MoMA sits nestled in Midtown Manhattan, a bustling center of culture and commerce, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Fifth Avenue, known for its upscale shops and designer brands, is a short walk away.
If you’re looking for a shopping spree, head north on Fifth Avenue and explore iconic stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.
However, if retail therapy isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There’s plenty more to discover.
1. Gallery Hopping on 57th Street
Hours: No Specific Hours
Location: East 57th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Midtown Manhattan, NYC
Distance from MoMA: A short walk, about 1 block east (5 to 10 minutes)
Gallery Hopping on 57th Street offers a delightful opportunity to explore prestigious art galleries at your own pace.
Just a block east of MoMA, it’s a quick 5 to 10-minute walk, making it incredibly convenient.
You’ll encounter diverse galleries like Gagosian and David Zwirner, each with its own unique style and focus.
These showcase a mix of established and emerging artists across various mediums.
Engage with gallery staff, attend special events, and embrace the feeling of discovery as you wander through the vibrant art scene of “Billionaire’s Row.”
2. The Channel Gardens
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: New York, NY 10020, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.3 miles (7 minutes walk)
The Channel Gardens, located just across the street from MoMA on Fifth Avenue, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan.
You can easily walk there in less than 5 minutes.
Once there, take your time to relax and enjoy the vibrant flowers, cascading fountains, and sculptures.
It’s a perfect spot for people-watching and snapping photos with the iconic Rockefeller Center as your backdrop.
Best of all, entry is free, so you can take a quick break or linger for a while, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
3. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Hours: 8 am to 8.45 pm
Location: 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.2 miles (6 minutes walk)
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning Gothic Revival-style church located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets in Midtown Manhattan.
It’s very close to MoMA, just a 5-minute walk away.
On a self-guided tour, you can explore the vast interior and admire the intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
The cathedral offers free admission, and a casual visit can take about 30 to 45 minutes.
You can also attend a service or enjoy beautiful music by the renowned cathedral choir.
4. Museum of Arts and Design
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Monday Closed)
Location: 2 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.6 miles (14 minutes walk)
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) at 2 Columbus Circle focuses on contemporary and historic craft, art, and design innovation.
It’s just 0.7 miles from MoMA, so you can walk there in about 15 to 20 minutes or take a quick subway or cab ride.
You can explore exhibitions featuring jewelry, furniture, fashion, and ceramics at MAD.
The museum requires admission tickets, which you can buy online or at the entrance.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the museum, and don’t miss the permanent collection galleries for a broad perspective on design movements.
5. Radio City Music Hall
Hours: Vary as per the performance schedule
Location: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.2 miles (5 minutes)
Radio City Music Hall, located half a mile from MoMA, offers an iconic entertainment experience in Midtown Manhattan.
You can catch stage shows like the famous Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes or concerts and musicals.
Remember to grab your tickets online beforehand, as prices vary depending on the event and seat location.
You can reach this historic venue by taking a leisurely 10-15-minute walk from MoMA or hopping on a quick subway ride.
And if you’re visiting during the holiday season, don’t miss the chance to witness the unforgettable Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes—it’s a highlight for many visitors!
6. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Hours: 9 am to 12 am
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.3 miles (6 minutes)
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck on the 70th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of New York City.
It’s just a short walk north on Fifth Avenue from MoMA, about 5 blocks or a 7-minute stroll.
You’ll need a ticket to enter, which you can easily purchase online in advance.
Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes here exploring the indoor and outdoor viewing areas on multiple levels.
Don’t miss the chance to step out onto the open-air deck for an unforgettable experience of the city skyline, including iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building.
7. Summit One Vanderbilt
Hours: 9 am to 12 am
Location: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.8 miles (18 minutes)
Summit One Vanderbilt, a recently opened observation deck in Midtown Manhattan, offers stunning 360-degree views of NYC from a height of 1,401 feet.
It’s not just about the views; you’ll also enjoy immersive art experiences across three floors.
It’s about 1.2 miles away from MoMA, a manageable 10-minute walk or a quicker 5-minute ride by taxi or ride-sharing service.
Tickets are required for entry, which you can easily purchase online or on-site, depending on availability.
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the different experiences.
You must try the mind-bending “Air” art installation by Kenzo Digital and the breathtaking panoramic views from the glass-enclosed outdoor deck known as “Levitation.”
8. Central Park
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: Stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West, Manhattan, NYC
Distance from MoMA: 0.4 miles (10 minutes walk)
Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.
It’s just a 1.5-mile walk or a short subway ride from MoMA, making it easily accessible.
Once there, you can enjoy a variety of activities, from relaxing on the Great Lawn to exploring the park’s attractions, such as the Central Park Zoo or Belvedere Castle.
Best of all, admission to Central Park is free, so you can spend as much time as you like soaking in the natural beauty and iconic sights.
Don’t miss the chance to rent a bike and explore the park’s trails for a quintessential New York experience!
9. Madame Tussauds New York
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm (Opens till 10 pm on Friday and Saturday)
Location: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Distance from MoMA: 0.9 miles (19 minutes)
In bustling Times Square, Madame Tussauds New York is a renowned wax museum where you can meet lifelike figures of celebrities and historical icons.
While it’s not within walking distance from MoMA, you can easily reach it by subway in about 20 minutes or opt for a quicker taxi ride.
Once there, you’ll have the chance to interact with wax replicas of your favorite A-listers and participate in interactive exhibits.
Be sure to purchase tickets in advance and plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring all the attractions.
Remember to snap some photos with your favorite celebrities—the incredibly realistic wax figures make for unforgettable memories!
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10. Empire State Building
Hours: 9 am to 12 am
Location: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
Distance from MoMA: 1.1 miles (24 minutes)
The Empire State Building, an iconic skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, offers panoramic views of New York City from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
It’s about a mile away from MoMA, easily accessible by subway, taxi, or a pleasant walk along Fifth Avenue.
Remember to purchase tickets for the observation decks, as prices vary depending on the level and time of day.
Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit to explore exhibits, enjoy the views, and consider upgrading to access the enclosed observation areas on the 102nd floor for an unforgettable experience.