Top 15 Things To Do In Midtown Manhattan, New York City - Updated 2024

Francis
Francis 
Updated
| 6 min read

Midtown Manhattan of New York City is home to the most celebrated skyscrapers in the world such as Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. It also houses one of America’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, trendy shops and venues, museums packed with treasure and art, and a vibrant community of artists, actors, designers, and musicians. Immerse yourself in New York City’s rich culture and explore the wonders of this part of Manhattan. With so many attractions and plenty of streets to traverse, it’s easy to get lost. To make it easier for you, scroll down for a list of top things to do in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

1. Stand side-by-side with your favorite heroes at Madame Tussauds New York

Madame Tussauds New York
Source: Photo by Flickr user ajay_suresh used under CC BY 2.0

Have you ever imagined yourself in one of your favorite movies? Or have you imagined yourself inside the Oval Office at the White House? If so, then Madame Tussauds New York is the place to go to make these imaginations come to life.

Featuring wax figurines and sets that closely resemble famous individuals and settings, this tourist attraction offers you a unique experience to “meet” your favorite superheroes, movie characters, TV show characters, and many more.

Madame Tussauds New York

Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States

Website: Madame Tussauds New York

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm

Price: 37 USD

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2. See the various art styles at David Zwirner New York

AU_RAMIKEN_2019_INSTALL_V8
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ariana C used under CC BY 2.0

Who doesn’t like seeing great art displayed before them? David Zwirner New York is a contemporary art gallery that showcases pieces of art by different artists. Prepare to enter the diverse world of art styles as you walk through the exhibits and viewing rooms, seeing the works done by these talented artists.

The exhibits and viewing rooms change from time to time so the art gallery doesn’t become stale in its offerings. Finally, the gallery also holds book sales of various catalogs, monographs, historical surveys, artists’ books, and catalogs raisonnés.

David Zwirner

Address: 525 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, United States

Website: David Zwirner

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Sun)

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3. Walk through, dance, and enjoy art in The High Line

AHigh Line Park, Section 1a
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dansnguyen used under CC0

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

An abandoned rail line turned elevated linear park, The High Line offers a beautiful area for travelers to wander while enjoying the sights of the city. The main draw of this place is the myriad of activities and exhibits it showcases.

The park proudly showcases various sculptures and other pieces of art for you to enjoy. There are also gardens where you can take in the beautiful sights and smells of flora. Finally, the park also hosts public programs like ¡ARRIBA! and Out of Line where you are treated to a community dance night and jaw-dropping performances from New York-based artists, respectively.

The High Line

Address: New York, NY 10011, United States

Website: The High Line

Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)

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4. Learn about Manhattan's history and architecture on a private walking tour (from USD 126.0)

Interested in Manhattan’s rich history and architecture? This Midtown Manhattan history and architecture private walking tour has you covered. Learn how Manhattan came to be, including the unique architecture that defines its skyline, with this private walking tour.

You will be taken from Midtown and end in Grand Central Terminal with your group, stopping by several famous and notable landmarks and buildings around New York. Don’t worry about accessibility, this tour accepts a maximum of eight people and guarantees that all the places you’ll go to are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

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Midtown History and Architecture Private Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

21 reviews

5. Be the hero of the story at The Escape Game (from 41.99 USD)

On your next trip to Manhattan, book an escape room adventure at The Escape Game. For 60 minutes, you can be the hero of the story and become anything from an undercover agent in Special Ops: Mysterious Market to a prospector in Gold Rush. Other exciting games include Prison Break, Playground, and The Heist. Their escape rooms were uniquely created by a team of craftsmen, engineers, and game designers, so you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind experience. Invite your friends and make a reservation to try this unique attraction before all the sessions are booked!

This paragraph is sponsored by The Escape Game.

The Escape Game

Address: 295 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States

Website:

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 12pm; Fri - Sun: 8am - 1am

Price: from 41.99 USD

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6. Capture the best of your Times Square tour with a professional photographer (from USD 129.0)

When in New York City, you should definitely visit Times Square and capture beautiful photos. Over 20 million people visit the place each year as it is one of the most popular spots in New York. Stretching from the 45th Street straight to 47th Street and bordered by Broadway and 7th Avenue, Times Square is a prime spot for street photography. Plus, the probability of running into a famous person is very high. The M&M store with its colorful bundles of chocolate is a great photo to post on Instagram, while SPYSCAPE, a spy museum is an interactive museum that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

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Explore Times Square with A Photographer

Duration: 1 hour

43 reviews

7. Admire the artworks of famous artists at Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (from USD 30.0)

An art mecca since the 1920s, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is the first museum with collections entirely devoted to modern art. Among its collections, it also has some of the most magnificent art masterpieces such as The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh and Gold Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol. This Midtown Manhattan museum is also home to the works of a range of artists such as Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Jasper Johns, and Salvador Dali. This 630,000-square-foot (58,529 square meters) museum is a haven of art with over 150,000 paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, sculptures, and architectural drawings and models.

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The Museum of Modern Art Admission Ticket

Duration: 3 hours

496 reviews

8. Fall in love with the history of Broadway by visiting different theaters (from USD 45.0)

Be amazed by the 100-year history and elegant architecture of Broadway and other theaters in Midtown Manhattan. Walk down 42nd Street and marvel at beautiful theaters that have shaped musical theater in the modern age. Discover Times Square’s treasured structures and appreciate their architectural styles. Get an insider’s knowledge of which parts have been renovated and torn down, and discover the secrets behind the buildings. Visit the venue of Jonathan Larson’s rock opera, Rent, where famous artists such as Harry Houdini, Jerry Lewis, Diana Ross awed people with their performances.

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The Ultimate Broadway History Tour

Duration: 2 hours

47 reviews

9. Discover the hidden gems of Grand Central Terminal (from USD 28.0)

Up to a million people visit the quintessential landmark of NYC, Grand Central Terminal, yet only a few know of its secret spots and hidden treasures. Situated at Park Avenue and 42nd Street, you’ll find a commuter rail terminal where you can have a relaxing walk and explore unknown spots that only locals know. There is a hidden tennis court that used to be an indoor ski slope and a discreet bar from the Prohibition era that used to be a business tycoon’s private apartment.

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Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Tour

Duration: 1.5 hours

164 reviews

10. Get creative and paint on your own sneaker with a fashion designer (from USD 56.0)

In a city that is considered a major financial and cultural center in the world, art and fashion mix really well. Even fashionable shoes are canvasses for artistic designers in this part of Manhattan. Be creative, be fashionable, and paint your shoes like a designer. The palette you will use will be set up for you but the creative process of painting will be up to you. Whether you decide to paint Empire State Building or something else, an NYC designer will walk you through the steps. Engage in lively discussions, enjoy some drinks, and take photos as you paint your shoes. It is an interesting experience and you will get to take home souvenirs that you can wear right away as you stroll Midtown.

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Paint Sneakers in the town that Walt built

Duration: 1.5 hours

271 reviews

11. Visit one of New York's great cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral

NYC - St. Patrick's Cathedral - Choeur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jean-Christophe B... used under CC BY 3.0

In the midst of imposing skyscrapers, modern architecture, and consumer-focused business locations sits the grandly beautiful neo-Gothic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This marvelous church made of stone and marble is one of the largest churches in the world. Consecrated in 1879, it can accommodate up to 2,500 people at any time of the day. You can visit it to meditate or pray. This impressive religious structure is located on 5th Avenue. It is a must-visit for travelers and locals alike.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Address: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States

Website: St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Opening hours: 7am - 8:30pm (daily) (Christmas Eve & Christmas Day - Hours might differ)

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12. Relax your body, mind, and soul in a sound meditation experience (from USD 125.0)

Experience grace and calmness through gong meditation. This unique art of meditation has been practiced for thousands of years as a way to heal oneself through soul and sound meditation. As with all meditation practices, meditation starts with deep breathing exercises to help the mind and body to relax. Multiple tones and overtones of gong instruments are produced to create layers of sound that relax the mind and help you achieve deep meditation. The practice silences the noise in the mind created by stress which is common among New Yorkers. This could help fight stress brought on by the city’s highly competitive and busy environment. If you’re experiencing the same problem, this could be the answer. Benefits of gong meditation include improved sleep quality, better stress coping abilities, and peace of mind.

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Sound Healing and Meditation Experience

Duration: 1 hour

110 reviews

13. Feel the beat of the drums in a drum lesson (from USD 75.0)

Feel the rhythm and the beat of drums as you take a one-hour private drum lesson at one of New York’s famous rehearsal studios. Take drum lessons using a full professional set of drums and/or percussion instruments. Just make sure you let the instructor know if you want to try the drum class or the percussion instrument class. The studio is where some of New York’s best musicians refine or perfect their skills and jam with the best. The instructor will evaluate you and provide lessons ranging from beginner to expert levels. You can also ask to be taught any drumming technique for a particular musical style and beat.

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Learn Drums or Perc with the Best!

Duration: 1 hour

31 reviews

14. See the best of New York City with 360-degree at Empire State Building (from USD 47.0)

Be captivated with an unobstructed 360-degree view of New York City on top of the iconic Empire State Building. Its main deck on the 86th floor is one of the most famous open-air observatory in the city. Located right in the middle of Manhattan, enjoy the best view from the top of Times Square, Central Park, Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and more. This iconic building is enthralling inside and out. Marvel at its lobby’s Art Deco-styled ceilings. Step into the elevator and head to the 80th floor if you want to be entertained by a light exhibition. Enjoy a spectacular augmented reality show using classic viewfinder binoculars. On the 2nd floor, you can watch interactive exhibits narrating the history of Empire State Building, from its construction to how it became a part of pop culture.

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NYC Empire State Observatory Admission Ticket

Duration: 45 to 90 minutes

4912 reviews

15. Take a stop at one of NYC's famous destination, Rockefeller Center (from USD 43.55)

take a stop at one of nyc's famous destination, rockefeller center

Appreciate the stunning views of Midtown Manhattan and beyond with friends and family in the observatory of Rockefeller Center - Top of the Rock. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view from the 70th floor or marvel at Rockefeller Center’s magnificent Art Deco architecture. Enjoy an escorted tour to the picturesque 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The center also houses celebrated sculptural pieces by Isamu Noguchi, impressive murals by Sir Frank Brangwyn, and historic structures by Lee Lawrie and Gaston Lachaise among others. The tour also involves a quick ride on the NYC subway train and a stroll around Midtown Manhattan.

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NYC: Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

8700 reviews

Travel to Midtown Manhattan now

Get your shoes ready and walk around Midtown Manhattan where you can do unique activities such as observe NYC from up high or simply have a taste of the good life. Visit attractions and establishments that will give you an insight into the local culture of Midtown Manhattan.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Francis is a versatile writer, an ardent reader, and a dedicated traveler. His culinary adventures take him to minimalist sushi restaurants, and he finds joy in strolling through Chinatown,...Read more

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