What to do and see in Downtown Manhattan (Downtown), New York (NY): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

June 1, 2021 Jana Sager

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

New York City, NY
Excellent
59%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Stone Street Historic District

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

1 Bowling Grn, New York City, NY 10004-1415 +1 212-514-3700 [email protected] http://www.preserve.org/wtc/us_customs_house.htm
Excellent
48%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

United States Custom House

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

5 Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St. Washington Square Park, New York City, NY 10011 +1 212-360-8143 http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,587 reviews

Washington Square Park

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

Riverside Drive, New York City, NY http://www.riversidetowerhotel.com/
Excellent
46%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Riverside Drive

This road is located on Manhattan's west side.

5. Elizabeth Street Garden

Elizabeth Street, New York City, NY 10012 [email protected] http://www.elizabethstreetgarden.com
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Elizabeth Street Garden

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

124 Liberty St, New York City, NY 10006-1008 +1 212-267-9060 http://www.fdnytenhouse.com/fdnywall/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

FDNY Memorial Wall

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

180 Greenwich St World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10007-0089 +1 212-312-8800 [email protected] http://www.911memorial.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95,292 reviews

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

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

200 Vesey St American Express Headquarters, New York City, NY 10281-1013 http://www.911memorial.org/places-visit-0
Excellent
80%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

American Express 11 Tears Memorial

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

Christopher St at Hudson River, New York City, NY
Excellent
50%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Pier 45

10. Alleva Dairy

188 Grand St, New York City, NY 10013-3729 +1 212-226-7990 http://www.allevadairy.com
Excellent
66%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Alleva Dairy

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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