What Is 34th Street

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 34th Street is a major east-west thoroughfare in Manhattan, New York City, running from the Hudson River to the East River. It is best known for housing Macy's flagship store in Herald Square, the largest department store in the world at 2.5 million square feet.

Key Facts

34th Street spans approximately 2.5 miles across Manhattan from 12th Avenue to the FDR Drive.
Macy's Herald Square on 34th Street covers 2.5 million square feet and opened in 1902.
The street intersects with Broadway, Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), and Fifth Avenue.
The Empire State Building is located at the corner of 34th Street and Fifth Avenue, completed in 1931.
34th Street hosts the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, first held in 1924.

Overview

34th Street is one of Manhattan's most prominent cross-town streets, stretching about 2.5 miles from the Hudson River on the west side to the East River on the east end of the island. It serves as a major commercial, retail, and transit corridor, connecting neighborhoods like Chelsea, Herald Square, and Kips Bay.

The street is especially famous for its concentration of retail, anchored by Macy's Herald Square, the world's largest department store. It also passes key landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Penn Station, making it a central artery for both tourists and commuters.

Macy's flagship store at Herald Square occupies an entire city block and draws over 20 million visitors annually, making it one of the busiest retail locations in the U.S.
The Empire State Building, located at 350 Fifth Avenue, opened in 1931 and stands at 1,454 feet tall, with its main entrance on 34th Street.
Penn Station, located beneath 34th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, serves over 600,000 passengers daily via Amtrak, NJ Transit, and Long Island Rail Road.
The 34th Street–Herald Square subway station is served by the B, D, F, M, N, Q, and R lines, making it one of the busiest transit hubs in the NYC subway system.
Madison Square Garden and The Theater District are just blocks away, reinforcing 34th Street’s role in New York City’s entertainment and sports landscape.

How It Works

34th Street functions as a multifaceted urban corridor integrating transportation, retail, and tourism. Its infrastructure supports heavy pedestrian traffic, multiple subway lines, and seasonal events.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: First held in 1924, the parade travels along 34th Street annually, drawing over 50 million TV viewers and 3 million live spectators.
Transit Integration: The MTA operates several bus routes along 34th Street, including the M34 and M34A Select Bus Service, which carries over 65,000 riders daily.
Commercial Zoning: The stretch between Fifth and Seventh Avenues is designated as a Special Midtown District, encouraging high-density retail and pedestrian-friendly development.
Historic Architecture: The street features buildings from the early 20th century, including the Empire State Building (1931) and the New York Life Building (1928).
Pedestrian Plazas: In 2017, the city converted sections of 34th Street into pedestrian plazas, reclaiming over 20,000 square feet of space from vehicle traffic.
Underground Infrastructure: Beneath 34th Street lies a complex network of tunnels serving Amtrak, NJ Transit, and LIRR, with tracks leading into Penn Station’s 21 platforms.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 34th Street with other major Manhattan thoroughfares:

Street	Length	Key Landmark	Annual Visitors	Transit Lines
34th Street	2.5 miles	Macy's Herald Square	20M+ (Macy's alone)	B, D, F, M, N, Q, R
42nd Street	2.8 miles	Times Square	50M+ (Times Square)	A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, 7, S
14th Street	2.3 miles	Union Square	10M+ (Union Square)	L, 1, 2, 3, F, M
57th Street	1.9 miles	Steinway Hall	5M+ (residential/commercial)	C, E, N, Q, R, W
125th Street	2.0 miles	Apollo Theater	8M+ (Harlem)	2, 3, 4, 5, B, C

While 42nd Street sees higher foot traffic due to Times Square, 34th Street stands out for its retail dominance and transportation connectivity. Its blend of historic significance, retail power, and transit infrastructure makes it a critical urban corridor, second only to 42nd Street in overall impact.

Why It Matters

34th Street plays a vital role in New York City’s economy, culture, and daily life. It exemplifies the integration of commerce, transit, and urban design in a dense metropolitan environment.

Economic Engine: Retail sales along 34th Street generate over $1 billion annually, driven largely by Macy's and surrounding stores.
Tourism Hub: The street is part of the official NYC tourist trail, with the Empire State Building attracting over 4 million visitors per year.
Transit Efficiency: The 34th Street Crosstown bus line reduces travel time across Manhattan by up to 25% compared to private vehicles.
Urban Renewal Model: The 34th Street corridor has been studied by city planners as a model for pedestrian-friendly redesign.
Cultural Events: Beyond the Thanksgiving Parade, 34th Street hosts holiday markets and seasonal light displays each winter.
Historical Legacy: The street has evolved from a residential area in the 1800s to a commercial powerhouse, reflecting Manhattan's urban transformation.

As New York City continues to grow, 34th Street remains a dynamic example of how infrastructure, commerce, and culture can coexist in a world-class urban setting.