Search results
A center of culture and tourism, Lower Manhattan is home to many of New York City's most iconic structures, including New York City Hall, the Woolworth Building, the Stonewall Inn, the Bull of Wall Street, and One World Trade Center, the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.
- Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and Trinity Church. Wall Street is one of the best places to go sightseeing in Lower Manhattan. It’s known as the city’s Financial District, although it has enough history and sights to appeal to all interests.
- Bowling Green and the Charging Bull, two must-see attractions in Lower Manhattan. While you’re in the Financial District, don’t miss the chance to stop by Bowling Green.
- Visit One World Observatory, one of the best things to do in Lower Manhattan. Seeing the view from One World Observatory is one of the coolest things to do in Lower Manhattan, and anyone can enjoy this attraction.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum, one of the best museums in Lower Manhattan, NYC. If you’re going to One World Observatory, you need to add the 9/11 Museum to your Lower Manhattan itinerary.
- Fraunces Tavern. Address 54 Pearl St. Date 1719. Where it gets its name Named for Samuel Fraunces, who owned and operated the place as the Queen’s Head Tavern during the 18th century and who was later President Washington’s chief steward.
- Bowling Green. Address Whitehall Street and Broadway. Date 1733, reconstructed 1978. Where it gets its name The park originally had a “bowling green,” or green space where the game “bowls” or “squares” would be played.
- Wall Street. Date c. mid-to-late 1700s. Where it gets its name From the wall that was erected here by the Dutch in the mid-1600s to mark the northern boundary of their settlement.
- Castle Clinton. Address The Battery. Date 1811. Where it gets its name From DeWitt Clinton, the early 19th-century mayor of New York City (as well as New York governor and failed Federalist presidential candidate).
- Take in The Sweeping Views from One World Observatory
- Discover Lower Manhattan on Awalkingtour
- Ride The Free Staten Island Ferry Day Or Night
- Visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Walk Across The Brooklyn Bridge
- Explore Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho
- The High Line
- Visit The 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Discover Wall Street's History
- See The City Lights on A Night Cruise
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
One World Observatory (sometimes called the Freedom Tower) is currently the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. I've been up here twice, once on a crystal clear day and once in the early evening when a lightning storm hit. Ticket costs are steep but I didn't regret paying as the views are breathtaking. You have a 360-degree panoramic view...
Lower Manhattan is quite a large area. You can explore it on your own, though I recommend you decide in advance what you want to see or you may end up spending your entire day there. If you want to narrow down what you see to the highlights consider joining our two-hour Lower Manhattan walking tour. All of our local guides are knowledgeable, entert...
This is perhaps the very best free thing to do in NYC! I always take visiting friends on the ferry and I love to watch their jaws drop when they see the spectacular views of Lower Manhattan. The ferry passes the Statue of Liberty so if you aren't planning on visiting Lady Liberty, you can still get great photographs. Read our post on taking the Sta...
As the granddaughter of immigrants, I have a personal relationship with these two sights, that may be your ‘must-see’ list. Perhaps you are a descendant of immigrants wanting to hunt down family roots at Ellis Island. Or maybe you are a visitor from another country who has seen Lady Liberty in countless movies. Either way, if you want to visit, our...
If you have just one day in New York City, take the time to walk over this magnificent bridge that connects Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan. I never get bored of walking over this bridge and have crossed it countless times. I suggest you start on the Brooklyn side of the bridge and walk into Manhattan as the approach offers fantastic views of the Man...
These three amazing enclaves within Lower Manhattan are close together yet so different! I love Chinatown's narrow curvy streets and colorful signs in Chinese. I feel like I am in another time in another place when I am there. Plus, I love the delicious cheap food you can get there! Though Little Italyis getting smaller every year, its main street,...
Walking the High Line, a fantastic public park built on an abandoned elevated train track is one of the most interesting things you can do in New York City. As a lifelong New Yorker, I remember when the railroad tracks were fenced off and filled with overgrown weeds. It was an eyesore and a waste of space. In 2006, a non-profit organization turned ...
The 9/11 Memorialis both a remembrance of those who perished that day but also a symbol of perseverance. The glorious cascading fountains, built into the Twin Towers 'footprints' are a one-of-a-kind architectural wonder. I lived through the events of 9/11, albeit from the safety of my distant rooftop and I find the memorial to be a peaceful and int...
To some people, Wall Street is synonymous with money. To me, it's about American History, which is one of my favorite topics. You probably have heard of the New York Stock Exchange, with an attractive facade. But unless you have an invitation, you can't go inside. But you can go inside Federal Hall, just across the street. It's free to enter and ha...
For gorgeous views of the city in a relaxing environment, consider a night cruise. There are many choices, including dinner and jazz cruises, sailboat sunset rides, and cruises around the Statue of Liberty. See if one of these tours interests you by reading our post on NYC night cruises.
Explore the history, culture and attractions of Lower Manhattan, the area south of 14th Street in NYC. Find out how to visit One World Observatory, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Chinatown, Little Italy and more with free or low-cost tours and tips.
- Courtney Shapiro
Apr 12, 2021 · Explore the southernmost tip of Manhattan with attractions like the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge. Find tips, prices, hours and history of Lower Manhattan in this guide by Mark and Kristen Morgan.
Jul 7, 2024 · Discover the best attractions, museums, parks, and nightlife in downtown NYC with this comprehensive list by a local travel blogger. From One World Observatory to South Street Seaport, find out what to see and do below 14th street in Manhattan.
This is where the City started in the 1600s—and where skyscrapers, financial powerhouses, cultural landmarks and gleaming new developments keep things humming in the 21st century. Its skyline is instantly recognizable and its emotional resonance undeniable. Article.
