This is the Union Square, Flatiron District & Gramercy chapter from Lonely Planet’s New York City guidebook.

This neighborhood is the tie that binds the colorful menagerie of surrounding areas, drawing a bit of character from each. It’s short on sights but big on buzz-worthy restaurants.

• wander between stalls stuffed with leafy farm produce at the Union Square Greenmarket
• maps
• slurp handcrafted brews at Eataly’s secreted beer garden Birreria, high among the Flatiron District’s clock towers
• transport
• snack on Shake Shack burgers amid art installations in Madison Square Park
• restaurants & bars

Coverage includes: Neighborhood Top Five, Local Life, Getting There & Away, Sights, Eating, Drinking & Nightlife, Entertainment, Sleeping, Shopping and Sports & Activities.