Midtown East - New York, NY Area Guide

Midtown East long ago established its place as the center of New York City with its crown jewel as the Empire State Building, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Construction on the building began in 1930 and concluded a year later. The original intention of the 103rd floor was a dirigible mooring mast and depot, which would have allowed passengers to embark and disembark. Technical limitations caused the idea to eventually be abandoned.

Though primarily a commercial district and relatively lacking in an arts scene, Midtown East hosts several museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art, one of the most popular collections of modern art in the world. The Paley Center for Media preserves and catalogs television shows for use by the public. Annual events include the Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal, the Easter Parade, Holi Hai and the Margaret Mead Film Festival.

The dining selection in Midtown East offers a mix of both expensive evening cuisine and more affordable locations, where tourists and office workers alike can pick up breakfast and lunch. The majority of eateries lie along 3rd Avenue, although plenty of others are scattered throughout the neighborhood.

Stop by Hallo Berlin's street cart at 54th Street and 5th Avenue for a taste of what many locals regard as the best German sausages in the city.

The Peacock makes its home above the Shakespeare between Madison and Park Avenues. This quiet, upscale restaurant exudes 19th-century flair in a homey setting. The menu concentrates on British staples, such as fish and chips or the chef's unusual rendition of beef tartare: a creamy, truffle-infused creation served inside Yorkshire-pudding cups.

At 204 East 43rd Street, Sushi Yasuda invites you to sit at the counter and watch the sushi chefs at work. Diners select from a wide range of sushi options, such as fluke, eel, egg custard, or sliced scallop over cubes of white sushi rice.

Primarily a business district, Midtown East lacks in nightlife options compared to other parts of New York City. But right around the corner, the Press Box restaurant and pub serves food all day -- including a traditional Irish breakfast.

To sit back, relax, and enjoy a pint of beer, visit the Ginger Man, a retro-style bar designed to appeal to beer aficionados. This establishment provides a relaxed setting and serves more than 70 different drafts, including the rare Hitachino Hefeweizen.

For music or other live performances, catch a show at any of the theaters on Broadway. Those who prefer to stay off the beaten path head to the Cutting Room on Murray Hill, between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South, a theater owned by actor Chris Noth that features a diverse line-up of shows.

You'll find plentiful transportation in Midtown East, home to Grand Central Station and its easy connections to the rest of the city via train or the Metro North Commuter Train. Regular MTA buses run along every avenue, save for short roads such as Vanderbilt, while crosstown buses also serve this central portion of the city. Taxi cabs are plentiful, and Uber operates in this area as well.

Though biking is a viable alternative to bypass the dense traffic, many locals prefer to walk the neighborhood. While it won’t be the fastest way to get around, traversing busier areas and shopping districts on foot can be far easier than trying to drive.

For those travelling in and out of the area in a personal vehicle, FDR Drive, the Ed Koch Queensborough and Highway 495 can be accessed in this neighborhood. Parking is limited to paid garages and is not often available on the streets.

The parks in Midtown are neither as large nor as fully featured as in more residential areas of New York City. Most aim to simply be small, out-of-the-way spots where visitors can get away from the busy commercial rush to enjoy meals, walk their dogs or simply get away from the hustle and bustle. Exercise options and outdoor festivals are rare in this part of the city.

Greenacre Park on East 51st Street features a serene waterfall, plenty of greenery and nearby food carts for lunchtime diners. For a scenic dog park with ample room to let your pet run off some steam while you get some exercise and enjoy beautiful old trees and prolific landscaping, head to Peter Detmold Park on East 51st Street. Locals with children tend to head for the St. Vartan Park or the Mary O’Connor Playground, both on Murray Hill.

The cost of living in Midtown East sits around 20 percent higher than the national average. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in this sought-after central location is $1,727, roughly 50 percent higher than the national average. A basic domestic beer averages around $6, while gas prices hover around 12 percent higher than the national average.

The commercial nature of Midtown East extends to its numerous shopping options. Park Avenue and 5th Avenue both play host to some of the top-tier retailers in the nation, such as Saks 5th Avenue and Cartier.

Visit 47th street, located between 5th and 6th avenues, for a wide range of wholesale and retail jewelry stores. Apple’s flagship store can also be found on 5th Avenue for shoppers seeking the latest electronics. The store stays open 24 hours a day.

Choose from several grocery stores in Midtown East, from specialty shops to typical supermarket fare. The Morten Williams Supermarket on 2nd Avenue offers a wide variety that caters to most needs, while the smaller Katagiri on East 59th Street stocks authentic Japanese groceries and fresh fish. A Whole Foods Market caters to shoppers seeking natural and organic foods on East 57th Street, while the local farmers market, Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket, sits on 47th Street and 1st Avenue.