Date of publication 20/11/2018
What to see in NYC Park Avenue, New York's new city center
Leisure and business in the heart of the Big Apple
Park Avenue, as it passes by Grand Central Terminal, is a wide avenue that has become one of the new landmarks for business trips and tourists. Beyond the busy Times Square and the Financial District, it runs from north to south through six Manhattan neighborhoods, offering endless possibilities for travelers of all kinds. Take a look at everything you can see around it.
Unbeatable location
In New York, you can always, at any moment, raise your hand and hail a yellow cab, but it’s fair to say that the favorite mode of transport for New Yorkers is the subway. Grand Central Terminal divides Park Avenue in two, and from the same station you can take the line that connects the entire east side of the island and the one that goes directly to Times Square, the High Line, and Queens.
A different dinner in Korea Town
Despite its small size, New York’s Korean neighborhood is well worth an in-depth visit. The perfect evening plan after a long day of business meetings or sightseeing is to enjoy authentic Korean barbecue at places like New Wongo or Jongro BBQ. The local restaurants also highlight another of their culinary specialties, the rice and vegetable casserole Bibimbap, like the one served at BCD Tofu House. The evening can end in a private karaoke booth or with a taste of Korean desserts. And all this just a few steps from Park Avenue.
The calm of the Morgan Library
The Morgan Library offers a great alternative for art lovers and for those looking to focus between meetings. This beautiful early 20th-century building once housed the personal collection of the renowned financier J. P. Morgan. After his death, his descendants decided to open it to the public as a museum and research center. In addition to manuscripts by authors as varied as Sir Walter Scott and Bob Dylan, the Morgan Library displays original drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Picasso. It’s a perfect break just one block from Park Avenue.
Direct access to Silicon Alley
In recent years, a large number of tech startups have flourished around the iconic Flatiron Building, and they’re not just a promise anymore — they’re a solid reality. So much so that this new business hub has earned the nickname Silicon Alley (replacing valley –valley– with alley –alley– from the famous Californian mecca). In its modern offices, the New York of the future is taking shape — one led by the companies of tomorrow. Perfect for spotting trends and discovering the next Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.
Admire the views
New York is best experienced from its streets but truly admired from its rooftops. Along Park Avenue and nearby streets, there are several rooftop bars that serve as the perfect retreat after a busy day in the city. Roof at Park South offers a relaxed atmosphere, but when it comes to views, Spyglass Rooftop Bar and 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar compete for the top spot. Both have the Empire State Building in their sights.
Curry Hill, the spiciest street
The wide variety of cultures that converge in the city makes it the perfect invitation to taste New York’s endless array of international cuisine. The city makes it easy with themed areas such as Curry Hill. The smell of curry will guide you to the best restaurants, although not all of them stick to this flavorful and spicy blend of spices. Dhaba offers an excellent selection of samosas and kebabs, while Desi Galli specializes in biryani and chaat.
The most pet-friendly avenue
The mystery of where New York’s pets hide is solved by strolling along Park Avenue. It’s common to see locals walking with their pets up and down the street. And it’s not just residents — many visitors can do the same. Several hotels welcome dogs and cats in their rooms, making a trip to New York open to the entire family, including those on four legs. Exploring the city with your pet becomes a truly unique and exciting experience.
Flying on a bike
There’s no means of transport that New York can’t handle, but the wide expanse of Park Avenue makes hopping on a bike especially tempting. The city provides residents and visitors with a great network of bicycles that cover almost every neighborhood. This way, wandering through Manhattan or heading to meetings feels like riding on air.
An opening to the river
An alternative to the subway is the ferry. On the east side of 34th Street, just a short distance from Park Avenue, lies one of the city’s most dynamic ferry docks, with service to Roosevelt Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan. From here, you can reach the city’s financial heart in just a few minutes or head out to the beach areas farther from the center. The gentle waves of the river can also be enjoyed while dining at a luxurious floating restaurant just three blocks from the station. The Water Club offers a lively atmosphere filled with jazz music, where you can savor its seafood- and fish-focused menu to the rhythm of the melodies.