Travel Guide
Manhattan,
New York
Everything you need to know to make the most of your days in the greatest city in the world.
Visiting Manhattan can be an exciting adventure for anyone — but for some, it can seem overwhelming. Between the busy streets and so many things to do, it’s hard to know how best to spend the few days you have. Think of Manhattan in three distinct areas: Upper, Midtown, and Lower. Each deserves its own exploration.
North of 59th St
Upper Manhattan
Central Park, Harlem, the Met, and some of the city’s most iconic residential neighborhoods.
34th – 59th St
Midtown
The beating heart of the city. Times Square, Grand Central, Broadway, and the Empire State Building.
Below 14th St
Lower Manhattan
History, harbor views, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the 9/11 Memorial.
Accommodation
Where to Stay
There are great hotels in every corner of Manhattan, and public transportation makes all three areas easy to reach. That said, we prefer staying in Midtown — it’s the most central base for getting around, and you’ll spend less time commuting and more time exploring.
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Sightseeing
Top Things to Do in Lower Manhattan
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01 — Memorial
9/11 Memorial & Museum
This museum is well worth the time to reflect on a somber chapter of US history. They’ve handled the horrific events with tremendous respect and powerfully highlight the heroism that surrounded the tragedy. Plan for 1–3 hours; the average visit is around 2.
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02 — Views
One World Observatory
Soar to the top of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building for breathtaking 360° views of the city. Pro tip: wait until 1–2 days before your visit to buy tickets so you can check the forecast — but if you want sunset views, those slots sell out fast.
Plan your visit →
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03 — Iconic Walk
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic experiences in NYC. The views of the skyline from the span are unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. There’s a subway station near Cadman Plaza if you’d prefer to walk just one direction.
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04 — Park & Harbor
Battery Park
Enjoy sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, catch the free Staten Island Ferry, or explore the park’s monuments — including the East Coast Memorial and Castle Clinton. You can take a quick stroll or spend a full afternoon here.
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05 — Must-Do
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Every American should visit at least once. Ellis Island alone — one of the busiest immigration stations from 1892 to 1954 — represents over 40% of Americans’ ancestry. It’s a significant chunk of your day, but absolutely worth it. Pre-purchase tickets and arrive 30 minutes early for your ferry.
06 — History
Wall Street
Visit this iconic street on your way to Trinity Church. Don’t miss the Charging Bull, the Fearless Girl, the New York Stock Exchange, and Federal Hall — where George Washington was inaugurated. Walking tours are available for those who want to dig deeper.
07 — Brooklyn
DUMBO Neighborhood
DUMBO — Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overlook — is a Brooklyn neighborhood worth crossing for. Head to Washington Street between Front and Water Streets for the iconic framed view of the Manhattan Bridge. Once you see it, you’ll recognize it in almost every movie set in NYC.
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08 — Architecture
Historic Churches
Manhattan’s historic churches are architectural gems worth seeking out. Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan dates to 1698 and is surrounded by one of the city’s oldest cemeteries. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Midtown is a stunning Gothic Revival landmark right on Fifth Avenue.
Where to Eat
Food Recommendations
Joe’s Pizza
One of NYC’s most famous pizzerias — expect a line, but the Lower Manhattan location is far less crowded than the Times Square spot. A great way to experience the hype without the wait.
Los Tacos No. 1
Los Tacos No. 1 delivers authentic, made-to-order Mexican street tacos—handmade tortillas, mesquite-grilled adobada and carne asada, fresh guacamole—at a price that’s tough to beat in Manhattan. The lines move fast, the quality is consistent, and locations at Chelsea Market, Times Square, and beyond make it an easy, satisfying midday stop that lives up to its reputation.
McKenzie’s Pick
Add McKenzie’s restaurant recommendation and a sentence or two about what makes it special.
Ready to Explore the City?
Check out our full guide to eating your way through New York — with recommendations from Lori at Lo’s Kitchen and more of our favorite local spots.
Read: Eating Your Way Through New York →