You’ve partied with pop icons, grinned with superheroes, and maybe even out-posed a few presidents at Madame Tussauds New York. But the fun doesn’t stop when you step back onto West 42nd Street! Step into the neon heart of Times Square and you’ll find even more ways to make your NYC trip sensational—think sky-high views, secret speakeasies, world-class shows, and snacks worth a standing ovation. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or flying solo, the area around Madame Tussauds puts you at the center of the city’s biggest excitement. Here’s your must-do list for making every Midtown moment count.
Our fave things to do near Madame Tussauds:
Top of the Rock
Broadway and Times Square Tour by Experience First
RiseNY
The Museum of Broadway
Bryant Park
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
The Beast Speedboat Ride
The New York Public Library
Koreatown Eats
Radio City Music Hall Tour Experience
Top of the Rock: Take Your Selfies Sky-High
If you loved photos with the stars at Madame Tussauds, just wait until you’re 70 floors up at Top of the Rock! This legendary observation deck at Rockefeller Center offers show-stopping, 360-degree views—Central Park’s greenery to the north, a glowing Empire State Building to the south, and Manhattan’s hustle humming far below.
The vibe is pure “main character” energy: wedding proposals, happy reunions, legs dangling off the edge for the ultimate photo. There’s room to soak it all in, with indoor and outdoor viewing decks and plenty of space for that envy-inducing skyline selfie. Sunset is especially dazzling, so time your visit for golden hour if possible.
Broadway and Times Square Tour by Experience First: Behind the Curtain
Broadway and Times Square Tour by Experience First: Behind the Curtain
Get the inside scoop on the city’s most famous theater district with a walking tour that spills all the Broadway secrets. Your guide—often a bona fide theatre insider—will take you from iconic theaters and historic marquees to places where Broadway legends made their dreams come true.
You’ll learn about ghost stories, backstage drama, and Today Show-worthy anecdotes, all while exploring the buzz and color of Times Square in motion. It’s entertaining, energetic, and the perfect way to unlock the history behind the lights. First-timers and musical megafans alike will find themselves humming down the block.
RiseNY: NYC’s Ultimate Flying Theater Experience
Right around the corner, RiseNY delivers thrills (without standing in line for a rollercoaster). This immersive attraction starts with a museum of New York’s most iconic pop culture moments before strapping you in for a soaring, flight simulation over the city’s sights.
You’ll hang above the city in front of a soaring screen—wind, mist, scents, and music included. It’s part inspiring, part “how did they do that?!” and 100% unique to the Big Apple. Come for a rush that rivals any blockbuster; leave with a fresh dose of city pride.
The Museum of Broadway: The Backstage Pass You Always Wanted
For anyone who’s ever imagined themselves under the marquee lights, The Museum of Broadway is pure joy. Dive into the shows, stories, and costume closets of New York’s legendary theater scene, from historic icons to modern-day hits.
The crowd is always buzzing—from superfans to visitors discovering Broadway’s magic for the first time—and the interactive exhibits practically beg for photos and singalongs. Original set pieces, famous costumes, and playful photo ops make this a must for musical lovers and anyone craving a bit of glitz and glam.
Bryant Park: Midtown’s Outdoor Playground
Just a few blocks east, Bryant Park offers a leafy oasis in the city’s concrete core. You’ll find office workers reclining in chairs, chess matches under the trees, and seasonal surprises—think winter skating or summer movie nights.
Grab a gelato, snag a table, and soak up the relaxed pace. Bonus: Bryant Park surrounds the stunning New York Public Library (worth a quick peek for those Insta-ready marble lions). It’s the perfect way to hit pause before the bright lights pull you back in.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner: Singing, Dancing, and Serious Sandwiches
If your crew is hungry and in show-tune mode, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is half diner, half Broadway audition. Singing waitstaff belt favorite hits between milkshakes and meatloaf, and the vibe is pure joy. Expect big crowds, big voices, and even bigger portions.
Order a classic burger, a sky-high stack of pancakes, or their legendary mac and cheese. There’s nothing subtle about it—just entertainment and NYC kitsch, bite after bite.
The Beast Speedboat Ride: High-Octane Hudson Fun
The Beast Speedboat Ride: High-Octane Hudson Fun
Craving a rush after all those superstar selfies? The Beast is a speedboat thrill ride on the Hudson River, blasting past city icons with rock music and a healthy side of spray. The crew keeps the energy up, zipping from Midtown’s piers to the Statue of Liberty and back in wild, thirty-minute bursts.
You’ll laugh, you’ll get a little wet, and you’ll see a side of Manhattan most people miss. It’s family-friendly but packs enough adrenaline for thrillseekers and jokesters alike.
The New York Public Library: A Historic, Instagram-Famous Haven
It’s not just a library—it’s a grand, marble-palace creation that’s starred as the backdrop for everything from movies to wedding shoots. Duck inside to cool off, explore vast reading rooms, and snap a photo with the famous lions, Patience and Fortitude.
The library offers a calm, inspiring retreat—and often houses fascinating free exhibits on NYC history and culture. There’s a quiet buzz that feels worlds away from Times Square, but it’s only a short stroll from Madame Tussauds’ door.
Koreatown Eats: Sizzle, Snacks, and Sweet Treats
A ten-minute walk south drops you in Koreatown: Midtown’s 24-hour culinary playground. Hop from BBQ hotspots with table grills to bubble tea shops, late-night bakeries, and karaoke dens. Try crispy fried chicken at Pelicana or classic bibimbap at BCD Tofu House, then wind down with “snow ice” or mochi donuts at one of the neighborhood’s dessert caves.
The mood is always lively, with groups of friends, families, and after-work crowds devouring spicy, sizzling feasts. Go hungry—and stay for a nightcap and some people-watching.
Radio City Music Hall Tour Experience: Legendary Lights, Real Magic
Finish your Midtown adventure with backstage wonder at Radio City Music Hall. This Art Deco temple is just a pleasant stroll north, and the guided tour is the ultimate pass to New York’s showbiz secrets. You’ll see grand lobbies, historic murals, and, if luck is on your side, a Rockette or two rehearsing those perfect kicks.
The décor is jaw-dropping; the history, endlessly fascinating. If you’re a fan of glamour, music, or jaw-dropping stages, it’s a can’t-miss finale before you dive back into the neon.
From Midtown’s wild energy to its hidden cozy corners, there’s so much more to discover right outside Madame Tussauds. Whether you’re chasing Broadway dreams, bites, or skyline scenes, staying a little longer means turning a wax museum visit into an epic NYC day you’ll never forget!
Enjoyed this? Check out the top music spots in the city, or make the most of your visit to Brooklyn!
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