57th Street: Your 2024 Guide to Billionaires’ Row

Stretching across Midtown Manhattan, 57th Street has transformed from a bustling commercial artery into a global symbol of staggering wealth and architectural ambition. Known worldwide as “Billionaires’ Row,” this iconic street is where the sky is no longer the limit—it’s the foundation. Our 2024 guide will take you through the history, landmarks, and sheer spectacle of 57th Street, a place where art, commerce, and ultra-luxury living converge.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a luxury shopper, or simply a curious observer, this thoroughfare offers a unique glimpse into the upper echelons of New York City life. It’s a public street dominated by a private, vertical world, and it’s a must-see on any Manhattan itinerary.

The Storied History of 57th Street

Long before the first supertall skyscraper cast its shadow, 57th Street was already a cultural and commercial powerhouse. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it quickly became known for its prestigious art galleries, earning it the nickname “Art Street.” This legacy continues today, with numerous galleries still calling the area home.

The street’s most enduring cultural icon, Carnegie Hall, opened its doors in 1891. Its presence cemented the street’s reputation as a center for the arts. For over a century, it has hosted the world’s finest musicians and performers, making it a cornerstone of not just the street, but of global culture. The area around Carnegie Hall blossomed with fine shops, restaurants, and elegant apartment buildings, setting the stage for the luxury that would follow.

The Rise of the Supertalls: How 57th Street Became Billionaires’ Row

The 21st century brought a dramatic transformation to the 57th Street skyline. A perfect storm of zoning laws, engineering advancements, and a surging global demand for ultra-luxury real estate gave rise to a new architectural category: the “supertall” residential tower. These impossibly slender buildings climb to dizzying heights to offer their residents one of New York’s most coveted amenities: unobstructed views of Central Park.

The trend began with the completion of One57 in 2014. Its record-breaking $100.5 million penthouse sale announced to the world that 57th Street was the new address for the global elite. Other towers quickly followed, each seemingly more ambitious than the last:

• 432 Park Avenue: A minimalist grid-like structure that, for a time, was the tallest residential building in the world.
• 111 West 57th Street (Steinway Tower): An impossibly thin “pencil tower” built partially atop the historic Steinway Hall, it is the most slender skyscraper in the world.
• Central Park Tower: Currently the tallest residential building in the world, this glass-and-steel giant houses the city’s most exclusive Nordstrom flagship store at its base.

These buildings are marvels of modern engineering, designed to sway gently in the wind and provide a level of privacy and luxury previously unimaginable. They are the defining features of Billionaires’ Row.

What to See and Do on 57th Street

While the skyscrapers might be private, the street itself is a vibrant and accessible part of Manhattan. There’s plenty for a visitor to see and do at ground level.

The most important cultural stop is, without a doubt, Carnegie Hall (at the corner of Seventh Avenue). Even if you don’t catch a show, the building’s exterior is a beautiful piece of history. For art lovers, the area remains a gallery hub. The Fuller Building at 41 East 57th Street houses several prominent galleries, carrying on the street’s artistic legacy.

And, of course, the southern edge of Central Park is just a short walk north. You can easily combine a stroll down 57th Street with an afternoon in the city’s greatest green space. Look back from the park to get the best ground-level views of the supertall towers looming over the treetops.

A Shopper’s Paradise: Luxury Retail on 57th Street

For decades, 57th Street and its immediate vicinity have been synonymous with high-end shopping. The street is a crucial part of the luxury corridor that includes Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Here, you’ll find the flagship boutiques of the world’s most prestigious brands.

Expect to see gleaming storefronts for Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Nearby, the legendary department store Bergdorf Goodman anchors the corner of Fifth Avenue and 58th Street, offering floors of curated fashion and accessories. The Nordstrom flagship at the base of Central Park Tower provides a more modern department store experience, complete with high-end services and dining.

Whether you’re in the market for a couture gown or simply want to window-shop, the retail experience on 57th Street is a spectacle in itself. For more ideas, check out our complete NYC Shopping Guide.

Living on Billionaires’ Row: A Glimpse Inside

What is it like to live 1,000 feet above Manhattan? Life in the towers of 57th Street is a world apart. These are not just apartments; they are “villas in the sky,” complete with amenities that rival five-star resorts.

Residents enjoy access to private cinemas, swimming pools with park views, exclusive restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, and state-of-the-art fitness centers and spas. The units themselves feature soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and finishes of the highest quality. The primary draw, however, remains the view—a god-like perspective over Central Park, the city skyline, and beyond.

This exclusivity comes at a price, with apartments regularly selling for tens of millions of dollars. The ownership is often private and international, with many units serving as pieds-à-terre or investment properties rather than primary residences, adding to the street’s mystique.

Frequently Asked Questions about 57th Street

Why is it called Billionaires’ Row?
The name was coined by the media in the 2010s to reflect the large number of billionaires who purchased ultra-expensive apartments in the new supertall skyscrapers being built along the street.

Can you walk down 57th Street and see the buildings?
Absolutely! 57th Street is a public street. You can walk its entire length. For the best views of the towers, stand on the cross-streets or look north from a block or two south to appreciate their height.

What is the tallest building on 57th Street?
The tallest building is Central Park Tower (217 West 57th Street), which is also the tallest residential building in the world, standing at 1,550 feet (472 meters).

From its Gilded Age origins to its modern, cloud-piercing towers, 57th Street is a fascinating cross-section of New York City’s past, present, and future. It’s a place of incredible ambition, a testament to engineering, and a monument to global wealth—all on a street you can freely walk down.