Located between Union Square and Madison Square Park, the Flatiron District is one of the most charming neighborhoods in New York City. In fact, it gets its name from the Flatiron Building, the iconic triangular-shaped building on 5th Ave near 23rd St.
The Flatiron area is full of trendy shops and restaurants, nestled alongside bustling office buildings. This makes it one of the busiest neighborhoods in Manhattan—especially during the day.
One of the newest residents of Flatiron just so happens to be the Saatva Viewing Room (our second New York City location!). Ahead, see our picks for where to shop, eat, and spend time in Flatiron.
Where to shop
Saatva Viewing Room
Our second Manhattan Viewing Room is located in the heart of the Flatiron District, on Broadway between 19th and 20th Streets. Visit the relaxing two-floor oasis to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and find the perfect Saatva mattress for you. Once you find the right bed, we’ll deliver it to your bedroom for free so you can start enjoying better sleep.
Saatva Flatiron: 893 Broadway
Eataly NYC Flatiron
It’s worth heading to Eataly if you’re in Flatiron. This 42,500-square-foot marketplace stocks artisan goods from Italy and also has a rooftop bar and various eateries inside serving pizza, pasta, and more Italian specialties. It’s your one-stop shop for all the best Italy has to offer.
Eataly NYC Flatiron: 200 5th Ave
Fishs Eddy
Find unique dishes, mugs, glassware, and other kitchen essentials at Fishs Eddy. This kitschy store, which has been around since the ’80s, stocks everything you need to give your kitchen a fun update.
Fishs Eddy: 889 Broadway
Union Square Greenmarket
After mattress shopping, take a stroll down to the Union Square Greenmarket and peruse the local vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, farmstead cheeses, beautiful flowers, and more. The market is open from 8 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Union Square Greenmarket: Union Square W & E 17th St
Rizzoli Bookstore
This popular independent bookstore moved to its current location in 2015 and quickly became a neighborhood staple. It’s known for its wide selection of illustrated books on subjects such as interior design, architecture, fashion, and fine arts.
Rizzoli Bookstore: 1133 Broadway
Academy Records
Add to your music collection at this beloved shop that sells used records and CDs. The store, which has been around since 1977, specializes in classical, jazz, rock, and soul music and has tens of thousands of LPs and CDs for sale.
Academy Records: 12 W 18th St
Maison 10
Part art gallery, part gift shop, Maison 10 sells items from 10 hand-selected brands across 10 categories (like art and beauty) for 10 weeks before rotating what’s for sale. Find a new piece of art for your bedroom, nab uniquely designed bowls, stock up on shampoo bars, and more.
Maison 10: 4 W 29th St
Where to eat
La Pecora Bianca
Nosh on house-made pasta, like rigatoni with vodka sauce and bucatini cacio e pepe, while sipping on an Aperol spritz or zero-proof lemon basil soda. If you’re feeling really decadent, then add a ball of burrata to your pasta.
La Pecora Bianca: 1133 Broadway
Sagaponack
Head to this Hamptons-inspired restaurant for happy hour and enjoy East Coast oysters and refreshing drinks. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, then you’ve got plenty of tasty options to choose from, including a variety of lobster and crab rolls.
Sagaponack: 4 W 22nd St
Cosme
Feast on contemporary Mexican cuisine at this upscale restaurant in Flatiron. Chef and founder Enrique Olvera uses high-quality local and seasonal ingredients to whip up menu items. From herb guacamole to duck carnitas, this is one meal you won’t soon forget.
Cosme: 35 E 21st St
Little Beet Table
This vegetable-forward restaurant (with a mainly gluten-free menu) is full of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re looking to dine on a salad for lunch or a heartier entree for dinner, you’ll find something to satisfy you here.
Little Beet Table: 333 Park Ave S
Levain Bakery
Calling all cookie lovers! Levain Bakery is consistently hailed as one of the best dessert spots in New York City thanks to their signature thick cookies, which are crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle. Luckily, they have a location in Flatiron, where you can snag the goods, including the classic chocolate chip walnut cookie.
Levain Bakery: 2 W 18th St
Shake Shack
Another New York City staple, Shake Shack serves up cheeseburgers, ‘shroom burgers, crinkle cut fries, and frozen custard. The Madison Square Park location was the very first one to open in 2001 (it used to operate outside of a hot dog stand)—and is still worth a visit.
Shake Shack: Madison Square Park, 23rd St and Madison Ave
Where else to spend time
Madison Square Park
Head to Flatiron’s Madison Square Park to soak up the sunshine and experience a relaxing reprieve from the busy city streets. Pick up Shake Shack, then grab a seat and take in the greenery and artwork on the park’s grounds.
Madison Square Park: 23rd St and 5th Ave/Broadway
Remedy Place
This 7,000-square-foot wellness club is the ultimate space for self-care. A membership gives you access to various wellness treatments, including acupuncture, cupping, infrared sauna, ice baths, and red light beds.
Remedy Place: 12 W 21st St
FAQs
What’s special about Flatiron?
Flatiron is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in New York City. It gets its game from the historic triangular-shaped Flatiron Building and is full of trendy shops and restaurants. Madison Square Park, a beautiful green space, is also in Flatiron.
Is Flatiron a good neighborhood?
Yes, Flatiron is a good neighborhood. It’s one of the busiest and most charming neighborhoods in New York City, with offices, shops, restaurants, and a park.
Check out our additional travel guides for advice on how to spend the day near our other Viewing Rooms:
- Washington, DC’s Logan Circle
- San Francisco’s Union Square
- West Hollywood, Los Angeles
- New York City’s Upper East Side
- Boston’s Back Bay
- Chicago’s Lincoln Park
- Dallas’s Uptown
- Charlotte’s South Park
- Portland’s Pearl District
- Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square
- Seattle’s University Village
- San Diego’s La Jolla
- Florida’s Winter Park
