Tucked between the energy of Grand Central and the residential calm of Kips Bay, Murray Hill has long been one of Manhattan’s quieter, more residential pockets, with some of New York’s most iconic sights just steps away.
For guests of The Shelburne Sonesta Hotel New York, that balance between Manhattanβs iconic spirit and Murray Hillβs relaxed charm is built in. The hotel sits right in the middle of it all, close enough to explore the city on foot and quiet enough to unwind at the end of the day.
Here’s everything useful to know before booking a stay.
At a Glance
- Murray Hill sits between Fifth Avenue and the East River, spanning 34th to 40th Streets just south of the Midtown East corridor.
- The Shelburne Sonesta New York, on Lexington Avenue in the heart of the neighborhood, is the closest hotel to Grand Central and the United Nations.
- The neighborhood offers a quieter, more residential alternative to the office towers and tourist crowds a few blocks north.
- The 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains at Grand Central-42nd Street connect Murray Hill to the rest of Manhattan in minutes.
- The Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, the Morgan Library & Museum, and the United Nations are all within a 15-minute walk of the hotel.
First, a Bit About Murray Hill
Murray Hill is generally bounded by Fifth Avenue to the west, the East River to the east, and 34th to 40th Streets, sitting just south of the Midtown East hotel and office corridor.
The name dates back to the Murray family’s 18th-century farm, which once covered much of what is now the neighborhood.
The Shelburne Sonesta New York sits on Lexington Avenue, right in the middle of the neighborhood, a walkable distance to Grand Central.
Midtown’s transit and attractions are close enough to reach almost anywhere in Manhattan quickly, while the residential blocks between Lexington and Third Avenue stay quiet enough to sleep.
The 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains at Grand Central-42nd Street put the rest of the city within easy reach, and the Q and B/D/F/M lines at 34th Street-Herald Square cover the rest.
That combination attracts business travelers looking to combine comfort with ease of commute, families who want a residential home base instead of a Midtown high-rise, and visitors to the United Nations or one of the nearby hospital systems.
Grand Central Terminal, NYC
Five Sights to See in Murray Hill
Murray Hill is ideal for visitors who enjoy walking tours and relaxed discovery, with historic architecture, free cultural stops, and iconic landmarks all within easy reach of the neighborhood’s residential blocks.
1. Sniffen Court
A 3-minute walk from The Shelburne, Sniffen Court is a row of 19th-century carriage houses tucked off 36th Street. It is one of the best-preserved examples of old New York character.
Guests appreciate stumbling onto a photogenic corner that most tourists might walk right past. Talk to our friendly staff and theyβll be happy to point you to a few of these gems.
π Get Directions to Sniffen Court
2. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal, also known as Grand Central Station, is a 7-minute walk from The Shelburne.
This is New Yorkβs iconic transit hub and landmark. The concourse ceiling mural and the whispering gallery near the Oyster Bar rank among the city’s best free attractions, especially for guests who enjoy admiring architecture.
π Get Directions to Grand Central Terminal
3. The Morgan Library & Museum
Housing J.P. Morgan’s original private library, this Madison Avenue museum pairs opulent period rooms with rotating exhibitions of rare manuscripts and art.
It’s a favorite for guests looking for a quieter cultural stop away from the city’s larger museums.
The Morgan Library & Museum is just a 10-minute walk from our hotel.
π Get Directions to The Morgan Library & Museum
4. The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building remains one of the most recognizable views in the world, day or night.
Guests headed up for the observation deck can walk there directly from the hotel in just 10 to 15 minutes. – also mention our hotel package with tickets to the Empire State Building: https://nyc.sonesta.com/the-shelburne/offers/empire-state-building/
π Get Directions to The Empire State Building
5. United Nations Headquarters
United Nations Headquarters sits along the East River, with just a 15-minute walk from The Shelburne.
This is a natural stop for guests visiting on official business or simply curious to see it up close.
π Get Directions to United Nations Headquarters
𧳠Your Next Chapter: Discover More Sights to See in Murray Hillž
Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan at night. NYC, USA
Shopping Around Murray Hill
Shopping in Murray Hill is also somewhat of a cultural and sightseeing experience, with some of the destinations eternalized in popular media and movies.
1. Third Avenue
Third Avenue sits right outside the hotel’s door. This stretch, between 30th and 40th Streets, is the neighborhood’s main commercial strip.
Boutiques, pharmacies, and everyday shops line the avenue for whatever a visitor needs mid-stay.
π Get Directions to Third Avenue
2. Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a quick 7 minutes from The Shelburne on foot.
The terminal’s own shops cover everything from last-minute gifts to a full grocery run at the Grand Central Market.
π Get Directions to Grand Central Terminal
3. Fifth Avenue’s Midtown stretch
Fifth Avenue’s Midtown stretch is the go-to option for visitors wanting a bigger shopping experience.
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach on foot from our hotel.
π Get Directions to Fifth Avenue’s Midtown
4. Herald Square and the Macy’s flagship
Herald Square and the Macy’s flagship are close enough for a quick subway hop, or a 15-minute walk for those who’d rather stroll.
It’s the neighborhood’s closest option for full-scale department store shopping.
π Get Directions to Herald Square and the Macy’s flagship
𧳠Your Next Chapter: Explore More Places to Shop in Murray Hill
Bryant Park, NYC
Parks and Recreation Near Murray Hill
Green space is never far in Murray Hill, which fits a neighborhood built around tree-lined residential blocks.
1. East River Esplanade
East River Esplanade sits just steps from the hotel. This calm waterfront stretch is ideal for a morning run or an evening walk, with views across to Queens. Guests traveling with pets will also find it a convenient place for on-leash walks.
π Get Directions to East River Esplalanade
2. Bryant Park
Bryant Park sits at 42nd and Sixth, about a 12-minute walk from The Shelburne. The park offers a reading room, a lunchtime lawn, summer movie nights and a seasonal ice rink in the winter months.
π Get Directions to Bryant Park
3. Central Park’s southeastern entrances
Central Park’s southeastern entrances are reachable in 25 to 30 minutes on foot or a few stops on the 6 train. This is the option for visitors wanting the full park experience, with ample space for guests visiting with their pets.
π Get Directions to Central Park’s southeastern entrances
𧳠Your Next Chapter: Find Parks & Recreation in Murray Hill
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Restaurants and Bars in Murray Hill
Murray Hill’s dining scene spans casual bistros, relaxed weekend brunch spots, and polished restaurants suited to a proper night out. A good meal here is a daily habit, not an occasion.
1. Curry Hill
Curry Hill is a short walk south of the hotel. This stretch of Lexington Avenue between 26th and 30th Streets is known for its concentration of Indian and South Asian restaurants.
It’s the neighborhood’s most distinctive food destination for visitors looking to eat outside the usual Midtown chains.
π Get Directions to Curry Hill
2. Third Avenue
Third Avenue, the stretch between 30th and 35th Streets, sits just outside the hotel’s door.
Once evening comes, this stretch carries the neighborhood’s reputation for bars, drawing a post-work crowd most weeknights.
π Get Directions to Third Avenue
3. Take Care Restaurant
Take Care Restaurant, inside The Shelburne Sonesta New York, covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner for guests who’d rather not go far. In-room dining is available for a quieter meal.
4. Vintage Green
Vintage Green, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, sits sixteen floors above the city street. Add more info about this scenic rooftop and great nightlife scene with inspiring views of Empire State Building and Chrysler Building
The menu is seasonal and veggie-forward, paired with sightlines toward the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. Time Out named it the site of the Best Hotel View in New York, and Forbes has featured it for its take on sober-curious travel.
𧳠Your Next Chapter: Discover Local Dining in Murray Hill
Frequently Asked Questions about Murray Hill Stays
What are the boundaries of Murray Hill?
Murray Hill is bounded by Fifth Avenue to the west, the East River to the east, and 34th to 40th Streets, sitting just south of the Midtown East corridor.
What subway lines serve Murray Hill?
The 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains stop at Grand Central-42nd Street, and the Q and B/D/F/M lines stop at 34th Street-Herald Square, both within walking distance of the neighborhood.
Is Murray Hill a good neighborhood for first-time visitors to New York?
Absolutely! Murray Hill offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere while keeping many of New York City’s top attractions within walking distance. It’s a great choice for visitors who want easy access to Midtown without staying in one of its busiest areas.
Is Murray Hill a good place to stay for business travelers?
Certainly, Murray Hill is close to Grand Central Terminal, the United Nations, Midtown offices, and several major hospitals, making it a convenient home base for business trips while offering a quieter setting than many Midtown hotels.
Is Murray Hill a good neighborhood for a family stay?
Yes! Murray Hill combines a residential feel with easy access to Midtown, making it a practical home base for families looking to explore the city on foot.
Lexington Ave entrance to The Shelburne Sonesta New York
The Shelburne Sonesta New York
The Shelburne Sonesta New York sits on Lexington Avenue in the heart of Murray Hill, close enough to Grand Central to walk in minutes and far enough from the tourist crowds to feel like a genuine neighborhood stay.
The hotel’s 325 rooms include standard rooms with kitchenettes for guests who want to keep food on their own terms, and Terrace Suites with separate living and sleeping areas, and private outdoor space overlooking the skyline.
Pet owners can book with confidence through the hotel’s PAWS program, which lays out pet fees and amenities upfront rather than leaving guests to guess.
Find everything else the neighborhood has to offer on the complete Murray Hill neighborhood guide.
