New York Online - Union Square, Flatiron and Gramercy Park

Since 1990s Union Square, once a witness to the union workers' and political activists' protests and a meeting point for drug dealers, has been transformed into the young, bustling and shopping-centric area. Nowadays it is famous for its newly restored Union Square Park, which hosts the weekly Greenmarket Farmers Market, one of the most popular farmer markets in New York City, and the yearly Christmas Holiday Bazaar. The former attracts loads of New Yorkers, including celebrity chefs, who come here to buy homemade cheeses, organic fruit and vegetables, honey, herbs and baked goods straight from the farmers. Strolling here on a market day is a golden opportunity to enjoy a true New York experience. Moreover, Union Square Park is surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants and bars which make it a popular destination. There are also upscale stores in the vicinity, of which the top ones include the Virgin Megastore, a bustling massive music store, Filene's Basement, a popular discount department store and Whole Foods, a well-known gourmet supermarket.

The Flatiron District, named after the famous work of architecture Flatiron Building, is similar to SoHo, in a positive sense of the word, with no crowds, prices and pretensions the South of Houston district is associated with. Flatiron, in contrast to Union Square, is dining-oriented with plenty of fine restaurants. There are also several dance clubs and loads of shopping opportunities. Close to the district's centerpiece, the Flatiron Building, there is the newly renovated Madison Square Park. It is a perfect site for having a rest on one of the shaded benches while admiring the towering skyscrapers encircling the park, including the Flatiron Building, the gilded spire topped New York Life Insurance Company Building and the 54-story Metropolitan Life Tower, which was the world's tallest edifice upon its construction in 1909.
The Flatiron District is also known for its two cultural institutions: Museum of Sex and Tibet House. The former is a museum which by means of exhibitions, seminars and publications deals with the delicate subject of human sexuality, whereas the latter is engaged in the presentation of Tibet's culture and traditions.
Another part of the Flatiron District worth seeing is ''Curry Hill'', a collection of Indian stores and restaurants, located South of Murray Hill, between 26th and 29th Streets.

Gramercy Park is named after a lovely, though the only private, park in New York City. Not far from here is the National Arts Club, designed by Calvert Vaux, one of the Central Park creators, which hosts major art exhibitions. The area is also famous for the tranquil Irving Place, named after Washington Irving, lined with magnificent eateries and cafes.