MANHATTAN

Midtown South Neighborhood Guide

Midtown South is situated in central Manhattan among New York’s most iconic landmarks and districts. This bustling neighborhood borders Times Square and encompasses what most people think of when they picture New York City, including the Empire State Building and the main branch of the New York Public Library. 

One is never without entertainment in Midtown South. Foodies will be delighted by the restaurant and nightlife scene in vibrant Koreatown; unforgettable events are held mere steps away at Madison Square Garden, and shopping abounds at the nearby Macy’s Flagship store, Hudson Yard mall, and throughout the streets of the Garment District. 

Midtown South is home to Bryant Park, one of the most desirable green spaces in the city. In the summer, visitors can catch film screenings while surrounded by lush gardens. The park comes to life in the cold months with an ice skating rink and a beloved winter village. Residents love the convenience of Midtown South’s location; the proximity to Grand Central Terminal makes the neighborhood easily commutable to and from anywhere! The green spaces, amenities, and attractions of New York’s Midtown South neighborhood are quickly making it one of the most coveted areas in Manhattan. 

Midtown South Real Estate Stats

An Abbreviated History of Midtown South

Like the majority of neighborhoods in NYC, the Lenape Indians were the original residents of Midtown Manhattan. They lived among the wildlife of the hilly island and utilized the Hudson River, known as Shatemuc, for fishing and trade. In 1624, the Dutch claimed Manhattan as New Amsterdam and purchased the land from the Lenape. 

During the late 19th century, an influx of theater buildings, casinos, and nightclubs kicked off a scandalous period for Midtown South. The neighborhood, nicknamed the Tenderloin and the Devil’s Arcade, became notorious for prostitution and bootlegging. Midtown South unexpectedly changed its reputation in 1916 due to a zoning law. At the time, rampant prejudice against Jews forced immigrant garment workers to leave Fifth Avenue. They sought refuge in Midtown South and replaced the theaters and casinos with textile shops and garment lofts. Unfortunately, following WWII, the desire for cheap labor would shutter many textile businesses. However, a garment district full of design shops and history still exists today!

In the 1970s, Korean immigrants opened restaurants, book stores, and spas on West 32nd Street, thus creating the exciting Koreatown District. Today, Midtown South contains an eclectic mix of design shops, offices, homes, and restaurants that commemorate the neighborhood’s illustrious past. 

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

What to expect

Midtown South Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Constructed in 1913, Grand Central Terminal is a transportation hub that boasts more platforms than any other train station in the world. The railroad carries approximately 267,000 people per day, making it essential to New York commuters. Though its primary function is for travel, Grand Central Terminal is a destination in itself. The majestic beaux-arts building is full of exquisite architectural details, the most prominent being its celestial ceiling. The ceiling features 12 Zodiac constellations. At one point, the constellations were painted backward. It was later corrected, though you will notice that Orion is still reversed! The Grand Central Terminal is full of surprises and contains a market, bars, apartments, and even a tennis club!

Located atop Pennsylvania Station, Madison Square Garden is a multi-purpose entertainment venue that has been named the coolest arena in the United States by Rolling Stone. It opened its doors to the public in 1968, making it the oldest sports facility in the New York metro area. Through the years, some of the biggest events in history have been held here, including three Democratic National Conventions, “The Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971, and Marilyn Monroe’s birthday serenade to John F. Kennedy. Visitors can still catch regular-season New York Knicks and New York Rangers games at MSG.

Take in the extraordinary sights of the city from 1,250 feet in the sky! The Empire State Building was constructed during a race to create the world’s tallest structure. Its Art Deco design with a massive pinnacle was revolutionary for the time period. The interior is just as magnificent as its exterior facade and boasts metallic details and glittering starbursts. From its completion in 1931 until 1970, it ruled as the tallest building in the world. Now an iconic NYC landmark, the Empire State Building is a must-see for all first-time visitors and welcomes tourists and New Yorkers alike with unobstructed views from the famous observation decks, tantalizing restaurants, and shops.

Known as Manhattan’s Town Square, Bryant Park is one of the most popular green spaces in the city. It provides year-round fun with an ice skating rink and winter village during the cold months and film viewings and exercise classes during the warm months. Visitors love to explore the park through its carousel, lawn games, lush gardens, and eatery. Besides its beloved amenities, Bryant Park also boasts a storied history. It was once an encampment for Union army troops, and George Washington and his men marched across the land during the Revolutionary War.

Considered America’s largest department store, Macy’s Herald Square offers 11 floors that will satisfy all of your shopping needs. Macy’s Herald Square, which is Macy’s Flagship store and Corporate Headquarters, takes up an entire block! The Macy’s building was completed in 1902 and received a national landmark designation in 1978. While perusing the latest fashions and home goods, guests can enjoy multiple restaurants and frequent events. 

Originally part of the Garment District, Koreatown took on an identity of its own in the 1970s. Korean immigrants and business owners began opening stores and restaurants in the area, coining its name Koreatown. Today, this neighborhood is known for its tantalizing restaurants that serve authentic Korean cuisine. Korean book shops, relaxing spas, and grocery stores are nestled among the bright, eclectic buildings. Koreatown comes to life at night as New Yorkers visit its popular karaoke bars.

The Garment District was once the location of scandalous nightlife activities until Jewish immigrants and garment workers transformed this neighborhood into their home. Located between Fifth Avenue and Ninth Avenue, from 34th to 42nd Streets, major fashion designers, like Calvin Klein and Nanette Lepore, maintain property here. Though the Garment District is not the fashion capital it once was, it still offers plenty of culture. Locals can visit the fashion walk of fame, stop into textile shops, and take in the ever-changing art scene.

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the main branch of the New York Public Library and contains some of the premier research collections in the country. This exquisite marble Beaux-Arts building was opened in 1911 to the delight of New York residents. Every inch of the library is worth exploring; not only is the interior architecturally breathtaking, but it contains treasured collections around every corner. The famous Rose Main Reading Room is the definition of grandeur. It is almost the length of a football field and has been featured in countless movies, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A Rare Books Division contains nearly 800 historic materials, such as 15th-century works by William Caxton and Günter Zainer, the earliest English printers. Visitors can also now access the Polonsky Exhibition, which highlights the most fascinating materials in the library’s collections.

The Morgan Library and Museum is a must-see for rare artifact lovers. Charles McKim of the firm McKim, Mead & White constructed the Morgan Library between 1902-1906. The Italian Renaissance structure that exquisitely symbolizes the splendor of the Gilded Age is considered to be one of Kim’s most significant works. The Morgan Library and Museum was the personal library of Pierpont Morgan, a 19th-century railroad magnate, and investment banker. Pierpont Morgan’s dream was to make his collection available to scholars. In 1924, Pierpont’s son, J.P. Morgan, Jr., helped make that possible by donating the library as a public institution. The Morgan Library contains an impressive holding of rare works from authors such as Johann Gutenberg, Henry David Thoreau, and musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Morgan Library and Museum also features J.P. Morgan Jr.’s residence, a performance hall, reading room, restaurant, and garden court.

All Notable New Yorker photos courtesy of Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Ralph Lauren by YES Network; Photo of Donna Karan by David Shankbone; Photo of Rachel Brosnahan by Mingle Media TV; Photo of Katharine McPhee by iDominick; Photo of Gaminbo by NYPD.