West 50th St, Clinton / Hells Kitchen

W 50th, home of Rockafeller Center and Radio city music hall! A lot of people have W 50th in mind when they think of Manhattan and simply don't realize it. In terms shopping, I have found a lot of great bargains at some of the smaller street vends. Street performing is more common here than in some places, and I've heard some awesome music being peddled in the streets. A wonderful place to visit over a college break. The real culture of the city can be picked up here, only because it varies. The amazing diversity of food is what is most memorable to me, including delicious Thai and some of the best coffee I've ever had in my life! I would tell people to visit here, as it really sets a great starting tone to anybody visiting NY.

Seeda Thai is one of the best Thai food restaurants in the city. The Palm Restaurant is superb. West 50th street is in a great neighborhood, and is home to many of the city’s greatests sights. Rockafeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are the hallmarks of the street. One of my favorite memories of living in the city was the first Christmas I saw the tree lighting at the Center. Standing on the steps of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral in what felt like sub-zero weather, my college roommate and I stood as close together as possible, waiting for the millions of little lights on the world’s most famous tree to light up, marking the beginning of the holiday season. We stood in a sea of millions of people, who came from all the around the world, to see this happen. The collective happiness and joy was truly heart-warming, and every time I think of it, I’m reminded of the “reason of the season.”

During the off-season, 50th is the best street to wander down to hit up many midtown delights, shopping, and fun. Anytime I have a visitor to the city, I take them to this street, and a resounding reaction is, “now this is New York.”

(1 train, w 50th Street, C E trains, 50th street station)