This geocache will bring you to Tudor City -- an isolated enclave directly above East 42nd St. Tudor City, originally known as "Goat Hill" for the goats and squatters that resided there, was constructed in the late 1920's. The area, which is 2 blocks long by 0.5 blocks wide, has two charming parks flanking each side of 42nd St. Be sure to visit them for a little geo-reststop. Tudor City was named a New York City historic district in 1998.
The view from this cache is of the Uinted Nations complex and is one of my favorites in all of NYC (especially in the early morning). Since the 1860's, the land across 1st Avenue was occupied by slaughterhouses. In 1949, it became the Headquarters of the newly created United Nations.
The cache sits at the head of the Sharansky Steps. Never fear though, the steps are NOT the only way to get to the cache. Depending on the route you take, the terrain for this cache could range from a 1.5 to a 3. I've rated the cache for the easiest of the 5 pedestrian routes, but you will have to do your homework to figure out which route that is. Of course, you could always drive. Do take some time to explore Tudor City, enjoy its architecture or plan your next cache target in one of the parks.
As with most NYC caches, muggles abound. Please use stealth when geocaching, and don't forget to bring your own pen.