10+ Things to Do in Lower Manhattan

During your trip to New York City, you'll inevitably spend some time in Lower Manhattan, from intriguing museums to setting sail on the Hudson River and hopping over to Brooklyn.

By Katie Sagal
Last updated: July 6, 2026
New York

Manhattan is incredibly diverse, with a wide variety of neighborhoods and regions with distinct character. Because there’s so much to see and do throughout the city, it can often be useful when planning a trip to New York to narrow down your options by neighborhood.

If you’re looking for things to do in Lower Manhattan and nearby areas during your trip to New York, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Circle Line Cruises
  • Clipper City Tall Ship Sail
  • And more!

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry

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No visit to New York City is complete without a trip out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Disembark from the ferry at Liberty Island for a chance to tour the country’s most famous statue, and then head over to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum for a unique look at a very special time in American history. If you have any family that came through Ellis Island in the early twentieth century, you may even find an ancestor’s name on the wall.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

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Visitors to Lower Manhattan simply have to pay a visit to the moving and insightful 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Come here to learn all about the 1993 bombing and the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, see relics that survived the wreckage, and hear about the lives that were lost. This poignant record of one of the nation's greatest tragedies is an important monument in NYC.

9/11 Tribute Center Hands-On Tour

If you want a different take on this sad event in American history, you can take a self-guided tour through multiple galleries showcasing the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks on NYC. Learn all about the heroism of the first responders, the lives lost, and the legacy they left behind.

Hear personal stories from the volunteers who staff the Tribute Center, and leave with a better understanding of this terrible event in American history. The main difference between these two attractions is the focus on first-person survivor experiences in the 9/11 Tribute Center.

Shearwater Classic Schooner Sail

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If you want to mix in some outdoorsy fun with your cultural explorations, you may be interested in a cruise. For a relaxing venture out onto NYC waters, the Daytime Statue Sail from Manhattan by Sail is a delightful option. See the sights from a glorious 82-foot schooner known as The Shearwater and enjoy a peaceful cruise with full narration.

Harbor Lights Cruise

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Take an evening Harbor Lights Cruise down the Hudson River for unique NYC views at sunset. Sail past the impressive skyline of Manhattan, and then to the main attraction herself, with the chance for that postcard-perfect shot of the Statute of Liberty. A few of the highlights you'll see along your cruise include:

  • USS Intrepid Pier
  • Ellis Island
  • Wall Street
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Empire State Building
  • and more...

Clipper City Tall Ship Sail

Set sail from Lower Manhattan on the historically inspired Clipper City Tall Ship. Although the original ship that shares its name was built in 1854, this recreated vessel offers much of the same historical charm with many modern amenities. Plus, you’ll get a chance to see all the can’t-miss sights of NYC, from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty and beyond.

National Museum of the American Indian

For all the great museums in NYC, it can be hard to find one with totally free admission. The National Museum of the American Indian – a Smithsonian Institution museum – is a perfect choice for those interested in the arts, culture, and heritage of American Indian peoples. With permanent and special exhibits, performances, and events, there’s plenty to do at this top cultural destination.

Nearby Attractions in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Museum & Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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While there’s no shortage of beauty to be found in New York City, there’s a special kind of natural and artistic wonder to be found in the Brooklyn Museum and the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

The Brooklyn Museum boasts collections from around the world, with holdings as diverse as Ancient Egyptian pottery and modern feminist artwork. After you’ve roamed their galleries, stroll the 52-acre botanical garden outside for some natural inspiration.

Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

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This amazing sightseeing ride begins in Manhattan and takes you across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Explore the many landmarks and sights available on both sides of the bridge, and take some unbeatable photographs of and from the bridge itself. A great way to be active while touring!

Barclays Center

This popular arena is a Brooklyn hotspot. Home to the Brooklyn Nets and host to a multitude of concerts and special events, the Barclays Center is a great place to experience some real NYC culture. Check the schedule while you’re in town to see if you can enjoy a game or a show – it’s worth a visit to this trendy venue.

 

And, if you like the above, why not check out these restaurants or grab a cheeky drink!  

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Sarah Harris
USS Intrepid
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Best time to visit New York City

New York City is a fun and exciting place to visit any time of year. This sprawling city of more than eight million residents offers world-class shopping, sporting events, restaurants, and museums. It's also home to some of the most iconic American landmarks and attractions including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. However, some seasons in New York are better suited to different interests than others. Below are just a few suggestions on when you should visit based on what New York events and attractions you plan on experiencing during your visit. The best time of year to visit New York City for sightseeing New York weather can be fickle and sometimes make it difficult to navigate the city streets to see in the sights. That's why it's important to choose a seasonable time in order to make your sightseeing more enjoyable. The temperate New York weather in April, May, September, and October is perfect for walking tours of the city and taking in such sights as the 9/11 Tribute Museum, Top of the Rock, and the Empire State Building. Best time to visit New York for foodies Food festivals abound in New York City during the summer. The annual Taste of Times Square food festival takes over the theater district for a week every June. June also brings the annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party to the Madison Square neighborhood. Early July brings French Restaurant Week to the city, and, at Coney Island, you can witness the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest on July 4th. In addition, farmers' markets set up all over the city from May through September. Best time to visit New York for shopping While there is really no bad time to visit New York City for shopping, some times of year are a little better than others. The holiday season, which begins in the city around the middle of November, brings a variety of gift items and seasonal merchandise. After Thanksgiving, the department store windows add a festive air to Fifth Avenue, Third Avenue, and Herald Square. For bargain hunters, January and February is sale season in New York, with white sales and discounts on holiday merchandise. Best time to visit New York for shows For ticket availability, visiting New York City in January/February or September/October is desirable. The city is less crowded during these times of the year and you're more likely to be able to get tickets to top shows. For ticket bargains, check out Broadway week, held in both January and September. You can get 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 shows during these weeks. Best time to visit New York City for museum hopping While New York's hundreds of museums are fascinating to explore any time of year, they are less crowded during winter, when there are fewer tourists and locals are more inclined to stay home where it's warm. Escape the winter weather by spending a day at The Met - you still won't see all this wonderful and extensive museum has to offer. Or, museum hop along Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, with stops at the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, and The Frick Collection. About the pass One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to New York City is to purchase a pass for New York by Go City that allows you to experience a variety of attractions for a single price. We make it easy. You choose the pass that best matches your interests, load it to your mobile device or print a hard copy at home and show it for admission to more than 90 NYC attractions. Plus, you'll avoid waiting in line at the ticket counters. Get your pass for New York today and start making huge savings on sightseeing.
Andrew Martineau

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