotel Deals

ROW NYC

ROW NYC

4 out of 5
700 8th Avenue New York NY
The price is NZ$454 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
NZ$454
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Times Square and Broadway are located ...
ROW NYC
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave New York NY
The price is NZ$539 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
NZ$539
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (9,479 reviews)
"Perfect location!! Staff was very nice. The room was a good size…especially for NYC! We will be back!"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace

4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave New York NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$1,120 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
NZ$1,120
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in New York. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,283 reviews)
"Great location and super friendly staff."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Lotte New York Palace
Pod Times Square

Pod Times Square

3 out of 5
400 W 42nd Street New York NY
The price is NZ$286 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
NZ$286
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (6,089 reviews)
"Good place to stay, However, was overcrowded when we used lifts and not enough information provided about facilities. to visitors."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

Pod Times Square
Park Lane New York

Park Lane New York

5 out of 5
36 Central Park S New York NY
The price is NZ$1,207 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
NZ$1,207
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,820 reviews)
"Terrific hotel with beautiful views of the park!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2026

Park Lane New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street New York NY
The price is NZ$660 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
NZ$660
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Midtown

Find the best Midtown areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Midtown
Learn more about Midtown

Brooklyn

Known for its great live music and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Brooklyn. You can visit top attractions like Barclays Center Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge, and jump on the metro at Kingston - Throop Avs. Station or Nostrand Av. Station (Fulton St.) to see more of the city.

Bronx

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bronx. If sightseeing is on the list, Yankee Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Bronx Park East Station or E 180 St. Station to see more of the area.

Williamsburg

Noted for its cafes and live music, there's plenty to explore in Williamsburg. Top attractions like McCarren Park Pool and Brooklyn Brewery are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Metropolitan Av. Station or Lorimer St. Station (Metropolitan St.) to see more of the city.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Chelsea Hotel. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.



Midtown Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia