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Midtown, situated between 34th and 59th Streets, attracts loads of tourists. Seeing all its highlights would take a few days as there is such a varied selection of attractions to choose from: landscape buildings, fascinating museums, upscale restaurants and high-end stores. As it might be quite tiring to sightsee the whole Midtown on a single day tour, the sights which cannot be missed are listed below.

Architectural pearls

Midtown is mainly known for being home to the most popular attractions of New York City. Thus, visiting it is a must to all newcomers. Walking along the streets of Midtown during off-peak hours to discover all the world famous spots is a memorable experience. What must be seen while touring Midtown?

1.Times Square, also known as the ''Crossroads of the World'' is situated in the middle of Midtown Manhattan around the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue. It is visited by approximately 1.5 million people every day. Its most famous part, located to the north of 42nd Street, is filled with mega-billboards and glittery neon marquees. Hence, the area is often called ''Great White Way''. It is a good idea at New Year's Eve to watch the world-famous countdown to midnight with an illuminated Waterford Crystal ball descent from the roof of One Times Square as the climax of the festivities.

2.Empire State Building, situated at 350 Fifth Avenue, is the tallest of all the New York skyscrapers. It offers a varied selection of attractions to tourists. The top ones include
the New York Skyride, a virtual helicopter tour of top sights of New York, the Fifth Avenue Gallery, a regular exhibition of the New York art, and the Wonders of the World exhibition. Moreover, one can enjoy an unforgettable view of the city and its environs within the distance of 130 kilometres from the glazed observation deck situated on the 86th story.

3.Chrysler Building, the 77-story edifice, which is reputed as the second tallest edifice of New York City and the tallest brick building in the world. From the architectural point of view, it is a classic example of Art Deco, which according to some architects makes is the nicest of all New York City's buildings. Its most distinctive feature, which make it a tourist must, is its crown including the Chrysler automobile decorations (eagles-Chrysler hood ornaments and radiator caps).

4.Grand Central Terminal, one of the largest railway stations in the world, which is renowned as one of the most splendid examples of the Beaux Arts architecture. The recently renovated building, which is no longer a station, should be seen due to its impressive interior with the constellations of the zodiac streaming across the vaulted ceiling and balconies overlooking the main concourse.

5.St. Patrick's Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic Revival, is the largest Catholic cathedral in the USA with over 5,000 faithful attending the Sunday Masses. The church, designed by James Renwick Jr., dates from 1879. Its characteristic features include the 100-metre-tall twin spires, which rise 330 ft from street level, an imposing stained-glass Rose Window and the bronze baldachin above the main altar. St. Patrick's Cathedral has been the US National Historic Landmark since 1976.

6.the UN Headquarters with the General Assembly, famous for the meetings of member nations held here every fall, the Security Council Chamber and the Economic & Social Council Chamber, which can be seen on a guided tour. If craving some peace and quiet, visit the park located south to the UN facility with peace-theme sculptures, including the renowned Henry Moore's ''Reclining Figure''.

7.New York Public Library, located in the grand Beaux Arts building, is ranked among the top free attractions in the New York City. It is known for the airy Reading Room, the Exhibition Hall with precious manuscripts, like a Gutenberg Bible, and the Map Division.

Museums

Midtown boasts not only the historic edifices and the city's tallest skyscrapers but also its varied selection of excellent museums. The top one is the Museum of Modern Art, well known for its physical design, is commonly regarded as the world's most influential museum of modern art. It possesses a rich collection of over 100,000 pieces in the following departments: Painting and Sculpture, including the works of Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, Pollock and many others, Film and Media, Architecture and Design, Drawing, Prints and Illustrated Books. Worth paying a visit to is also a cosy sculpture garden and the museum's cinema. Other institutions of that kind include the American Museum of Folk Art, the American Craft Museum, the International Center of Photography, the Museum of Radio and Television, with a collection of over 50,000 American TV and radio programs, etc. and are worth recommending to art-oriented visitors to New York City.

Culture Venues

What makes Midtown known worldwide is its Theater District, the major center of American theater industry. The area boasts as many as thirty-nine large professional theaters where big-time Broadway shows, mainly plays or musicals, can be watched. Thus, if staying in New York City, it is advisable to see one of the Broadway productions.
There are also renowned concert venues in Midtown Manhattan. The most famous one is Carnegie Hall, which is also one of the most famous concert venues in the United States. Erected in 1890, the concert hall is renowned for its impeccable acoustics, architectural beauty and magnificent artistic programme. Apart from the famed Main Hall, with over 2,800 seats, the Recital Hall, the Chamber Music Hall and two smaller halls, the Carnegie Hall houses the Carnegie Hall Archives and the Rose Museum documenting the history of the Carnegie Hall and displaying portraits and memorabilia of its greatest performers. A must to classical music concert-goers!
Another popular entertainment venue is Radio City Music Hall, which is commonly referred to as the ''Showplace of the Nation''. It boasts its Great Stage, bearing resemblance to the setting sun, and its Mighty Wurlitzer, the largest theater pipe organ. It is a good idea to attend the famed Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a traditional Christmas show held since 1933, which is the most-watched live show in the United States.
If fond of popular music events, one should pay a visit to the Madison Square Garden, frequently referred to as the Garden, where such personalities as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Led Zeppelin, Shakira, the Rolling Stones, U2, the Who, Ricky Martin recored their live albums. Lots of popular music concerts are held at the Garden.

Shopping

Midtown Manhattan, regarded as the country's busiest commercial district, is a real shopping paradise. If keen on going on a shopping spree, stroll along Fifth Avenue and Times Square. It is here that one can find such world-famous flagship stores as the classy Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Avenue) with fabulous women's collections, the stylish Henri Bendel (712 Fifth Avenue) with established designer clothing, the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Avenue) offering high-end women's and men's collections, the classic Lord and Taylor (424 Fifth Avenue) with outfit to match each pocket, the movie-famed Tiffany and Co. jewelry store, the F.A.O. Schwarz toy store, amongst others.