Things to do in Midtown

By Sarah Harris
Last updated: July 3, 2026
shot of midtown manhattan from birdseye

No visit to New York is complete without exploring Midtown. Situated at the very heart of Manhattan, the area is home to some of the city’s best cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and dining spots. Spend the day shopping on Fifth Avenue or view the city from dizzying heights at the Empire State Building. Or, if you’re an arts lover, check out the Museum Mile or head uptown to catch a musical on Broadway. So, if you’re planning to visit, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. Including…

  • Shopping
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Koreatown
  • Empire State Building
  • Grand Central Station
  • And more!

Shopping on Fifth Avenue

If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience, there’s no better place to be than Midtown. Stretching for six whole miles through the district, Fifth Avenue draws in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason! The street has much to offer, with popular flagships, upscale boutiques, and spectacular window displays, especially around Christmastime. Flanked with enticing attractions and buzzing with life, this major attraction delivers a shopping experience going way beyond our wildest dreams. Dive into the crowds, pick up a souvenir for your loved ones, and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Hey, what’s not to love?

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Though New York is most usually recognized for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the city is home to many beautiful historic buildings. An absolute must-see for history buffs and architecture geeks alike, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is known as the biggest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Occupying an entire city block, the venerable structure stands out amongst its neighbors with a real sense of authority and presence. Both the exterior façade and interior design of the church are incredibly fascinating, as they tell a whole lot about the city’s religious and architectural past. Still, the main draw of the site is its atmospheric underground catacombs, which showcase the intricacies of 19th-century art and innovation.

Koretown

One of our favorite things about Midtown is that there’s a surprise around every corner. Situated between Madison Avenue and Broadway, Koreatown (AKA ‘’Korean Times Square’’) is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. Here, visitors can enjoy interesting shops, great restaurants, and a vibrant sense of community. This small but sweet enclave would be the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after catching a show on Broadway.

Empire State Building

It’d just be wrong to write about the Midtown area without mentioning the Empire State Building. A world-famous attraction and mainstay of New York City culture, the iconic tower is one of the most impressive highlights of the cityscape. Still billed as one of the tallest buildings in the world, this majestic structure grants captivating views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and five different states. We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time to cut down on your queueing time!

Grand Central Station

Of all the things to do in Midtown, one of the area’s biggest draws is Grand Central Station. Infinitely more than just a train station and commuters’ hub, this iconic tourist magnet has long served as an emblem of New York City culture. This national historic landmark is perhaps best known for its beautiful architecture and unique history – its famous golden clockwork, intricate tilework, and swooping arches, and most certainly a sight to behold. Those who are interested in learning more about the background of the building can take historical tours. In addition, the attraction packs over 100 dining and shopping vendors all under one roof!

Rockefeller Center

Midtown presents an incredible wealth of cool things to do, see, and experience. Comprised of a whopping 19 commercial buildings and spanning over 22 acres, the Rockefeller Center is a fantastic stop for any first-time visitor. Whether you’re looking for live music, historical artwork, or live tapings of your favorite talk show, this is where you want to be. Catch a show at Radio City Music Hall, tour NBC Studios, and in the wintertime, take a spin on its world-famous ice rink. The world’s your oyster!

Museum of Modern Art

New York is an art lover’s dream, with Midtown presenting some of the city’s top cultural institutions. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the Museum of Modern Art is often recognized as one of the biggest and most influential institutions of its kind. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an expansive collection of over 200,000 artworks across all media. Particular highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Salvador Dalì’s The Persistence of Memory, and Roy Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl.

Broadway

Looking for a memorable cultural experience? Look no further than Broadway! Situated on a popular thoroughfare of the same name, the notable theater is often considered to be the most influential playhouse in the United States. Unlike indie playhouses, the Broadway Theater runs classic crowd-pleasers, which are sure to suit those traveling with friends or family. You can see famous shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and The Lion King. The theater is located on 53rd Street, with plenty of restaurants and bars just minutes away.

Morgan Library

Another one of our favorite things to do in Midtown is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this majestic repository is a total bibliophile’s paradise. Situated on Madison Avenue, this Italian Renaissance-style palazzo shelters the largest on-paper collection of art, literature, and musical works in the United States. Particular standouts include one of 23 copies of the original Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, and a signed manuscript of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.

 

There are endless things to see, do, and experience in Midtown. From the area’s world-class entertainment venues to its fantastic shopping destinations, dining spots, and architectural landmarks, it’s essentially impossible to take it all in in just one visit. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed; rather, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. And, if you like the above, why not check out these restaurants or grab a cheeky drink!  

 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

 

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

New York in February

Wondering what to do in New York this February? Don’t worry – we've got you covered with the most exciting events, activities and attractions to make memories that should last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to see the sites, attend a film festival, or go ice skating right in the center of Central Park, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. If you’re planning to make the trip, have a look through our comprehensive guide of all that the city has to offer. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Don’t let the cold weather keep you stuck inside! The city is home to some of the most revered cultural amenities in the world. Built into an authentic subway station that was shut down in 1936, the New York Transit Museum is the biggest repository in the United States dedicated to public transportation. A great stop for history buffs, the museum houses a unique collection of archival artefacts, old photographs and reading materials explaining how the city’s transit system has changed over the years. Fascinating and unique, the institute is a great educational experience for those of all ages. Why not warm up this wintertime by visiting some of the best museums that New York has to offer? Situated in Lower Manhattan, the Museum of Chinese in America seeks to present the living history, heritage, and diverse experiences of the city’s largest minority culture. Interesting yet not overwhelming, the museum houses a unique collection of ancient pottery, black and white photographs, and works by renowned fashion designers, all pertaining to Asian American history. Through immersive exhibitions, educational programs, and Chinatown walking tours, visitors can learn more about how Asian immigrants have contributed to the American narrative. One of the best things to do on a chilly New York afternoon is to go to visit a quintessential landmark up close. Situated in a district of the same name, the Flatiron Building is most certainly a sight to behold. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and constructed in 1902, the building’s distinctive triangular shape originally served to allow it to properly fill the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Today, the dramatic structure stands as an iconic symbol of the city, drawing in millions of visitors each year. Get Cultured Since New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States, it's no surprise that the area presents many great festivals celebrating the area’s diversity in culture. A spectacular fiesta of fun and festivities, the Lunar New Year parade marches down Mott and Canal Street each year, eventually culminating at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Lively and totally over-the-top, the event features stunning floats, traditional dancing, and delicious food. With its incredible atmosphere and so much to see, we couldn’t think of a better way to experience the city. If you’d like to experience the cultural prowess of New York City on your trip, we recommend looking into Off-Broadway Week. That’s right – in the wintertime, one of the city’s most famous creative amenities spreads its wings to offer theater fans something a little different. Running from the beginning of the month, visitors should be able to find a wide array of interesting performances taking place at intimate New York venues. From comedies and dramas to musicals and Cirque du Soleil performances, there’s a little something for everybody here. February is Black History Month, with many of the city’s best cultural institutes celebrating in style. Running for three weeks, the Lincoln Center hosts its New York African American Film Festival, recognizing the community’s finest creatives and resounding resilience through the arts. Showing a broad selection of classic fictional narratives, short films, and documentary pieces, there's more than enough to choose from. Those who are particularly interested in African American filmmaking can also attend workshops, public talks, and discussions with the filmmakers. Find Fun Activities Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of February in New York is attending Winter Jam NYC. Totally admission free and set against the urban wonderland that is Central Park, this annual snow sport extravaganza is the perfect family day out. As joyful as it is memorable, the extravagant pop-up includes ice-skating, sledging, snowboarding and more. In addition, eventgoers can enjoy live ice carving, a sculpture garden and bobsled and snowcat photo opportunities right in the city center. Hey, what’s not to love? New York is well-renowned for its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action, check out New York Restaurant Week. Running from the start of the month, the event grants visitors with the opportunity to eat at favorite NYC restaurants at bargain prices. A total dream for any gastronome, the festival features a broad array of cuisines including French, Korean, Mexican and much, much more. Whether you’re looking to try out one of the city’s fine dining establishments or grab a bite at a unique Brooklyn bistro, you’ll be able to find some great deals. Amateur Night at the Apollo is the ultimate New York entertainment experience. Since its establishment in 1934, the classic talent competition has gained wide recognition for launching the careers of many world-renowned performers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, and Machine Gun Kelly. Eclectic and serious in its intentions, the competition attracts performers from all around the globe working across a wide variety of art forms – meaning you never know what you might get. Here’s how it works: artists take to the stage and are subject to the harsh critique of the audience. If people applaud, they continue. However, if the public boos, they must leave the stage. Presenting an incredible atmosphere and a fun interactive experience, there’s no way you’ll want to miss out on this one! The air is brisk, the nights are long, and the crowds have thinned out – but that’s never stopped New York from having a good time. Sure, the colder months aren't exactly known for music festivals and hitting the shores, but February brings a whole host of interesting activities, exciting events, and world-class attractions for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to see a play, taste some of the finest cuisine in the area or crush the cold at one of the city’s famous museums, New York offers so much to do well beyond the holiday season. Make the most out of your travel experience and create unforgettable memories with our All-inclusive pass and Explorer pass. To find out more, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
Blog

New York in June

Looking for the ultimate summer in New York experience? Wherever your interests may lie, the city is the perfect destination with fantastic activities, spectacular landmarks, and world-class cultural amenities to embrace your sense of wonder and thrill. Head out for a day of kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, enjoy some sweet tunes at the Blue Notes Jazz Festival, or have a blast at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade – this place has it all! Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! With Go City, you can see more, for less. Experience the Culture of the City New York comes alive in the summertime with some great musical events. From June 15th right through to August 15th, audiences can catch contemporary jazz masters doing what they do best, as hosted by the Blue Note Jazz Club. The annual jazz festival features over 80 acts at a variety of city venues, but we think that the best place to hear some tunes is right against the backdrop of Central Park – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. A well-recognized intellectual hub, New York presents a wide array of incredible museums for visitors all year round. Celebrating the city’s rich concentration of culture, the Museum Mile Festival provides the opportunity for visitors to view some of the area’s most revered art and history repositories. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, the block party includes some of the city’s finest institutions, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York. With specialities ranging from modern, contemporary and historic art to Latin American and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. Get the perfect taste of New York from favorite local vendors as you explore the Bronx across the Harlem River. Run by a diverse, female-operated team, the Bronx Night Market seeks to showcase the vibrancy of the area through its food and culture. A total feast for the senses, the event features a broad array of delicious provisions at super affordable prices. Whether you’re more savory or sweet, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! In addition to all the great food, the market also offers some interesting stalls to browse as well as live performances from local musicians. Try Something New Summers in New York can get, shall we say, a little humid? If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, why not try kayaking? Running from the beginning of the month, visitors can head down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse to for a free session. All paddlers are accompanied by friendly watersport experts and provided with proper kayaking equipment to ensure full safety. Granting amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this truly one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! When the summertime rolls around, many of the city’s renowned cultural institutes transform themselves to suit the weather. A cornerstone of New York City culture, the Lincoln Center consolidates art with nature with a number of outside programs. During the month of June, visitors can relax in the outdoor reading room or catch live jazz performances and cabaret concerts under the stars. In addition, the establishment's newly designed park serves as the perfect place for fun and recreation after a busy day’s exploring. One of our favorite things to do for June in New York is head down to Brooklyn to catch the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Eccentric and lively, the event is the country's largest art parade and one of the city's greatest summer events. Bringing together creatives from all over the nation, the festival celebrates ancient mythology whilst serving as a total flourish of self-expression. A must-do for lovers of all things campy, this one-of-a-kind fiesta involves outlandish nautical-themed costumes, huge floats, and fun marching bands. Artsy, exciting, and downright ludicrous - hey, isn’t that what New York City is all about? Get Festive June in New York brings a whole host of fun and festivities. Drawing in tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each year, the city’s pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, head down to Fifth Avenue towards the end of the month to experience the incredible and vibrant parade take to the streets. Complete with rainbow-colored floats, high-spirited dancing and iconic performers, you won’t want to skip this one. Those familiar with New York can attest that the city provides a wide array of fun festivals for visitors throughout the summertime. Kicking off towards the end of the month, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves and celebrating diversity in culture. Perhaps the most conventional way to celebrate the holiday is by rocking up to the Juneteenth NYC, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn each year. In addition, the city hosts many cool and unique ways to celebrate black culture across all five boroughs, including special screenings at the Museum of Moving Image, Broadway productions celebrating black performers, and Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: Block Party. Those who are looking for a fun and affordable ways to experience the city might be interested in the next item on our list. Originally created in the aftermath of 9/11, the River to River Festival was presented with the intention to soothe and celebrate the city’s strength through art. Starting from mid-June, the event features everything from music and dance performances to live installations and screenings. With an incredible atmosphere and so much to see, this one is fun for all the family. New York is what vacation destination dreams are made of. Whether you’re a foodie, an artsy type, or a music lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great things to do in the city. Explore the area to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
USS intrepid
Blog

The Ultimate Kid Experience: 10 Things to Try at Intrepid

Kids Take Off: 10 Reasons the Intrepid Museum Amazes Families  You land in New York with little explorers in tow, ready for adventure. But how do you get kids excited to swap playgrounds for museums? Easy: you head straight for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Sitting right on the Hudson River, this colossal aircraft carrier is loaded with interactive science, real-life space shuttles, sleek fighter jets, and stories that put every history book to shame. Here, learning blasts off at full throttle—and the “no touching” rule? That’s mostly forgotten. We’re about to unveil the very best reasons the Intrepid is a kid magnet, plus plenty of smart tips for making the most of your New York family trip.  Our favorite Intrepid Museum highlights for kids include:  Exploring an actual aircraft carrier  Meeting the Space Shuttle Enterprise  Climbing inside a Cold War submarine  Hands-on fun in the Exploreum Hall  Pretending to pilot jets and helicopters  SIMULATOR RIDES  Family scavenger hunts  Watching dramatic flight deck demonstrations  Getting wowed by big city views  Discovering history that feels like a game    Let’s set sail through each adventure—plus share some extra New York sights nearby for families who want to keep the good times rolling.  2. Get Up Close to the Space Shuttle Enterprise  You don’t need a rocket ticket to see a real spacecraft—the Intrepid has one parked on deck! The Enterprise, a full-sized NASA orbiter, is on display beneath an awe-inspiring pavilion. Its design looks straight out of Star Wars, and the story of how it never actually flew in space but paved the way for other shuttles just adds to its one-of-a-kind status.  Inside the shuttle pavilion, families can trace the whole “what’s it take to blast off?” story through hands-on exhibits and gripping short films. Want to show your mini astronauts just how risky and wild the space shuttle program was? This is where dreams take flight, and you’ll see plenty of kids plotting their own lunar adventures by the end.  Why kids love it: The scale alone is mind-blowing, but the swoopy, futuristic design means it looks just like the spaceships in their favorite cartoons. Bonus: the assembly of fun facts, space suits, and videos keeps everyone inspired and engaged.  3. Submarine Tour: Brave the Growler!  Next up—descend into spy territory. The Intrepid’s USS Growler submarine is a crowd favorite, best for older kids (the ladders and hatches are a genuine workout). The Growler is the only American guided missile submarine available to the public. Once you duck inside, the close quarters get everyone whispering and giggling at the sleeping bunks stacked like sardines and endless pipes overhead.  The “control room” feels straight out of a movie, with dials, switches, and a periscope you can peer through! Kids love the feeling that they’ve left modern life far behind. Guides love to share stories of what sailors ate, how they spent months underwater, and—true crowd-pleaser—how submariners used the bathroom.  Why this is a hit: Everything feels hands-on and fully immersive. It’s both a playground and a piece of spy history, bringing out kids’ inner secret agents and comedians alike.  4. Exploreum Hall: Science Meets Playground  Suspect your kids will want to touch everything? Good news: The Exploreum Hall is made for hands-on action. This dedicated family space is part immersive learning, part high-energy play zone. Sit in an actual Bell helicopter, plot a mission in a real plane’s cockpit, and try the “life on a carrier” bunks (warning: parents may get jealous).  Around the room, engaging science stations let you create sound waves, play with pulleys, and test your balance—turning everyday science into a challenge fit for engineers-in-training. Little ones have safe, mess-free freedom to scramble, turn, pull, and build (while parents snag a breather nearby).  What sets it apart: The Exploreum Hall combines creative play and science, with real objects instead of screen-based learning. Every kid finds their favorite station, and you’ll actually enjoy the “let’s do that again!” requests.  6. Test Your Courage in Flight and Space Simulators  Ready for a wild ride? The Intrepid’s simulators crank up the fun. These capsule rides give everyone a taste of what it’s like to launch from a carrier deck or dodge through outer space. Some are virtual reality-based, others use motion seats to boost the adrenaline—either way, your kids will be giggling, grabbing onto the edge of their seats, and (in the best way) hollering “Again!” before it’s over.  The G-Force Encounter gets you spinning in orbit, while the 4D Experience combines wild visuals, sound, and motion for a next-level “in the cockpit” sensation. Lines can build up on busy days, but the buzz and anticipation become part of the fun.  What kids remember: This is video games, real life, and imagination wrapped into one ride. It’s a party for the senses and puts every player right at the heart of the action.  7. Family Scavenger Hunts and Special Kids’ Activities  The Intrepid Museum rolls out the red carpet for families, designing scavenger hunts and themed activity booklets that keep little hands busy—and brains switched on. Themed hunts take you to different corners of the carrier, hunting for quirky details (can you spot the shark mouth nose art?) and collecting cool trivia.  Big events at the museum—like “Kids Week” during school holidays—mean hands-on workshops with astronauts, STEM demos, even real animals from local zoos. Check the schedule ahead; families love catching everything from story time and dance to coding robots and paper airplane races.  What’s so fun: It’s never the same adventure twice. Kids leave feeling like junior museum detectives, and parents love how the activities sneak in history, math, and science in ways that stick.  8. Flight Deck Demonstrations: Action in Full Color  Catching a demonstration on the flight deck makes the whole ship come alive. Costumed guides present mock launches, let kids try on vests or helmets, and run “jet blast” safety briefings that turn technical talk into games. Exhibits frequently feature real engine parts, old-timey tools, and everyday objects from armed forces life.  These demonstrations have the energy of a great field trip: lots of questions, hands-on props, and the satisfaction of “learning by doing.” On busy weekends, there might even be special guests—Navy veterans telling tales, or visiting pilots sharing how it feels to fly the fastest planes in the world.  What’s extra: The vibe is always welcoming and lively, with friendly educators who remember what it’s like to be little and full of questions.  9. Soak in Skyline and Waterfront Views  You might arrive for ships and jets—but count on the view to wow the whole family. The Intrepid sits right on the Hudson, with sweeping angles of the Manhattan skyline, New Jersey’s shores, and even glimpses of cruise ships and sightseeing boats gliding past. Kids often love counting skyscrapers and spotting landmarks. It’s a reward for yourself, too: after climbing ladders and chasing after excited kids, stand at the edge of the deck and take in that classic New York horizon. Nearby, you’ll spot the Spirit of New York cruise terminal—a fun plan for families wanting to keep the nautical theme going. Or stroll along Hudson River Park, grabbing ice cream at Ample Hills Creamery (the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is unforgettable) and watching kayaks on the water.  Why it’s special: The Intrepid combines world-class experiences for kids and the kind of photo backdrop that will make your friends jealous for years.  10. History Comes Alive—No Boring Bits Allowed  For kids, the difference between a “good museum” and a “can we go home now?” museum is energy, relatability, and surprises—three things Intrepid absolutely delivers. Real letters from sailors, uniforms you can try, and exhibits that encourage climbing, steering, and playing: this is history that feels truly alive.  The museum doesn’t sugarcoat the tough stuff, either. Through interactive displays (and those awesome guides!), you’ll learn about teamwork, bravery, tough choices, and why innovation matters. Families always leave with at least one favorite fact or story—plus plans to come back and see what they missed.  Why it works: Kids get to be part of the action—not just watch from the sidelines. Everyone leaves a little braver, a little more curious, and ready to explore more of New York’s wonders.  Beyond the Intrepid: More Kid-Friendly NYC Adventures Nearby  Ready for another adventure after you’ve conquered the Intrepid? Luckily, Midtown West overflows with family fun:  American Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs, blue whales, and mysterious mummies await—one subway stop or a 15-minute cab ride away.  Central Park: Bike, picnic, or hit one of the city’s best playgrounds.  Luna Park at Coney Island: If your explorers want thrill rides and carnival treats, it’s accessible by subway for a day at the beach.  Harbor Cruises: Circle Line offers departures near the museum—the Landmark Cruise or the Statue of Liberty trips are entertaining ways to see the city from water level.  Madame Tussauds: Just a 15-minute walk inland for a brush with celebrity.  Pairing the Intrepid with another of these family attractions easily fills an entire day—and keeps the New York momentum going.  In Summary: The Intrepid Museum Makes Learning Awesome  Exploring New York with kids demands a stop at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It brings big history down to kid-size, offers up once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and mixes adventure with outrageously fun discoveries. Start on deck, dash through the Exploreum, plunge into the submarine, and let science collide with imagination. You’ll leave with tired feet, awesome photos, and a kid asking: “Can we come back tomorrow?”    Enjoyed this? Find out why Go City’s New York pass beats buying tickets individually and check out our guide to acing SoHo.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.