East 42nd St, Turtle Bay

Celebrated in song and dance, 42nd Street is often portrayed as New York City's biggest neon jungle - a playground of "little nifties from the fifties" and "indiscreet" ladies from further uptown. But this is only partly true. While the stretch of 42nd Street running West from 5th Avenue is certainly filled with enough gaudy lights and glitzy signs to warm even the most cynical New Yorker's heart, the part of 42nd Street that heads from 5th Avenue to the East River is much more sedate and infinitely more "liveable." A largely commercial area with plenty of aesthetically pleasing, upscale office buildings, East 42nd Street is dominated by a few major buildings, among them Grand Central Station (a pleasant place to pass through even for those who aren't traveling, due to its wealth of dining options in the Concourse and its Christmas bazaar), the shimmering, iconic Art Deco Chrysler building, the United Nations, and the New York Public Library, an imposing turn-of-the-century building located in pleasant Bryant Park that is among the city's must-sees for any tourist. But even further east, this area is well worth visiting, as the office-y area gets a slightly swanker character due to the presence of the diplomatic community around the U.N. Check out Liati's Cafe for a quick takeaway lunch to break up the work-day, or celebrate after a hard day at the office at Cecil's, both located on 42nd Street.

Right outside Grand Central Station is the majestic 42nd Street, this for those of us who live outside the City but work and play in it is where everything starts. Even if you are just going to Madison Square Garden and you don't need to get out of the station, you should. There is a hot dog stand right outside the station that is always there came rain or shine and I always make a point to start my New York Adventure there. 42nd Maybe one of the busiest streets I ever visited but it also the best. Avoid commuter hours if you can, but other than that this street is always fun. I like to take friends you have never visited the City just to see their reaction once they step outside Grand Central station, everyone seems to have the same reaction. Im not sure that living anywhere on 42nd is advisable but it is certainly the most fun. There are fun shops all over 42nd like the MM store or the Godiva chocolate store. I digress, this is a fun and vibrant street. One not to miss if you are visiting New York.

It may seem strange to be reviewing a place which can take you away from New York but the Grand Central Terminal has to be seen to be fully enjoyed. TV and films have utilised on numerous occasions throughout the years but when you see it in real life, combining an architectural majesty as well as a burgeoning functionality ferrying thousands of people to and free, you can feel it’s a metaphor for New York itself. Even if you aren’t travelling through here, spend some time here.

E 42nd St would look like a typical busy and crowded New York City street if it were not for the Grand Central Terminal. The terminal is a city in itself: It contains restaurants, bakeries, newsstands, and the New York Transit Museum. Grand Central Terminal is famous for its elaborately decorated astronomical ceiling in the main concourse. A famous restaurant is the Oyster Bar, specialized in seafood. I went once there just for a snack and really enjoyed it.

Where E. 42nd and Park meet is one of the busiest place i've ever seen in my life. Grand Central Terminal stands proud in the center and there is a constant whirl of people all going where they need to go. 42nd Street is New York at it's busiest but also at it's most charming to be honest. A nice array of people are a constant reminder that you are never alone in NY. GTC in and of itself is simply breathtaking and anyone visiting should give it a look the architecture and detail are truly unique and special.

East 42nd Street is near and dear to my heart. As a citizen of an outlying suburb my first view of the city, after getting off the train is Grand Central Terminal, located on 42nd street. When you step out onto the sidewalk the sheer amount of people walking around is amazing. Checking out GTC should be on the list of every tourist. The architecture and attention to detail that went into the design is worth a good look and a few pictures as well. Visitors would be advised to steer clear during rush hours. You have to move fast or risk potential disaster. All along 42nd street there are things to do and lots of places to duck into for a quick look around. It's one of my favorite streets to walk, although I'd never consider living so close to the hustle and bustle.

There's nothing quite as enchanting as being part of New York's hustle and bustle commute, especially during peak traffic hours. During the morning and afternoon commuting hours, Grand Central terminal is teeming with life, and the streets are full of all types of people heading to fulfill their duties to society. E 42nd street boasts the beautiful and historic New York City library, as well as the always active Bryant Park. This is a great area to stop and just take in some of the beat of this city, or simply to sit and enjoy a nice lunch outside, weather permitting.

East 42nd street, particularly Grand Central Station, is a must see for all tourist and New Yorkers alike. If you have ever takent he train there you may notice how easy it is to get lost underground. while transferring from one train to the next, you get to see restaurants, shoe shinign places, as well as barber shops. You get to see it, that is, if you can avoid being pushed by the busy New Yorkers who literally run from one train to the next. We are always taught that time is of the essence and not to waste it looking around, but you just can't help it when you are at grand central. From here you can catch trains and busses to queens as well as to New Jersey via the PATH trains and even Delaware via Amtrack. Do not get overwhelmed if you do end up there.

The trick with 42nd street is to be sharp and on your toes. It is always crowded there and many of the people there are too busy to stop and appreciate the scenery, and get very upset if you stand in their way. However, there really is a lot to see there and as long as you are aware of your surroundings, you will be fine.