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7 Best Spots On New York City's Fifth Avenue

Upscale boutiques. Fancy flagships. Iconic landmarks. Fifth Avenue is one of the most well-known streets in New York City -- and is continually ranked as one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. With Fashion Week in full swing, CBSNewYork is paying homage to the legendary strip with a highlight of the seven best spots on Fifth Avenue. By Krissy Dolor.

The Empire State Building

Empire State Building
(credit: Evan Bindelglass / WCBS 880)

350 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10118
esbnyc.com
(212) 736-3100

This 102-story building is not just a New York City landmark -- it's an American cultural icon. Take a trip to the 86th floor observatory deck and enjoy the sights of the concrete jungle below. Go up even higher to the intimate 102nd floor observatory, which offers tourists the highest view of Manhattan. At night, remember to look up -- the building's lights are famous for changing colors to match important holidays and events.

The New York Public Library

455 5th Avenue
New York, 10016
nypl.org
(212) 930-0800

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue is often referred to the "main branch" of the NYPL. This location is known for its extensive research and children's collections. With its majestic columns and regal lion statues sandwiching the concrete steps, many New Yorkers stop by this landmark destination to enjoy lunch, engage in conversation, or simply, read a book.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Fashion's Night Out At SAKS Fifth Avenue
SAKS Fifth Ave (credit: Joe Kohen/Getty Images for SAKS)

12 East 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
saksfifthavenue.com
(212) 753-4000

If you're looking for high-end shopping all in one place, look no further. Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the city's premier destinations for luxury goods. Navigate your walk through the perfume spritzers and makeup clerks on the ground level and head upstairs to the elite, in-store boutiques of Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Hungry? Take a break at do lunch at Café SFA, a full-service café and bar.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral - New York, NY (file / credit: Evan Bindelglass / WCBS 880)

14 E 51st Street
New York, NY 10022
saintpatrickscathedral.org
(212) 753-2261

The Cathedral of St. Patrick is one of the most famous churches in the country. Each year, this Roman Catholic church attracts more than five million people from different nationalities and faiths, and visitors are allowed inside during Mass. If you're lucky, you just might see a fairytale wedding take place inside the cathedral doors.

FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz Toy Company
(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

767 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10153
fao.com/
(212) 644-9400

When the kids are getting tired (or bored), take them to this legendary toy store. They'll be delighted by the dressed-up doorman, complete with their fuzzy hats, the enormous stuffed animal displays along the escalator and of course, the giant piano you can dance on. Let your little ones design their own Barbies or customize a Hot Wheel car. Afterwards, hit the candy shop to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

The Apple Store

The Apple Store
People shop in an Apple store in New York. (credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

767 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10153
apple.com
(212) 336-1440

Every geek's dream, this Apple location features all the latest toys this tech giant has to offer. What's more is that the flagship location is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. But if you're hoping to take a photograph of the store's glass cube entrance (which is the most photographed place in the city), it's currently hidden because of undergoing construction.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art
(credit: DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)

1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
metmuseum.org/
(212) 535-7710

Experience the best art has to offer at The Met. With more than two million works from all time periods and styles, there's something for everyone. Explore artifacts from the tombs of Ancient Egypt and admire paintings from the likes of Rembrandt and Monet.

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