Things to do in Lower Manhattan

Activities, attractions and tours

Lower Manhattan showing a bay or harbor, a sunset and a city
Lower Manhattan showing a bay or harbor, a sunset and a city
Manhattan Bridge showing night scenes, a city and a bridge
The Oculus which includes outdoor art, street scenes and a city
Whitney Museum of American Art featuring modern architecture as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Wall Street

New York City’s central business district is located on the southern tip of Manhattan, and is home to the state’s major government and financial institutions. Many of the world’s biggest business decisions are made in the district, and many of the most influential global companies are based in the area south of Chambers Street. Among these are the New York Stock Exchange, on the world-renowned Wall Street. There are a number of important cultural landmarks in the area, including the former site of the World Trade Center, and Lower Manhattan is a popular destination for visitors wanting to discover the history of the area, see the impressive array of architecture or pay their respects to those lost during the September 11 attacks.
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2. One World Trade Center

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.
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NEW YORK - JULY 02 2016: Aerial view of the Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, Manhattan, New York

3. Brooklyn Bridge

As one of the oldest and longest suspension bridges in North America, the Brooklyn Bridge has long been an icon of progress for New Yorkers. Spanning almost 1600 feet (487.7 meters), the bridge crosses the East River and connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn. The bridge features six lanes for automobiles and two lanes dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, and carries more than 120,000 people daily. The Brooklyn Bridge has long been a destination for tourists, and today visitors flock to the bridge for stunning views up the East River, and for the history linked to the bridge.
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Panoramic view of Brooklyn Bridge and East River at sunrise with New York City, NY skyline post 9/11 view'

4. Battery Park

This waterfront park is a favorite destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike, offering a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown New York. Overlooking the New York Bay, Battery Park is the departure point for many of New York’s ferries, including the Staten Island, Ellis Island and Liberty Island ferries. Named for the battery that protected the city during the 17th century, the park is full of history, and has played an important role in shaping contemporary New York culture. Visitors to the park can discover this through the monuments throughout the park, while enjoying one of the best sunsets in the city.
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Battery Park which includes a park, cruising and a fountain

5. National September 11 Memorial & Museum

A heartfelt memorial, erected as a tribute to the victims of the 11th September 2001 terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum breathes an air of tranquillity into the hustle and bustle of Lower Manhattan.
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The National September 11 Memorial featuring a city

6. Washington Square Park

The best way to enter Washington Square Park is from the north, on 5th Avenue. As you pass high-end medical offices and views of the Empire State Building, you will emerge by the enormous archway and memorial that rises well above the rest of the park. Proceed under the arch and walk to the center of the park for another of its highlights. Here, you will find an enormous fountain that was once a popular hangout for bohemians, academics and artists.
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Washington Square Park featuring a park

7. Whitney Museum of American Art

The renowned Whitney Museum of American Art has a sleek modern design and overlooks the Hudson River. Founded by a socialite and art patron in 1931, the museum has developed a focus on American art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Stroll past the various displays across many floors to grapple with contemporary U.S. art.
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Whitney Museum of American Art featuring modern architecture

What to do in Lower Manhattan

Popular places to visit

Wall Street which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

Wall Street

The home of global finance also offers a fascinating historical excursion.

Wall Street
One World Trade Center which includes a city, a sunset and skyline

One World Trade Center

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, near to where the Twin Towers once stood.

One World Trade Center
It’s really a magical place, with so much history.

New York University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe with a visit to New York University, a well-known college in New York. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

New York University
Battery Park which includes a high rise building, a city and a square or plaza

Battery Park

This stylish park at the southernmost tip of Manhattan is a destination for one of the best sunsets in the city.

Battery Park
National September 11 Memorial & Museum

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

A sobering tribute to the thousands who lost their lives on 11 September, 2001, this humbling landmark is a powerful symbol for local New Yorkers and visitors alike.

National September 11 Memorial & Museum
Washington Square Park featuring a park

Washington Square Park

In a city with many pretty parks, this is one of the most beautiful. You may recognize its iconic arch and fountain from a movie or postcard.

Washington Square Park
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New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange is just one of the places to see in New York, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the entertainment choices and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

New York Stock Exchange
Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal which includes heritage elements, a bay or harbor and a city

Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal

Explore the waterfront in New York with a trip to Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this vibrant area.

Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal
Whitney Museum of American Art showing modern architecture

Whitney Museum of American Art

Browse more than 21,000 paintings, sculptures, photos and other modern artistic works in this innovative complex that celebrates living artists.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Areas of Lower Manhattan

SoHo - Tribeca showing a city

SoHo

This fashionable neighborhood is great for shopping, eating and drinking.

SoHo
The Oculus which includes outdoor art, street scenes and a city

Financial District

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Explore the symbolic center of global finance, walk along the harbor and admire New Yorkers’ resilience in this scenic area.

Financial District
East Village showing street scenes, a sunset and a city

East Village

Arts venues, parks, theaters and community centers anchor this Lower Manhattan neighborhood, an iconic backdrop to tales of New York City’s history.

East Village
Lower East Side

Lower East Side

Old combines with new and high art meets urban grit in this ever-changing and eclectic melting pot neighborhood with broad appeal.

Lower East Side
West Village showing central business district, a city and cafe lifestyle

West Village

This center for arts and culture is also one of the few places located off of the grid of Manhattan’s streets.

West Village
Tribeca featuring street scenes and a city

Tribeca

Consider a visit to Hudson River Park and take some time to enjoy the lively bars during your time in Tribeca. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Chambers St. Station (Hudson St.) or Chambers St. Station (Church St.).

Tribeca
New York showing boating, a bridge and a city

New York

Liberty State Park showing general coastal views, night scenes and city views

Jersey City

Pier A Park showing views, a skyscraper and a city

Hoboken

Brooklyn Bridge Park featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a city

Brooklyn