Timeline
13:00
Stand at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue to admire the Flatiron Building’s triangular silhouette. This is the oldest remaining skyscraper in Manhattan, completed in 1902. Take a moment to notice how the light hits the cast-iron facade.
13:14
Walk 14 minutes to Strand Bookstore. With over 18 miles of shelf space, this used bookshop is a sensory overload of paper and ink. Browse the aisles for a unique find or simply soak in the atmosphere of one of New York’s foremost literary landmarks.
13:45
Head 8 minutes south to Union Square Café. Order lunch here to enjoy great American and Italian cuisine with flair. The crisp style and dishes like osso buco or tuna burgers make it a perfect spot to refuel in the heart of the neighborhood.
14:30
Walk 24 minutes north to Bryant Park. Located behind the Main Library, this shady park offers a quiet escape from the city noise. Relax on the lawn, use the free wireless internet, or watch the city life unfold from this excellent vantage point surrounded by skyscrapers.
Local tip
Strand Bookstore is open until 20:00, but arriving early afternoon ensures you catch it before the evening rush. Union Square Café is busiest at lunch; if you prefer a quieter meal, consider arriving slightly later or earlier. Bryant Park is open to the public and free to enter.
Check before you go
- Strand Bookstore hours: Mo-Su 10:00-20:00.
- Union Square Café lunch: Mon-Sat noon-2:15PM.
- Bryant Park is open during daylight hours.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).