What to do in NoMad

NoMad is a relatively new neighborhood in Manhattan, formally established in 1999 as the area north and west of Madison Square Park, extending from 30th Street to 25th Street on its north and south border, and Lexington to Sixth Avenues on its east and west. It’s officially called the “Madison Square Park North Historic District,” and lies between Flatiron and Midtown. 

NoMad is rich with history and historic buildings. In the late 19th century, the area along Broadway was populated by restaurants and theaters, and was the first neighborhood to have electric streetlights, earning the name the “Great White Way.” 28th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues was called “Tin Pan Alley” because of the abundance of songwriters and music publishers. At the beginning of the 20th century, Madison Square Park was a popular town square where people came together to mingle, share news, and hold protests. NoMad’s notable buildings include the New York Life Building, the Toy Center and the Gift Building. 

The neighborhood is conveniently located close to fantastic restaurants and great shopping. It became a trendy destination with the opening of the Ace Hotel in 2009, followed by the NoMad Hotel in 2012. Its hip vibe is a mix of casual cool and high energy.

The obvious place to start is Madison Square Park, although technically only its northernmost section is located in NoMad. Measuring just over 6 acres, this beautifully landscaped park abounding with fountains and green lawns is best known for providing the name of Madison Square Garden, which was originally located just northeast of the park. https://madisonsquarepark.org.  Grab a milkshake  at the Shake Shack, which started out in 2001 as a hotdog cart https://shakeshack.com/.  And before you go, you can watch the pups frolic in the park’s newly-designed dog park, Jemmy’s Dog Rug, with its water feature and Astroturf mini-mountain.

For shopping, check out Chelsea Flea at 29 West. 25th, which is open on weekends, and Il Fiorista Boutique at 17 West 26th. It is not only a restaurant, flower shop and boutique, but also offers classes in floral arrangements. https://www.ilfioristanyc.com/. Then there’s Rizzoli Bookstore at 1133 Broadway, one of the foremost independent booksellers in America, specializing in foreign language titles. https://www.rizzolibookstore.com/

If going out for a drink is your thing, there is no shortage of cool bars in NoMad. For beer afficionados, it’s the Belgian Beer at 25th and Fifth Avenue; for wine-lovers, La Pecora Bianca on 26th and Broadway. For a cool hangout, check out the Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel at 20 West 29th.

If golf is your true love, check out Swingers “crazy golf” at 29th and Broadway. Recently imported from London, it offers three nine-hole golf courses and well as multiple bars and lounges.  https://swingers.club/.  

The Museum of Sex, located at 27th Street and Fifth Avenue, is open most nights until 10 pm and Saturday until midnight. With a mission of preserving and presenting the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality, it offers on-going exhibitions and programs. You can also browse its chic retail store, which is stocked with expertly-curated items for your pleasure. Or book your bachelorette party there. https://www.museumofsex.com/.