With its traditional gentlemen’s clubs, luxury retail outlets and hot dog stands, Midtown is an unmistakable sight that many visitors never forget. Ride to the top of the Empire State Building and look out over panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Experience the spectacular lights of Times Square.

This is one of the most densely built areas in the world. While most of the buildings are devoted to commercial real estate, the area gradually becomes more residential moving east toward Grand Central Station. Spend your sightseeing time on the western side of Midtown. If you do go east, step inside the beautiful lobby of Grand Central, a sight familiar from many movies. Admire the beauty of the architecture of this cavernous space.

Show business is a main reason why people come to Midtown. See a play, musical or comedy routine on Theatre Row. Wander under the bright lights of 42nd Street, also a popular Midtown destination for theater. Catch a spectacular performance at Radio City Music Hall or pay for a guided tour that covers the art deco architecture of this legendary building.

Search for the latest fashions in upscale clothing retailers, including Bloomingdale’s, Lord & Taylor and Bergdorf Goodman. Visit the majestic plaza surrounding Rockefeller Center.

Midtown is full of some of the most well-known and respected dining venues and accommodations in the world. Many options skew to the high end, but even if you don’t stay at the Palace, the Plaza or Waldorf-Astoria, visit their sterling lobbies and sit down for a cocktail at one of their bar-restaurants.

Nearly every subway in New York passes through Midtown. Get off anywhere between 59th Street and 34th Street, where all the main attractions are concentrated. You’ll have a lot of crowds to weave through in order to see all the famous sights of this exciting part of the city.