Fifth Avenue is a great starting point for many NYC landmarks. It is the "marking point" for the division between East and West addresses in NYC. For example. Sixth Avenue (aka Ave. of the Americas) is one block west of Fifth, and the numbers between Fifth and Sixth will range, generally, from 1West to 99 West (50th or 60th or whatever). Any "east" address (such as East 52nd St) will be east of Fifth Avenue. 1-99 East 52nd for example, will be in the general vicinity of 52nd between Fifth and Madison (the first street east of Fifth).
Streets EAST of Fifth go in this order: Fifth Avenue, Madison, PRak, Lexington, Third, Second, First, and York. For a short visit to NYC, you will not really need to go east of Park for anything of real interest.
Streets WEST of Fifth go in this order: Sixth Ave (kaka Avenue of the Americas); Seventh, Broadway; Eighth, Ninth, 10th, 11th, 12th. Most theatres in the Times Square area are on the numbered Streets between 7th and 9th.
NYC neighborhoods:
East Village: this is the "hip" area and known as sort of where punk rock started in the NY area, it is still a fun area, lots of cute cafes and ethnic restaurants and such-- but a bit out of the way.St. Mark's Place is probably the most famous location here to start from. On Sixth Street here they have a bunch of crazy Indian restaurants that are a must visit if you like Indian food.
Lower East Side, Chinatown, Little Italy: Honestly not really worth a visit unless you are here for a long time and looking for something to do. Little Italy has shrunk significantly. Chinatown is dirty and noisy. Lower east side has a lot of "hip" places to eat and hear music along the Rivington are, though.
Greenwich Village area: Worth a visit if you can make it. Some of my favorite cafes and small restaurants are here. Lots of music history in the Bleeker Street area. Lots of old homes even from 19th century on the far West Side. Charming but hard to navigate as the streets are not in the same configuration as they are in Midtown. Still very cute area if you know where to go.
Upper West Side: 60th -86th, from Central Park West (CPW) and west to Hudson River
Upper East Side: 60th to 86th or so, from Fifth Avenue to East River
Places to see with a Fifth Avenue starting point (all walkable depending on your stamina--FYI, 20 blocks north to south (these are shorter blocks than east to west) equals one mile).
From 34th St, going North:
- Empire State Building-34th and Fifth- ((SW side). Just take photos--don't go up! It is hot and you have to walk and wait --frequently for hours. (other places of note on 34th St: Macys is at 34th and Seventh, 2 blocks west. Not really worth it though Also: lots of clothing stores along 34th Street. But mostly this is a really busy street without a lot of appeal).
- Grand Central Station: 42nd and Park-. Worth it to walk in just to look at this famous building--don't miss the ceiling! Or the awesome food court!
- St. Patricks Cathedral -51st and Fifth
- Rockefeller Center area -50th and Fifth: Top of the Rock Observation Deck lovely view (timed tickets really the only way to go-$27)
- Rockefeller Plaza ( and Today Show taping): 48th bet 5 and 6th: This is where the famous skating rink is and this is where they hold the outdoor Today Show concerts when they have musical acts during the show
- Fifth Avenue window shopping: Lots of famous shops with much histroy along fifth Avenue including: Saks, Tiffany: 57th and Fifth, and Bergdorf's (57th-58th and Fifth)--famous for its windows and featured in a new documentary "Scatter my Ashes at Bergdorf's"
- Paris Cinema: 58th off Fifth A gorgeous old cinema with eclectic offerings--
- Plaza Hotel: right off Fifth at 59th (AKA Central Park South): home of Eloise, famous tea room, and more. Worth just going in and walking through the lobby or going to to the restroom. Downstairs they have an interesting food hall and a yuummy cafe with chocolate cakes etc. \
- Central Park: Entrance on 59th (aka Central Park South) and Fifth. The ONE PLACE to NOT MISS! Some things of interest: Central Park Zoo esp. penguin room, polar bears, and bird house. Or just watch the seals from outside. Really not worth it for short visit. More to come on Central Park as there is much to see. You can also take a carriage ride and see a lot more without having to walk the entire way.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: 82nd and Fifth: Do NOT pay their "suggested price." Give them no more than five bucks for two...just hand it to them and say "two please". Still this is really a must see even if you just walk in and get the elevator to go to the top of the building. This is awonderful view and not to be missed.
