OVERVIEW
With the Flatiron Building at its center, the Flatiron District is bordered by West 26th Street on the North, East 20th Street on the South, 6th Avenue on the West and Lexington Avenue on the East–therefore effectively connecting the East and West sides of the city and rendering this a highly sought-after and convenient location right at the center of Manhattan.
LANDMARKS
The triangular Flatiron Building, one of the most recognized buildings in Manhattan, bifurcates Fifth Avenue and Broadway, almost splitting the entire city in half. What was originally known as the Fuller Building, the skyscraper was officially named a landmark in 1966.
Madison Square Park, right across from the Flatiron Building, was completely renovated in 2011 and is now as iconic as the building sitting across from it.
The New York Life Building and One Madison Park are two other recognizable buildings in the area.
ASTORIA
ART
The Museum of Sex, on Fifth Avenue, is considered to be one of New York City’s most unique art hunts, exploring the topic in unconventional yet truly “New York” ways. Opened back in 2002, the museum has definitively changed the vibe of the neighborhood, rendering it a more inclusive and even sought-after destination.
SHOPPING
Shopping destinations in the Flatiron range from large department stores, like Nordstrom Rack, Lord & Taylor, and TJ Maxx, to more boutique-like destinations (think Club Monaco, J. Crew, and Free People). Clearly a vibrant shopping district, the half-mile stretch of Broadway from 14th Street to 23rd Street was named the “Miracle Ladies’ Mile” back in the 1800s, in an effort to bring attention to the variety of luxury shopping opportunities in the area.
DINING
Dining in the Flatiron District is characterized by the 50,000 square feet of space occupied by Eataly, a uniquely built Italian marketplace that offers both in-house dining options and a huge selection of groceries to be purchased. Opened back in 2010, Eataly truly metamorphosed the neighborhood, elevating its status as one of the most important dining destinations in the entire country.
TRANSPORTATION
Subway lines that traverse the area include the F, M, R, W, and 6 trains.