New York's Chill, Trendy Midtown Neighborhood Houses Wildly Underrated Attractions
Manhattan's Midtown neighborhood, one of New York's most incredible neighborhoods for first-time visitors, is where business happens. Traveling to the Big Apple only to wander streets lined with office buildings may not sound appealing, but the trick is to know where to find pockets of respite for a more laid-back experience. Turtle Bay is one of those New York neighborhoods where you'll still feel the vibrancy of the city minus the bright downtown lights. The neighborhood encompasses the blocks between East 42nd and East 53rd streets, and Third Avenue and the East River bank. It is south of Sutton Place and east of Midtown East. The deeper you venture into the neighborhood, the more residential it becomes.
According to the Turtle Bay Association, the neighborhood was named after a cove along a river that, long ago, ran from today's 45th Street to approximately 48th Street. From its establishment in the 1700s until 1946, Turtle Bay primarily housed farms, factories, and slaughterhouses. Turtle Bay's architectural charm established itself in the 20th century. Here, you'll find one of the smallest historical districts in New York, Turtle Bay Gardens. Twenty mid-century townhouses, lined along 48th and 49th streets, between Second and Third avenues, offer a glimpse into the past. A lush court garden fills the space between the two rows of houses, creating a true urban oasis only available to lucky residents. Personalities like Kurt Vonnegut and Katharine Hepburn called this very small area of Turtle Bay home.
Turtle Bay is New York's most diplomatic neighborhood
Turtle Bay is best known for being the home of the United Nations Headquarters. While the building most defines the city skyline from Roosevelt Island, it remains an expansive complex where visitors are very much welcome, as it has been since it settled into this corner of New York City shortly after the United Nations was formed in 1946. Sign up for a guided tour of the headquarters to learn more about the ins and outs of international diplomacy, or search for the various art pieces scattered across the Headquarters, each donated by private art collectors or Member States.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that this neighborhood is where you'll also spot a lot of consulates for various countries, including Ukraine, Peru, and Germany, to name a few. As you explore the streets of Turtle Bay, you'll likely spot more than a dozen. The Japan Society offices are also located in Turtle Bay. Much more approachable than consulates, pop by for a quick catch-up on the latest trends from Japan, or check out the Japan Society event calendar for ticketed events, like Kabuki theater, before your trip.
Why not digest your newfound knowledge on international affairs at a nearby park? Take a rest at one of 49 benches in the Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, and while you're there, smell the roses at the Katharine Hepburn Garden, the largest public garden on the east side of Manhattan. If you're visiting on Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., you're in luck — browse the Green Market for fresh produce from local farmers. North of the UN Headquarters, there's also Peter Detmold Park, popular for its riverside views of Roosevelt Island.
Where to stay and eat in Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay's prime location makes it an excellent base for shopping and architecture fiends alike. After all, it's only a few minutes' walk to Fifth Avenue, one of New York's world-famous streets, and Grand Central Station. You'll see some hotel brands with locations in Turtle Bay, including Hilton (Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza and Hampton Inn Manhattan Grand Central), but the neighborhood is best experienced through boutique hotels, and Little Charlie, located on the corner of 45th Street and Second Avenue, is just the place for that. This highly-rated accommodation — it boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google Reviews — is cozy and budget-friendly.
What's more, the hotel is a skip away from Turtle Bay's trendy yet timeless restaurants. Smith & Wollensky is a classic American steakhouse that opened in 1977 on the corner of Third Avenue and 49th Street, and remains a New York staple today. For world-class cuisine, Sushi Yasuda should be at the top of your list. For a nightcap, Ophelia is a bar that prides itself on its 360-degree view rooftop with unmatched views of Turtle Bay and Midtown, as well as its diverse drinks menu.
For more things to do on the east side of Midtown, add some time in Midtown East and Sutton Place. You'll also find other noteworthy accommodations in these neighborhoods, including one of the best boutique hotels in the city, which is located here: The Kimberly, best known for being a luxurious retreat with massive suites and a rooftop bar.