Like Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, the Diamond District is a world unto itself. Best experienced on weekdays, it's an industrious whirl of Hasidic Jewish traders, pesky hawkers and love-struck couples looking for the perfect rock. It's home to more than 2600 businesses cutting, polishing, appraising or showcasing all manner of diamonds. In fact, the strip handles approximately 90% of the cut diamonds sold in the USA. Giant diamond-shaped street lamps on silver plinths demarcate the road at either end.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Rockefeller Center

0.12 MILES

This 22-acre 'city within a city' debuted at the height of the Great Depression, with developer John D Rockefeller Jr footing the $100-million price tag…

2. Top of the Rock

0.12 MILES

When it comes to views in New York City, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The One World Observatory may have the edge for height, and the Empire State…

3. Radio City Music Hall

0.18 MILES

This spectacular moderne movie palace was the brainchild of vaudeville producer Samuel Lionel 'Roxy' Rothafel. Never one for understatement, Roxy launched…

4. St Patrick's Cathedral

0.23 MILES

America's largest Catholic cathedral graces Fifth Ave with Gothic Revival splendor. Built at a cost of nearly $2 million during the Civil War (and spiffed…

5. Paley Center for Media

0.26 MILES

This pop-culture repository offers more than 160,000 TV and radio programs from around the world on its computer catalog. Reliving your favorite TV shows…

6. Bank of America Tower

0.26 MILES

Designed by Cook & Fox Architects, the 58-floor Bank of America Tower is famed for its striking crystal shape, piercing 255ft spire, and enviable green…

7. Museum of Modern Art

0.31 MILES

Superstar of the modern-art scene, MoMA's galleries are a Who’s Who of artistic heavyweights: Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Rothko,…

8. New York Public Library

0.31 MILES

Loyally guarded by 'Patience' and 'Fortitude' (the marble lions overlooking Fifth Ave), this beaux-arts show-off is one of NYC's best free attractions…