Every turn in Manhattan presents attractions, meals, shopping stores, a perfect place to get lost into. When me and my friend planned this New York trip, our list of places to visit were endless. I thought I’d be left without nothing to do after day-7. However, what happened was the opposite. There were just too many things to do and so little time. We narrowed down our list to just some historical and famous landscape, although there were many buildings we’d like to visit. So, without further ado, here’s the 7 best places to visit in Midtown Manhattan, New York City in no particular order.
1. St Patrick’s Cathedral
This is the only Cathedral that we visited in New York. Its cornerstone was laid in 1858 and it opens to the public in 1879. It is neo-gothic cathedral which stood in contrast with its surrounding as a symbol of religious freedom. This cathedral has two spires, and its height is 100 meters. It is the largest neo-gothic cathedral in North America.
2.New York Public Library
New York public library available in 92 locations in New York. However, the one that I visited is the main branch, and the location is at 476 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan. The main branch building is the combination of two libraries in late 1890. Construction of the new structure finished at 1911. Library’s entrance at the fifth avenue flanked by two lions. Though every room is exceptional, the most beautiful reading room is the Rose Main Reading Room.
Rose Main Reading Room is located at third floor, and what makes the room stands out is overall gold nuance and chandelier. There are two levels of bookshelves on each side, and the beautiful ceiling is made from painted plaster.
3. New York Grand Central Terminal
So many films were shot at Grand Central Terminal such as Men in Black, Friends with Benefit, even BTS performed at Grand Central Terminal. So yes, there’s no way I could leave New York without seeing it myself.
New York Grand Central Terminal was built at 1903 and finished and opened at 1913. It is located at 42nd street and Park Avenue at Manhattan. The location in which all films were filmed is at the main concourse. At the lower level concourse, there are food hall and stores. Apple store also has its shop here.
4. Times Square
My last post was about spending New Year’s eve in Times Square. However, we went to Times Square again the following days just to enjoy the crowd and feeling the atmosphere of the Times Square. Though the buildings in Times Square were nothing specials, the area gives the lively vibes and charges of energy. Times Square is also referred to “the Crossroads of the Worlds”, and one of the busiest avenue in New York City. The Broadway Theatre is also centralized here. Walking around Times Square felt like walking in Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.
Even though you have no intention to shop, at least visit the area to experience being flanked in high rise buildings and basked in LED light emitted from those buildings. Swimming in the sea of people, dancing with the sound of vehicle horns, ambulance, and the sound of commercials and musics. That’s the sound of Times Square. To know more about what’s on in Times Square, you can visit its official website.
5. Bryant Park
If you’re tired and lost in the concrete jungle of New York Manhattan, allow yourself to take a break a bit from it in Bryant Park. Just the opposite of New York Public Library is the Bryant Park. Bryant Park on regular day is just as beautiful as it is during Christmas. However, during the Christmas period it’s more magical with the Christmas market, skating ring, Giant Christmas tree, and all ingredients to make a place special and magical.
Several food stalls available in the park on regular day, but many more stalls available in its Christmas Markets during the Christmas holiday. The Local products that are displayed varying from home decors, tabletop & Kitchen, clothing accessories, as well as delicious meals. When you visit to the Christmas Market, try having a relaxed moment while eating waffle at Waffle and Dinge’s. We enjoyed it immensely.
6. The Morgan Library and Museum
in 1924, JP Morgan Jr. gave his father’s private library to the Public. Not only collector of books, the late JP Morgan was also a collector of antiquities, arts, drawings, and artefacts. What we see nowadays in The Morgan Library and Museum used to be a private collection of JP Morgan. He started collecting as early as 1890, and the construction of the building started between 1902 to 1906. The building itself is of Italian Renaissance Style. Among the rooms in the museum, my favourite is the Mr Morgan’s Library and Mr. morgan’s Study.
7. The High line (and Chelsea Market)
High line is the definition of the park in the sky. The High Line location is in the west part of Midtown Manhattan. This public park was built on historic, elevated rail line. This 2,3 km long elevated park starts from Gansevoort Street to West 30th street (runs north-south). The access to this “high park” available at 14th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 26th, 28th, and 30th streets (stairs only), and at Gansevoort street, 14th, 23rd, and 30th streets (by elevators and those with mobility access needs). However, during COVID-19 pandemic the entry to this park is only available at the corner of Gansevoort Street and Washington Street, or at 23rd Street. The other passage points are for exit only.
if you have a short amount of time in New York and want to enjoy the view of its high rise buildings, parks, and emerge to its landscape, then The High line in Midtown Manhattan is the answer. By walking along this park from end to end, you will see New York’s old and new buildings rise from the ground, up close and personal. The High Line also has several viewing points that allows non-obstructed view of the New York avenues and streets, buildings, and street activities.
A great day-out is not complete without delicious meals. We got down at west 16th street and got into Chelsea Market to Have Lunch. Chelsea market is within a building that occupies the entire block between 9th and 10th avenues and 15th and 16th streets. If you have short amount of time but still wanting to try so many foods you can visit Chelsea Market. It’s the solution of New York Food Tours!
