For a true Midtown experience in New York City, we’ve curated a list of top recommendations. This includes our favorite places to stay, dine, and explore, making sure your time in the heart of the city is filled with iconic and elevated experiences.
Where to Stay: Reopened in 2025, the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria is the epitome of luxury, marking the start of a new era for the iconic hotel. The Knickerbocker Hotel, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, is a New York City landmark that offers elegant rooms and suites. Legend has it that the dry martini was invented in The Knickerbocker, so be sure to visit the Martini Lounge. The historic Warwick New York offers a central location with old-world charm.
Where to Shop: While “The Three Bs” are now “The Two Bs,” Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s offer the best in department store experiences.
Sweet Treats: The hot chocolate at Angelina Paris or the crepe cake at Lady M Cake Boutique.
Coffee Spots: Try The Clock at 22 Vanderbilt, a perfect spot for coffee lovers.
Pizza: Brooklyn Pizza Masters brings some of the best pizza in Brooklyn to Midtown.
Brunch Spots: Celebrate joie de vivre over an omelette at the refined Parisian brasserie La Grande Boucherie. Fresco by Scotto offers the Fresco la Dolce brunch — think cacio e pepe omelette and tiramisu pancakes.
Lunch Favorites: Sip a martini while enjoying the raw bar or a burger at PJ Clarke’s on Third Avenue, or visit La Pecora Bianca for the $30 two-course lunch.
Happy Hour: Monterey, a steakhouse by Executive Chef James Tracey, offers happy hour on weekdays from 3 to 6 PM, featuring bites like flatbreads, tuna tartare, and the Monterey burger, plus a $12 “Bartender’s Inspiration” cocktail. Kyma Hudson Yards offers a special bar menu from 4 to 7 PM every day.
For Dinner: For an elevated and memorable dining experience, try the Michelin-starred The Modern, Le Bernardin, Jōji, or Gabriel Kreuther. The Polo Bar, Ralph Lauren’s New York restaurant, serves American classics (plan your reservations accordingly). Step back in time at the iconic Grand Central Oyster Bar. Alan Ducasse’s Benoit is a charming Parisian bistro.
Cocktails: Opened in 1936, Monkey Bar offers an iconic vibe to order a classic cocktail. Ophelia offers a cocktail lounge and rooftop with creative cocktails by Amir Babayoff.
Afternoon Tea: Tiffany’s Blue Box Café, created by Daniel Boulud, is a charming café situated inside Tiffany’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue. The experience provides a luxurious take on a traditional tea, featuring jewel-like sweets and savory bites.
Spa Treatments: ila Spa at the Lotte New York Palace offers a range of stress-relieving treatments crafted with organic ingredients, such as the Immunocologie Blue Zones-Inspired Facial, or book with Collagen Bar NYC, which offers cutting-edge treatments like the ReCode Lift with Salmon DNA and Exosomes Boosters and the Jeisys Density Dual RF collagen remodelling — enjoyed with the spectacular Midtown views that the Lotte New York Palace is known for.
Fitness Classes: A favorite in every neighborhood, visit SoulCycle for a high-intensity, indoor cycling workout.
Museums & Attractions: A cultural hub within the city, you’ll find everything from Broadway, MoMA, the New York Public Library, The Morgan Library & Museum, and shows and sporting events at Madison Square Garden.