Murray Hill in New York

Murray Hill is on the East Side of Manhattan, and is known for being a very comfortable, but less pretentious Manhattan address. It has numerous parks along the East River, where you'll find lots of locals going for a run or walking their dogs. Murray Hill is also known for having some of the most diverse dining experiences in Manhattan. There's great Irish food at Paddy Macquire's and authentic Indian at Curry-in-a-Hurry. Murray Hill is also the home of some interesting architecture, including the famous Turtle Bay, an enclave of all sorts of buildings from tenements to luxury coops and condos, as well as elegant brownstones. Its office buildings range from architectural wonders to ultra-modern glass buildings. One of the most impressive is The Beekman Hotel, an art deco hotel dating back to 1928, and which recently received Landmark status. This building boasts the Top of the Tower Restaurant and lounge, which is worth the visit just for the view of the river and NYC skyline. Murray Hill is also home to some pretty famous residents. Stephen Sondheim calls this neighborhood home, as did Johnny Carson, Walter Cronkite, Truman Capote and Mary Martin. Take a stroll through this area and appreciate the diverse architectural tradition.