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
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.

Save on Lower Manhattan attraction admission

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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An All-Weather Guide to New York

New York City is one of our favorite vacation destinations for plenty of reasons. Sports fans will appreciate the strong athletic history of the city, just as artsy folks will love the museum, theatre, and gallery scene. Those who crave adventure and excitement can opt for any number of cruises, tours, bike rides, excursions, and more. Of course, what you might do on your NYC vacation probably depends on the time of year, and the weather. New York weather can be unpredictable, but it’s also fairly consistent depending upon the time of year. There are advantages to traveling to NYC pretty much any time of year, but you may wish to carefully consider any potential drawbacks before making your travel plans. To make your vacation planning a little bit smoother, we’ve put together this all-weather guide to New York. You can’t predict the weather in NYC, but you can make a few plans to make sure that you’ll have a blast regardless of the temps. New York Weather in Spring Spring is one of the best times to visit NYC. The temperatures range from chilly to pleasant, and many of the outdoor attractions like cruises that have been closed from the previous winter will start to open up again. Some of our favorite things to do in New York during the spring include: riding a bike through Central Park, walking the High Line, exploring the burgeoning blossoms at the New York Botanical Garden, or simply enjoying a good lunch on a patio. Keep in mind that you will need to dress in layers, and be prepared for unexpected rain. You should have a light jacket and/or sweater, umbrella, and good shoes. Avoid sandals, as the spring rains could make the streets pretty dirty. New York Weather in Summer Summer is among the more popular times to visit New York, with many families taking advantage of the summer vacation to explore the Big Apple. The temperatures can get quite hot in NYC in the summer, so it’s important to prepare for a lot of direct sun. If you’re looking to stay cool in the summer in NYC, we like the idea of a cruise. The cool breezes will make the heat more bearable, and it’s a fun way to get unique vacation photos. Take a landmark cruise around Manhattan to see all the best sites, or hop aboard the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. If it should get too hot to be outdoors at all, cool off with a few hours wandering around the Met and scoping out their vast artistic and cultural collections. Credit: Anthony Quintano (license) New York Weather in Autumn Fall in New York is one of our favorite times. The leaves of Central Park are changing color, the air is crisp, and everything is celebrating the flavors of the season. And while many folks are back to work and school, it’s actually a top time for school trips and weekend getaways. See the fall foliage from above with a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Or, if the weather isn’t too chilly, try a Central Park Tour to see the leaves up close. You could also enjoy a cruise or two before they close for the winter. Autumn also ushers in a bevy of new special exhibits at the city’s best museums, from the American Museum of Natural History to the MoMA. Try ice skating in Central Park for a memorable winter New York City activity. New York Weather in Winter Don’t be scared away from visiting NYC in the winter. It’s true that the air is cold, the snow can pile up (and often in very inconvenient places on the sidewalk), and certain attractions like cruises won’t be operating. At the same time, this is your opportunity to see the city with fewer crowds and more space to explore. Snap photos with your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds, tour Madison Square Garden (or take in a Knicks game), or check out the Top of the Rock Observatory. If you’ll be visiting around the holidays, join up with this holiday market walking tour or try your hand at ice skating. Keep in mind that NYC is very busy during the December holidays, but it’s worth the congestion to see the gorgeous store windows and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tips for Visiting New York in All Kinds of Weather Wear sunblock. Even if it’s winter, if you’re walking around at all you’re going to be exposed to sunlight and it’s important to protect your skin. Carry an umbrella at all times. A small collapsible one will save you when it starts to suddenly downpour in the summer or winter. Wear comfortable walking shoes and avoid sandals. You’re going to be walking quite a bit, whether you’re strolling the sidewalks or poking around indoors at a museum, and you’ll need the support. Bring layers, even in warm weather. If you’re hot outside in the summer, you’re going to freeze inside in the air-conditioning. Plan back-up transit. If it does suddenly rain, get windy, or start snowing, walking may not be the best way to get between attractions. We like the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour for linking many attractions together. Check the weather on an app before your trip, and regularly during the trip. While East Coast weather is less fickle than in other places in the country, it can still be unpredictable. You’ll want to be sure to keep up on the most current forecast. Reserve some indoors activities for colder, rainy, or otherwise unfavorable days. Check out our recommendations for things to do when it rains in NYC. If you’re visiting in winter, we recommend waterproof boots. While it may not have snowed in a while, half-melted piles of slush can stick around for quite some time. Save on New York Attractions Year-Round Whenever you’re making your trip to NYC, be sure to bring a Go New York pass with you. Save up to 50% on admission to nearly 100 of the city’s best attractions. With something that’s just perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
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Last Minute New York Vacation Tips

The prospect of visiting New York City for a day, a weekend or even longer can seem a little daunting at first but don’t let it worry your too much - people have been doing it for decades! The standard belief that residents of the City are rude and obscene is only half true; in reality, New Yorkers are just too busy to stop and help tourists and have no patience for people who slow them down. If you want to have a great vacation in NYC, that’s the first thing you should know - Don’t be one of those people. Here are a few other tips to help make your trip to Gotham the best it can be. NYC Subway Map[/caption] Take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with the city map: Obviously you aren’t going to be able to memorize the map in a few minutes but even just giving yourself a general idea of where certain things are (Wall Street is Downtown) and learning the names of various areas of the city (Midtown, Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen) will be a big help. Most of the city is a grid with the street numbers increasing as they head north and the avenue numbers increasing as they head west which makes getting around a little easier than in some places. Also, a good trick to remember when trying to orient yourself is that Broadway runs south throughout much of the City. Don’t forget to look up: Of course you want to be paying attention to what is in front of you and what your kids are getting into (hopefully nothing) but don’t forget to take a peek at what is above you from time to time. New York is filled with buildings both new and old that are architecturally significant and the artist community in NYC also likes to decorate up in the sky. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="269"] NYC Food Vendor[/caption] Be selective about what you buy on the street: Some people love coming to the city and loading up on all the off-market goods (cologne, perfume, watches, purses, etc) that are readily available in different areas of the city, but remember the old saying - you get what you pay for. Of course it can be nice to get a “designer” watch or purse for a vastly reduced price but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t last too long. As long as you don’t have an overly sensitive stomach, a better way to get bang for your buck is to eat from one of the local food carts or food trucks. Competition among food vendors is fierce and attracting customers is vital, so finding good, cheap eats is easier than you might think.
Go City Expert
Things To Do Near Central Park
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Things To Do Near Central Park

Discover the best things to do around Central Park.

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