The Flatiron District in Midtown Manhattan is known for the iconic Flatiron building that is over 100 years old. The building was one of the first steel-frame buildings in the entire city. People also enjoy visiting Flatiron for its delicious restaurant and premier shopping options.
Perhaps you’re thinking about making a visit to Flatiron and you’re looking for the best things to do in Flatiron District. Maybe you’re beginning to shop for a home in the area and you’re wondering what you can do for fun nearby. Below you’ll learn about ten of the top attractions in the Flatiron District.
Visit the Flatiron building
No list of things to do in Flatiron District is complete without the Flatiron building. Chicago architect Daniel Burnham designed the iconic building
that was built in 1902. The wedge-shaped building is located at Fifth and Broadway, and initially served as the office for a major consulting firm from Chicago. The building is 22 stories and 307 feet tall. It’s one of the most popular buildings in the entire city, and it’s been a major focus among artists and photographers for years. Many people will come to see the building in-person so that they can take selfies with it, or simply marvel at the features that make it unique.
Marvel at the city’s architecture
The famous Flatiron building isn’t the only building worth seeing when you visit the Flatiron District. There are a number of buildings in the neighborhood that are worth your time and attention. Many of them are 100+ years old and inspired by architectural styles from around the world.
Near the Flatiron building, you’ll find the 41-story-tall MetLife Tower alongside a
renaissance-style clock tower that was inspired by the campanile in Venice, Italy. The New York Edition Hotel calls the building home. Not far away you’ll notice the 32-story Art Deco Metropolitan Life North Building. At one point in time the building was planned to be 100 stories tall, but the onset of the Great Depression derailed those plans. It still continues to function as a working office building nearly 75 years after it first opened.
Relax at Madison Square Park
With so many skyscrapers nearby, new Flatiron District residents may wonder where they can go to get a break from the hustle of big-city living and enjoy a respite in nature. Thankfully you don’t have to go far.
Madison Square Park spans across seven acres and contains plenty of gardens, benches, playgrounds, and open green spaces. They regularly offer free public events such as concerts, art displays, food markets, and other family-friendly events.
Enjoy a quick cooking class at Eataly (and eat it too!)
Eataly is one of the largest Italian food and wine marketplaces in the world that offers cooking classes, wine events and special dinners. The store stretches out across over 42,000 square feet. Eataly was founded by Oscar Farnietti, who later teamed up with Mario Batali and Joe and Lidia Bastianisch to open six additional eateries in addition to their Flatiron location. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of main dishes including pizza, pasta, meat, fish, and more. They also serve delicious homemade gelato, pastries, and coffee. Before you leave, stop by their market to pick up some olive oil or sauce to take home with you. They are open daily from 9am until 10:30pm.
See their website for full details and event calendar.
Check out the Instagram-Worthy Museum of Sex
The
Museum of Sex is one of the Flatiron District’s most unique offerings. Leave the kids at home and learn the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality in a cheeky and fun way. The museum has produced over 40 exhibitions since 2002. The Museum of Sex is committed to addressing a wide range of topics, while simultaneously highlighting material and artifacts from different continents, cultures, time periods and media.
Grab a cup of coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Stumptown Coffee Roasters offers a wide selection of rotating seasonal beverages along with classic staples such as their salted maple latte and their draft cold brew. The coffee shop first opened in 2009 in the lobby of the Ace Hotel. Many artists, travelers, entrepreneurs, and coffee aficionados have frequented the location ever since. They serve breakfast tacos and pastries as well, with plenty of choices to perfectly accompany each cup of coffee.
See what’s going on in the square this week with the Flatiron/NoMad Partnership
The Flatiron/NoMad Partnership is well known for the best events and goings-on in the FlatIron District and NoMad neighborhoods. From exclusive art exhibitions, free tastings, cultural celebrations, the neighborhood has it all out in the open to share. See the full calendar and more on
The Flatiron/Nomad Partnership website.
If you decide that you’re interested in shopping for a home in the Flatiron District, get in touch with the true neighborhood experts at The
Casagrande Team. They have developed a reputation in the area for their superior customer service and their expert knowledge of the local market. They take great pride in helping their customers find their dream homes for the best possible price. Reach out to their team if you have questions about shopping for a home in the area. They will be glad to assist you, and they may even have some additional recommendations for things to do in Flatiron District based on their favorite spots in town.