Location: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
Top Things to do in Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
What to do and see in Downtown Manhattan (Downtown), New York (NY): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Conquering New York in one visit is impossible. Instead, hit the must-sees – the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art – and then explore off the beaten path with visits to The Cloisters or one of the city’s libraries. Indulge in the bohemian shops of the West Village or the fine dining of the Upper West Side. The bustling marketplace inside of Grand Central Station gives you a literal taste of the best the city has to offer.
Restaurants in New York City
1. Stone Street Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
This cobblestoned street is a designated historic district.
Reviewed By Lane-English - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Stone street has plenty of bars and has a great atmosphere. Historically it is one of the oldest streets in new York and famous for its cobbles.
2. United States Custom House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
A picturesque Beaux Arts building where visitors can gaze upon beautiful Reginald Marsh murals in an oval rotunda.
Reviewed By philipu2015 - Bedminster, United States
Lower Manhattan is packed with great free things to do and see and this is surely one of them. Here in the canyon of heroes is where New York ticker tape parades start is the the 1907 US customs house now the permanent host of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. I took free tours both on the American Indian and the building itself- All free and fascinating. Did you Know there were 500 tribes in the America’s? The four statues outside are of the 4 continents (remember- it’s from a 1907 perspective) and were designed by the guy who did the Lincoln memorial in DC. There were 3 tours on the Sunday I visited - all different- all about an hour starting at 12 and ending at 3 Pm and of course all free.
3. Washington Square Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,587 reviews
A 9.75-acre city park in Greenwich Village, characterized by its large, central fountain, and known as a major center of community activity for the neighborhood residents.
Reviewed By Luciafernandez62
This is a very interesting place to visit if you want to understand the feeling and the vibes of this Manhattan neighborhood. Its most distinctive feature is the Washington Square Arch, a triumphal marble arch built in 1892. I visited this lively square on a Sunday, and it was really crowded, with children and their parents, and lots of young people strolling around, taking pictures, playing games, and having a good time. Under the arch there was a man playing a very large piano, surrounded by people enjoying the show. The square is surrounded by the buildings of NYU; therefore lots of students and faculty are always around the park in their free time. You can have a picnic at the square, play chess on the stone tables, talk to your friends, hang around the large circular fountain located in the center of the square, enjoy the different types of plants, flowers and trees, or just relax sitting on a bench.
4. Riverside Drive
5. Elizabeth Street Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Elizabeth Street Garden is a unique community garden and green space with sculptures and architectural elements located in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan, between Prince and Spring streets. City-owned and privately leased, the Garden is open to the public daily, weather permitting. Neighborhood volunteers operate the Garden year-round and program more than 150 free, public educational, wellness and arts-related events annually for children, seniors and all who live and work in the community.
Reviewed By CasaHoffa - Huatulco, Mexico
This gem of a garden is one of our favorites in NYC. It is quite welcoming on a sunny day and has wonderful statuary, plantings, ample lawns for picnics, and quiet seating for reading or chatting with friends.
6. FDNY Memorial Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Aussie_2012 - Melbourne, Australia
Set off to the side of the main plaza, this beautiful bronze memorial is a fitting tribute to those firefighters who sadly lost their lives on that very unfortunate day. Spend time just looking at it and remembering those who were just doing their job to help save others.
7. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95,292 reviews
Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks. 9/11 Memorial, Open Daily, 7-days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9/11 Memorial Museum, Open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thanksgiving and Christmas: Memorial Only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Museum Closed
Reviewed By Travelaround86 - Nottingham, United Kingdom
The museum and tour is definatly a must do for anyone visiting NYC, even if it's just out of respect for all of the people that died and were effected during the 9/11 disaster. Ground Zero is free to visit(The outdoor area where the two towers stood) and is so beautifuly and respectfully designed with waterfalls and all of the names of the victims displayed. The memorial museum is actualy underground within the foundations of the twin towers and is both a haunting yet beautiful tribute to everyone and everything lost. There are hundreds of artefacts and many videos and sound clips on display and the devestation caused cannot be understood until you see it with your own eyes. Ticket price is very reasonable and guides very knowledgeable, however we chose to just walk around the memorial ourselves without a tour. This was a very emotional museum and I have no shame in admitting that I shed a tear or two myself. Would definatley reccomend a visit here.
8. American Express 11 Tears Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 235debbieg - Hemet, United States
What a tribute to the 11 American Express employees that lost their lives on 9/11. A beautiful work of art.
9. Pier 45
10. Alleva Dairy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By LindsCC777
I visited this cheese shop because I read that it is the oldest in the US - established in 1892. I had a lovely experience. The service was so friendly and helpful. I asked for recommendations and was advised to get the ricotta and the truffle cheese. Both were delicious.
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