New York City Madison Avenue

The Basics

Find art galleries, museums, and Central Park, only one block west, on 5th Avenue. If you’re a shopping enthusiast, browse the designer stores of Roberto Cavalli, Dior, and Gucci on a private, luxury shopping tours. Alternatively, see landmark buildings on an architecture walking tour or get your bearings with ease on a sightseeing bus tour, most of which drive along Madison and pass Times Square and Bryant Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Arts enthusiasts shouldn't miss Madison Avenue's world-renowned galleries and museums on Museum Mile.

• Keep an eye out for views of New York's iconic buildings, such as the Empire State and MetLife Buildings, and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

• Madison Avenue is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

How to Get There

Madison Avenue covers a long swath of Manhattan—it runs north to south, from 23rd Street to 142nd Street. You can easily reach Madison Avenue by subway or bus; take the 4, 5, or 6 train, which runs along Lexington Avenue, two blocks east of Madison. You can also take the M1 bus, which runs uptown on Madison Avenue, and downtown on 5th Avenue.

When to Get There

There's never a bad time to visit Madison Avenue, with most shops and restaurants open seven days a week. If you're visiting Madison along with one of New York's nearby museums (such as the Guggenheim or Metropolitan Museum of Art), plan to visit during the week—museums are most crowded on weekends.

Visiting the Morgan Library & Museum

One of New York's hidden gems is the Morgan Library & Museum. The museum hosts public programs, events, and rotating art exhibitions from an Italian Renaissance-style villa. The 1906 library—home to paintings, Netherlandish tapestry, and ornate bookshelves—make it worth a trip. The museum is located at 225 Madison Avenue and hosts free hours, weekly, on Friday evenings.

Ways to explore

Stretching for more than 100 blocks, from the Flatiron Building up to East Harlem, Madison Avenue offers almost endless possibilities for those exploring Manhattan. If you're a shopping enthusiast, head to designer boutiques such as Versace, Lanvin, or Bottega Veneta. Madison Avenue is also home to the Morgan Library & Museum, and is close to many other notable landmarks, including Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building.

While it's easy to explore Madison Avenue independently, learn more on a sightseeing tour. Options include everything from Gilded Age history tours to food crawls and behind-the-scenes filming location itineraries.

Accessibility

Madison Avenue is broadly level, though crowding may make access difficult. Shops and attractions will have varied accessibility standards.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sun protection, umbrella, water bottle

What to wear

Wear comfortable, stylish clothes—aim for an outfit that’s easy to change out of if you plan to go shopping.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Shops, dining options, public transit

Address

Madison Avenue stretches north–south for more than 100 blocks in Manhattan, though its section in Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East Side is particularly rich in attractions. There are numerous ways to get there, including public transit and taxis.

Driving

Generally speaking, driving in Manhattan is not recommended, owing to traffic congestion and restrictions, as well as limited parking options. Use taxis or rideshare services if you can.

Public transportation

The subway makes it easy to get here. The 4, 5, and 6 trains run north–south on Manhattan’s eastern side, just two blocks east of Madison on Lexington Avenue—multiple subway stops serve this part of NYC.

Best times to visit

Visit during typical daytime retail hours to make the most of Madison Avenue’s boutiques and attractions. Shops and museums are generally open from mid-morning to early evening.

Best days to visit

Madison Avenue is rarely quiet, but it may be particularly busy during weekday rush hours and on weekends. Weekday late mornings and mid-afternoons may be quieter.

Best months to visit

Summer is the high season in NYC, and brings the crowds and heat to match. Aim for a shoulder season visit to enjoy good weather with less foot traffic.

Special events

The lead-up to the winter holidays brings a festive feel to Madison Avenue and nearby Fifth Avenue—look out for Christmas lights and decorated shop windows.