The Flatiron District is one of NYC’s precious gems, which dates all the way back to the 1900s. Its stunning architecture, delicious restaurants, and perfectly placed location in the mid/downtown Manhattan location makes it a popular are amongst locals and tourists. From upscale and bustling restaurants to the quiet nestled hideaway of Madison Square Park, there’s so much to be explored!
Plus, among New Yorkers many have wondered the difference between Flatiron and its neighboring are NoMad, so…
Where exactly is the Flatiron District?
The Flatiron District runs from 14th Street – Union Square in the south to 23rd Street and Madison Square to the north; from Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue) to the west to Park Avenue South to the east.
Anything north of Madison Square Park is appropriately named as a micro-neighborhood NoMad (25th – 30th St and Sixth Ave – Lexington Ave).
1. Flatiron Building
Arguably one of NYC’s most famous and recognizable buildings, the Flatiron Building is a true architectural phenomenon that you can view and snap photos of from all around the neighborhood. Inside the actual building itself is offices for small and medium sized companies, but the true marvel of its outward appearance makes it a true beauty.
Where: 175 5th Avenue
2. The Portal
The very talked about public art installation “The Portal” is currently plopped in the middle of the Flatiron District right now, connecting New York City to Dublin via livestream in real time. The groundbreaking new experience allows humans to “foster a connection” across the Atlantic…being able to wave, hoist greeting signs, and dance in real time with people across the world.
It’s currently installed on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the Flatiron Building throughout the summer. Learn more about The Portal here.
Where: Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the Flatiron Building
3. Fotografiska New York
Fotografiska is one of NYC’s best museums dedicated solely to photography. The Swedish museum is dedicated to a ton of contemporary photography exhibitions and events, book talks, film nights, and so much more. Be sure to stop by and check them out soon, because they are set to close their doors in September and relocate to a new space. Learn more about Fotografiska New York and plan your visit here!
Where: 281 Park Ave S
4. Eataly Flatiron
Transport yourself to Italy at Eataly Flatiron, a massive marketplace in the heart of Flatiron that has plenty of restaurants, food counters, and shops to browse. You could spend hours in here sampling Italian cuisines, buying gourmet groceries, or even participating in a cooking class! There’s also plenty of other events always happening too…as well as a rooftop bar which will touch upon later. Learn more about Eataly Flatiron and plan your visit here!
Where: 200 5th Ave
5. Harry Potter Store
Step into the world of wizardry at the official Harry Potter NYC flagship store which resides in the Flatiron neighborhood. If you’re a fan of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, you have to check out the store which spans three floors and is full of themed decor, exclusive merchandise, and even an in-store café serving delicious Butterbeer. It’s the enchanting world of Harry Potter personified, with tons of virtual reality experiences, wand customizations, and so much more! Learn more about the store and plan your visit here!
Where: 935 Broadway
6. National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
Whether you’re looking for something to do in Flatiron with kids, or you just want to explore an underrated museum in the city, head to the National Museum of Mathematics. The unique museum dedicated to mathematics is full of over 30 interactive exhibits, activities, and hands-on experiences for all ages that “stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity, and reveal the wonders of mathematics.” Learn more about MoMath and plan your visit here!
Where: 225 5th Ave
7. Madison Square Park
Make time to stop by this cute little green space in the heart of Flatiron, where you can relax and people watch to your heart’s content. The park itself stretches 3 streets tall by 1 avenue wide, and it constantly hosts awesome outdoor art installations as well as activities like free concerts, food festivals, and much more. See what’s on at Madison Square Park here.
Where: 11 Madison Ave
8. The LEGO Store Flatiron District
A fun spot for all ages, The LEGO Store in Flatiron is home to lots of family-friendly fun. Just some of the notable features of this location include interactive play areas (like a Build-Your-Own Minifigure Station and Pick & Build Wall), exclusive and hard-to-find sets (including NYC-themed sets), as well as larger-than-life models of Big Apple-inspired landmarks. Stop in, shop around, and even stick around for some of their LEGO building events and master classes…there’s so much going on! See what’s happening at the store and plan your visit here!
Where: 200 5th Ave
9. Serra by Birreria
As touched upon earlier Serra by Birreria is the rooftop bar and restaurant atop Eataly Flatiron. The cool and cozy space is essentially a greenhouse that changes decor seasonally and serves up elevated Italian cuisine, specialty cocktails, mocktails, and high-end imported beer. It’s kind of the perfect place to have an amazing meal and then gather the same ingredients downstairs to remake it at home. See Serra by Birreria’s full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 200 5th Ave
10. COTE
COTE is hands down one of the best Korean BBQ spots in the city, and is worth a reservation if you’re looking for incredible meats. It’s the brainchild of famous restaurateur Simon Kim, whose menu is full of various steaks and meats that are made in front of you on table-side grills. Go with a group and order the Butcher’s Feast ($74 pp), which comes with loads of USDA Prime & American Wagyu Beef and other sides plus desserts. See the full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 16 W 22nd St
11. Boqueria Flatiron
Boqueria is the Spanish tapas spot of dreams, where they’ve mastered the art of small plates with so much jamón, paella, and queso to go around. Similarly to Eataly, it’s a restaurant/marketplace crossover that allows you to either make a quick stop or have a full blown meal. We can guarantee you that eating here is the closet thing you’ll find to Barcelona in Manhattan. See their full menu and plan a visit here!
Where: 53 W 19th St
12. COQODAQ
Another concept from COTE’s Simon Kim, COQODAQ opened its doors earlier this year and has been one of NYC’s trendiest restaurants of 2024. Don’t get us wrong it’s an extremely difficult reservation to secure but if you can…you should. It’s a fancy fried chicken spot that serves sit-down drumsticks in fancy buckets with overflowing glasses of champagne to accompany. Go for their special “The Bucket List” ($38 pp), which comes with a huge bucket of chicken and various sauces with some sides too. This is the kind of place you’ll be able to brag to your friends and Instagram followers about. See the full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 12 E 22nd St
13. The Flatiron Room
The Flatiron Room is a whiskey bar meets live jazz music venue meets restaurant. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or not, you have to stop in here to see a show or have a drink from one of the world-class bartenders. The sultry and vintage interior makes it feel authentically New York, and their gourmet food and drinks menu pairs wonderfully with the live entertainment. It’s a great night out to say the least. See their full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 37 W 26th St
14. Thyme Bar
Thyme Bar is Flatiron’s cute little underground cocktail speakeasy, where you can tuck away from the bustling neighborhood for a quick drink! Although the drinks are on the more expensive side ($22-24), the moodly-lit bar and dining area is a great place to impress a date or catch up with some coworkers. See their full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 20 W 23rd St (Cellar)
15. The Ivory Peacock
Calling all gin lovers! The Ivory Peacock is your go-to spot for some of the best gin-based cocktails in the city…and other types as well. The upscale gin bar actually boasts the largest collection of gin in the US, and their actually so incredible. Snag a table in their divine dining room and order your favorite concoction with some oysters. Thank us later. See their full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 38 W 26th St
16. Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park is one of the most sought after Michelin-star restaurants in NYC, so it’s no shock it makes our list here. The upscale spot is helmed by Chef Daniel Humm, who creates a plant-based menu that just oozes luxury. Not to mention every dish is served artisanally and brought to you by the most utmost wait staff this city has to offer. This spot is definitely a fancy (and expensive) one, but it’s worth a ball out for a big occasion. Learn more about Eleven Madison Park and plan your visit here!
Where: 11 Madison Ave
17. Everdene
Everdene is probably one of our favorite rooftop restaurants / bars in Flatiron and it sits atop the Virgin Hotels NYC on Broadway. If you’re looking for some great skyline views (Flatiron as a whole has a bunch), this spot is pretty great. Order up some cocktails during their weekly happy hour (Monday – Friday, 4 – 8 pm) and a few apps off their New-American menu and you’ll be in for a treat. See their full menu and plan a visit here!
Where: 1227 Broadway
18. Upland
Upland’s California and Italian crossover-inspired menu makes for a great anytime meal, and the food is well worth the visit. If you go try out some of these dishes: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Roasted Senat Chicken, or Roasted Beef Short Rib for Two. The low-lit atmosphere and wrap around booths make it a good spot to sip wine and have a worth-while meal. See Upland full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 345 Park Ave S
19. Rezdôra
Get your Italian restaurant fix in at Rezdôra, who’s regarded as not only one of the best in Flatiron but all of NYC. It’s got a history of some Michelin-stars and deservedly so…thanks to their fresh made dishes served on the iconic blue plates. Opt for one of Chef Emilia Romagna’s house-made pastas like the uovo raviolo di nino bergese or Grandma walking through forest in Emilia…which you’ve probably seen once or twice on your social media feeds. See Rezdôra’s full menu and plan your visit here!
Where: 27 E 20th St
20. 230 Fifth Rooftop
Although a bit touristy nowadays, 230 Fifth Rooftop is one of the most elite rooftop bars in Flatiron to sip drinks and hang with friends. They have an incredible view of the Empire State Building (and all of Manhattan really), as well as a sprawling rooftop space that can fit many people. During the summer it becomes the perfect afternoon hang and the wintertime even sees pop-up igloos where you can dine in. Learn more about 230 Rooftop and plan your visit here!
Where: 1150 Broadway