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Things to do in the Flatiron District in New York City

May 2, 2022
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This commercial and residential neighborhood that is named after the iconic and famous wedge-shaped Flatiron Building attracts a lot of tourists that visit New York City. Everybody ends up stopping by the area when they come to the city. I love this neighborhood and the surroundings – and, in today’s post, I’m gonna suggest things to do in the area. Some of the places are not, geographically speaking, located in the Flatiron District, but as they are super close, I thought they were worth mentioning.

Flatiron Building

With a distinctive triangular shape, Flatiron Building was designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1902. Located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, the building was intended to serve as offices for the George A. Fuller Company, a major Chicago contracting firm. At 22 stories and 307 feet, the Flatiron was never the city’s tallest building, but always one of its most dramatic-looking, and its popularity with photographers and artists has made it an enduring symbol of New York for more than a century. Today, the place mainly houses publishing businesses, in addition to a few shops on the ground floor. Source.
The building is not open to the public – but there are a lot of perfect spots around to contemplate it.

Madison Square Park

Small but charming and iconic park. It features a children’s playground, dog park, performance space, some area for picnics, and arts instalations. Madison Square Park is also home to the first Shake Shack location. On spring/summer days, it’s worth spending time there. A break from the chaotic energy of the city.

The Museum at FIT

The Fashion Institute of Technology is one of the most renowned institutions in the world when it comes to studying fashion. I don’t think many people know, but FIT has a fashion museum – which admission is free. Their collection of pieces is one of the largest in the world and they feature super interesting exhibitions throughout the year! To check the schedule, just access the website. Geographically, it’s outside the Flatiron District – but it’s close to the area!

Fotografiska

If you have watched Inventing Anna on Netflix you know the building above. Shonda Rhimes’s series tells the story of the Instagram-legendary heiress who stole the money of New York elites. The building that Anna wanted to buy for her foundation exists and it is the home of the Swedish photography museum Fotografiska – and, if you like photography, you should definitely visit. Amazing exhibitions – check them out!

Harry Potter Store

Harry Potter New York is the first official Harry Potter flagship store in the heart of New York City next to the iconic Flatiron building.Harry Potter New York houses the largest ever collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products, from Hogwarts House robes to Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. Visitors will be able to explore a store spanning 20,000 square feet and three floors full of Wizarding World merchandise.

Through three floors, the store houses the world’s largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products. With a 20,000 square feet, the place offers exclusive lines, magical photo opportunities, and much more! Even if you leave without buying anything – which must be an impossible task for those who are fans – the visit to the place itself is already a super cool thing to do because the store is like an attraction! You will really find everything: clothes, accessories, cosmetics, candies, chocolates, bed linen, plush toys, legos, decorative objects, books, stationery …

The FRIENDS Experience

Created by Warner Bros. and Superfly X, The FRIENDS Experience is designed to immerse fans in the universe of iconic TV series like never before. The Friends Experience is an interactive celebration of the iconic TV show. With set recreations, original props and costumes, photo ops, a retail store, and Central Perk, it’s the biggest celebration of FRIENDS™ yet.

Milk Bar 

Milk Bar has become a phenomenon here in New York – it is worth watching the Chef’s Table episode about Christina Tosi, who is behind delicious and different creations like Soft Serve Cereal Milk, ice cream with cereal milk. Everything in the Milk Bar is very tasty! I’m a big fan! This location in the Flatiron District is the flagship store. If the other Milk Bar locations are tiny, at this location space is not a problem. There are collective tables and they also offer classes! Besides the Cereal Soft Serve, I recommend trying the Milk Bar Pie and the Birthday Cake.

Eataly

A classic that couldn’t be left out! Eataly is an Italian food hall. It features several restaurants – including one on the rooftop, whose decor changes seasonally – in addition to a coffee shop, quick bites, and a grocery store – you can find many delicious products including fresh pasta. I love it!

Thyme bar

Thyme Bar is an underground hideaway, a cocktail speakeasy Lounge nestled beneath 23rd Street in a historic pre-war cellar. The place used to be a dessert bar in the past – I’ve written about it here – and now is a bar where the highlights are the beautiful and exquisite cocktails. Besides the presentation of the drinks, another interesting fact is that they use ingredients rarely seen like orange shaved ice and used coffee grounds. Also, they do the process in a sustainable way, by reducing waste as much as possible and also reducing the amount of water used and ice. The space is very intimate, perfect for dates – they also seat people upstairs, at Patisserie Chanson.

Oscar Wilde

It is probably the most beautiful bar I’ve ever been to in New York City! The arts and objects collection used in the decor are from different parts of the world like Paris and London. The highlight here is the craft cocktails selection. I recommend Hotel D’Alsace, with gym and lavender extract. The food bites are also really good – loved the truffled arancini.

Planta Queen

It is a 100% plant-based restaurant with a chic environment and a very creative menu. Everything we ordered was so delicious – from the drinks to the appetizers and main dish. Even if you are not vegan or vegetarian, I’m sure you’re gonna love it, cause the food is full of flavor featuring ingredients in unique combinations. I highly recommend getting a lot of small plates to share! Prices range between $5 -$18 for small plates and 10 to $25 (main dishes).

 

Links

Further Reading...

How to make a positive impact as a tourist in New York

June 7, 2020

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – review and tips about the ballet performance in New York City

January 7, 2019

New York on a Budget: 5 Money Saving Tips (Ft. Sarah Funk)

January 9, 2019

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