An Iconic NYC Walking TourCreated with Cartier

Ask any New Yorker and they’ll likely tell you they don’t often venture into Midtown unless they’re going to the office or to see a Broadway show. Yet they’ll also be the first to tell you that the city’s central corridor—especially on the East Side, between Fifth and Lexington Avenues from the low 50s to the low 40s—is a true marvel when it comes to capturing their town’s triumphant transitions from then to now, old to new. One minute you’re walking down Lexington, cappuccino in hand, minding your own business like a local, and—boom!—there’s the top of the Chrysler Building peeking out from the east side of the street, perhaps the most iconic of the city’s historical landmarks. A block later, look up, and there’s a new skyscraper towering over Madison Avenue, its modular, spaceship-esque structure boldly representing Manhattan’s present—and future.

Strut down the surrounding streets to soak up some more of the city’s architectural gems, browse the boutiques, and get a taste of downtown cool in chic, savvy uptown.

10 a.m.

Devoción

Fuel up for the day with a Colombian roast inside this bright, plant-covered café in the Seagram building. There are only six locations outside its home base of Bogotá, so caffeinating with one of the single-origin brews feels like a real treat. Try one of the seasonal specials, like the Coco & Limon for a subtle citrus tang, or a sparkling Cascara, rich in antioxidants from cold-pressed coffee cherries.

11 a.m.

570 Lexington Avenue

Walk one block south and pause on the west side of 51st Street to marvel at this majestic 50-floor masterpiece first erected in 1932, with marble columns, exquisite brickwork, and star-shaped lanterns. Then shift your gaze up and east for a prime peek of the terraced crown from another Art Deco skyscraper shining from further downtown: the Chrysler Building.

11:15 a.m.

The Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion

Work your way over to Fifth Avenue for a stop at the flagship Cartier boutique, first acquired by the house in 1917. The new Clash de Cartier collection echoes designs of this earlier era with studs and beads in geometric shapes and contrasting textures, designed in repeating patterns that show color, movement, and fluidity.

Play around with stacking various styles from this heritage-defying collection in the iconic red-awninged boutique, which sprawls over four floors.

1 p.m.

Golden HOF

By now, you should be hungry, so stay the course on Fifth Avenue—possibly peeking into Rockefeller Center—and pop into the uptown location of a downtown darling: Golden Diner. Hungry gourmands wait hours in the Two Bridges area of the Lower East Side for a taste of the famous pancakes, but here in Midtown, where the fluffy, sweet stack is quietly featured on the dessert menu, the wait is often nil, and they take reservations. For a savory snack, try the kimchi Ikura pancake with garlic chili honey and trout roe.

2:30 p.m.

Park Avenue

Walk back east on 48th Street, pausing at 280 Park Avenue to admire the giant pink sculpture that you’d be forgiven for mistaking for Elmo’s cousin. Created by the artist Kaws, the piece titled BFF found its permanent home here in 2020. Continue downtown on Park, which, come springtime, is lined with yellow tulips and cherry blossom trees.

3 p.m.

Grand Central

Even if you know where you’re going, it’s easy to get lost in the city’s grande dame of train stations, first erected in 1913. For a softer landing, enter through the Graybar Passage on Lexington between 43rd and 44th streets, which leads to the marvelous main concourse with its domed celestial ceiling. You never know who you’ll run into inside, coming and going: commuters, tourists, politicians, Alicia Keys staging a free pop-up concert.

Anyone heading to Long Island, the station’s newest destination, is privy to descending the city’s longest escalator—182 feet long. Hot tip: Leave yourself at least 10 minutes to get from street to track if catching a LIRR train from Grand Central. It really is a long way down!

4 p.m.

Brooklyn Bloke

This independent concept shop from arts and entertainment entrepreneur Wayne Fortune is a rare find—especially in Midtown. After three years in a small space inside Grand Central, Fortune opened this sprawling new home nearby on 42nd Street late last month. The unisex streetwear brand, which marries his urban British and Brooklyn roots, showcases embroidered sweatshirts, denim caps, and neon sunglasses that he curates on crates and motorcycles among artwork of the Basquiat-Warhol variety by the likes of MarkAnthony Lovemore. The multidisciplinary space will also host events such as book signings and art exhibitions.

4:45 p.m.

Chrysler Building

While you can’t go farther than the triangular lobby, it’s worth stepping through the famed doors of 405 Lexington, which, when it opened in 1930, was considered the world’s tallest building. In addition to being referenced by a fictional redheaded orphan named Annie, the landmark has been the subject of many photographs and film scenes, and it once housed the super elite members-only Cloud Club on its 66th to 68th floors.

5:15 p.m.

Highball LTD

At long last, it’s cocktail-o’clock—and it’s finally time to get high...above ground. To do so, find the nondescript entrance on Third Avenue, sandwiched between a Mediterranean and an Indian restaurant, and head up to the 11th floor where the team behind popular PDT (Please Don’t Tell), which reignited the speakeasy trend downtown in the early aughts, has opened a sexy new spot for imbibing with style and a wink.

The decor is hushed and glamorous (think marble, velvet, and etched mirrors), and drinks like the Pep Talk—with tequila, Bell pepper, and pineapple—are a sweet and slightly spicy way to end the day.

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Photo courtesy of Eric Medsker/Highball LTD

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