9th Ave, Lincoln Square

West 59th is quite short as far as the number streets go. The street doesn't stop but rather turns into Central Park South at Columbus Circle.
It's a posh street like much of the lower uptown number streets and some of the most expensive and luxurious apartment buildings, restaurants and hotels are on this street. It really is an old world money street (or, at least the beginning of the old world money) but I don't think I would like to live here. It is always riddled with traffic and although the restaurants are numerous, they are either ridiculously expensive (Masa is 300 dollars a plate) or tourist driven. The far West apartments (by 9th and 10th) are much quieter, but you also removed from the park which is one of the only reasons to live up here. There isn't a bar or nightlife scene at all in this area, and the far west part of the 50's, like all of the west side, can be a little sketchy at night because of the lack of traffic or business.
The Time Warner Center is at 59th and Columbus. It is a massive building that holds some of the most expensive restaurants in the city (Masa, Per Se and V) and one of the Ritziest hotels in the city (The Mandarin Oriental). The Mandarin has one of the most opulent spas in the city and it really is hard to beat. But, it is crazy expensive so unless you're a zillionaire, a spa service here is a definite treat. It's funny that this area is so posh because just about 100 years ago there were 8 prostitution houses on this block alone. I mean, I guess if you're going to have a whorehouse, having one on the park gives you a kind of scenic edge.
Columbus Circle is on 59th Street. It is quite pretty though it is giving tribute to a murderer. The buildings surrounding Columbus Circle combined with the park make it the picture of grand New York. Although, the one thing about Columbus Circle (besides the tourists) that is a bit menacing is that it is kind of hairy for pedestrians. The cross walks are weird and the traffic whizzes. Anyone on foot has to pay extra attention when traversing the Circle.