You Must See Broadway When Visiting New York City

Along Broadway in Manhattan there are more things to do and see on one street than there are in many large cities. Broadway is home to business, theater, dining, shops and many famous buildings.

One of the most unique buildings on Broadway is the Flatiron Building located at the intersection of Fist Avenue at 23rd Street. Built on a triangular plot in 1901, this wedge-shaped 21-story office building has always attracted the curious bystanders. The unusual site produced wind gusts that lifted skirts, attracting male onlookers who were shooed away by the policeman's once-famous phrase '23 Skidoo'.

Only a little further up at 233 Broadway is the medieval-looking Woolworth Building. Completed in 1913, it was the tallest building in New York prior to the completion of the Chrysler Building. Even today its tall floors reach the equivalent height of an 80-story skyscraper. Inside, its cathedral-like décor makes this massive tower an architectural marvel inside and out.

Only ten minutes further north is Times Square, recognized the world over as the home of New Year's neon lights and renowned Broadway theater. Centered at 42nd Street, it runs roughly from 8th Avenue to Broadway and 46th to 53rd Street.

During the day, taxis zoom through the busy mid-town area. Clothing designers cart their creations around the famous Garment District. New York Times reporters are busy gathering information for their daily newspaper. At night, the lights sparkle and the city begins to dance to the latest Broadway tune.

Inexpensive, last-minute tickets to a show may be available for those willing to wait in line at TKTS in the heart of the area. Discounts up to 50% are common, but availability is hit-or-miss. Then again, half of $100 may still not fit the budget.

A rejuvenation in the 1990s made the once-seedy theater district safe and family-friendly with a Disney store, Virgin Megastore, and comedy clubs.

Restaurants, shops and people-watching amuse and delight tourists and travelers. One of the most well-known restaurants is The Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center just north of Times Square at 48th Street. Not to be outdone, though, is Lindy's. Cheesecake. Sooner or later all the celebrities come for the specialties of this famous deli.

Continuing past these landmarks you'll find Columbus Circle at 59th Street, the site of several famous movie scenes, along with the giant Paramount (Gulf & Western) Communications building atop the subway entrance. Wind gusts, driving rain and polished plaza stone combine to create forces that can actually push a pedestrian backwards!

Veering left at the corner of Central Park and continuing north a couple of blocks is the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The center also hosts the world-class American Ballet Theater, the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. The famous performing school, Juilliard is also located here.

Broadway offers an array of entertainment choices for everyone, from shopping and gawking to theater and dining.