Why go?

It's a place of power. Banks, advertising agencies, media companies, and other big businesses fill the imposing (and inspiring) skyscrapers of Madison, Park, and Lex. The elegant Grand Central Terminal serves hustling commuters and tourists with train service in and out of New York as well as a mini-city of dining and shopping. Most of Manhattan’s tallest buildings and architectural feats are nearby (the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, the Seagram Building), while at the island's edge on 42nd Street, the United Nations headquarters presides majestically over the East River.

Tips

Buy tickets for the Empire State Building in advance online. You can't skip the ugly lines entirely, but you can cut the wait. To save even more time, get there when the building opens.

Grand Central Terminal crowds can be daunting during the morning and evening commutes; avoid the station then if possible.

For families, Grand Central's food court is a good option. Everyone can choose his favorite: sushi, Indian, sandwiches, pie ...

Guided tours of the United Nations are conducted seven days a week, except in January and February when the U.N. is closed to the public on weekends. For safety reasons, children under age 5 are not admitted on the tour.

How to Get There:

4, 5, 6, S to Grand Central

6 to 51st St.

4, 5, 6 to 59th St.

E, V to Lexington Ave./53rd St. and Fifth Ave./53rd St.

N, R, W to Lexington Ave./59th St. and Fifth Ave./59th St.

Boundaries

From 34th St. north to 59th St.

From Fifth Ave. east to the East River

Nearby Neighborhoods

Rockefeller Center

Upper East Side

Useful Links

• Midtown Lunch
• Must See New York: Midtown
• Wikipedia Entry: Midtown