22 Best Things To Do In Lower Manhattan (2025)

Are you looking for the best activities and things to do in
Lower Manhattan?

I love spending time in Lower Manhattan! It’s incredibly historic and there’s so much to see and do within a small area. I’ve spent many an hour downtown -exploring, wandering, and taking pics of everything! Lower Manhattan is actually like a little city within New York City!

The vibrant neighborhoods below 14th Street give NYC some of the most colorful character you’ll find anywhere. My daughter lives in the Lower East Side (LES) so we like to call Lower Manhattan home!

This is the part of New York City where the streets have names, not numbers, and the history of the island is very deep! These neighborhoods were the entirety of Manhattan for over 200 years. The streets seem disorganized, but apparently followed the trails of the Native Americans who lived there. The grid north of Houston Street came after 1811, so Lower Manhattan remained the confusing and charming part of New York that it is!

Find all the activities to do in lower Manhattan by exploring Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Financial District, and of course The Statue of Liberty. Oh, and don’t forget about the Brooklyn Bridge! SO much to do, so little time!

This list of things to do in lower Manhattan is not in any specific order, just head to the bottom of the island and do it all!

Click on this map of all the things to do in Lower Manhattan!

#1. Visit the Legendary Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island 

Do you have to see it? Yes! You want to see the Statue of Liberty at least once in your life.

Not only is she iconic, but the windy boat ride in the New York Harbor is a tradition worth experiencing.

Just a short walk from Wall Street on the tip of Manhattan is Battery Park, which will give you a view of the lady herself at Liberty Park and Ellis Island.

How to get to the Statue of Liberty

Option 1: You can take the FREE Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Ferry Terminal on Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan. It runs free 24/7 every 20 minutes and travels between Staten Island and Manhattan. You MUST exit the boat at the Staten Island side and can get immediately back in the queue to return to Manhattan. You’ll have great views of the statue, Ellis Island, and the NY skyline for FREE.

Option 2: You can take a Statue Cruise Ferry from Battery Park to visit the Statue Monument on Liberty Island and visit Ellis Island. For $23.50 you can purchase tickets online from Statue Cruises or, in person, at the Castle Clinton Fort Monument at Battery Park Ferry Terminal. The boats depart from Battery Park very frequently. 

Pro Tip: 
Spend the extra time and cash. Buy the Statue Cruise General Admission ticket so you can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island Museum on Ellis Island. The Ellis Island museum is really well done and fascinating. And chances are, you might discover some link to your family history. Buy the tickets online to save time waiting in line.

You can also see Lady Liberty at night all lit up on a sunset cruise!

#2. The 9/11 Memorial

There’s a lot to take in here and you may want to spend a chunk of time on your first visit.

The 9/11 Memorial is a gorgeous plaza designed by Michael Arad and Peter Walker.

It honors the 2977 people killed at the World Trade Center, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon on 9/11 as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on 2/26/1993.

The space features twin reflecting pools, each with cascading waterfalls which are surrounded by the names of 9/11 victims etched in bronze.

You’ll see roses tucked into the names of some because the foundation places the flowers on each of the victims’ birthdays. I find the experience very powerful every time I go.

#3. The 9/11 Memorial Museum

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is open Thursday – Monday 10AM – 5PM 

The 9/11 museum is a beautiful tribute to those who perished during the attacks and to all those whose lives have been so impacted by the events of 2001.

I can’t recommend this museum enough! I think this is a critical part of New York’s history that should be remembered and honored. It’s best to have a tour, if you can, or use the audio tour headsets because there’s a lot to see and understand in the museum.

You Can Purchase 9/11 Memorial Museum Tickets Here

#4. Find the Survivor Tree

One of the most touching experiences at the memorial site is that of the Survivor Tree. This Callery Pear tree is the only remaining tree from the original World Trade Center landscape. Somehow, although damaged, it survived the 9/11 attacks. The tree was taken for protection and rehabilitation by the NYC Parks & Recreation Department. After being revived, the tree was replanted at the memorial site in 2010.

#5. One World Trade Center & One World Observatory

Head to One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, which is the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. This huge office building also hosts the famous observation deck known as the One World Observatory. A trip to the top will give you some history of the building, the area it’s built on and some amazing views of Lower Manhattan. You can enjoy a snack or meal at the top as well, which was the highlight for me since it was not a clear day outside!

Pro Tips:
Don’t go if it’s a cloudy or foggy day!
In my opinion, the 86th floor of the Empire State is a better choice for an observation deck because of the beauty of the building, the iconic stories, the views of all of Manhattan, the excellent exhibits, and the champagne of course!

Check out Tickets for One World Observatory Here!

#6. The Oculus

You won’t be able to miss The Oculus, which is the remarkable white architectural wonder. It’s a transportation hub designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, meant to resemble a dove leaving a child’s hands.

The Oculus replaced the train station which was destroyed in 9/11 and hosts shops, restaurants, and a view of the Freedom Tower. It’s a giant mall, office building, and train station all in one! You’ll find bathrooms there too!

#7. The Unique Little Island

Little Island at Pier 55 is a remarkable, artificial island in the Hudson River designed to bring vitality and green space to lower Manhattan and to support an area that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

It’s open from 6AM to 9PM daily. The island provides arts activities and education for the community and is just a delightful spot to roam, relax, and take in some views. It’s one of the gems of the Chelsea district.

#8. Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art

From Little Island you can easily walk to the Whitney, one of my personal favorite museums of NY. 

The Whitney is dedicated to American Art and has an amazing  permanent collection of twentieth century and contemporary American art and always offers great exhibits of works of living artists.

Wander the neighborhood in the Whitney’s Meat Packing District for some hip shops and trendy restaurants and galleries.

#9. Walk the High Line – NYC’s Elevated Park

Climb the steps from the Whitney up onto the High Line.

This is a MUST DO any time of the year.

The High Line is a 1.45 mile walk from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. It’s a public park built on the historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.

The neighborhood residents saved the old rail line from demolition in 2009 and made it one of the best loved sustainable nature, art, and design filled spaces in NY.

The High Line is open from 7AM to 7PM in the winter and until 10PM in the summer months.

#10. Stop by The NY Stock Exchange & The Fearless Girl

11 Wall Street
Find your way to the corner of Broad and Wall St. and visit the one and only New York Stock Exchange Building. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) building, is the iconic symbol of American finance. Built in 1903, the building has Corinthian columns and a sculpture titled
Integrity Protecting the Works of Man. The NYSE is a National Historic Landmark and is the hub for stock trading. If you’re there at 9:30 AM on weekdays, you can hear the opening bell!

#11. The Fearless Girl

The Fearless Girl statue was made in 2017 in honor of International Women’s Day and she is a 4 foot inspirational powerhouse! She was originally placed staring down the Charging Bull.

Of course, that was controversial for the Bull artist, so she was eventually moved to the stock exchange building. While you’re no longer allowed inside the stock exchange, you can take photos with The Fearless Girl statue and in front of the famous building.

#12. The Charging Bull

A few blocks away at the north tip of Bowling Green Park, at the intersection of Morris St. is the infamous Charging Bull.

The Bull of Wall St. was sculpted by Arturo Di Modica in 1989 to symbolize the recovery from the 1987 stock market crash. One day, he just dropped the 7000 pound bronze sculpture off in front of the Stock Exchange building by the Christmas tree as a gift to New York.

But members of the stock exchange demanded it be taken away and it was impounded. Enough people complained, and eventually, the city found it a new home in its current spot.

Long lines form for photos and rubbing its head for good luck. I think you can pass up the line and photo op. Although, many people like to get their luck from touching the Bull’s Bronze Balls,  it’s OK if you miss that opportunity!

#13. Stop at the Historic Trinity Church

Trinity Church is the historic Episcopal Church at the intersection of Broadway and Wall St. in the financial district. It’s a National Historic Monument and was built in 1839. Many famous people are buried in the churchyard.

Among them, are the stars of that famous Broadway musical, Alexander Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth Schuyler!

The church often has a mass in service, but if you’re allowed in then you can access the grave sites on either side of the church. You can load a map on your phone to identify who is buried there.

#14 Visit the Authentic Chinatown

Get yourself to Mott Street between Bleecker and Chatham Square or Canal Street to find the heart of Chinatown.

Start wandering and let yourself get lost. You’ll find the best noodles, tea, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Try not to be bothered by the vendors on the streets trying to sell you knock off purses and stuff!

#15. Eat in NYC’s Famous Little Italy

Little Italy, historic home to New York’s large Italian population, amazing restaurants and bakeries, is just north of Chinatown.

You’ll find the heart of Little Italy on Mulberry Street. Mulberry Street is famous for its San Genarro Festival in September and as the setting of many movies.

Come in the day or evening, just arrive hungry and eat your way through the neighborhoods!

#16. Hang out in Washington Square Park

Be sure to head to Greenwich Village, and stroll through the iconic Washington Square Park. The almost 10 acre park is not just famous for its fountain and arch but is the historic spot of many a protest, a movie set, and all kinds of art and culture.

Surrounded by NYU campus buildings, the park and Village atmosphere is unique only to New York. Expect to see all kinds of unique people, artists, musicians, and pigeons!

#17. Walk Across the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge

How fun is it to walk across one of the most famous bridges in the world? Very Fun! I love this activity because it combines history, beautiful views, and its free!

Take the 2.6 mile round trip walk overhead into DUMBO on the Brooklyn side. Learn about the building of the bridge, the great lady who took over the construction, and how 21 elephants crossed the bridge.

Find the entrance to the pedestrian bridge next to City Hall. You’ll see the crowds and venders entering the bridge. Its a bit windy up there, but also a great photo op with the views of Brooklyn ahead and the Manhattan skyline behind you.

Get more details here about walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

#18. Discover the Tribeca Neighborhood in Lower Manhattan

OK, so Tribeca is a whole thing all to itself! This is the tres chic neighborhood known as the Triangle Below Canal St. (It should really be the Trapezoid Below Canal) – One side of the neighborhood is along the Hudson River from Ann St. to Canal St. Another side is along Canal St. to Broadway. Another side is along Broadway to Ann St. And then the shortest side is from Ann St. back to the Hudson River.

Tribeca is another part of Lower Manhattan that’s full of history, charm, and things to do. Get your camera ready – Here are a few Tribeca highlights for you to check out:

The Staple Street Bridge – 9 Jay St. This highly photographed cast iron bridge connects two buildings in the alley between Hudson and Jay streets.

The Ghostbusters Firehouse – 19 North Moore St. Made famous by the favorit Ghostbusters movie franchise is the Ladder 8 Fire Station.

The Harrison Row Houses – 21 – 47 Harrison St. These historic homes were built between the 1790’s – 1820’s.

The Jenga Building – 56 Leonard St. This is the tallest skyscraper in New York at 60 stories with apartments that jut out into the sky.

The Woolworth Building – 233 Broadway This was once the tallest building in the world from 1913 – 1930.

#19. Tour Historic New York City Hall

Visiting the iconic New York City Hall in Lower Manhattan offers a unique blend of historical and architectural marvels. It’s not just any old government building – it’s one of the oldest in the country that’s still doing what it was initially intended to do. Nestled at the center of the City Hall Park, it’s a stunning example of American Georgian architecture.

Tours are available to take you through the historic rooms, including the Governor’s Room which has hosted Presidents and dignitaries from around the world.

The City Hall Park is a peaceful retreat surrounding the government complex, with beautifully landscaped paths, art installations, and seasonal floral gardens. It’s the perfect spot to hang out on your Lower Manhattan adventure.

#20. Relax at South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan

Find the South Street Seaport Historic District in Lower Manhattan where Fulton St. meets the East River. The Seaport area is a little like taking a vacation without leaving the city.

The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River give the feel of an old New York blended with a trendy setting.

Browse through unique shops, grab a bite at one of the many eateries with outdoor seating, or just enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar and soak in the skyline.

The Seaport often has cool events, live music, and an outdoor cinema during the summer. Plus, there’s the museum where you can dive into the maritime history of New York. Day or night, South Street Seaport is a laid-back, fun spot to add to your Lower Manhattan adventure list.

#21. Visit the Historic Tenement Museum in Lower Manhattan

103 Orchard Street
If you’re curious about the origins of New York City and of America’s immigrant movement, then I highly recommend you visit the Tenement Museum. Located on the Lower East Side.

This highly unique museum experience takes you on a tour of actual tenement apartment buildings which were home to thousands of immigrant families between the 1860’s – 1930’s. I chose the tour telling about the relationships between two families who lived in the same building for many years. It was fascinating!

97 and 103 Orchard Street were neglected buildings filled with history and artifacts from its tenants. The museum founders restored the buildings and offer excellent tours exploring the lives of the Jewish, Irish, Italian, and Puerto Rican families who came to America to pursue the American dream.

Buy tour tickets on the Tenement Museum website or on site. Walking tours of the neighborhood are also offered in addition to the apartment tours.

#22. The Jewish Heritage Museum

36 Battery Place
The Museum of Jewish Heritage is A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. This museum honors the lives lost during the Holocaust and explores Jewish history and culture. You’ll find exhibits, artifacts, photography, film footage, and a memorial Garden of Stones. If you’re interested, you can have na appointment with the geaneology specialist on site to do a little digging into your Jewish history!

Where is the best place to stay in Lower Manhattan?

A big part of the city experience is the neighborhood culture. I recommend these hotels in the Soho, Greenwich Village or the Meatpacking District neighborhoods.

From these neighborhoods you can easily walk to the spots on this list and will fall in love with the charm and hip vibe of the lower Manhattan scene.

Here’s a full list of my top recs for the safest places to stay in NYC.

→ Soho Grand Hotel – 310 W. Broadway – This is a modern, luxury hotel in upscale SoHo. There is an outdoor restaurnat and all rooms have city views. 

→ Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC – 18 9th Ave. – An excellent location steps from the Whitney Museum and Highline. It features an outdoor pool on the rooftop.

→ The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village – 52 W. 13th St. – A 1920’s boutique hotel with breakfast in the heart of Greenwich Village.

When is the best time to visit New York City?

Conventional tourism says that the best time to visit NYC is mid June to early July and mid August through September.

Many people find that 3 days in NYC, any time of the year, is a perfect getaway!

I recommend the fringes of the Summer because it will be less crowded and a bit more breezy.

The middle of the summer can be VERY hot, and cause the concrete jungle to be uncomfortable for some.

Fall is ideal with average temps in the 60’s and 70’s.

I highly recommend NYC in November and December. The holidays are delightful in the city, the festivities abundant, and the air can be crisp and invigorating. Expect some rain or snow, but don’t let it slow you down.

Check out all the things to do in NYC at Christmas!

What is the best way to get around New York City?

Getting around NYC is pretty easy. I always recommend walking because it is part of what New Yorkers do. You can see and experience so much more, and city walking is great exercise!

Taxis and ride apps are always available.

The subway and bus systems are the most popular mode of transportation They are super efficient and easily accessible.

*The subways are not necessarily clean and might not always feel safe. You’ll be fine, but remember to take normal travel precautions.

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

Where to eat in Lower Manhattan

Here are some Lower Manhattan Restaurants I have tried and loved! They all have Gluten Free options and offer something special, unique, and delicious.

Check out the menus!

• Lure Fishbar, 142 Mercer St. – Japanese
• Rosie’s, 29 E. 2nd St. – Mexican
• Katz Deli, 205 E. Houston – Jewish Deli
• Lola Taverna, 210 6th Ave. –  Greek/Mediterranean
• The Waverly Inn, 16 Bank St. – American
• Via Carota, 51 Grove St. – Italian

Click here for my ultimate list of where to eat in NYC.

You’re basically an expert now on all the best things to do in Lower Manhattan!

In a nutshell…

Lower Manhattan is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that offers an array of exciting experiences! Explore historical landmarks and indulge in amazing food.

Lower Manhattan has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the heart of New York City, be sure to make Lower Manhattan a must-visit destination on your itinerary. Get your New York walking shoes on, head downtown, and have a great time! See you there!

xx,
Carrie