Lower Manhattan

The Basics

If you’re a history buff, check out the African Burial Ground, North America’s largest known excavated burial ground for free and enslaved Africans. Or just offshore, visit Ellis Island, through which 12 million immigrants passed between 1892 and 1924. And the National September 11 Memorial & Museum commemorates more recent history. Alternatively, soak up the sun in Battery Park, cruise along the Hudson River on the free Staten Island Ferry, score bargains at Century 21, or browse the boutiques of the South Street Seaport. At dinnertime, take your pick from Tribeca’s hip restaurants.

Many walking tours of Lower Manhattan stop by the most important sites, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Fans of the hit musical Hamilton can even opt for a specialized walking tour of places associated with the Founding Father.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lower Manhattan is a must for travelers interested in New York City history or architecture.

• The 9/11 Memorial is free to visit, but there’s a fee to enter the museum.

• Many restaurants around Wall Street are closed on weekends.

How to Get There

You can easily access Lower Manhattan via subway stations such as Wall Street, Rector Street, Fulton Street, Chambers Street Whitehall, and Broad Street.

When to Get There

For a glimpse of the global financial trade in action, head to Wall Street on a weekday morning to watch traders going about their business. Conversely, weekends, when the banks are closed, can be eerily quiet. Any day of the week, however, is a good time for shopping or checking out the cluster of bars that have recently sprung up, such as the Dead Rabbit and Weather Up.

Lower Manhattan Architecture

While in the neighborhood, you’ll see the grand New York Stock Exchange and the 18th-century Federal Hall—commemorating the site where the first United States Congress convened and George Washington was sworn in as president. Lower Manhattan is also home to Santiago Calatrava’s ultramodern World Trade Center Oculus and One World Trade Center—the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, offering 360-degree views of New York City and beyond.

How do I spend a day in Lower Manhattan?

There are many things to do in Lower Manhattan, which mainly revolve around New York’s history and architecture. You could spend a day visiting the 9/11 Memorial, the Financial District, the New York Stock Exchange, the One World Trade Center and its observatory. Plus, you can enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty from The Battery.

Is Lower Manhattan walkable?

Yes, Lower Manhattan is walkable if you have comfortable shoes and dress for the conditions. It’s a great area for guided or self-guided walking tours as there are so many historical and cultural sites close together to stop and look at. You can also walk to Brooklyn from Lower Manhattan across Brooklyn Bridge.

What is Lower Manhattan known for?

Lower Manhattan is known as New York’s financial center and is home to the New York Stock Exchange, the One World Trade Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. It’s also known for being one of the first parts of the city inhabited by Europeans—the Dutch settled there in the early 1600s and called it New Amsterdam.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan?

Lower Manhattan is considered safe as it has a low crime rate. The Lower Manhattan neighborhoods of Tribeca, Battery Park City, and Nolita rank as among the safest neighborhoods in New York. You’re unlikely to encounter trouble in Lower Manhattan if you take the usual big-city precautions.

Is Lower Manhattan better than Midtown?

No, Lower Manhattan is not better than Midtown—each neighborhood has attractions and quirks that appeal to different people. However, many first-time visitors to New York City and Manhattan favor the Midtown area because it’s more central, making it easier to get around quickly. Midtown is also within walking distance of Central Park.

Is Lower Manhattan a good area to stay in?

Yes, Lower Manhattan is a good area to stay in and is very safe—but whether it’s the best area for you to stay in depends on your priorities. Lower Manhattan is full of skyscrapers and can be a visually exciting place to stay, whereas the residential areas in Midtown and Upper Manhattan have a more homely feel.

Ways to explore

Lower Manhattan is home to some of NYC’s top landmarks, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the New York Stock Exchange, and many walking tours ensure you don’t miss a single one. Other popular tours in Lower Manhattan include visiting Ellis Island, learning about the history of the Financial District, or even a specialized walking tour for fans of the musical Hamilton. Be sure to plan time to just wander and take in the city atmosphere—from soaking up the sun in Battery Park to exploring Chinatown’s restaurant scene, you’ll never run out of things to see and do.

Accessibility

Hop-on hop-off buses to the area are generally accessible; sidewalks in Lower Manhattan are mostly wheelchair accessible but some obstacles remain.

Age limits

There are no age limits when it comes to wandering around Lower Manhattan, but individual attractions may have age restrictions.

What to pack

Hat, sunglasses, credit card (for cashless places)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, smart clothing for stylish restaurants

Not allowed

Individual landmarks within Lower Manhattan may have restrictions on what to bring; check individual websites.

Amenities

This neighborhood is well-served by public transportation and is full of shopping, restaurants, cafés, parks, and more.

Address

The easiest way to reach Lower Manhattan is by public transportation, as the NYC Subway has many stops south of 14th Street. This area’s narrow streets and limited parking make driving a challenge, but taxis and rideshares are readily available. The best way to explore on arrival is by walking.

Driving

Visitors who prefer driving can take their chances with street parking (be sure to observe all posted signs) or find a parking garage. Search online for parking garages near the landmark you’re visiting; sometimes pre-paid rates are available.

Public transportation

Choose a landmark and travel to the nearest subway station. For example, to reach the 9/11 Memorial, take the A, C, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street. For SoHo, take the A, C, or E to Spring Street.

Best times to visit

It varies by neighborhood. For instance, the Financial District is bustling with workers on weekday mornings and late afternoons. Avoid the rush hour by visiting popular attractions mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

Best days to visit

Generally, weekdays are better for exploring Lower Manhattan than weekends (though nightlife can be extra vibrant on weekends). Expect smaller crowds at top attractions, restaurants, and bars on weekdays.

Best months to visit

To experience the most pleasant weather in New York, plan a visit during the months of May, June, September, or October.

Special events

Lower Manhattan is home to a range of festivals and special events, from the annual Halloween parade to the Tribeca Film Festival and the San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy.