Location: Midtown East
Top Things to do in Midtown East
7 Architectural Buildings in Midtown East That You Shouldn't Miss
Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City
1. Grand Central Terminal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44,259 reviews
Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world's most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.
Reviewed By TheCuriousCowgirl - Dallas, United States
Because thousands of commuters pass through Grand Central Terminal every day, there's a market, filled with delicious pre-prepared foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even a small outpost of the EAT Gifts. As a tourist, this is a GREAT place to pick up delicious goodies for an impromptu picnic in Central Park, or snacks for midnight cravings in your hotel. If you have a little more time, consider having a meal at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. First opened in 1913, this restaurant is a true NYC gem, offering up over twenty varieties of fresh oysters, a large menu of fresh, grilled and fried seafood choices, and an ambience and history that makes The Oyster Bar a very fun dining experience! Just outside the entrance to the Oyster Bar, is a space with a high vaulted ceiling. The four corners offer a bit of magic. If you and a friend will stand on opposite corners, you can speak directly into the wall, and the geometry of the space will carry your message up the wall, across the ceiling, and to your friend on the other side, earning the area the informal title of "the whispering walls." It's a ton of fun, and kids will get a HUGE kick out of sending and receiving messages! If cocktails are more your speed, The Campbell Apartment is a super swanky spot. The space was first rented out in 1923 by William Kissam Vanderbilt II, whose family built the terminal. It was once the ornate private office of early 20th century railroad exec and financier John Williams Campbell, andlater a studio for CBS Radio and a jail used by Metro-North Railroad. Today, it's a step back in time, and a little hard to find, making cocktail hour both glamorous and a little mysterious. If pure history is what you are after, take some time to admire the the zodiac mural on the ceiling of the Grand Concourse, one of New York City’s most beloved pieces of public art, created by French pastelist and etcher Paul César Helleu in 1912. The signs of the zodiac from October to March are outlined in gold leaf and modeled with nearly 2500 tiny, stippled gold leaf stars.Be sure and walk outside to 42nd street, and admire the gorgeous facade, particularly the imposing sculptures of Mercury, Hercules, and Minerva at the top. I never tire of the view, both during the day and at night, and few sites make me feel more truly in the heart of Manhattan than time spent in Grand Central Terminal.
2. Chrysler Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,046 reviews
This Art Deco masterpiece is actually no longer the property of the auto manufacturer.
Reviewed By michaelsM3853UC - London, United Kingdom
Dramatic architecture completed in 1930.Fantastic decorative details in stainless steel art deco style referencing stylized chromed motor car components:such as winged radiator caps and wheels.Fantastic crowning spire.The grand lobby can be visited and features multicoloured marble and granite,a beautifully painted ceiling with scenes of 1920’s transportation,wonderfully decorative elevator doors and art deco metalwork.
3. Ford Foundation Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Rolshchikov-Dmitry - Moscow, Russia
Incredible arboretum in lobby. The visit is free and shouldn’t take longer than half an hour. If you are in the area (for example visiting UN HQ) don’t miss this gem.
4. Helmsley Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
Each time I'm on Park Avenue near Grand Central Station, I like to simply stand for a while and admire this marvelous Beaux-Arts-style building. Though it first opened in 1929 to house the Central Railroad Company. the building remains in beautiful condition, thanks to a 2010 renovation. Exterior features include a clock framed by sculptures above the entrance and a pyramidal roof with cupola. But the most distinctive details are two tunnels reserved for vehicular traffic below it, one for uptown and the other for downtown traffic. There are also two street level arcades for pedestrian traffic, one of which I have walked through. That is the closest I could get to the building, because it is not open to the public. The 535-foot-tall, 34-story structure has had a series of owners throughout the years. It holds the name Helmsley because it was once owned by Helmsley-Spear, which stipulated that the name could not be changed again when that company sold the property. RXR Realty currently owns the building. During my recent New York stay, I enjoyed looking at the building at night from my hotel's 27th-floor rooftop terrace. It was beautifully lit in blue.
5. Daily News Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 50 reviews
The lobby's eclectic collection of gadgets and factoids is the main draw of this building.
Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland
Art deco style with a great carving in the wall outside. Built in 1930. It is a landmark building . Globe inside is cool.
6. Seagram Building
7. MetLife Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By ek605 - New York City, United States
The Pan Am building is in the 'epicenter of Manhattan... of itself ...tall and elegant.... Surrounded by the Chrysler building...One Vanderbilt...and the Phillip Morris Building... In one sweep...it is the gateway to Grand Central Station... Walk through the neighborhood...and you don't quite feel you are in New York City....but there's no question that you are... This is a meandering stroll that opens you to all the adventures... And the Commodore and the Hyatt (formally the Vanderbilt Hotel)...Lexington and 42nd... Don't run...
