The world's at your fingertips in Midtown
Considering a Midtown Manhattan vacation rental? Then welcome to the crossroads of the world. At the heart of retail and commerce in New York City, Midtown's bright lights and bustle are what most people think of when someone says, "Big Apple." From the family-friendly restaurants and theaters of Times Square to the renowned Museum of Modern Art, the list of venues and iconic landmarks is long. With Bryant Park at its center and Central Park on its northern border, there's even enough green space to keep nature lovers merry in Midtown.
The 3 pillars of culture _ art, architecture, and... wax?
Once the tallest building in the world, the Empire State Building is still a wonder, especially when you remember that its limestone form was thrown up in a mere 410 days during the Great Depression. The views from its outdoor and indoor observation decks are mind-blowing. Just be prepared to be patient. If long lines aren't your thing, skip the Empire State and take your crew to the Museum of Modern Art, the world famous home of everything from Picasso to Pollock. For a slightly quirkier excursion, treat the kids to Madame Tussauds museum of wax figures.
Dive into the throng or have a think overlooking the Hudson
Ready for the iconic Manhattan experience and keen to brave the crowds? Then head to glittering Times Square, a pedestrian-friendly explosion of soaring skyscrapers, sparkling Broadway marquees, restaurants, and retail chains. Then take in a show or just the scenery at Rockefeller Center, the national landmark that, come Christmastime, features the most famous evergreen tree in America. For something family friendly but a little less crowded, take a trip to the High Line, a mile and a half of elevated park along the Hudson River that features wildflowers and outdoor art along its walking paths.
Cold winters, warm summers, and everything in between
New York is as far north as you can get in the U.S. while still claiming a humid, subtropical climate. That means winters are cold and damp, with snowfall from December through early March and temps below freezing but never below zero. Summers are warm and sometimes sweltering, so look for a Midtown vacation rental with air conditioning. Spring and fall range from wet and windy to sunny and warm. You'll pat yourself on the back if you pack your rain-or-shine wardrobe, because there's too much to do to let a little water get in your way.
Even for nature lovers, this bustling Midtown isn't middling
Most visitors don't think "nature" when they think of New York's most central neighborhood, but Midtown is right on the edge of Central Park, and the Central Park Zoo is a draw for travelers and year-round residents alike. Fan favorites include snow leopards, grizzly bears, penguins, and red pandas, and there's a children's area where kids can get up close and personal with a potbellied pig. Your Midtown vacation rental is also surrounded by a surprising variety of birds. Birdwatchers in Bryant Park report sightings of warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and chuck-will's-widows.