A Guide To Midtown New York

Home to many of New York‘s most beloved attractions, Midtown is Manhattan’s beating heart. Lallie Fraser guides you through the best places to stay, eat, and explore in this bustling neighbourhood.

Midtown New York Area Guide

STAY

The Whitby Hotel

The Whitby is Tim and Kit Kemp’s second Firmdale location in New York, following the success of their Downtown Crosby Street Hotel. Located in upper Midtown amongst the heavy-hitters of the city’s luxury hotel scene (a stone’s throw from The Plaza and The Ritz-Carlton), The Whitby is (of course) amongst the chicest spots in NYC. Every room is furnished differently, though you can expect gorgeous curtains and wallpaper as well as embroidered headboards on each bed – not to mention the sleekest marble bathrooms. Spend your evenings gazing at the city’s famous skyscrapers after a sublime meal at the hotel’s restaurant and bar. 18 W 56th Street | firmdalehotels.com

The Chatwal

The Chatwal is completely unassuming from the outside, standing on the busy West 44th Street. Enter the heavenly scented lobby into the Art Deco Lounge and be transported back in time. This is a hotel favoured by Broadway stars (with some rooms not even listed on the hotel’s website). On the tenth floor are four individual suites which can be booked as a quartet to form The Barrymore Suite, named after the acting great (and grandfather of Drew Barrymore herself). 130 W 44th Street | thechatwalny.com

EAT & DRINK

The Lambs Club

The Lambs Club takes its name from America’s first professional theatrical club. Organised in 1874 by a group of actors and enthusiasts, the Lambs took their name from a similar group in London, which flourished from 1869-1879, in the name of drama critic and essayist Charles Lamb. Now it is a grand old room, with huge open fire place when the weather calls for it and fantastic spot for a pre or post show dinner. 132 West 44th Street | thelambsclub.com

The Modern

New York is very good at putting destination restaurants in their museums. The Modern is a perfect example of this: a two-Michelin starred, contemporary American restaurant situated at the MoMa overlooking the Sculpture Garden. The dishes are works of modern art on their own. 9 W 53rd St | themodernnyc.com

The Rum House

With one of the biggest rum selections in the city, relax into The Rum House, enjoy a cocktail or two and enjoy the live jazz that is on most nights. The Rum Old Fashioned is particularly good. 228 West 47th St | therumhousenyc.com

Valerie

In its own words, Valerie’s essence belongs to the past and has aspirations for the future, much like New York herself. Fun and stylish spot – try one of their signature gin cocktails. 45 West 45th St | valerienewyorkcity.com

DO

Sightseeing

In Midtown, there’s a landmark on every corner. Once you’ve strolled down Broadway and soaked up the buzz of Times Square, you can take a trip to the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre to take in some spectacular skyline views. If you want to really master your itinerary, the New York Tourism Board is a great place to start, and CityPASS tickets are a must – all of the city’s top attractions are included in a brilliantly-priced package deal.

Basketball

Heading to Madison Square Garden to watch a basketball game is the best way to indulge in a very American pastime. Buy a hot dog, watch out for the kiss cam, and try to understand the rules – it’s a bonkers and memorable experience.

MoMa

Often referenced as one of the most influential art museums in the world, New York’s Museum of Modern Art has a constant rotation of dymanic and thought-provoking exhibitions alongside the impressive permanent installations.  11 W 53rd St | moma.org