Park Avenue
New York City, NY
Few New York City boulevards are as emblematic as Park Avenue. Running almost the entire length of Manhattan before crossing the Hudson River into the Bronx, it would take almost three hours to walk the entire length. There’s plenty to see along the way, including some of the world’s priciest real estate, numerous Fortune 500 companies, and a vast treasury of architectural landmarks.
The basics
Smack-bang in the middle of Manhattan, it’s easy to combine a walk down Park Avenue with visiting some of New York City’s most popular attractions. The central boulevard runs parallel to Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue, while Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building all lie within a two-block walk. Many sightseeing tours and walking tours of New York City stop by Park Avenue, and it's worth visiting with a guide to learn about the avenue’s unique history and architecture.
Things to know before you go
- The most visited section of Park Avenue is from the Park Avenue Malls, just south of Grand Central Terminal, up to the Upper East Side.
- Comfy shoes are recommended as you can easily clock up some miles walking along this lengthy boulevard.
- The wide sidewalks and broad pedestrian crossings of Park Avenue make it largely accessible for wheelchairs, although be aware that the busy and noisy thoroughfare might be overwhelming for some visitors.
How to get there
Multiple subway stations are located along Park Avenue, including Union Square (14 Street) and Grand Central Terminal, where you can also connect to the Long Island Rail Road. You can get off at any of the stations along Lexington Avenue, just a block away, or hail a taxi anywhere along the boulevard.
When to get there
Park Avenue buzzes with activity—and traffic—at all hours of the day, and it’s generally safe to stroll through Manhattan at any time. It’s worth visiting throughout the different seasons, whether to admire the blooming tulips and cherry blossoms between 56th and 86th Streets in spring, or to see the twinkling holiday lights over the festive season.
Landmark buildings along Park Avenue
One of the highlights of a stroll along Park Avenue is the magnificent architecture and many memorable landmarks. The early 20th-century Grand Central Station is a NYC icon, but you also won’t want to miss the historic Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the MetLife Building (previously the Pan Am Building), the Seventh Regiment Armory, the Ritz Tower, and the Helmsley Building. The Park Avenue Historic District from 79th Street to 91st Street is lined with elegant 19th-century mansions.
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