Downtown Manhattan, also known as Lower Manhattan, is the southernmost part of the borough and the oldest part of New York City. Generally, it is defined as the area south of 14th Street. It is a historical, financial, and cultural hub that is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.
Key Neighborhoods and Areas
- Financial District (FiDi): The historical heart of the city’s finance industry, home to the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and the famous Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues.
- World Trade Center: This area is a memorial to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. You can visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a moving and powerful tribute, and the soaring One World Observatory for incredible panoramic views.
- SoHo: Known for its cast-iron architecture, cobblestone streets, and high-end fashion boutiques. It’s a prime destination for shopping and art.
- Greenwich Village: A historic bohemian enclave with beautiful brownstones, a vibrant LGBTQ+ history, and a legendary music scene. It’s home to Washington Square Park and NYU.
- Tribeca: A chic and trendy neighborhood known for its industrial lofts, celebrity residents, and the Tribeca Film Festival.
- Chinatown & Little Italy: Two adjacent neighborhoods that offer a sensory experience with their distinct cuisines, markets, and cultural landmarks.
- Battery Park: Located at the very tip of Manhattan, this beautiful waterfront park offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York Harbor. It’s also where you catch the ferry to these landmarks.
- South Street Seaport: A historic district with cobblestone streets, tall ships, and modern shops and restaurants.
Major Attractions and Things to Do
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: You can walk, bike, or drive across this historic bridge from Downtown Manhattan to Brooklyn for one of the most famous views of the city skyline.
- Staten Island Ferry: For a free and spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and the Downtown skyline, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, which departs from the Whitehall Terminal.
- The Oculus: The stunning, winged structure at the World Trade Center Transportation Hub serves as both a transit center and a high-end shopping mall.
- Federal Hall: Located on Wall Street, this historic building is where George Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. president.
- Trinity Church: A historic Gothic Revival church with a cemetery where notable figures like Alexander Hamilton are buried.
