Location: Midtown
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What to do and see in Midtown, New York (NY): The Best Architectural Buildings
Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City
1. Fred F. French Building
2. General Electric Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Art Deco style abounds inside and out at the GE building.
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
Comcast acquired this skyscraper in 2015, but most people still refer to it as the General Electric Building or simply 30 Rock. The 66-floor structure forms the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center and is the home for NBC Studios. Whatever one calls this 1933 Art Deco gem, it always is on my itinerary when I visit New York City. As an architecture buff, I never tire of the details, inside and outside, and I enjoy browsing in shops on the Concourse level. Prominent exterior features include a simple limestone facade with a stunning crown, and attractive carved renderings at the East entrance of Wisdom, Sound and Light. The crown displays a lighting bolts motif and is illuminated at night. Because of the building's 850-foot height, however, I can only study this crown with binoculars. The lobby features massive murals. "American Progress" by Josep Maria Sert shows allegorical scenes of men constructing modern America. But I find the lobby to be fairly dark and not conducive to looking at art. More airy are the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the 65th floor's Rainbow Room. I do not recommend trying to get a photo of this skyscraper up close unless capturing details. It fills 22 acres, occupying an entire block between Sixth Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza. A nice photo op exists of its East side, however, at the start of the Channel Gardens at Fifth Avenue.
3. Rockefeller Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,302 reviews
Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and much more. Shop, dine and explore at one of New York's most inspiring locations.
Reviewed By joys919 - Morgantown, United States
Rockefeller center has great architecture, great shops, restaurants, ice skating, movie scenes from Home Alone, murals on the ceilings and an underground passageways to help you get back and forth and stay warm!
4. Austrian Cultural Forum New York
5. Empire State Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91,562 reviews
The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 feet from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown Manhattan. The 86th & 102nd Floor Observatories are open daily from 12PM-9PM. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.
Reviewed By PictureThisNYC - New York City, United States
Amazing experience to visit the Empire State Building for sunrise with a very small group of people for a safe & unsurpassed experience, Well worth the money, amazing views & tons of space on the observation deck that is usually very crowded. Friendly, helpful & welcoming staff made for a wonderful experience and so may great photos! Highly recommended.
6. Church of Saint Mary the Virgin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By ThePBR
Reverent Christian worship place in a stunning setting. This beautiful church modeled on Paris' Saint-Chapelle was built in the late 1800s. Breathtaking Johnnes Kirchmayer wood carvings, Valentine D'Orgries murals, artwork and archtecture (see the descriptions of photos). *Note: Nov 2019 the front exterior is currently shrouded in scaffolding - do NOT let this deter you from entering and appreciating the interior beauty of St. Mary the Virgin.
7. American Standard Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Built between 1923 and 1924 for the American Radiator Company, the American Standard Building has a distinctive stepped-back pyramidal roof, among the first in New York City.
8. Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
9. 53rd Street Public Library
10. Algonquin Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By adalbert3 - Newport Beach, United States
Opened in 1902 and renovated in 2012, the Algonquin has had a long-standing reputation of hosting literary movers and shakers almost from the beginning. Located on 44th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, it’s close proximity to the Theater District is no wonder that Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, John Barrymore, Tallulah Bankhead and William Faulkner were all regulars here. We liked our room, the staff were all pleasant and helpful and the price is very fair for New York City. Be sure to look for "Hamlet" the House Cat. The Blue Bar and it’s Al Hirschfeld artwork is a good place to grab a drink and the lobby bar and the Round Table have live music on some evenings. Certain places just have a warm and inviting feel, and the Algonquin is one of those. Check out my photos for more details.
