35th St Between 8th Ave and 7th Ave

Just one block north of the insanity of 34th street, this relatively calm stretch doesn't look like it's changed much in the past few decades. Lined with dress shops and small stores, there's a noticeable layer of grime on everything – it's quintessential New York City. Even Starbucks has vestiges of its past: a night deposit box right next to the door.

But despite all this character, let's not forget that we're in midtown. With that, comes the inevitable crowds. People clamoring to get down these narrow blocks as if there's some sort of tourist attraction they can't see. And it's clear the neighborhood is beginning to finally catch up to these trends – a Wingate hotel sits in the middle of the street, alongside all the dirt and noise.