The Ultimate Travel Guide to NYC’s 34th Street & Penn Station Area

Stepping off the train and right into the middle of the magic.

One of my absolute favorite spots in New York City is the bustling area surrounding 34th Street and Penn Station. There is an unmistakable energy to this hub—from world-class shopping at the flagship Macy's to the constant rhythmic surge of commuters catching trains across the country.

I love the sheer diversity of the crowds and the rich history embedded in every block. This is where the iconic Miracle on 34th Street unfolded, and where legendary landmarks like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden stand shoulder-to-shoulder. It is a place where anything feels possible, and where the magic of the city truly comes alive.

Why 34th Street is the Beating Heart of Midtown

Few places in Manhattan capture the raw, electrifying pulse of New York City quite like the stretch along 34th Street. Anchored by the constant motion of Penn Station and the sprawling retail kingdom of Herald Square, this neighborhood acts as a crossroads for millions of travelers, locals, and dreamers every year. Whether you are stepping off a train for the first time or returning to soak in the atmosphere, this district offers an unmatched concentration of history, pop culture, and architectural marvels.

What to See & Do

• Step Inside Macy’s Herald Square: Covering an entire city block, this legendary flagship is a world unto itself. Ride the historic, 100-year-old wooden escalators up to the top floors, or visit during the holidays to see the famous seasonal window displays.

• Look Up at the Empire State Building: Located just two blocks east on 34th Street and 5th Avenue, this Art Deco icon defines the NYC skyline. Head up to the main observation deck for sweeping 360-degree views of Manhattan.

• Catch a Show at Madison Square Garden: Positioned directly above Penn Station, "The World's Most Famous Arena" hosts everything from high-stakes NBA games to global concert tours.

• Explore Moynihan Train Hall: Cross 8th Avenue to experience the stunning, sunlit skylights and high-end food hall inside the modernized extension of the Penn Station complex.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

1. Time Your Arrival Wisely

If you want to experience Macy's and the surrounding shops without overwhelming crowds, visit on a weekday morning right around opening time. The sidewalks along 34th Street become significantly busier by mid-afternoon and late evening as commuter traffic picks up.

2. Grab a Bite at Moynihan or Koreatown

For a quick, high-quality bite before catching a show or train, skip standard fast food and head inside Moynihan Train Hall's food hall for local NYC favorites. Alternatively, walk one block east to 32nd Street (Koreatown) for incredible late-night Korean BBQ, fried chicken, and bakeries.

3. Book Landmarks in Advance

If you plan to head up the Empire State Building or catch a game at Madison Square Garden, always buy your tickets online ahead of time to skip the main box office lines.

34th Street, Manhattan NYC Tile Sign

Hudson Yards: Is This NYC’s Most Glamorous New Neighborhood?

The Vessel and Hudson Yards in full golden light. 🚤

Hudson Yards: Manhattan’s Newest Landmark

The history of Hudson Yards dates back to the 19th century, when the area was a bustling industrial district lined with railroads and docks. To pave the way for future above-ground development, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) constructed a rail yard on the site in 1987.

Over the years, several major proposals were floated for the land—including a new stadium for the New York Yankees, an expanded convention center, and even a marquee stadium for New York City’s 2012 Summer Olympics bid. However, due to public opposition, funding challenges, and political debate, none of these early vision plans materialized.

The tide turned in 2005 when the city rezoned the area and launched a comprehensive development plan. This strategy centered on extending the 7 Subway line, renovating the nearby Javits Center, and inviting private real estate developers to bid on the site. In 2008, Related Companies and Oxford Properties won the development rights, officially breaking ground in 2012.

Today, Hudson Yards is a massive, multi-billion-dollar redevelopment project spanning 28 acres over the active MTA rail yard on Manhattan's West Side. Designed to expand Midtown’s business district west toward the Hudson River, the project serves as a major commercial and tourist destination.

The project is split into two main phases. The eastern portion officially opened in March 2019, featuring 16 skyscrapers, a luxury multi-level shopping mall, a public plaza, and the centerpiece spiral staircase structure known as The Vessel. Major commercial tenants include Tapestry, Equinox Fitness, and BlackRock. The western portion represents the second phase of development, planned to bring additional residential towers, office spaces, a public school, and dedicated community culture spaces.

Hudson Yards (The Vessel) Manhattan, NYC

Next Stop, History: NYC’s Iconic Subway Tile Mosaics

Underground art gallery. 🚇✨ NYC’s subway mosaics have been keeping commuters on track since the early 1900s.

One of the most distinctive features of the New York City subway system is the mosaic tile signage adorning its historic stations. Dating back to the early 20th century, these vibrant tiles display station names and transit directions through intricate, artistic patterns.

Arguably the system’s most famous example resides at Manhattan's Fifth Avenue station—a hub served by the N and R trains, as well as the weekday W line. The station's focal mosaic features a stylized depiction of Fifth Avenue itself, setting the iconic street name in crisp white letters against a rich blue background, framed by a multi-colored tile border that pops against the station's white walls.

More than just transit directions, these colorful tiles serve as a testament to New York City’s rich history and remain an iconic form of everyday public art.

Vintage Fifth Avenue Sign - Manhattan, NYC

Jerry John Rawlings: From Revolutionary to Democratic Leader

Statesman, reformer, and architect of Ghana's Fourth Republic—Jerry John Rawlings

Jerry John Rawlings remains one of the most influential and defining figures in modern African history. A Ghanaian military officer, aviator, and politician, Rawlings led Ghana briefly in 1979 and continuously from 1981 to 2001. Over his two decades at the helm, he spearheaded a complex transition from military governance to a thriving multi-party democracy, earning a reputation as a fierce anti-corruption crusader who established economic and political stability in Ghana.

Early Life, Education, and Family

Born Jerry Rawlings John on June 22, 1947, in Accra, Ghana, he was the son of Victoria Agbotui, a Ghanaian native from Dzelukope, and James Ramsey John, a Scottish chemist. His name was later transposed to "Jerry John Rawlings" due to a clerical enlistment error when he joined the military.

Rawlings attended the prestigious Achimota School, where he developed a passion for music and aviation while meeting his future wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman. After completing high school, he enlisted in the Ghana Air Force in 1967, training at the military academy in Teshie. He was commissioned as a Flight Lieutenant in 1978, establishing himself as a skilled pilot and a popular figure among the enlisted ranks.

Together, Jerry and Nana Konadu built a prominent political dynamic. The couple raised four children: three daughters—Zanetor, Yaa Asantewaa, and Amina—and one son, Kimathi. Their eldest daughter, Zanetor Rawlings, would later follow in her father’s political footsteps as a Member of Parliament.

The Rise to Power: 1979 and 1981

Rawlings entered the national spotlight during a period of severe economic hardship and widespread political corruption in Ghana. Disillusioned by the military regime at the time, he led a short-lived coup attempt in May 1979. Though initially arrested, he was freed by junior military officers on June 4, 1979, launching a successful uprising that established the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC).

During his brief 112-day tenure in 1979, Rawlings initiated a purge of high-level government corruption before upholding his promise to hand power over to a democratically elected civilian government headed by President Hilla Limann.

However, as economic stagnation resumed under Limann’s leadership, Rawlings returned to power on December 31, 1981, forming the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC). This second period marked the start of his 20-year governance.

Economic Stabilization and Democratic Reform

Rawlings’ second era in power transformed Ghana's socio-economic landscape:

• Economic Recovery Program (ERP): In the mid-1980s, Rawlings adopted pragmatic market-oriented reforms in collaboration with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), curbing inflation, revitalizing infrastructure, and encouraging foreign investment.

• Transition to Democracy: In 1992, Rawlings led the drafting of a new constitution, legalizing political parties and establishing Ghana’s Fourth Republic. He founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and won democratic presidential elections in 1992 and 1996.

• Smooth Transfer of Power: Upon completing his constitutional two-term limit in 2001, Rawlings peacefully stepped down, handing power to opposition leader John Kufuor—setting a precedent for democratic handovers in West Africa.

Passing and Legacy

Jerry John Rawlings passed away on November 12, 2020, at the age of 73 following a brief illness. He was honored with a full state funeral in Accra, attended by heads of state from across Africa and world leaders who paid tribute to his role in shaping modern Ghana.

Today, Rawlings is remembered as a charismatic leader whose legacy—marked by anti-corruption, grassroots empowerment, and constitutional democracy—continues to influence African politics.

Jerry Rawlings, J.J. Rawlings, President of Ghana

Truly Salvador and Making Waves - El Salvador's President Stops at Nothing to Restore Order to Country

Nayib Bukele looking unflappable in full presidential regalia.

Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez is the 43rd president of El Salvador. He is the first president since José Napoleón Duarte (1984–1989) not to have been elected as the candidate of one of the country's two mainstream political parties: the left-leaning Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) and the right-leaning Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). 

Bukele served as mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán for three years from 2012 to 2015, and then served three years as mayor of San Salvador, the country's capital, from 2015 to 2018.

On 5 June 2021, Bukele announced that he planned to introduce a bill to the Legislative Assembly which would make El Salvador the first nation to make bitcoin legal tender. The Legislative Assembly passed the bill on June 8, 2021.

Bukele has successfully brought crime under control and is now focusing on attracting more tourists to El Salvador. Thanks to Bukele's efforts, an influx of bitcoin enthusiasts, surfers, nature lovers, and anglers have visited El Salvador, many for the first time.

Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvadore
by Fiedler_Mundt

Congress Street in Portsmouth, NH Shows Lively Downtown Scene

Portsmouth, NH is a popular weekend getaway destination in New England.

International travel ground to a halt during the global Coronavirus pandemic. As a result, many rediscovered destinations that were closer to home. Portsmouth, NH is an easy drive from New York City and just up the road from Boston.

A historical and quaint city, Portsmouth offers a refreshing dose of New Hampshire hospitality. Downtown Portsmouth is very walkable, with the downtown historic district dating back to the 1600s. Colonial homes and buildings are common, thanks to Portsmouth's past status as a major seaport. 

Portsmouth is recognized for its eclectic restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Visitors also take advantage of New Hampshire's zero sales tax, stocking up on everything from tobacco products to appliances!

Vintage Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH Photo
by Fiedler_Mundt

Scooters in Italy Source Of Concern For American Tourist

I love traveling in Italy, and most of the time I'm overly cautions. My preferred mode of transportation is walking, seconded by public transportation such as a bus or subway. I try to avoid taxi's, although Uber has made them more feasible.

Last year, I was traveling with a group in Italy. My compatriots were first time tourists to Italy and hell bent on renting scooters. We were in Naples, which I had visited a few times before. Scooters are part of the Italian charm and woven into the fabric of the country, right up there with cappuccino.

But I hate scooters. They're dangerous. Renting a scooter in an unfamiliar city is a recipe for disaster. Naples, Italy isn't some laid back banana republic style island destination. It's a bustling city where harebrained scooter drivers hit the gas whenever they see a gap wide enough for their bike.

Road rage seems common. Impossibly tight squeezes the norm. If you have experience riding scooters, put your pride aside and venture through the streets of Naples on foot. If you've never driven a scooter and plan on learning while on vacation in Italy, slap yourself in the face.

Italy with Scooter 2 Inch Square Magnet by Fiedler_Mundt
View more flexible magnets