What to see during a New York City layover
New York City is perfect for sightseeing during either a medium or long layover at any of the area’s airports.
While there are countless attractions and restaurants to visit, here's a great plan that’s all within walking distance of Penn Station train station.
This plan is particularly good for first-time visitors who want to easily see many famous sights in a short period of time.
Timelapse of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.
Table of Contents
Do I have enough time for a visit to Manhattan?
This is a very important question. I’m a “get to the airport early” type of person so I‘d be very worried about sightseeing if I didn’t have enough time.
JFK and LaGuardia airports are located in outer boroughs of NYC and Newark airport is in nearby New Jersey.
The mass transit options are fairly easy but you do need to pay close attention during the trip. For example, if taking the NJ Transit train from Newark Airport be careful not to get off at Newark Penn Station but continue to New York Penn Station.
Generally speaking, you should leave an hour to get to midtown Manhattan from all airports.
What do I do with my luggage during a layover?
If your bags aren’t checked through to your final destination such as when returning from an international trip or if it’s too early to re-check your bags there are a few options you can use to avoid lugging it around.
One option is Bounce luggage storage. Bounce has locations all around the world and you can search on their website or app.
Eating in NYC Koreatown
If you just got off a plane at the airport then you are probably hungry.
A block or so from Penn Station is Koreatown, a small enclave of wonderful restaurants. The heart of Koreatown is West 32nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue.
Debbie and I stopped at the Food Gallery 32, a Korean food court with many options. We decided on two beef and two spicy pork buns for about $16.
The seating area was busy and the weather was nice so we ate outside at Greeley Square (32nd Street and 6th Ave). The park’s seating area has grown in recent years as part of the city’s efforts to create more pedestrian-friendly areas.
The weather was great and the buns were fantastic. Don’t worry, the spicy one was not too spicy.
Debbie even walked back to pick up walnut and Nutella cakes for dessert.
What should I see first in midtown Manhattan?
What you should do first really depends on your priorities and how much time you have. All these sites are within walking distance so feel free to skip ahead. The route described here follows a loop that starts and ends at Penn Station rail station.
Visiting Times Square for the first time
From Koreatown / Greeley Square just walk north on Broadway to 42nd street and Times Square. There is not much to do in Times Square other than take in the sheer spectacle of the area.
Times Square extends north for a few blocks. There are chairs in the pedestrian plaza if you want to take a seat and soak it all in. Further north in Times Square you’ll see the large red stairs, a great place to get a slightly elevated view.
Avoid interacting with the tour hawkers, cartoon characters and others seeking the attention of tourists. There are often street dancers and other acts attracting a large crowd, these can be fun but keep an eye on your valuables.
Rockefeller Center at dusk
What to see at Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center consists of 19 buildings in the vicinity of Sixth Avenue and 49th Street.
I’d suggest taking a peek at the Radio City Music Hall facade then enter the NBC building on 6th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. Among the television shows produced here are Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and the Today Show.
While walking through the building take note of the large works of art on the walls and ceilings. Exiting on the other side of the building will bring you to the famous plaza area. If you are visiting during the colder months you’ll see ice skating and maybe the huge Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Continue walking through the plaza and you’ll reach Fifth Avenue.
Visiting Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is best known for high-end shopping.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany, and Cartier have recently been joined with the flagship location of many of the stores you’ll find in your local mall.
You’ll also find Saint Patrick’s Cathedral which dates back to the late 1800s. The massive church is worth a free visit regardless of your religion.
In 2008, during my career as a newspaper photojournalist I photographed Pope Benedict’s visit to Saint Patrick’s.
I arrived in the pre-dawn hours to prepare for the visit. Many hours later the Pope exited the Popemobile and walked up the steps. With his attention focused on the church’s interior he almost forgot to stop and wave to the assembled crowd.
Luckily an aide reminded him to turn around and wave.
What to see on a Bryant Park visit
At the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street is the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.
The massive library building is worth a quick visit both for the impressive architecture and exhibits.
Bryant Park has seen a resurgence in recent years and is now a wonderful spot to visit. During the colder months there is a huge ice skating facility with seating and restaurants.
There are small shops, many with unique handcrafted items, dotting the rest of the park.
Public bathrooms are also available in the park.
What observation decks are in midtown Manhattan?
I left this part for last because there are many options.
The classic observation decks, the Empire State building and the Top of the Rock are both on the route we just walked.
Also on our route (42nd Street near Bryant Park) is the new Summit at One Vanderbilt. This observation area is like no other. It’s a sensory overload art exhibit with spectacular views of the city.
The Summit at One Vanderbilt is the hot new attraction with huge crowds to match. You should allow two or three hours for your visit. You can read our detailed review of The Summit here.
If you don’t want to spend two or three hours I would favor the traditional Top of the Rock atop Rockefeller Center since you can take in a classic view of the Empire State building and the World Trade Center to the south and Central Park to the north.
Closing thoughts on visiting midtown Manhattan
These suggestions are on a basic loop with about 20 blocks of walking from Penn Station to Rockefeller Station and then looping back.
Except for the observation decks you can take in the attractions at your own pace.
If you have any time at the end of your loop before heading back to the airport you can take in the huge Macy’s store at Herald Square (34th Street).
Penn Station and many subway lines are right outside Macy’s leading you back to the airport.
For more tips on traveling on the NYC subway check out our post: How to ride the NYC subway, tips for visitors
If you are looking for other things to do in NYC check out our post on visiting the area around the World Trade Center or What to see and do in Chelsea, New York City.
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