Walking track · New York
Midtown Northbound: Flatiron to Bethesda Terrace
Walk northbound from Flatiron’s pointed wedge through Midtown’s monumental architecture, finishing at Bethesda Terrace inside Central Park. This track connects the Empire State Building’s stepped crown, Grand Central’s Beaux-Arts exterior and Rockefeller Center’s tower-and-plaza views before reaching the terrace, fountain and lake. Experience these Landmarks from public sidewalks, permitted plaza edges and park paths; Grand Central’s interior and the skyscraper observation decks are not part of this collection’s arrival guidance.
- 5 stops
- 4.3 km
- about 3 h 25 min
- on foot
The itinerary
Stop by stop.
Check for building works, plaza event controls and park maintenance when planning your visit; these may affect views or access.
- 01
Start here
Flatiron Building
Start on the pedestrian plaza to frame Flatiron’s pointed prow where Broadway meets Fifth Avenue, keeping passing traffic outside your portrait space. Stay on public sidewalks and plazas; restoration or building works may affect the view, and interior access is separate.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Flatiron Building guide
- 02
+ 890 m from the previous stop
Empire State Building
Approach the building itself rather than a distant skyline viewpoint. For a street-level portrait, include the lower facade and keep its vertical lines as straight as possible. The arrival area is beside the building; an observation-deck visit is separate.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Empire State Building guide
- 03
+ 860 m from the previous stop
Grand Central Terminal
Use the sidewalk to take in Grand Central’s broad arched windows, sculpted pediment and large clock. This stop uses exterior approaches, so focus on the facade rather than the ceiling. Avoid the Park Avenue roadway and leave commuter entrances unobstructed.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Grand Central Terminal guide
- 04
+ 680 m from the previous stop
Rockefeller Center
Find a permitted plaza edge to frame the stepped tower of 30 Rockefeller Plaza above the sunken plaza. Do not lean over barriers. Seasonal installations and event controls can change access; observation decks and rink use are separate visits.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Rockefeller Center guide
- 05
+ 1.9 km from the previous stop
Bethesda Terrace
Finish inside Central Park at the sandstone terrace and broad stairs overlooking Bethesda Fountain and the lake. From the lower level, separate the winged fountain figure from trees and balustrades in your frame. Keep paths clear and do not climb the stonework.
Plan about 30 min · Visit the Bethesda Terrace guide
Place-earned, not photo-matched
Collect every badge on this track.
Unlocked verifies that you are really at each Landmark. Choose Unlock while you are there, and the badge is yours — the photo Memory can wait until you are home.
- 01
Go to the Landmark.
Follow the track above; every stop is a supported place in New York.
- 02
Choose Unlock.
A current location sample verifies you are inside the Landmark's supported area.
- 03
Finish the track.
Each verified visit earns the Landmark's badge permanently in your Passport.
Before you go
Track questions.
Does this track include Grand Central’s ceiling or observation-deck views?
Grand Central’s stop uses exterior approaches, rather than its interior ceiling. At the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center, observation decks are separate visits. Follow the Landmark map for arrival rather than relying on a distant skyline view.
How do I Unlock each Landmark?
Check the Landmark map and confirm your Unlock while nearby. A distant view does not establish arrival, so approach each Landmark using the public sidewalks, permitted plazas or park paths described in its visit advice.
What access restrictions should I plan around?
Restoration may affect Flatiron views, while Rockefeller Center’s plaza access can vary with seasonal installations and events. At Bethesda Terrace, events or maintenance may restrict areas. Keep commuter entrances, stairs and paths clear throughout your visit.