15 Best Things To Do In Lower Manhattan (2024)
By Carrie Green Zinn
Are you looking for the best activities and things to do in
Lower Manhattan?
I love spending time in this part of the city because there is so much to see and do within walking distance from each other. I have spent many an hour downtown -exploring, wandering, and taking pics of everything! Lower Manhattan is actually like a city within the 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 deep.
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!
Quick & Easy Links
Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
Tours: I recommend Viator
Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK
#1. Visit the 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 will 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!
Statue of Liberty Fun Facts
- The “Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” is her official name.
- She was a gift of friendship symbolizing freedom from France to the US in 1886.
- She is made of copper.
- She was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel (yes, of the Tower).
- She holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence in her left.
- A broken shackle and chain at her feet symbolizes the abolishment of slavery.
- Joseph Pulitzer (yes of the Prize) helped to raise the funds to build the monument park.
- From 1892 to 1954, 12 million immigrants were processed at Ellis Island.
#2. One World Trade Center
& 9/11 Memorial & Oculus
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.
Then wander to One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, which is the rebuilt World Trade Center complex.
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.
What to know about visiting the 9/11 Memorial Sites
~ There’s no fee to enter the memorial site.
~ It’s open to the public between 10 AM and 5 PM.
~ The 9/11 Memorial Museum is open Thursday – Monday 10AM – 5PM.
What is 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.
#3. 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.
#4. Visit the Whitney Museum
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.
#5. Walk the High Line
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.
#6. Stop by The NY Stock Exchange & The Charging Bull & The Fearless Girl
Find your way to the corner of Broad and Wall St. and visit the one and only New York Stock Exchange Building.
If you’re there at 9:30 AM on weekdays, you can hear the opening bell! While you’re no longer allowed inside, you can take photos with The Fearless Girl statue and in front of the famous facade of the exchange building.
What’s the story of The Charging Bull and
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.
A few blocks away at the north tip of Bowling Green Park, at the intersection of Morris St. is the infamous Charging Bull.
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!
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.
#7. Stop at 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!
#8 Visit 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.
#9. Eat in 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!
#10. 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.
#11 Walk Across the 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.
#12 Discover Tribeca
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.
#13 Tour Historic 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.
#14. Relax at Southstreet Seaport
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.
#15 Visit the Historic Tenement Museum
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 at 103 Orchard St.
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.
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.
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.
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 very clean and might not always feel safe. You’ll be fine, but remember to take normal travel precautions.
SUBWAY TIP – You can purchase a Metrocard at subway stations and use it on the buses as well.
Each ride costs $2.75, but a 7 day, unlimited ride card is $33 for one person use.
The Regular Pay Per Ride cards allow you to swipe through the turnstile and pass the card to your travel partner behind you.
It’s actually legit to do that with up to 4 people. So, buy one unlimited card for the trip or load up a regular card and use it for the whole family!
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
Carrie Green Zinn is the owner and author of Carrie Green Zinn – A Travel Blog, which helps travelers become inspired to explore and step out of their comfort zones. Carrie focuses on family vacations, empty nest travel, and girlfriend getaways. Her work is informed by her life as a former dancer, therapist, and school psychologist. She brings her passion for writing, photography, and making the world a smaller place to her ever growing blogging audience.
