Top 10 Things to Do Near Stoops NYC in Flatiron

July 25, 2025

We asked locals and people who work in the neighborhood for their favorite things to do near Flatiron. As a local cannabis shop, we always get visits from regulars and visitors looking for new activities in the area.

I pulled together a list of go-to spots to give you the best of what’s around Stoops NYC. Here are 10 things to do nearby:

Madison Square Park: Small city park with lawns, art installations, dog run, and the original Shake Shack.
Empire State Building Observatory: 86th- and 102nd-floor decks with 360° views and an immersive history museum.
Madison Square Garden: Legendary arena for Knicks, Rangers, concerts, and special events.
Union Square Greenmarket: Four-day farmers market with fresh produce, flowers, bread, and seasonal treats.
Remedy Place: Social wellness club offering saunas, IV drips, ice baths, and more—book ahead.
Flatiron Building: Historic triangular skyscraper and one of NYC’s most photographed landmarks.
Repertorio Español: Spanish-language theater with english-translation, showcasing classic and modern plays.
The Escape Room NYC: Themed escape rooms filled with puzzles, clues, and hidden surprises.
Dharma Yoga Center: Authentic yoga classes, workshops, and teacher training led by Sri Dharma Mittra.
Harry Potter New York: Flagship store with exclusive merch, VR experiences, and Butterbeer ice cream.

Stroll Through Madison Square Park

Smack in the middle of Flatiron, Madison Square Park is that rare little pocket of calm where you can actually hear yourself think. That’s until the kids’ concert series kicks in, and then you just embrace the energy.

At just over six acres, it’s small by “park” standards, but that’s the beauty of it. Surrounded by skyscrapers and honking cabs, this tree-lined spot has plenty of benches, a dog run where neighbors gather, and open lawns for relaxing.

The vibe shifts depending on the time of day:

Mornings bring locals walking their dogs and early risers sipping coffee from one of the many nearby cafes.
Afternoons? It’s laptop city – free Wi-Fi means you’ll spot freelancers and remote workers turning park benches into their personal corner offices.
Evenings are golden hour for people-watching and catching one of the art installations that regularly rotate through the park.

Upcoming Events at Madison Square Park

August 9 & 10 – NoMad Jazz Festival

For one weekend, the lawns turn into a jazz lover’s dream with free outdoor performances from Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane Quartet, Roy Hargrove Big Band, and more.

In the days leading up (August 3–8), expect surprise jazz pop-ups and neighborhood deals.

August 12 – Garden Walk (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

The horticulture crew is giving a one-hour walkthrough of their summer plantings. It’s chill, informative, and you might even leave with a few houseplant tips.

Visit the Empire State Building

You can’t talk about New York City without mentioning the Empire State Building. Rising 1,454 feet over Midtown, this Art Deco beauty is a symbol of the city’s “anything’s possible” mentality.

Head up to the 86th-floor outdoor deck for sweeping 360-degree views – Central Park up north, the Statue of Liberty down south, and everything in between.

Want to go higher? Take the elevator to the 102nd floor Top Deck and feel like you’re floating over Manhattan.

Before you even hit the elevators, check out the building’s immersive museum, which dives into its wild history – from the roaring ‘30s construction days to its constant cameos in movies and pop culture.

Consider going early morning or after dark to skip the heavy crowds and catch the city glowing in lights.

Catch a Game or Show at Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden is the arena. This is where the Knicks and Rangers play, where megastars like Billy Joel and Beyoncé sell out shows, and where you can watch everything from championship boxing to Disney on Ice. It’s a New York rite of passage.

What to expect: The venue itself is massive but surprisingly easy to navigate, with plenty of food stalls and merch shops inside. The sound system is top-notch, the energy is electric. If you’re there for a Knicks game, prepare to hear New Yorkers yell like their lives depend on it.

Tickets: For sports games, resale apps sometimes have better last-minute deals than the official box office.

Shop and Stroll at Union Square Greenmarket

Four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday), over 100 local farmers, fishers, bakers, and makers roll into Union Square with some of the freshest produce, bread, and small-batch goods you’ll find anywhere in the city.

If you catch the right day, you might hear live music, smell warm cider doughnuts from down the block, and see kids running circles around the playground while locals claim their favorite benches.

Recharge at Remedy Place

Think IV drips, acupuncture, infrared saunas, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, red light therapy, lymphatic compression, and even guided group ice baths.

I went once on a friend’s recommendation and walked out feeling like I’d just slept for a week. The space itself feels more like a chic lounge than a clinic – dim lighting, minimalist decor, and that soft hum of calm you can’t fake.

Marvel at the Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is one of New York’s oldest skyscrapers (located at 175 5th Ave).

Completed in 1902, this steel-framed, 22-story building was the brainchild of Daniel Burnham and architect Frederick P. Dinkelberg. Its a razor-thin triangular tower squeezed into the wedge between Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and 22nd Street earning the nickname “Flatiron” from day one.

Why the Flatiron District is Worth Exploring

This neighborhood – named after the building – grew up around it. What was once swamp land and Potter’s Field in the 1700s, became a commercial and entertainment hub after the Flatiron opened.

With time, it evolved into an elegant shopping and office district known as the Ladies’ Mile, thanks to its row of historic department stores and beautiful Beaux‑Arts facades

Even now, the Flatiron District harmonizes old and new: historic buildings elbow up against trendy cafés, design studios, and co-working spots.

What to Do in the Flatiron District

This buzzing Midtown Manhattan neighborhood is a mash‑up of iconic architecture, design-forward shops, delicious food, and now even legal cannabis.

Here are a few spots you shouldn’t miss:

Stoops NYC – First Legal Cannabis Dispensary in Flatiron

Right at 182 5th Avenue, directly across from the Flatiron Building, Stoops is our neighborhood cannabis shop.

Have a visit. You’ll find a super welcoming space, helpful staff, and a mix of flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and vaporizers.

It’s a slice of NYC progress, blending tradition with today’s new energy.

Places to Eat

Local Clothing & Boutique Shops

Watch a Play at Repertorio Español

If you’ve never been to Repertorio Español, you’re missing one of the city’s best-kept cultural gems.

The performances are entirely in Spanish, but they’ve got a slick infrared translation system that lets non-Spanish speakers follow along.

There’s something about the energy in the room, the way the actors pull you in. It’s powerful and personal in a way big productions sometimes aren’t.

Challenge Yourself at The Escape Room NYC

If you’re in Manhattan and craving something beyond walking tours and museums, The Escape Room NYC should be on your list.

What to Expect

You can choose from seven themed rooms, each offering a fully realized scenario.

Think mission-style puzzles, hidden chambers, and room transitions that keep the pace fresh.

Find Your Inner Peace at Dharma Yoga Center

Founded by Sri Dharma Mittra in 1975, this studio in Flatiron offers a stillness that’s rare in the city. They offer a full lineup of classes, workshops, and trainings rooted in classical yoga tradition.

If you’re looking to stretch, sweat, meditate, or just breathe a little deeper, there’s something here for you.

Step Into the Magic at Harry Potter New York

Harry Potter New York is the brand’s only flagship store in the world. It’s loaded with everything from wands and house robes to exclusive Butterbeer ice cream you can’t get anywhere else.

There are interactive wand experiences, huge photo ops, and even two virtual reality adventures that drop you right into the wizarding world.