Attractions near Penn Station: Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Manhattan Mall, Chelsea Market, The Vessel, Broadway.
NYC Attractions Near Penn Station
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or just starting out, New York City is a playground of experiences. From iconic landmarks like Madison Square Garden and Times Square to hidden gems like The Vessel, there’s something for everyone!
The Vessel is a unique elevated park that offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Located just a few blocks from Penn Station, it’s a great place to take a break and people watch.
1. Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in NYC. Its observatories can be toured 365 days a year and offer impressive views over the city, including Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and Manhattan skyscrapers.
On the second floor you will find interesting exhibits about the history of the Empire State Building. You can also watch a fun film about the way music and light are used in the building’s famous nighttime shows.
If you want to beat the crowd, visit the Empire State Building early in the day. It is recommended to go somewhere between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
2. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a lush green oasis in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 41st and 42nd Street. The park is home to many of New York City’s best restaurants, a large stage, and an ice skating rink in the winter.
Every year, more than 12 million people visit this public space. During the summer, professionals pour out of neighboring office buildings to relax on the large lawn and enjoy the free programming.
Throughout the rest of the year, visitors can enjoy ping-pong and petanque, read in an al fresco reading room, attend yoga or dance classes, and grab food at one of the many onsite restaurants including Breads Bakery, Le Pain Quotidien, and Wafels & Dinges.
3. Manhattan Mall
Manhattan Mall is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping destinations in NYC. It features renowned international and local brands, including JC Penney and Levis. In addition, the mall offers a wide variety of restaurants and other activities.
Hudson Yards is an expansive new development that includes upscale retail offerings, dining, and attractions such as the Shed art center, Vessel sky deck, and more. The complex also houses the new High Line & Hudson Yards walking tour, which is an excellent way to experience the area.
A visit to New York City would be incomplete without taking in a Broadway show. Fortunately, the area around Penn Station is home to many world-class productions. In addition, the TKTS booth at the station offers same-day tickets to many Broadway shows at a discounted rate.
4. Chelsea Market
The trendiest indoor food market in NYC is one of the most trafficked and written about attractions in the city. It attracts 6 million people from all over the world.
It wasn’t always this way, though. Chelsea Market was once a complex of buildings built in the 1890s by a collection of local bakeries to house the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factories.
The space now houses an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, but it’s the food that brings visitors in. You can sample all kinds of treats from seafood and Italian to Thai, Mexican, and more here. Also, don’t forget to make a wish at the man-made wishing well that’s located in the center of the building!
5. The Vessel
The Vessel is a soaring new landmark that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. It’s a place where visitors can see the city from different perspectives and participate in fun activities.
The structure was designed by Thomas Heatherwick and built as a focal point for the Hudson Yards development project. It’s made up of 154 intricately interconnected flights of stairs and can hold 1,000 people at once.
It’s a public attraction that has raised some eyebrows at first, but it will likely gain popularity over time. Its designers didn’t have shawarma in mind when they created the structure, but they were inspired by theater-in-the-round spaces and subterranean Indian step-wells.
6. Broadway
A trip to Manhattan isn’t complete without a visit to Broadway. This iconic road is home to some of the most popular musicals in the world and offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or a thrilling experience, there’s something for everyone on Broadway. TKTS booths make seeing a Broadway show more affordable than ever. Bryant Park is a leafy refuge in the heart of midtown and offers plenty of attractions throughout the year. Play a game of ping pong or ride the carousel in the summer, or enjoy holiday shopping and an ice skating rink during the winter.