Things to See and Do in NYC
Explore the Best New York City Attractions from the Upper West Side
The Empire Hotel’s coveted location puts guests within convenient proximity to some of the most iconic attractions and things to do in NYC. Directly across the street from the hotel, guests can walk to the renowned Lincoln Center which includes The Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center Theater, New York City Ballet, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Film at Lincoln Center to see year-round live spectaculars. Stroll down the tree-lined streets of the Upper West Side and you will reach Columbus Circle and the idyllic Central Park. You are steps away from all that NYC has to offer -- with so many major MTA Subway lines next to the hotel, Manhattan is at your fingertips when you stay at the Empire Hotel. Don't forget to browse our Calendar of Events to see what's going on at the hotel and in our neighborhood during your stay at the Empire.
Located in Manhattan's Upper West Side, the Empire Hotel has been an iconic New York City landmark for over a century.
Take a stroll through the legendary CENTRAL PARK and take in the local landmarks. Visit Strawberry Fields for a John Lennon tribute, wander Sheep's Meadow, skate through Wollman Rink, or take a scooter through the park for a picnic.
NYC's LINCOLN CENTER is the world's leading performing arts center, home of internationally renowned organizations including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School of Music.
Times Square is an iconic cultural landmark that truly encapsulates the spirit of the city that never sleeps. Bright lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds create a mesmerizing spectacle that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Prime shopping and dining await, just steps from the Empire Hotel, at the Shops at Columbus Circle. Browse high-end retailers, nosh, and explore shopping in Midtown Manhattan.
The NEW YORK CITY BALLET is one of the premier dance companies in the world with a roster of extraordinary dancers and an unparalleled schedule of performances.
Catch the latest performances from rock legends & comedy acts at one of New York City’s most famous music venues, THE BEACON THEATER.
Nestled at the height of 30 Rock, home to NBC Studios and SNL, TOP OF THE ROCK's three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks deliver spectacular views of New York City.
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER is a performing arts organization based in New York City that promotes jazz music through performance, education, and advocacy.
Experience the pinnacle of musical artistry at CARNEGIE HALL, an iconic venue with a rich legacy that spans from Jazz legends to rock royalty.
Known as the home of the famed Rockettes dance company, RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL is a beautifully preserved 1930s theater, home to live performances, highlighted by the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Performance.
Discover THE VESSEL at Hudson Yards, an architectural wonder designed to elevate your perspective of New York City. Climb its 154 flights of intertwined stairs for sweeping views of the cityscape and beyond.
Established in 1929, the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, fondly known as MoMa, has evolved into a global epicenter for contemporary and modern art.
FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER This film society is supports the art and craft of cinema by hosting film retrospective, festivals, symposiums and more.
Established in 1842, the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC orchestra is one of the oldest musical institutions in the United States.
Set inside Lincoln Center, THE METROPOLITAN OPERA brings together the world’s most exceptional talent and continues to set the standard for opera on the global stage—an enduring icon of New York’s artistic spirit.
The legendary MADISON SQUARE GARDEN is one of the world's most iconic sports and entertainment venues & stages for pro sports, concerts, and performances. Home to the New York Rangers and New York Knicks, MSG is a legendary NYC venue.
The United Nations Headquarters is one of New York's most significant international landmarks. Their HQ complex welcomes diplomats, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world.
One of the world’s preeminent scientific & cultural institutions-- famously known from the movie 'Night at the Museum' starring Ben Stiller, the American Natural History Museum is perfect for kids & families in NYC.
Broadway is calling! The iconic stage is alive with dazzling lights and unforgettable performances every night, showcasing world-renowned hits like Hamilton, Wicked, Moulin Rouge!, and countless other must-see shows.
Located at the original World Trade Center location, ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY is now the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building at 1,776 feet and already an iconic New York landmark.
The most iconic building in the NYC skyline, EMPIRE STATE BUILDING has been here since 1931. You rarely see a shot of NYC that doesn't include her Art Deco facade.
Visit the largest art museum in the western hemisphere, THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. The Met permanent collection contains over two million works, divided among 17 curatorial departments.
The MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN (aka MAD) champions contemporary artists, designers, and artisans across creative fields. MAD offers a rich variety of exhibitions and public programs, presenting contemporary art and design through a craft lens.
Considered one of New York City's most famous department stores, BLOOMINGDALE'S is a favorite destination for high-end shoppers visiting New York City.
Just south of Central Park, the legendary NORDSTROM NYC FLAGSHIP store is home to seven floors of thoughtfully curated clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as beauty, home goods and new restaurants, cafés and bars.
Central Park
Take a stroll through the legendary CENTRAL PARK and take in the local landmarks. Visit Strawberry Fields for a John Lennon tribute, wander Sheep's Meadow, skate through Wollman Rink, or take a scooter through the park for a picnic.
Lincoln Center
NYC's LINCOLN CENTER is the world's leading performing arts center, home of internationally renowned organizations including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School of Music.
Times Square
Times Square is an iconic cultural landmark that truly encapsulates the spirit of the city that never sleeps. Bright lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds create a mesmerizing spectacle that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Shops at Columbus Circle
Prime shopping and dining await, just steps from the Empire Hotel, at the Shops at Columbus Circle. Browse high-end retailers, nosh, and explore shopping in Midtown Manhattan.
New York City Ballet
The NEW YORK CITY BALLET is one of the premier dance companies in the world with a roster of extraordinary dancers and an unparalleled schedule of performances.
The Beacon Theater
Catch the latest performances from rock legends & comedy acts at one of New York City’s most famous music venues, THE BEACON THEATER.
Top of the Rock
Nestled at the height of 30 Rock, home to NBC Studios and SNL, TOP OF THE ROCK's three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks deliver spectacular views of New York City.
Jazz at Lincoln Center
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER is a performing arts organization based in New York City that promotes jazz music through performance, education, and advocacy.
Carnegie Hall
Experience the pinnacle of musical artistry at CARNEGIE HALL, an iconic venue with a rich legacy that spans from Jazz legends to rock royalty.
The Edge New York
Located 100 floors above the streets of Manhattan, THE EDGE at Hudson Yards provides jaw-dropping views of NYC. Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a one-of-a-kind design.
Radio City Music Hall
Known as the home of the famed Rockettes dance company, RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL is a beautifully preserved 1930s theater, home to live performances, highlighted by the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Performance.
Vessel at Hudson Yards
Discover THE VESSEL at Hudson Yards, an architectural wonder designed to elevate your perspective of New York City. Climb its 154 flights of intertwined stairs for sweeping views of the cityscape and beyond.
Museum of Modern Art
Established in 1929, the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, fondly known as MoMa, has evolved into a global epicenter for contemporary and modern art.
Film at Lincoln Center
FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER This film society is supports the art and craft of cinema by hosting film retrospective, festivals, symposiums and more.
New York Philharmonic
Established in 1842, the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC orchestra is one of the oldest musical institutions in the United States.
The Metropolitan Opera
Set inside Lincoln Center, THE METROPOLITAN OPERA brings together the world’s most exceptional talent and continues to set the standard for opera on the global stage—an enduring icon of New York’s artistic spirit.
Madison Square Garden
The legendary MADISON SQUARE GARDEN is one of the world's most iconic sports and entertainment venues & stages for pro sports, concerts, and performances. Home to the New York Rangers and New York Knicks, MSG is a legendary NYC venue.
United Nations Headquarters
The United Nations Headquarters is one of New York's most significant international landmarks. Their HQ complex welcomes diplomats, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world.
