The Flatiron District takes its name after the famous Flatiron Building, found at 23rd Street, Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Currently the area serves an eclectic mix of residents and businesses. Many publishers have their offices in the district, as well as advertising agencies and a number of internet related companies which has given rise to another nickname for the neighborhood: "Silicon Alley." Notable buildings in the district include the Flatiron Building, one of the oldest of the original New York skyscrapers, and just to east at 1 Madison Avenue is the Met Life Tower, built in 1909 and the tallest building in the world until 1913, when the Woolworth Building was completed. Nearby, on Madison Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets, on the site of the old Madison Square Garden, is the New York Life Building, built in 1928 and designed by Cass Gilbert, with a square tower topped by a striking gilded pyramid.
On the northern edge of this neighborhood lies historic and recently renovated Madison Square Park on 6.2 acres between 23rd and 26th Streets and Fifth and Madison avenues.
Madison Square Park is one of two vibrant parks in the Flatiron district, as well as an oasis for those who live and work nearby. The park now features an expanded south-east corner, lush lawns and flowering plants, a restored 19th fountain, a contemporary reflecting pool, new benches, and ornamental lighting. The park is also host to Danny Meyer’s famous
Shake Shack, an extremely popular lunchtime destination due to its top-rated burgers and thick shakes.
On the southern edge of this neighborhood lies
Union Square Park, between 14th and 19th Streets and Park Avenue and Broadway. Some consider the Union Square area a neighborhood unto itself, as the immediate surroundings are a thriving cultural, business and education hub. The area is known for its top-notch restaurants, diverse retailers, off-Broadway theaters, excellent universities, teaching hospitals and, of course, Union Square Park, one of the city's most popular gathering points. Host to the first Labor Day Parade in 1882, the park continues to be used as the staging ground for numerous historic rallies and demonstrations. The park also contains a playground for the kids and a dog run for Fido so both can stretch their legs a bit and play alongside the city’s other often pent-up pooches. The park also offers free
wi-fi, so you can pretend to be surfing the web as you people-watch the diverse crowd of artists, college kids and skater boys who flip their skateboards along the park steps near 14th Street.
Union Square also hosts a popular greenmarket, where more than 70 farmers sell fresh produce, baked goods and more every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. During the holiday season, the southern end of the Park becomes the Union Square Holiday Market where dozens of vendors sell unique wears perfect for the gift-giving season. Directly across the street from the park on 14th Street lies the
Virgin Megastore, one of the largest music retailers in the city. Whether you’re searching for that obscure Japanese-imported b-side or that CD by the latest chart-topper, you’ll probably find it here. They also occasionally host in-store concerts and album signings so be sure to check their schedule in advance. You'll also find a large
Whole Foods Market with self-catering dining options on the upper level.
If you find yourself getting hungry while perusing the greenmarket, there are plenty of restaurants in the area to satiate your appetite.
Eisenberg Sandwich Shop is one of New York's true gems and one of the few remaining, old-school luncheonettes. Enter the narrow doorway and grab a stool along the lengthy countertop and enjoy heaps of potato salad and pastrami on rye. For dinner hit up the
Heartland Brewery & Chophouse in Union Square, a spot that's known for its vast selection of burgers and homebrewed beers. And then there's
Craft, where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine by five-star chef Tom Colicchio, which now features a
very special meal every other Tuesday. While it's definitely on the pricey side (dinner starts at $150 a plate), it's assuredly worth treating yourself.
In terms of hotel accommodations, there are several options in the Flatiron/Union Square area. The
W New York Union Square is a stylish, deluxe hotel that's been named one of the "Top 500 Hotels in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler. For the more budget-conscious traveler, there's the charming
Union Square Inn and the
Hotel at Madison Park as well.
