HomeNYC NeighborhoodsNYC Midtown WestMidtown West, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown

Midtown West, Hell’s Kitchen and Koreatown

Empire State Building, Diamond District, Intrepid, MSG

Midtown West is a huge tourist area with great neighborhoods like NYC’s famous Diamond District, Hell’s Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell’s Kitchen, within midtown, is the most western section and an “up-and-coming" residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.


Midtown West NYC Things to Do

Empire State Building

Empire State Building (350 5th Ave, 33nd/34rd) – Go early to avoid the lines, or get an Express Pass ($60). There are 3 lines to get in:  1) security line, mandatory for all, 2) ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets. 3) Elevators to the Observatory. Express Pass holders get priority at all three lines.

Empire State Building


Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (Pier 86, 166 W 46th St at 12th Ave) – centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11), and features a range of interactive exhibits and events about heroism.  Educational, planes, war and a view of the Hudson River.

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum


Madison Square Garden/ Penn Station (7th Ave, 31st/33rd) – catch the Rangers (hockey), Knicks (basketball) or concert in the main arena or a show at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The MSG All-Access Tour, lets you visit team locker rooms, learn how the basketball court turns into an ice-rink, meet a Knicks City Dancer, and classic history, such as where Joe Frazier took on Muhammad Ali for the first time.


MoMA – technically, the Museum of Modern Art is in Midtown West, but it is grouped with the attractions in Midtown East.


Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock

We got a private tour of the Top of the Rock NYC!!! I honestly didn’t think I was going to be impressed, but WOW, was I surprised. John, TOTR Senior Customer Care Representative, gave us some real NYC Insider tips about visting the TOTR and Rockefeller Center.

View from Top of the Rock NYC



Bryant Park NYC

Bryant Park, in the heart of Midtown, just next to the New York Public Library and a few blocks from Grand Central Station, is home to thousands of free events and programs every year, including free movies, free Broadway, free ice skating, the annual Skate-tacular (Christmas Tree Lighting), Holiday Markets and Winter Village. A small selection of the tours and classes they offer include arts & crafts, yoga, juggling, fencing, poetry, kung fu, beekeeping and just about everything else you can think of. Enjoy our Bryant Park Guide.

Bryant Park NYC

See Also: Times Square


Nearby Tours & Activities


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Midtown West NYC Sightseeing Passes

To explore Midtown West using a NYC Tourist pass, you’ll want to look for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, the Empire State Building, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Madison Square Garden All Access Tour & the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) .

NY Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass, NY Explorer Pass, CityPASS Compared

New York City Passes Compared

See All: NYC Attractions Pass Comparison Chart

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Midtown West Recommended Restaurants

Brasserie Cognac (55th, Bway) – Have a cocktail while sitting outside, people watching. Same owners as Serafina.

Molyvos  (7th Ave, 55th/ 56th) – excellent Greek, small plates, near Central Park.

Le Bernardin (155 W 51st, 7th  Ave) – French/Seafood. One of the city’s top restaurants, many swear it’s their all time favorite meal. Service, food and décor is impeccable. Also great for lunch.

Meske (468 W 47th , 10th Ave) – Ethiopian. Inexpensive, interesting, and if you’ve never eaten by using spongy bread to pick up your food (no utensils), it’s fun and a must-try. Most spicy and many vegetarian friendly.

Restaurant Row (46th  St, 8th/9th Aves) – 30 restaurants on one block, some a bit touristy, but all for Broadway theatre crowd, serving prix-fixe specials. See Times Square restaurants for our recommendations.

44 and X (622 10th Ave, 44th St) – Nouveau American (mac n cheese, fried chicken, ribs), less touristy than other theater restaurants, outdoor bamboo garden.

Rosa’s Pizza (in Penn Station) – believe it or not, some say this is their favorite pizza in NYC. And the cheapest beer anywhere.

Koreatown – 32nd St, 5th/Broadway – most any restaurant is a great choice, right next to the Empire State Building and tons of 24 hr karaoke bars.

Press Lounge at the Ink 48 Hotel – HANDS DOWN one of THE best views of Manhattan. A fabulous hotel rooftop with a 70-foot-long reflecting pool and killer panoramic skyline views, with comfortable sofas.

Press Lounge at the Ink 48 Hotel

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Midtown West & Herald Square Shopping

Macy’s (151 W 34th St, 7th Ave) – Herald Square – many people love the landmark, Macy’s, founder of the most famous Thanksgiving Day Parade and backdrop of “Miracle on 34th Street.” The store is huge (2 city blocks, 9 Floors) and very crowded with few staff.

Nearby stores include Ulta, American Eagle, H&M, Forever 21, Zara, Doc Maartens and more similar chains.

More New York City Shopping

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Midtown West Hotels

Luxury Hotels in Midtown NYC

Any luxury hotel in Midtown NYC provides you with our top of the line accommodations while placing you in the heart of all the action. From decadent dining to killer skyline views to the world's best spas, these luxury hotels put you in the premier location in the heart of the best city in the world.

St. Regis Hotel NYC Milano Suite

See More: Exclusive Luxury Hotels in Midtown NYC

See More: NYC Luxury Hotels, Central Park Hotels


NYC Boutique Hotels – Midtown West

Grayson Hotel

The Grayson Hotel, adjacent to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library, is accepting reservations beginning September 2022 and offers 300 rooms, 9 restaurants and unparalleled panoramic views, not usually common in Midtown. They claim, "With one-of-a-kind rooftop views of the rivers, Times Square NYE Ball Drop, and The Edge at Hudson Yards, lose yourself above the Manhattan skyline." Enjoy elegant rooms and suites, a 24 hour gym, an American Mediterranean brasserie with an alfresco wine and mezze bar, an outdoor Mexican taqueria, and a rooftop mezcal bar and lounge with more views of the city.

Grayson Hotel NYC


Arlo Midtown

The new Arlo Midtown located just between Times Square and Hudson Yards, has 489 rooms, a lovely 26th floor rooftop bar/restaurant, complimentary custom Priority Bicycles, free wifi and a fitness center. Guest rooms include bedside wireless charging stations, 55” LED TVs, backlit bathroom mirrors and digital “Do Not Disturb”.

Arlo Midtown Hotel


Hotel Hendricks

Hotel Hendricks – Opened in 2019, Hotel Hendricks offers 176 guest rooms self described as ‘fit for the king or queen of the (concrete) jungle, our glam guest rooms are luxe, safari-chic retreats with hardwood floors and warm wood finishes." NYC Locals love the two new rooftop bars with skyline views, one indoors and one outdoors.

Hotel Hendricks NYC

Sister Hotels: Hotel Hugo, Hotel Henri, Hotel Hayden, Garden City Hotel (LI)


Staypineapple Midtown NYC Hotel

Staypineapple, An Artful Hotel, Midtown New York – new in 2019, Staypineapple markets their hotels to the "young, young at heart, savvy and the seeker of different and great." Staypineapple offers afternoon delights, like coffee, big fluffy towels, robes, slippers, cozy over-stuffed duvets and beds about which guests rave. With rooms as low as $120 per night, Staypineapple is super dog-friendly and uses hipster room names like Starlet Queen and Fashionista King.

Staypineapple Midtown NYC Hotel


Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue

Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue Hotel

Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York, formerly known as Hotel Central Fifth Avenue New York, offers guestrooms featuring a sophisticated design that combines modern comfort with functionality. Guests enjoy the light "Breakfast to Go in a bag," comfortable beds, large room sizes, and being close to all the tourist action in Midtown. The front desk attendants, known as "Connectors," offer insider tips, local hotspots, eatery favorites and off the beaten track recommendations.


Royalton New York

Royalton New York

Royalton is a super hip hotel right off Times Square appealing to a sophisticated crowd. The majority of rooms have 5 foot soaking tubs and fireplaces and the lobby is sleek and cozy with a huge bronze fireplace and leather sofas. 44, the restaurant, has been a trendy NYC hotspot for years.

See More: New York City Boutique Hotels

Top of Midtown West, More New York City Hotel Deals



Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC

Staying near Penn Station / Madison Square Garden is a great idea when staying late for the Rangers, Knicks or your favorite concert, arrive or leave early via Amtrak or LIRR or just want to stay in a very affordable area of Manhattan steps from the Empire State Building, Macy's and no more than a 15 minute subway ride anywhere in Manhattan. Some of our top picks near Penn Station include:

Hotels Near Penn Station NYC

See More: Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC



Hotels Near NYC Javits Center

Coming to town for the Boat Show, Comic Con, Motorcycle Show, NYT Travel Show, BroadwayCon, International Toy Fair, Restaurant and Food, The Auto Show, Chocolate Show or any one of dozens of fashion, technology or other industry shows? If your goal is to work hard, play harder, you'll definitely want to stay as close to the Javits Center as possible. Here are our top picks for Hotels Near NYC Javits Center.

Hotels Near NYC Javits Center

  • Ink48 Hotel - about 10 blocks from Javits Center, right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop! (photo)
  • Midtown Convention Center Hotel - the closest hotel to the JC, less than a block away. Small, clean rooms, geared towards convention exhibitors and attendees.
  • Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel - new "digitally enhanced" hotel in Garment District, 15 min walk to JC, modern, though modest.

Four Points Manhattan Midtown West – Opened in 2017 and located in the heart of Hudson Yards, walking distance to the Javits Center, High Line and Chelsea Market. Comfortable rooms are spacious with complimentary Wi-Fi, massive rain showers and cloud-like beds. Hotel includes Hudson Bar Room and fitness center.


Spacious Suite Hotels in Midtown NYC

Many NYC visitors love staying in Midtown, putting them within a mile of Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Grand Central, Empire State Building, Broadway, Times Square and tons of restaurants and shopping. One could easily spend 2-3 days in Midtown alone and only see a fraction of all there is to offer. Some of our top spacious and family-friendly Midtown Suite Hotels include:

Spacious Suite Hotels in Midtown NYC

See More: Spacious Suite Hotels in Midtown NYC

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Cheap Budget Hotels Midtown West

Finding cheap hotels in Midtown West NYC is less difficult than you may think, as this is one of the best value spots in Manhattan. You'll be right near the Empire State Building, Garment District, Times Square, Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen, all while possibly paying less than $100 per night for a clean and fairly spacious room. So, if you have reasonable expectations and can't wait to stay in the very center of Manhattan, these are the best value deals in Midtown West NYC.

Cheap Budget Hotels Midtown West

See More: Cheap Budget Hotels Midtown West

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Best Hotels Near Rockefeller Center

Some of our top value picks near Rockefeller Center include:

Hotels Near Rockefeller Center

See the Insider Guide for dozens more Hotels Near Rockefeller Center. Rockefeller Center runs from 47th - 50th Streets, between 5th and 6th Aves. Download our free neighborhood maps at Midtown East Hotels and Midtown West Hotels

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Central Park Hotels

Central Park NY Hotels

Some of our top value picks near Central Park include:

See the Insider Guide for dozens more Central Park NY Hotels and download our free Central Park map at Central Park NY Guide

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More Midtown West Hotels

Thanksgiving Parade Hotels (the Parade goes through Midtown West after it passes Central Park South)

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Subways to Midtown West

  • 1, 2, 3 along Broadway and 7th Ave
  • A, C, E along 8th Avenue
  • N, R, Q to Penn Station or Times Square
  • 7 or Shuttle (S) from the east side (Grand Central) to Times Square
  • General Address: 151 W 34th, NY, NY 10001

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Midtown West Printable Map

Midtown West NYC Map


Midtown West NYC Map

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NYC Insider Printable Guides

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NYC Neighborhood Guides

Harlem

Our Harlem neighborhood guide will show you the wonderful cultural, food, music and historic value of this landmark area, which has long, strong and proud NYC roots. The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s began the golden age of African-American culture, literature, music, artists, theater and art, which continues to strengthen today. If you want to eat authentic soul food, hear mind-blowing jazz and gospel and clothing shop with Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, then Harlem is on your bucket list!

Harlem Neighborhood Guide


Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a residential neighborhood filled with young professionals and families. It is a great place to stay if you are looking to avoid the heavy crowds of Midtown, explore Central Park, The Museum of Natural History, the Beacon Theatre, Lincoln Center, the West Side Highway and still be about 20 minutes from most of Manhattan.

Upper West Side NYC


Central Park

Central Park offers 843 gorgeous acres to explore and 100s of things to do, which is why we consider it an unofficial neighborhood. Central Park draws 38 million visits a year and is home to the Central Park Film Festival, SummerStage, Shakespeare in the Park, Ice Skating, Central Park Zoo, Bow Bridge, biking, playgrounds, the Carousel and much more.

  • Explore: Central Park Guide
  • To Do: Central Park Zoo, Carousel, TV and Movie Sites, Ice Skating, Loeb Boathouse

Central Park Guide


Times Square & Broadway

Times Square New York and the Theater District are some of New York City's most popular tourist attractions. Of course, Broadway, also known as the Great White Way, is most definitely for locals as well. Spend a bit of time here and make sure to see the lights at night, the Hershey's and M&M Stores, as well as catch a great Broadway Show.

Times Square & Broadway NYC Guide


Midtown West, Koreatown, Hell's Kitchen

Midtown West is a huge tourist area with great neighborhoods like NYC's famous Diamond District, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell's Kitchen, is the most western section and an "up-and-coming" residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.

Midtown West NYC Guide


Garment District / Fashion Center

The Garment District, also called the Fashion District or Fashion Center, is home to many of the world's most famous fashion designers and showrooms. The area is an amazing resource for fabrics, beads and trims, however, unless you are trade, don't expect to walk in off the street to designer showrooms. The best way to possibly get access to private showrooms is through a private tour or a NYC Sample Sale.

Garment District Fashion Center NYC Free Map Guide


Chelsea & Hudson Yards

Chelsea NY is known for art galleries, nightlife and gay-friendly culture. It is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with some of New York City's top restaurants, clubs, art and things to do outdoors and along the Hudson River. While Chelsea boundaries are West 14th-34th Streets, from 7th Ave to the Hudson River, the new Hudson Yards occupies it's most North and West streets, West 30th to 34th Streets between 10th and 12th Avenues.

  • Explore: Chelsea & Hudson Yards Guide
  • To Do: The Highline, Art Galleries, Chelsea Market, Chelsea Piers, Little Island, Edge, The Vessel, The Shops at Hudson Yards

Chelsea & Hudson Yards Free Map Guide


Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District, also known as the Gansevoort Market, is only a few blocks, so you cannot get lost, but it is packed with upscale restaurants, night clubs and designer shopping. Like many NY neighborhoods, the MP District retains it's historical architecture, as it is lined with cobblestone streets and old warehouses, but, today, these same buildings house very modern shopping and dining. The heart of the Meatpacking District is Little West 12th Street.

Meatpacking District NYC Guide Free Map Guide


Greenwich Village & NoHo

Our Greenwich Village NYC Guide provides insight into one of NYC's most cherished neighborhoods. The Village is full of history, celebrity, politics, landmarks and so much more. The NYU campus, Washington Square Park, gorgeous brownstones and cobble stone streets, amazing restaurants, tons of trees and much more make this area a local favorite.

Greenwich Village NYC Guide


West Village

The West Village is filled with tree-lined streets, beautiful old brownstones and hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafés. It is truly a quintessential NYC neighborhood, inhabited by locals and celebrities who can afford to live anywhere they choose. If you're a Friends or Sex and the City fan, then you are already quite familiar with the West Village...now it's time to come experience it!

West Village NYC Guide


SoHo

SoHo (SOuth of HOuston - pronounced How-ston) is another NYC neighborhood filled with the best shopping and restaurants. Traditionally known as a haven for artists and their lofts, it has become more upscale over the years and a much sought-after place for New Yorkers to live.

  • Explore: SoHo Guide
  • To Do: New York Fire Museum, Shopping, Art Galleries, Brunch & Restaurants, Broken Kilometer & Earth Room

SoHo NYC Guide


Tribeca & The Battery

Tribeca Tribeca (TRI-angle BE-low CA-nal) NYC, is home of the namesake Film Festival, Robert De Niro’s pet project, created to promote commerce downtown after 9/11. He also owns several hotels and restaurants in the area and is spotted quite frequently. Tribeca was also the home of JFK Jr and Caroline Bessette Kennedy before their tragic death in 1999 and is filled with old warehouses, now converted into lofts, beautiful views of the Hudson River and Statue of Liberty along the West Side Highway, excellent restaurants, families, parks and NYC history.

  • Explore: Tribeca & The Battery
  • To Do: Hudson River Park and River Promenade, Statue of Liberty Views, Upscale & Casual Dining

Tribeca Neighborhood Guide


Financial District and Wall Street

The Financial District (FiDi), at the southern tip of NYC, is one of NYC's most bustling business and tourist areas, from Monday to Friday and is near dead on the weekends. Sights include the 9-11 Memorial & Museum, Wall Street, One World Observatory, The American Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl and views of the Statue of Liberty.

Financial District and Wall Street Guide


Upper East Side NYC

The Upper East Side is an upscale, residential neighborhood and home to Museum Mile, some uber-upscale shopping and Gracie Mansion. The homes on Fifth Avenue, along Central Park, are some of the most exclusive in all of Manhattan. You've likely seen the Upper East Side on Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, The Real Housewives of New York, I Love Lucy, Breakfast at Tiffany's and dozens of other times on your screens.

Upper East Side NYC Free Map Guide


Midtown East

Midtown East is a huge tourist, commercial and residential area. Around 5th Ave, the neighborhood is home to many tourist attractions, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock and Radio City Music Hall. Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Grand Central Station are close together just south. Moving towards 3rd Ave and further east, the area is more residential, and generally, the restaurants are better and more affordable, with the UN being the only attraction in that part of the neighborhood.

Midtown East  NYC Free Map Guide


Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy

Union Square (my hood!), the Flatiron District and NoMad all have a mix of residence and business tenants. Additionally, colleges such as NYU, The New School and FIT dominate the area, making it very fun and lively. It is one of the best dining and nightlife areas in Manhattan, with something for every palate and budget and offers fabulous hotels of all kinds.

Union Square, Flatiron, NoMad, Gramercy Free Map Guide


East Village

While originally part of the Lower East Side, an immigrant neighborhood, the East Village, has separated itself and become home to some of the City’s best restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is full of character, diversity, fine dining, shops and live music, and includes a subsection named “Alphabet City.” East Village culture ranges from tattoo parlors and “dive bars” to some of New York City’s nicest hip and trendy hotels.

  • Explore: East Village
  • To Do: Blue Man Group & Stomp, St. Mark's Place, Nightlife, Speakeasies, Curry Lane

East Village NYC Free Map Guide


Lower East Side NYC

Traditionally, the Lower East Side was a working class immigrant neighborhood (think “Gangs of New York”). Today it is a wonderfully ethnic and diverse neighborhood and serves as a shopping, dining and nightlife destination for many NYC locals. Even with all its modern upgrades, the LES retains a large amount of its history, especially it’s Jewish, Polish, Irish and Italian cultures. The LES also has one of the best selections of hotels in NYC - tons of boutique hotels with amenities, rooftops, skyline views and seconds from 1000s of cool restaurants and hot spots.

Lower East Side NY Guide


Chinatown NYC

Chinatown NYC is a small, but very densely packed area of shops and restaurants. It is really fun to walk around, enjoy the culture, pick up some souvenirs, and most definitely, eat some delicious and affordable Dim Sum, dumplings, pork buns and other amazing Chinese cuisines.

  • Explore: Chinatown NYC Guide Guide
  • To Do: Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), Mahayana Buddhist Temple, Dim Sum & Dumplings

Chinatown NYC Free Map Guide


Little Italy NYC

Little Italy NYC Guide is a just a few blocks, with tons of outdoor restaurants and owners promising free wine and sangria to lure you in. Puglia is a favorite restaurant for families with their live singing and kids standing on their chairs waving napkins. Visit the new Italian American Museum, which tells the story "from Columbus to Cuomo," the original Old St. Patrick's Church and NYC Police Headquarters.

Little Italy NYC Free Map Guide


NYC Boroughs

Explore the diverse neighborhoods of NYC Boroughs with our comprehensive guide to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. New York City is a melting pot of cultures and neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the five boroughs of NYC is a must-do experience.

NYC Boroughs Guide


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NYC Insider Guidehttps://www.nycinsiderguide.com
Welcome! I'm Melissa, a fourth generation New Yorker, who has been lucky enough to live in New York for over 30 years. I love just about everything in New York City, the very reason I started this web site, and I look forward to sharing it all with you. Please explore the New York City Insider Guide at your own pace. I hope it helps you plan your New York City Vacation, so you not only go home as a NYC Insider, but plan to visit us again soon.

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