Where to Stay & Play Near Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden has been a staple of New York City since its opening in February 1968. As the New York Knicks and Rangers stadium, the venue remains the oldest major sporting facility in the city — though its current location is actually the fourth venue to be called Madison Square Garden in the history of New York.

In addition to serving as the Knicks’ and Rangers’ home stadium, the Garden has hosted notable events from WWE professional wrestling and some of boxing’s biggest fights — including The Fight of the Century between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971 . Madison Square Garden is also a major draw in the live music industry, with superstars like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga and Elton John all having played there. In 2022, Harry Styles performed a 15-night residency at the venue as part of his Love on Tour trek, while Billy Joel’s monthly residency at MSG lasted from 2014 to 2024 with 104 performances (The Piano Man holds the record for the most appearances at the arena during his career with a staggering 150 total).

Before or after a Knicks or Rangers game — or any other event hosted at Madison Square Garden — there’s always plenty to eat, drink and do in New York City. Below, explore Ticketmaster’s handy guide for recommendations about where to eat, stay and experience live entertainment in the Big Apple.

What Are the Best Bars & Restaurants Near Madison Square Garden?

Need something to eat ahead of the big game? There are a practically limitless number of dining and drink options around New York City before heading to the stadium to cheer on the Knicks or the Rangers. (And don’t forget to grab Madison Square Garden tickets for every home game of the season via Ticketmaster!)

Eataly Flatiron

200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

New York’s branch of the famous Italian market is located in the Flatiron district and offers multiple dining options including Bar Milano, La Pizza & La Pasta, La Piazza, Il Pesce, Il Pastaio di Italy and the rooftop oasis of SERRA by Birreria. Plus, find a bustling marketplace for fresh produce, handmade pasta and sweet treats like gelato, cannoli and tiramisu.

Mustang Harry’s

352 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Mustang Harry’s is a popular sports bar in the middle of Manhattan — just a five minute walk from Madison Square Garden. The Midtown hotspot serves a full menu of salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts in addition to pub food and a wide range of drinks. Stop by before a game at MSG for happy hour from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or after the action is over until 2:00 a.m.

What Is There to Do After an Event at Madison Square Garden?

Not quite ready to call it a night after leaving the Knicks game? There’s always more to do in New York City, from live theater and comedy shows to live music and nightlife. Below, dive into places to go after a game or other event at Madison Square Garden, including some of the most popular venues in NYC.

See a Broadway Musical

New York City is well-known as the theater capital of the country, and the bright, exciting Theater District is just a handful of blocks uptown from Madison Square Garden. Take in a long-running favorite like Wicked, The Lion King or Hamilton, or check out the buzzy new hit of the season. From family-friendly musicals to riotous comedies and cutting-edge plays, there’s something on Broadway for everyone.

Get tickets to Broadway shows here.

Check Out a Comedy Show

In the mood to laugh? New York City also has a thriving comedy scene, and it’s not just Saturday Night Live. From Broadway Comedy Club in Hell’s Kitchen to the Comedy Cellar just steps away from Washington Square Park, the city offers a plethora of opportunities to laugh out loud — and you never know who’s going to show up on stage.

Get tickets to upcoming shows at Broadway Comedy Club here.

Rock Out at a Concert

New York remains a major tour stop for A-list musicians and rising stars alike. While Madison Square Garden is the place for big-budget headlining shows that draw tens of thousands of fans to Midtown, other historic venues host intimate gigs in packed rooms. For example, Gramercy Theatre was originally built in 1937 and has been a dollar theater, an Off-Broadway theater and a temporary film-house for the Museum of Modern Art throughout its long lifespan before becoming a go-to venue for live music in the Gramercy neighborhood.

Get tickets to upcoming shows at Gramercy Theatre here.

Go Dancing

The city that never sleeps has a nightlife culture that never stops. NYC’s network of clubs and bars gives night owls and party animals everything they could be looking for, from getting down on the dance floor to niche, underground parties. One of the most popular venues in the city remains Irving Plaza Powered by Verizon 5G, which regularly hosts high-profile dance parties by DJs and other major nightlife figures in addition to a regular slate of concerts.

Get tickets to upcoming shows at Irving Plaza here.

Hotels Near Madison Square Garden

• Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel, 218 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
• Hampton Inn Manhattan-Madison Square Garden Area, 116 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
• Holiday Inn Express New York City – Chelsea, 232 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
• The New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
• Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station, 325 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001
• EVEN Hotel New York – Times Square South, 321 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
• Moxy NYC Times Square, 485 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
• Archer Hotel New York, 45 W 38th St, New York NY 10018