34th Street Partnership

The 34th Street Partnership maintains an information booth at Penn Station, located on the Amtrak level. The multilingual staff members can help with transportation questions, dining recommendations, entertainment venues, and other amenities and services.

Built during the Depression, the Empire State Building, a 102-story landmark and New York City's tallest building, is now thoroughly entrenched in New York City's history and psyche.

The Empire State Building, an Art Deco skyscraper, was designed by the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon. The building's construction was part of an intense competition in New York City to claim the title "world's tallest building," and in 1931 the Empire State Building surpassed both 40 Wall Street and the Chrysler Building to become the world's tallest skyscraper, a fame it maintained until the completion of the World Trade Center in 1972.

The building's distinctive spire was originally intended for use as a dirigible mooring mast, but wind conditions at the spire proved too dangerous for the aircraft. The now-famous floodlights that color the top of the building in the evening were added in 1964. The colors are often chosen to represent seasonal holidays and other events.

The James A. Farley building, named for the nation's 53rd Postmaster General, is the main post office in New York City. It was designated a New York City Landmark in 1966, and occupies two full city blocks on Eighth Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets.

Built in 1912, the building is famous for bearing the inscription: Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from their swift completion of their appointed rounds, which, contrary to popular belief, is not the motto of the United States Postal Service.

Jewel–like parks along Broadway on either side of 34th Street, Herald and Greeley Squares serve as welcome refuges for weary shoppers, office workers and tourists.

Greeley Square Park was painstakingly refurbished in 1999 and offers tables and chairs, exquisite horticulture, a food kiosk operated by 'wichcraft, and brand–new public restrooms. Visit the restored statue of Horace Greeley, the founder and editor of the New York Tribune ,who, contrary to popular belief, did not coin the expression, "Go west, young man," but borrowed it from John Babsone Lane Soule. More Greeley Square trivia: the eagles that decorate the park's gateposts were inspired by the eagles once found on the Tribune's masthead.

Built in 1906 by legendary Broadway impresario Oscar Hammerstein, the Hammerstein Ballroom was restored to its former glory by an extensive renovation in 1997. This beautiful, elegant concert venue offers outstanding acoustics for top musical acts and also hosts conventions, art exhibitions, and formal dinners.

Herald Square was named for the New York Herald newspaper, whose building was located on 35th Street from 1893 to the 1920s. The square's most prominent feature is the elaborate Bennett Clock, named for Herald publisher James Gordon Bennett Jr. The monument features the Bellringers, dubbed "Guff" and "Stuff," and owls with flashing green eyes. Owls were Bennett's talisman, and the new massive granite gateposts, installed by the Partnership, feature bronze owl figures by sculptor Greg Lefevre.

Herald Square is a wonderful place to take a break from shopping and sightseeing: pull up a chair, enjoy some refreshments from 'wichcraft, and rest your eyes on the Partnership's award–winning gardens. And be sure to catch Guff and Stuff ringing their bells every hour on the hour.

Located across the street from Pennsylvania Station and Madison Square Garden, the Hotel Pennsylvania, opened in 1919, was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and designed by the firm of McKim, Mead and White, the same firm who built the original Pennsylvania Station.

Although the hotel has undergone several name changes, it is now again known as the Hotel Pennsylvania. The hotel is also famous for having the New York phone number in longest continuous use, and, contrary to common practice, has a 13th floor.

Located on 32nd Street between Fifth and Broadway, Korea Way is home to Korean cuisine, shopping, and culture. You'll find bakeries, bookstores, nightclubs, karaoke bars, and traditional and fusion cuisine all in this block that sits close to Greeley Square Park.

Known as the world's largest department store, Macy's Herald Square, the company's popular flagship, is a destination for shoppers from all over the world. The building fills almost two city blocks, has been designated a National Historic Landmark, and can boast of a rare, operating wooden escalator.

What can't a shopper find in Macy's Herald Square? In addition to many other departments, Macy's has a Louis Vuitton accessories boutique, a bridal department, personal shoppers, wedding and gift registry, a furniture gallery, and A Pea in the Pod maternity boutique. Eat at Macy's Cellar Bar & Grill, or grab a coffee and to–go food and snacks on several other floors. Also, shoppers visiting from other countries can stop by Visitor Services with their passport and get 10% off purchases for the day.

Madison Square Garden, The World's Most Famous Arena, is located in Manhattan on Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets. Tickets to events at Madison Square Garden are available at the Garden Box Office and at Ticketmaster via their online, phone, or ticket outlets.

Home to the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, and the New York Liberty, Madison Square Garden is the ultimate sports arena for fans and players alike.

Also located in the heart of Manhattan on Seventh Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets is the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. It has been the venue for annual family shows and theatricals, the NFL and NBA Drafts, college graduations, and religious conferences.

Named for the Pennsylvania Railroad, the current structure is a much–altered underground remnant of the grand Beaux–Arts structure built by McKim, Mead and White in 1910. The original structure was replaced with a new office and sports complex in 1968, and is now the site of the world–famous Madison Square Garden.

One of the busiest rail stations in the world, Pennsylvania Station, commonly known as Penn Station, is a major inner–city and commuter rail hub in New York City. Owned by Amtrak, this underground station is located between 31st and 33rd Streets and Seventh and Eighth Avenues. The station is served by six New York City subway lines, Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, and is the center of the Northeast Corridor passenger rail line.