The New York Experience: Exploring 5th Avenue & the Empire State Building

Article by: Ashley M lands

— Visitors Guide —

5th Aevnue

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5th Aevnue -

This 2022 Travel series features an Insider's Look at New York City, what's reopened in the 5 Boroughs, the best economy hotels, as well as amazing adventures you don't want to miss!

These 3 articles cover: the 5th Avenue Experience (this article), The Midtown East Experience,
the Times Square Experience (including BROADWAY).


New York, New York


WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT 5TH AVENUE…

It is one of the most prestigious, famous, and expensive avenues in the world. Home to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, the Flatiron Building, The New York Public Library, Central Park, Bryant Park, the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), and of course, the Empire State Building.

We'll take you behind the scenes to some of the best locations on 5th Avenue! Included in this article is an exclusive peek at what it's like to watch the sunrise from the Empire State Building, The New York Public Library, The Best economy hotels on 5th, and of course…FOOD!


SUNRISE AT THE EMPIRE

 

- How you can secure A sunrise ticket -

 

I have always associated New York with an infamous woman... Some people love her, others loathe her, but no matter what - she is always talked about. When it comes to ICONIC, the Empire State Building should undoubtedly be on a person's list of things to do when visiting New York City.

SUNRISE WITH STARBUCKS ON THE 86TH FLOOR

The Empire State Building

Sunrise in New York gets more and more exciting as you climb in altitude. Needless to say, the 86th Floor is a spectacular place to start a new day. The excitement of the Empire State Building excursion begins well before you reach the outdoor terrace; The Lobby is an Art Deco Masterpiece itself.

Once you do make your way to the iconic 86th, the open-air observation deck provides a 360-degree view of New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and everything in between. A clear day, this view stretches across six states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

Learn more about booking the Sunrise Tour here!


Despite being home to Millionaires Row, you can still find great and affordable hotel accommodations on 5th Avenue! The 5th Avenue Courtyard is uniquely positioned where you’ll be able to stroll to Bryant Park, The Museum of Modern Art,The New York Public Library, Shopping galore, and some of the best outdoor cafes and restaurants in the city. Below are some key features of the hotel, and it’s location!

(tap to open Key Features about this hotel)

    • The hotel is across the street from Bryant Park, and a 4-minute walk from Times Square.

    • There is mezzanine level coffee/tea/hydration station available 24/7.

    • If you’re interested in visiting Manhattan’s museum attractions, 8 major museums are located on 5th Avenue!

      If you plan on shopping while in New York, the 5th Avenue is unsurpassed. Including:

    260 Sample Sale

    7 for All Mankind

    Abercrombie & Fitch

    Adidas (new)

    Aldo

    AllSaints

    American Girl Place

    Anne Fontaine

    Ann Taylor

    Anthropologie

    Apple

    Aritzia

    Armani

    Asics (new)

    Astro Gallery of Gems

    Aveda

    A/X

    Banana Republic

    Bandier (new)

    BCBG Maxazria

    Bergdorf Goodman

    Bergdorf Goodman Men

    Blancpain (new)

    Bonobos

    Bose

    Breguet

    Brooks Brothers

    Bulgari

    Cartier

    Closet Factory

    Club Monaco

    Coach

    Cohen’s Fashion Optical

    Cole Haan

    COS

    Crabtree & Evelyn

    Dolce & Gabbana

    Dysonnew

    Eddie Bauer

    Eileen Fisher

    Elie Tahari

    Ermenegildo Zegna

    Express

    Free People

    Furla

    Gap

    G-Star Raw

    Gucci

    Guess

    Harry Winston NEW LOCATION

    Henri Bendel

    H&M

    Hollister Co.

    H. Stern

    Hublot

    Intimissimi (new)

    J. Crew

    Jimmy Choo

    J.J. Hat Center

    Johnston & Murphy (new)

    Karen Millen

    Kate Spade

    Kenneth Cole

    Kestenbaum & Weisner

    Lao Feng Xiang

    Lego Store

    LF Stores

    Lindt

    L’Occitane

    LOFT

    Longchamp (new)

    Lord & Taylor

    Lord & Taylor Jewelers

    Louis Vuitton

    Lululemon

    M.A.C

    Madewell

    Marimekko

    Massimo Dutti

    Michael Kors

    Mikimoto

    Muji

    NBA Store

    NBC Store

    New Balance

    Nike

    North Face

    Oakley

    Omega

    Origins

    Orvis

    & Other Stories (new)

    Penhaligon’s

    Piaget

    The Plaza Shops

    Porcelanosa

    Prada

    RAIN Africa

    Redken

    Reebok

    Reminiscence

    Ricky’s

    Rigby & Peller

    Rituals (new)

    Rolex

    Saks

    Salvatore Ferragamo

    Sephora

    Skechers (new)

    Solstice (new)

    St. John

    Stuart Weitzman

    Sunglass Hut

    Sweaty Betty

    TAG Heuer

    Ted Baker

    Teuscher

    Tiffany

    Tissot

    Tommy Bahama

    Tommy Hilfiger

    Togas

    Topman

    Tous

    Tumi

    Uniqlo

    Urban Outfitters

    Valentino

    Van Cleef & Arpels

    Versace

    Victoria’s Secret

    Victorinox (new)

    Vince Camuto

    Wempe

    &

    Zara

    Find out more information about staying at the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue on their official website!

 

let's explore

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let's explore -

5th ave activities

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is oftentimes referred to as Manhattan’s “Town Square “ and rightfully so.  This picturesque park sits in the middle of the skyscrapers behind the iconic NY Public Library, like a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle of the city. The lush grounds, events, and ambiance of one of NYC's most beloved parks are enjoyed by New Yorkers and visitors alike all year long.

Bryant Park is also home to the Porch Grill, the Bryant Park Grill, Bryant Park Café, Breads Bakery, Le Pain Quotidien, Joe Coffee Company, & more! During the winter months, the park is converted into the Winter Village! Enjoy New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink, the Holiday Shops, and rinkside eats! Learn more about NY’s Holiday activities here.


The Library

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The Library -

nypl

The New York Public Library (or NYPL) is a National Historic Landmark containing more than six million books.it is free and open to visitors from around the world! The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, officially the New York Public Library, is the flagship building of the New York Public Library system located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Free to the general public. It was constructed by combining the Tilden Trust and the Astor and Lenox libraries in 1897. At the time it officially opened on May 23, 1911, the Library was the largest marble building ever built in the United States. Every time I enter the library, I feel the same level of excitement. To me, visiting the NYPL is like spending an afternoon at Hogwarts, so I highly recommend it!

Below ‘dining’ we’ll highlight more NYC activities including, The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, Manhattan’s waterways, and more!


Dining

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Dining -

FOR THE FOODIES

We've linked some of our favorite new york spots near 5th ave!


La Pecora Bianca - Bryant Park

La Pecora Biancathe white sheep’, offers a relaxed, all day dining experience with approachable, quality Italian food, in a stylish and comfortable setting. Drinks are inspired by the tradition of aperitivo hour on the ‘Piazza’, and feature the La Pecora Rosa organic rosé, an extensive selection of spritzes and negronis, and signature cocktails built around Italian Amari.


The Bryant Park Café

Run by the Bryant Park Grill, the Café features a more informal new American-style menu and bar.
On a beautiful day, consider this your go-to “people watching spot” for Bryant Park!


Valerie

This space is fascinating! Valerie's style echoes Manhattan's Golden Age and features iconic architecture. It is an eclectic mix of old and new, moody and refined. The building materials include tiles, brass, marble, and smoked mirrors. Burlesque dancer wall coverings and dark floral patterns echo feminine touches throughout the space. An eclectic mix of colors and textures gives every room its own personality.

The specialty is cocktails. There is an extensive library of gins along with signature & classic drinks. A seasonally driven menu has been carefully curated by Executive Chef Darren Pettigrew. Organic and sustainable proteins are at the forefront of the dishes. However, I found delicious vegetarian options that we truly enjoyed! You can avoid all fear of "bar food" here, they have a wonderfully curated menu! 

Valbella at the Park

An elegant Northern Italian restaurant with its own Wine Room, surrounded by 1500 labels from all over the world. A private Scotch Room which features rich woods, beautiful floral arrangements, and dramatic lighting showcasing the selection of Scotches and Bourbons. This restaurant also offers Private Dining. Official Website

STK Steakhouse NYC - MIDTOWN

Offering Brunch, Lunch, Happy Hour, Date-Night Menus, and more! STK Midtown blends the modern steakhouse and a chic lounge into one, offering a fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. Located in the Bryant Park neighborhood, STK Midtown distinguishes itself with a vibrant mix of stylish dining and lounge spaces paired with signature menus and world-class service. Website & Location


more to do nearby


Explore other New York City attractions & Excursions we’re covering in this series!

 

Enjoy a Broadway show, a museum visit, or a helicopter ride high above the city! Find out what Times Square has to offer.

Go to: The Times Square Experience


Stop by New York’s floating Oyster Bar

Go to: Manhattan Midtown East & The Grand Banks


Learn how you can visit the Statue of Liberty

Go to: The Midtown East Experience


Also Nearby: Grand Central Terminal

Go to: Times Square & Grand Central Terminal


THANKS FOR EXPLORING
THE NEW YORK EXPERIENCE

(video recap)

The New York Experience 2022 - by Stuff Oui Love

We would like to thank the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue for inviting us to feature their business!
#marriottbonvoypartner

STUFF OUI LOVE

The Essential Guide To Inspirational Travel

 

credits:

1st Camera:

Victoria Potter-Lands

 

2nd Camera:

Special thanks to Photographer Moe Alyasini for joining us on our insider’s look at the Empire State Building!

We would also like to thank the team at Empire State Realty Trust for allowing us this opportunity!

@Ashleymlands on Instagram

Random Musings, the Daily Edit, and Fashionable Moments for all


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Other articles

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Your Essential Guide To Inspirational Travel

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