Manhattan may be an island that’s only 13 miles long and 2.3 miles at its widest point but it’s still a pretty small world at every turn. Densely populated with old neighborhoods, epic landmarks, and multicultural splendor–it can feel like one tiny nation with an overwhelming amount to see and experience. To take in the highlights of this Empire City, here’s why staying in the Flatiron is a very smart move.

1) Location Location Location

Named after the Flatiron building at 23rd Street, this district is like the heartbeat to the body with veins, or streets, that branch out in every direction. From the north side of New York where you’ll find Spanish Harlem, Columbia University, the Upper West Side, and Central Park North, to the south end of the island (Wall Street, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, etc)–there’s so much to see and do. The Flatiron District, home of the MAve Hotel, is centrally located between downtown (considered below 14th St) and Midtown where you’ll find 5th Ave shopping, Times Square, and Broadway. If you’re in town for work or even a publicity tour (lucky you), the MAve sits on Madison Ave. home to many ad agencies, PR, and publishing houses.

2) Rich Residential History

Somewhat corporate, yes, but the Flatiron is also a unique historical neighborhood filled with elegant townhomes, hotels, and buildings that were once home to greats like Edith Wharton, Thomas Edison, and John Steinbeck. The Flatiron is also the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt, which is a national historic site.

The Gramercy neighborhood, on the east side of the Flatiron District is now the address for celebrities like Julia Roberts and Uma Thurman.

3) Shopping and Killer Eats

Between the Civil War and World War I, our neighborhood was home to some of New York’s most famous department stores: Lord & Taylor, B. Altman, W. & J. Sloane, Arnold Constable, and Bergdorf Goodman. Now preserved under the title “Ladies’ Mile District”, newer stores have popped up like Ann Taylor, Victoria’s Secret, Club Monaco and Origins, and big box retailers dominate Sixth Avenue.

For a quick carb or sugar fix, load up on adventure fuel from nearby bakeries like: The City Bakery, Hot Blondies, Crumbs, The Protein Bakery, Alice’s Tea Cup, and Cafe Prague.

Finish the evening at one of the Flatiron favorites like farm-to-table ABC Kitchen, Greek lovers “Barbounia”, or upmarket Indian food at Junoon.

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