Madison Square Park to the Empire State Building: A 30-Minute Walk
The walk from Madison Square Park to the Empire State Building covers the best of NoMad in about 30 minutes: the Flatiron Building, Fifth Avenue, and two of the city most photographed blocks.
The route, step by step
- Start: Madison Square Park, six to seven minutes south of the hotel on Fifth Avenue. The park runs from 23rd to 26th Streets between Fifth and Madison.
- Flatiron Building at 175 Fifth Avenue, at the park southern tip, nine to ten minutes from the hotel if you go directly.
- North on Fifth Avenue past 28th and 30th Streets, with the Empire State Building growing ahead.
- Finish: the Empire State Building lobby at 20 W 34th Street, four minutes north of the hotel, or eight to ten minutes from the park.
How long does it take?
About 25 to 30 minutes at an easy pace, including a stop at the Flatiron corner. Add 20 minutes if you walk the park first.
What to see on the way
The park has rotating contemporary art installations and an arboretum garden, and it is where Shake Shack opened its first kiosk in 2004. Along Fifth Avenue you pass the Flatiron district retail blocks and the 1901 Appellate Division courthouse facing the park.
Best time to walk it
Early morning and after 6:00 PM. Midday on weekdays is crowded with office traffic around 34th Street, and the Empire State observation deck queues build from late morning.
Practical notes
The route is flat and step-free. If you are staying at Life Hotel New York, you can loop it: park first, then north to 34th Street, then three blocks back east to 31st Street. Total around 45 minutes including the park.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Empire State Building from Life Hotel New York?
About 0.2 miles, a four-minute walk north to 34th Street and Fifth Avenue.
How far is Madison Square Park?
Six to seven minutes south along Fifth Avenue, roughly 0.3 miles.
Can you walk from one to the other?
Yes. The distance is about 0.7 miles, or 20 to 25 minutes at a normal pace.
Life Hotel New York, 19 W 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, (212) 615-9900.