Manhattan/Gramercy Flatiron

This area derives its name from two New York landmarks - the Gramercy Park and the Flatiron Building. The loosely-defined "Flatiron District" extends east from 6th Avenue and north of Union Square, centering on the famed Flatiron Building on 23rd Street. Tranquil, exclusive Gramercy Park is open only to immediate area residents, though the old brownstones surrounding the park and on Irving Place are some of Manhattan's most attractive streetscapes. Union Square was completely revitalized in the 1990s and is now one of the city's premier shopping, dining and entertainment districts. Toward the north is Kips Bay, an affluent residential neighborhood. There's also a sub-neighborhood comprising approximately 26th-29th Sts. on and around Lexington Av., which is nicknamed "Curry Hill," due to the agglomeration of Indian stores and restaurants there.

You can get in via many different subway lines. The 6 line runs under Park Avenue, stopping at 28th St., 23rd St., and 14th St./Union Square, with the 4 and 5 stopping at Union Square as well. The R and W lines run under Broadway, stopping at 28th St., 23rd St., and 14th St./Union Square, with the N and Q also stopping at Union Square. The F and M lines run under 6th Avenue, stopping at 14th St. and 23rd St. The L train runs under 14th St., stopping at 1st Av., 3rd Av., Union Square, and 6th Av. Additionally, PATH trains to Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey stop at 14th and 23rd Sts. on 6th Avenue. There are plenty of local buses, but they can be slow, especially on crosstown routes and on Park Av. South. Time allowing, walking is highly recommended.

Landmarks

• Empire State Building

  phone: +1 212 736-3100
  address: 350 5th Ave
  A legend from the moment it was finished in 1931, the Empire State Building was easily the tallest building not just in New York, but the entire world for many years before being overtaken by another New York landmark - the twin towers of the World Trade Center. With the destruction of those two buildings, the Empire State Building was once again the tallest building in the city, but that lasted less than eleven years. But even though it's no longer the tallest, it remains iconic and one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. Expect long lines, and a lot of them - you'll have to wait in line to pass through a security checkpoint, wait in line to get tickets, wait in line for the elevators, and then make your way through the crowd on the outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor. One way to deal with the lines is to buy an express line ticket, which will bring you to the front of any line, but it will more than double the cost of your ticket. Another option is to visit very early in the day or late in the evening, when the lines will be considerably shorter. Despite the long lines and inevitable tourist kitsch, the views are excellent and the experience of being outdoors on top of New York City is a great one. Hawkers outside the building may try to tell you there is a very long line inside and that they can get you tickets to cut the line for some exorbitant price; before believing them, go inside and check the actual wait time which is clearly written on the electronic boards.

• New York Public Library

  phone: +1 212 340-0833
  address: 455 5th Ave
  The main branch of the New York Public Library (the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building), this is the grand structure flanked by lions on both sides of the entrance. Inside you'll see impressive architecture, long hallways, and beautifully designed reading rooms.

The Flatiron District contains three great examples of classic New York skyscrapers, all within a few blocks of one another:

• Flatiron Building

  address: 23rd St
  An iconic building, considered the oldest remaining skyscraper in Manhattan, the Flatiron was completed in 1902. 285 ft (87 m) tall.

• Metropolitan Life Insurance Building

  address: 24th St and Madison Ave
  A lovely building with a tall clock tower just across Madison Ave from Madison Square Park.

• International Toy Center

  address: 200 5th Av.
  Two buildings connected by a pedestrian bridge, this complex was long a hub for toy manufacturers.

Museums and galleries

• Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

  phone: +1 212 260-1616
  address: 28 East 20th St
  A designated National Historic Site, Roosevelt lived at this site from his birth in 1858 until the age of 14 years. The building is not the original - that was demolished in 1916 - but a reconstruction erected by admirers three years later in 1919 after Roosevelt's death, and subsequently furnished with many of the original fittings and memorabilia of the 26th U.S. President by Roosevelt's wife and sisters.

• Museum of Sex

  phone: +1 212 689-6337
  address: 233 Fifth Ave

• National Museum of Mathematics

  phone: +1 212 542-0566
  address: 11 East 26th St

Parks and gardens

• Union SquareAn important and historic intersection in New York City, situated where Broadway and the Bowery came together in the early 19th century. Union Square Park (3.5 acres) is known for its impressive equestrian statue of George Washington, erected to Henry Kirke Brown's design in 1856. In April 1861, soon after the fall of Fort Sumter, Union Square was the site of a patriotic rally that is thought to have been the largest public gathering in North America up to that time. A newer addition, added in 1986, is a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the southwest corner of the park. Union Square is also known for its Greenmarket and also its history as a focus for political demonstrations, most recently protests of the 2004 Republican National Convention. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Union Square became a primary public gathering point for mourners and those seeking information about missing loved ones. People created spontaneous memorials in Union Square, and the square was the setting for vigils held to honor the victims of the attacks.

• Madison Square ParkA lovely small park which offers beautiful views of the Flatiron, Metropolitan Life Insurance, International Toy Center, and Empire State Buildings. There is also a popular Shake Shack kiosk that serves burgers and shakes in the southern end of the park.

• Gramercy ParkA private park open only to immediate area residents and guests at hotels on the perimeter who have access to keys to the gate.

• Bryant Park

  phone: +1 212 768-4242
  address: Main Library, 42nd St and 6th Ave
  Located behind the Main Library, this shady park is an excellent spot to relax and get some good views of the surrounding skyscrapers. The park has free wireless internet, a children's carousel, several food and drink kiosks, and seasonal shows such as Fashion Week.

• People’s Improv Theater

  phone: +1 212 563-7488
  address: 123 E 24th St
  Dedicated to the instruction, performance and development of original comedy. Wednesdays are free.

• Irving Plaza

  phone: +1 212 777-6800
  address: 17 Irving Pl
  A popular concert venue that regularly hosts rock and hip-hop concerts as well as the occasional comedy show.

• Gramercy Theatre

  phone: +1 212 614-6932
  address: 127 East 23rd Street
  An old theater that now serves as a small rock concert venue.

• ABC Carpet & Home

  address: 888 Broadway
  A sprawling NYC department store occupying two landmark buildings, it is considered by many to be an iconic institution in the Flatiron district of Manhattan. Its offerings include furniture, rugs, lighting, accessories and more.

• Eataly

  address: 200 5th Ave
  This is a branch of an Italian shopping center, which styles itself as a place to "savor high quality traditional Italian food products and beverages along with local produce and artisanal products." Many different products are for sale, including not only produce but cheese, wine, olive oil, and sweets, and there are also several places to eat hot food. Anyone who enjoys shopping or window-shopping for food-related products is likely to enjoy walking through.

• Kalustyan's

  phone: +1 212 685-3451
  address: 123 Lexington Av.
  Probably the most complete source for Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian foodstuffs in Manhattan, though some of the spices and such cost more than you'd pay at the smaller Dual in the East Village. While you're there, make sure to go upstairs and get some mujadara. Some of the other prepared products are just OK, but the mujadara is great. Eat in or take out.

• Paragon Sports

  phone: +1 212 255-8889
  address: 867 Broadway
  This is generally considered one of the better sporting goods stores in Manhattan. It's pretty large and has a lot of equipment you might want for your next trip. It pays to check whether anything is on sale. For example, there are often some good sales on hiking boots. The sales staff is generally helpful and will work with you to help you find what you want. They often recommend items they themselves use, and not the most expensive items.

In the low 30s near Herald Square is Koreatown, an emerging Little Korea of BBQ restaurants and Asian markets centered on 32nd St. between 5th Avenue and Broadway.

• Ai Fiori

  phone: +1 212 613-8660
  address: on the 2nd floor of the Langham Place Hotel, 400 5th Av. between 36th and 37th Sts.
  This Ligurian restaurant has delicious cocktails (the fiori d'arancia, made with Old Forester bourbon, is absolutely delightful) and equally fine food, made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and with some kind of pleasant surprise in every dish. And unlike most other New York restaurants, it has plenty of space between tables. It is expensive but worth the money. The room is large, so while reservations are recommended, this is one upscale restaurant where it's usually possible to reserve at short notice.

• Bryant Park Grill

  phone: +1-212-840-6500
  address: 25 West 40th St
  New American food in elegant dining room behind the public library, with a view over the park.

• Celsius

  phone: +1 212-792-9603
  address: Bryant Park
  Indoor and outdoor seating in the winter overlooking the skating rink. Good food and service, a little pricey but reasonably for the location (open seasonally).

• Cho Dang Gol

  phone: +1 212 695-8222
  address: 55 W 35th St
  A slightly upscale Korean restaurant that specializes in dishes made with artisanal tofu, several varieties of which are made on premises.

• Delegates Dining Room

  phone: +1 917 367-3314
  address: 1 United Nations Plaza
  Located on the 4th floor of the UN General Assembly, this high-class dining hall lets you eat alongside delegates, ambassadors, and celebrities at the heart of international politics. The menu changes every day, providing a unique international buffet every day as you sit with a gorgeous view of the East River. Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Do note that with security concerns, you'll be escorted to and from the dining room. Dress attire is business casual.

• Don's Bogam

  phone: +1 212 683-2200
  address: 17 East 32nd St
  Pleasant restaurant with real decor and ambiance, specializing in Korean barbecue - especially meat marinated in hot sauce - among other things. Don's Bogam and Madangsui (see listing below) are widely considered to be the best Korean BBQ specialists in Manhattan.

• Han Bat

  phone: +1 212 629-5588
  address: 53 W 35th St
  Han Bat has the feel of a Korean diner, though with some surprisingly nice decor. Their forte is Hyaemul Dolsot Bibimbap (rice cooked in a stone pot with mixed seafood, herbs, Korean hot sauce, etc.). Some of their other dishes are very salty.

• Havana NY

  phone: +1 212 944-0990
  address: 27 W 38th St
  Well-priced Cuban casual restaurant & bar for lunch and dinner. They serve a variety of daily specials, including Plantain Soup and Suckling Roast Pork.

• Kang Suh

  phone: +1 212 564-6845
  address: 1250 Broadway
  A Korean restaurant with a large menu. Order from the regular menu and avoid the lunch specials, which are not as good. There are special banquet rooms for large parties (reserve those in advance), and excellent service is provided.

• Keens Steakhouse

  phone: +1 212 947-3636
  address: 72 W 36th St
  A New York chophouse with excellent steaks and great bar for pre & post dinner drinks or just drinks. Fine dining in comfortable surroundings. Founded in 1885, the restaurant has an interesting ceiling covered in 90,000 clay pipes which the customers used to smoke after dinner. Pipes were left at establishments, as they were too brittle to transport!

• Madangsui

  phone: +1 212 564-9333
  address: 35 W 35th St
  Serves great Korean barbecue accompanied by a generous (8 dishes) and delectable banchan (complimentary side dishes), plus a bowl of dwenjang jigae (soupy stew made with fermented bean paste).

• Seoul Garden

  phone: +1 212 736-9002
  address: 34 W. 32nd St., 2nd floor
  Another Korean restaurant with a substantial menu and some people's favorite.

• 2nd Ave Deli

  phone: +1 212 689-9075
  address: 162 E 33rd St.
  This famous kosher delicatessen, which used to be on 2nd Av. and 10th St., reopened at its new location a few years ago. The place is a real throwback, which really feels like an old-school Jewish deli. The menu is more extensive than old-school delis were, however, and includes what used to be considered "appetizing" (i.e., pareve - neither meat nor milk) foods. Try their tongue, corned beef, pastrami, and kasha varnishkes, and enjoy their freebies of artisanal cole slaw, pickles, and gribenes (chicken fat cracklings). The food may be bad for the heart, but it's good for the soul.

• 11 Madison Park

  phone: +1 212 889-0905
  address: 11 Madison Av.
  Has one of the most beautiful rooms of any restaurant in New York. Long well-liked for its upscale American cuisine and helpful service, it has in the last few years been graced with a new chef who has been getting rave reviews from many quarters. Call ahead for reservations.

• Blue Water Grill

  phone: +1 212 675-9500
  address: 31 Union Square West
  Quality seafood and sushi in the dining room, an outdoor café in Union Square and a jazz room with live music daily.

• Blue Smoke

  phone: +1 212 447-6058
  address: 116 E. 27th St.
  Danny Meyer's barbecue restaurant. This is also an important venue for live jazz. Reservations recommended.

• Casa Mono

  phone: +1 212 253-2773
  address: 52 Irving Pl
  A delightful Spanish wine bar and restaurant by Mario Batali. The food is smashing.

• Dos Caminos

  phone: +1 212 294-1000
  address: 373 Park Avenue South
  One of four up-market Mexican restaurants in Manhattan by the same name and under the same ownership (the other's are in SoHo, Chelsea, Midtown East) Sticky, saucy ribs and guacamole to die for.

• Gramercy Tavern

  phone: +1 212 477-0777
  address: 42 E. 20 St.
  Thought of as Danny Meyer's flagship restaurant, serves upscale American food at higher prices than 11 Madison Park. Expect to pay over $100/person for dinner in the main dining room. The actual Tavern is more informal and more moderately priced. Gramercy Tavern is known as one of the more difficult reservations to obtain in Manhattan.

• Live Bait

  address: 14 E 23rd St
  Great and cheap oysters, clams and other seafood, raw and cooked as well as southern fare like jambalaya. Not afraid of the tabasco here. One of the few places in town that serves Abita Springs beer from Louisiana.

• Penelope

  phone: +1 212 481-3800
  address: 159 Lexington Ave
  Cafe/restaurant/bakery with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Homestyle food and casual but friendly service. Inexpensive. Wine and beer served. Long lines for weekend brunch.

• Saravanaas Bhavan

  phone: +1 212 679-0204
  address: 81 Lexington Ave
  Excellent South Indian food at good prices. This is a vegetarian kosher restaurant and a branch of one in Chennai (Madras), India. Expect to wait a half hour or so on weekends.

• Shake Shack

  phone: +1 212 889-6600
  address: Madison Square Park
  Awesome roadside food stand in Madison Square Park serving hot dogs, burgers, frozen custard, beer, and wine. Though reputed for their burgers, they also serve what is widely regarded as the best Chicago-style hot dog in New York.

• Union Square Café

  phone: +1 212 243-4020
  address: 21 East 16th St
  One of New York's best-loved restaurants, serving great American and Italian cuisine with flair and crisp style. Osso buco, tuna burgers, roast vegetables and corn pudding are fine examples of the dishes created using the best local and seasonal produce from the café's neighbor, the Union Square Farmers' Market. Mains in excess of $30 average. Reservations recommended.

• Vatan

  phone: +1 212 689-5666
  address: 409 Third Ave
  A prix-fixe vegetarian Indian restaurant with wonderful food. The decor is a little hokey, but the food makes it worthwhile.

• Ginger Man

  phone: +1 212 532-3740
  address: 11 E 36th St
  Sister bar to the Volcano (below). Larger bar with a broad selection of drinks that also serves bar food and snacks. Also an after-work crowd, this bar is also popular with your average Joes. Good place for groups.

Budget

• Hotel 17

  phone: +1 212 475-2845
  address: 225 E 17th St
  Slightly north of East Village, a favorite with hipsters, Europeans, bargain-hunters.

• Wolcott Hotel

  phone: +1 212 268-2900
  address: 4 West 31st St

• Americana Inn

  phone: +1 212 840-6700
  address: 69 W 38th St
  Single, double, and triple-bed accommodations.

Mid-range

• Hotel Deauville

  phone: +12126-830-990
  address: 103 East 29th St
  Good price for the location. Family-run business, with friendly staff.

• Hotel 31

  address: 120 East 31st St
  24-hour concierge, daily maid service, cable TV, telephone and helpful multilingual staff.

• The MAve Hotel

  phone: +1 212-532-7373
  address: 62 Madison Avenue
  Comfortable, stylish place. This space was built in 1902 but still feels modern with vibrant murals on the walls and sleek bamboo floors. Offers a complimentary breakfast. Occasionally, Groupon has deals for this hotel.

• Hotel 373 Fifth Avenue

  phone: +1-212-213-3388
  address: 373 5th Ave

Splurge

• Hotel Giraffe

  phone: +1 212 685-7700
  address: 365 Park Avenue South
  Free high speed Wi-fi and complimentary refreshments in the Grande Lobby 24 hours a day including breakfast in the mornings and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings except for Sunday nights.

• Hotel Chandler

  phone: +1 212 889-6363
  address: 12 East 31st St
  Deluxe rooms on the edge of Koreatown. In-room high-speed internet. Health club, sauna and day spa.

• Inn at Irving Place

  phone: +1 212 533-4600
  address: 56 Irving Pl
  Near Gramercy Park, the inn, built in 1834, consists of two landmark townhouses.

• Avalon Hotel

  phone: +1 212 299-7000
  address: 16 E 32nd St
  Boutique hotel with roomy suites, close to the Empire State Building.

• Hotel Metro

  address: 45 W 35th St
  Newly renovated guestrooms, complimentary continental breakfast or afternoon snack in the Metro Grill restaurant.

• Hampton Inn Manhattan 35th Street/Empire State Building

  phone: +1 212-564-3688
  address: 59 West 35th St
  A business-style hotel with modern and clean rooms.

• Bryant Park Hotel

  address: W 40th St
  Distinctive black brick and gold trim building. Amenities include deep soaking tubs, cashmere blankets, Pipino toiletries, Tibetan rugs in rooms.