What to do in Lower Manhattan, NY

Activities, attractions and tours

A city skyline at sunset with prominent skyscrapers and a body of water in the foreground.
A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a bridge over a body of water.
A modern urban scene with a distinctive white sculpture, tall buildings, and pedestrians.
A modern building with glass windows and a rooftop garden. There are people sitting on benches and walking around.
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Lower Manhattan Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Lower Manhattan has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Lower Manhattan, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Lower Manhattan with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Lower Manhattan, and make it a breeze to explore Lower Manhattan and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Lower Manhattan to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Lower Manhattan, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Lower Manhattan.

Lower Manhattan attractions

Lower Manhattan has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Lower Manhattan to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Lower Manhattan.

Looking for things to do in Lower Manhattan can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Lower Manhattan or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Lower Manhattan attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Empire State Building Observatory Tickets - General Admission & Express

Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket

£31
per child
90% of travellers recommend
Empire State Building Observation Deck & Museum Ticket
Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Entry to 2 to 10 Top Attractions

New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent

£63
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

£36
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
NYC: Museum of Modern Art

NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket

£22
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Entry Ticket
One World Observatory: Skip-the-Line Ticket

One World Observatory Tickets

£23
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
One World Observatory Tickets
Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Rock Timed Admission

£32
per child
90% of travellers recommend
Top of the Rock Timed Admission
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Access

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

£55
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options
American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium

£25
per traveller
88% of travellers recommend
American Dream: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium
Tyrannosaurs rex skeleton in the American Museum of Natural History in New York

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

£27
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
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Top places to visit

1. One World Trade Center

Standing well above its skyscraping neighbors, One World Trade Center is a building that is easily identifiable from New Jersey and from most parts of the boroughs surrounding Manhattan. The reflective sheen of the structure’s glass is easy to mistake for metal, and its isosceles triangular façades give it the appearance of having a twisting motion toward the sky.
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A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, dense urban buildings, and a waterfront.

2. Brooklyn Bridge

As one of the oldest and longest suspension bridges in North America, the Brooklyn Bridge has long been an icon of progress for New Yorkers. Spanning almost 1600 feet (487.7 meters), the bridge crosses the East River and connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn. The bridge features six lanes for automobiles and two lanes dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, and carries more than 120,000 people daily. The Brooklyn Bridge has long been a destination for tourists, and today visitors flock to the bridge for stunning views up the East River, and for the history linked to the bridge.
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The Brooklyn Bridge spanning the East River with the Manhattan skyline in the background.

3. Wall Street

Near the southern tip of Manhattan is New York City’s Wall Street, one of the world’s most active and influential financial districts. Walk through canyons created by wide buildings in which some of the world’s biggest business decisions are made. The area also has major government institutions and a famous national monument.
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A street sign for Wall St. with American flags.

4. Battery Park

This waterfront park is a favorite destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike, offering a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of downtown New York. Overlooking the New York Bay, Battery Park is the departure point for many of New York’s ferries, including the Staten Island, Ellis Island and Liberty Island ferries. Named for the battery that protected the city during the 17th century, the park is full of history, and has played an important role in shaping contemporary New York culture. Visitors to the park can discover this through the monuments throughout the park, while enjoying one of the best sunsets in the city.
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A park with a fountain, trees, and a view of the Statue of Liberty.

5. Washington Square Park

The best way to enter Washington Square Park is from the north, on 5th Avenue. As you pass high-end medical offices and views of the Empire State Building, you will emerge by the enormous archway and memorial that rises well above the rest of the park. Proceed under the arch and walk to the center of the park for another of its highlights. Here, you will find an enormous fountain that was once a popular hangout for bohemians, academics and artists.
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A city park with an archway, trees, and a fountain.

6. National September 11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum pays tribute to the victims of September 11 attacks, and brings a sense of somber tranquility to busy Lower Manhattan.
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A modern cityscape with tall skyscrapers and a reflective water feature in the foreground.

7. Hudson River Park

Many New Yorkers remember their first time at Hudson River Park with a smile. Whether it’s the sound of the currents lightly splashing against Manhattan, the views of Hoboken or the numerous yachts docked just feet from a golf course, this place makes a powerful impression.
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A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper in the background, surrounded by trees and a pedestrian walkway.

8. Manhattan Bridge

Whether you begin in Brooklyn or Manhattan, crossing the Manhattan Bridge is always an impressive sight. During the day, the unmistakable New York City skyline gleams with skyscrapers. Even late at night, the stretch of lights in both directions reminds you why New York is called “the city that never sleeps.” Cross this bridge for its magnificent views, and remember to get your own picture of the scene found on many postcards.
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A large suspension bridge with a blue sky in the background.

Recommended things to do in Lower Manhattan

Number of things to do
953
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
5G eSIM USA | 3-30 Days | DayPass/Total | QR code: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Lower Manhattan

Stay near popular Lower Manhattan attractions

A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, dense urban buildings, and a waterfront.

One World Trade Center

9.4/10 (37,071 reviews)
Standing at 1,776 feet, One World Trade Centre symbolises resilience on the site of the 9/11 attacks. Ascend to the observatory in under 60 seconds for breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City's iconic skyline.
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Day trip destinations from Lower Manhattan

A red boat on a river with a bridge and a city skyline in the background.

New York

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper reflecting on the water.

Jersey City

A waterfront promenade with a city skyline in the background, including the Empire State Building.

Hoboken

A bridge with an American flag, a city skyline, and a waterfront park.

Brooklyn

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