VIBE

Culture, fashion, history, iconic architecture–let’s just say with a résumé like that, it’s no wonder Fifth Avenue is the city’s most storied boulevard. Its grand history dates back to the 1800s, when Manhattan’s rich and famous built their extravagant mansions along its length. By the 20th century, the society dames had fled uptown, and Fifth Avenue’s new generation of marvels ranged from a cluster of Midtown architectural wonders (including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and the Flatiron Building) to a plethora of upscale shops (Saks Fifth Avenue and Cartier among them), the elegant greenery of Central Park, and the cultural gravitas of Museum Mile (including the Met and the Guggenheim). Whether you’re looking for the latest in designer fashions, high tea at the Plaza, edgy modern canvases at MoMA, or a romp through the Central Park Zoo, Fifth Avenue is the place to go.

GO HERE WITH

Shopping companions; architecture enthusiasts; museum addicts; a date; friends; family; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a classic NYC experience. We like starting at the Empire State Building and walking northwards for a bit of upscale retail therapy. Once our credit cards are fully maxed out (seriously–Fifth Avenue is often listed as the most expensive shopping destination in the world), we like to take break for people-watching in Central Park or art-spotting on Museum Mile.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Starting from the southeastern corner of Central Park and heading north, subway access to Fifth Avenue is a little inconvenient because the nearest stops are on Lexington Avenue.

GOOD TO KNOW

Helpful to know as you navigate the city: Fifth Avenue is the zero point of New York addresses, dividing the East Side from the West Side. It starts right above Washington Square Park (just below 8th Street) and goes up to 143rd Street in Harlem. If you’re here for shopping, stick to the section between 48th and 59th Street, because that’s where the most enticing stores are clustered. Something to watch out for: Fifth Avenue is often included on parade routes (like on St. Patrick’s Day), meaning on parade days it’s not only extremely crowded, but also closed to traffic. In December, Fifth Avenue is full of holiday cheer, but the crowds are insane.

CLOSEST COMPS

Bond St. (London); Avenue des Champs-Élysées (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.