In this near-it-all neighborhood south of Midtown East, the star of the show is the iconic Empire State Building, whose towering presence makes it almost impossible to get lost. This area encompasses small parks, residential areas and historic buildings. Bryant Park and Madison Square Park are excellent places to catch your breath as you're checking off landmarks. You can stroll the quieter streets of Murray Hill and Kips Bay, check out the historic Flatiron Building and stop into the New York Public Library, guarded by a pair of grand, marble lions.