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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New York in June

Looking for the ultimate summer in New York experience? Wherever your interests may lie, the city is the perfect destination with fantastic activities, spectacular landmarks, and world-class cultural amenities to embrace your sense of wonder and thrill. Head out for a day of kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, enjoy some sweet tunes at the Blue Notes Jazz Festival, or have a blast at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade – this place has it all! Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! With Go City, you can see more, for less. Experience the Culture of the City New York comes alive in the summertime with some great musical events. From June 15th right through to August 15th, audiences can catch contemporary jazz masters doing what they do best, as hosted by the Blue Note Jazz Club. The annual jazz festival features over 80 acts at a variety of city venues, but we think that the best place to hear some tunes is right against the backdrop of Central Park – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. A well-recognized intellectual hub, New York presents a wide array of incredible museums for visitors all year round. Celebrating the city’s rich concentration of culture, the Museum Mile Festival provides the opportunity for visitors to view some of the area’s most revered art and history repositories. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, the block party includes some of the city’s finest institutions, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York. With specialities ranging from modern, contemporary and historic art to Latin American and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. Get the perfect taste of New York from favorite local vendors as you explore the Bronx across the Harlem River. Run by a diverse, female-operated team, the Bronx Night Market seeks to showcase the vibrancy of the area through its food and culture. A total feast for the senses, the event features a broad array of delicious provisions at super affordable prices. Whether you’re more savory or sweet, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! In addition to all the great food, the market also offers some interesting stalls to browse as well as live performances from local musicians. Try Something New Summers in New York can get, shall we say, a little humid? If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, why not try kayaking? Running from the beginning of the month, visitors can head down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse to for a free session. All paddlers are accompanied by friendly watersport experts and provided with proper kayaking equipment to ensure full safety. Granting amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this truly one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! When the summertime rolls around, many of the city’s renowned cultural institutes transform themselves to suit the weather. A cornerstone of New York City culture, the Lincoln Center consolidates art with nature with a number of outside programs. During the month of June, visitors can relax in the outdoor reading room or catch live jazz performances and cabaret concerts under the stars. In addition, the establishment's newly designed park serves as the perfect place for fun and recreation after a busy day’s exploring. One of our favorite things to do for June in New York is head down to Brooklyn to catch the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Eccentric and lively, the event is the country's largest art parade and one of the city's greatest summer events. Bringing together creatives from all over the nation, the festival celebrates ancient mythology whilst serving as a total flourish of self-expression. A must-do for lovers of all things campy, this one-of-a-kind fiesta involves outlandish nautical-themed costumes, huge floats, and fun marching bands. Artsy, exciting, and downright ludicrous - hey, isn’t that what New York City is all about? Get Festive June in New York brings a whole host of fun and festivities. Drawing in tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each year, the city’s pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, head down to Fifth Avenue towards the end of the month to experience the incredible and vibrant parade take to the streets. Complete with rainbow-colored floats, high-spirited dancing and iconic performers, you won’t want to skip this one. Those familiar with New York can attest that the city provides a wide array of fun festivals for visitors throughout the summertime. Kicking off towards the end of the month, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves and celebrating diversity in culture. Perhaps the most conventional way to celebrate the holiday is by rocking up to the Juneteenth NYC, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn each year. In addition, the city hosts many cool and unique ways to celebrate black culture across all five boroughs, including special screenings at the Museum of Moving Image, Broadway productions celebrating black performers, and Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: Block Party. Those who are looking for a fun and affordable ways to experience the city might be interested in the next item on our list. Originally created in the aftermath of 9/11, the River to River Festival was presented with the intention to soothe and celebrate the city’s strength through art. Starting from mid-June, the event features everything from music and dance performances to live installations and screenings. With an incredible atmosphere and so much to see, this one is fun for all the family. New York is what vacation destination dreams are made of. Whether you’re a foodie, an artsy type, or a music lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great things to do in the city. Explore the area to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
dinosaur bones on display
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Lightning Round: Must-See Treasures at New York’s Natural History Gem

Let’s set the scene: you’re standing at the foot of Central Park, eyes on the grand arches of the American Museum of Natural History. The clock is ticking. Maybe your next New York adventure is calling, or perhaps you’re herding excitable kids (or grownups) with limited attention spans. So, how do you squeeze a few million years of natural wonder into a single visit? Don’t stress—we’ve cherry-picked the museum’s can’t-miss attractions so you’ll leave wowed, inspired, and armed with stories to brag about. Whether you crave dinosaurs, galaxies, dazzling gems, or iconic dioramas, you’ll find your moment of “whoa!” in record time.  Here’s what we recommend if you’re visiting the American Museum of Natural History and need to make the most of every second:  The T. rex and Fossil Halls  The Blue Whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life  The Rose Center for Earth and Space  The Hall of Gems and Minerals  The Hall of North American Mammals  The Discovery Room (family-friendly fast fun)  Hayden Big Bang Theater  The Alaskan Brown Bear Diorama  The Moai Cast (Easter Island Statue)  Quick Snack at the Museum Food Courts  2. The Blue Whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life—Dive Under the Sea  Leave the dinosaurs (and their teeth) behind for a wild switch of scenery: the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Here, the showstopper is suspended above your head—a 94-foot-long model of a blue whale so lifelike, you’ll swear it’s swimming straight at you. It’s the kind of moment that makes both grownups and kids freeze, gasp, and immediately whip out cameras.  The room’s immersive lighting and soundscape evoke the ocean’s depths. Walk beneath the whale for the best view—look up, and you’ll see delicate flushes of blue and grey, textured skin, and tiny barnacle scars. The surrounding dioramas hold other sea creatures—glowing jellyfish, drifting squid, toothy sharks—but the whale rules the space.  Even if you’ve got a classic New Yorker’s schedule, this moment delivers: you’ll emerge with newfound respect for Earth’s gentle giants and a sneaky urge to book a whale-watching trip. Bonus—there’s plenty of bench seating for a quick rest break, all while soaking in the seaside atmosphere.  3. The Rose Center for Earth and Space—Touch the Cosmos  Ready to swap time zones for light years? The gleaming glass-and-steel Rose Center for Earth and Space houses a sphere that practically shouts “sci-fi cool.” Inside is the Hayden Planetarium and two floors packed with the story of the universe, from the Big Bang to black holes.  If your minutes are scarce, trace the Cosmic Pathway spiraling around the giant Hayden Sphere. Each step walks you billions of years through cosmic history—supernovas, galaxies, solar systems, and finally, the flicker of life on Earth. The energy in the hall is buzzing, fueled by the epic scope of space and kids daring each other to “touch the moon” (yes, there’s a genuine meteorite slab to do just that).  The planetarium shows are time-dependent, but even without seeing one, the space offers a full-tilt blast of wow factor. Snap some epic photos against the futuristic glass dome. In under 15 minutes, you’ll feel both tiny and cosmic.  4. The Hall of Gems and Minerals—A World That Shines  One of the museum’s most jaw-dropping spaces, the Hall of Gems and Minerals is stunning even if geology isn’t usually your thing. These aren’t standard pebbles—these are kaleidoscopic crystal geodes, sparkling clusters of purple amethyst, and a legendary 563-carat Star of India sapphire. The redesign of the hall keeps the showcase modern and immersive—think mood lighting, up-close displays, and a stroll through earth’s glittering treasures.  Kids love the hands-on “touch table.” Adults can’t resist gawking at the room-sized rotating geode, or the display of meteorites older than humanity. There’s a sense of magic here (and a touch of high-fashion drama); it’s New York’s answer to a million-dollar jewelry store, without the sales pitch.  If your energy is flagging, this gallery provides a calm, almost zen-like reprieve from the city’s chaos—yet you’ll emerge recharged, wishing your souvenir was a quartz boulder. Just remember: photos are encouraged, but licking the gems (tempting, we know) is not.  5. The Hall of North American Mammals—Classic Dioramas for Daydreamers  Part wildlife documentary, part art installation, the Hall of North American Mammals is an AMNH classic since the 1940s. Impeccable dioramas put you nose-to-nose with grizzlies, wolves, elk and more, each frozen in a landscape so vivid you can almost hear the wind rushing through the painted trees.  Every detail in these displays is crafted to perfection. The light shifts; the seasons change; sometimes the animals’ eyes seem to follow you. Families point and giggle at the sneaky bobcats, while nature buffs compete to find the most hidden animals. For a moment, you’re not in New York City but deep in Yellowstone or scaling snowy mountain peaks.  If you’ve got ten minutes, wander the hall slowly, letting your eyes drink in the textures and colors. For film fans—this is the exhibit that inspired those magical scenes in “Night at the Museum.” The nostalgia factor meets pure New York museum magic.  7. Hayden Big Bang Theater—The Universe in Three Minutes  Don’t miss the Hayden Big Bang Theater—located at the base of that epic Hayden Sphere in the Rose Center. Every few minutes, the theater’s doors slide open and guests are swept into a standing, surround-sound cinematic experience where the universe unfolds, literally, beneath your feet.  The curtain rises (or, in this case, the floor descends), and a cosmic story rockets you from the Big Bang through the formation of galaxies, stars, and—finally—life. The immersive visuals and thunderous sound track are pure goosebumps, and the show’s bite-sized—just three minutes long, but packed with “did that really happen?” moments.  If you want to compress 13 billion years into a coffee break, this is your chance. The result? You’ll walk out marveling at how you’re both ancient stardust and part of something impossibly huge.  8. The Alaskan Brown Bear Diorama—The Museum’s Wildest Residents  If you feel drawn to dramatic animal encounters, make a beeline for the Hall of North American Mammals’ famous Alaskan brown bear diorama. It’s legendary for a reason: two massive grizzly bears rising to full height, claws extended, with a salmon-studded river behind them.  The artistry in this exhibit is next-level—fur, claws, even the glint in the bears’ eyes. The whole scene is packed with tension, as if the bears might leap down at any second. It’s wild drama without danger, plus a powerful reminder of the epic scale of America’s wilderness.  Why do we keep coming back? It captures something primal—adrenaline paired with a hint of childlike awe. Everyone pauses here, exchanging grins or wide-eyed glances. It’s a must-see for a photo (and a fake-roar selfie).  9. The Moai Cast (Easter Island Statue)—Face to Face with Ancient Mysteries  Most people recognize these giant stone heads from the movies, but nothing prepares you for the real deal: the museum’s towering cast of a Moai from Easter Island. Tucked in the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples, this solemn, enigmatic statue stands guard over his domain, sparking endless questions about vanished cultures and ancient mysteries.  The Moai’s serene expression and commanding presence make it a striking, strangely calming spot to pause. Gaze up, and let your thoughts wander to volcanic islands, lost rituals, and the ingenuity of early explorers. Kids love to mimic the statue’s “serious” face, while grown-ups ponder the intellectual thrill of standing so close to such tangible human history.  You won’t need long. This stop is a perfect breather between animal adventures and cosmic journeys. The hall’s other displays—canoes, masks, ceremonial items—round out the experience, but the Moai rules the room.  10. Quick Snack at the Museum Food Courts—Refuel Like a Pro  Even seasoned sightseers know: museum visits build up an appetite. When speed is your goal, grab a coffee and snack at one of AMNH’s food courts or cafes. The fourth-floor Café on 4 is a favorite for families, featuring hearty sandwiches, pasta, sushi, and treats that refuel both picky eaters and adults.  If you’re moving fast, snag a chocolate chip cookie (the bakery churns out thousands daily), or cool off with a fruit cup or lemonade. Window seating offers sweeping views of the park—or prime people-watching opportunities to scope out fellow explorers’ finds.  The atmosphere is buzzy but relaxed. With plenty of quick-serve options and barista-brewed favorites, you’ll head back into the galleries feeling restored and ready for whatever fossil, gem, or star comes next.  Quick Round Up: New York in an Afternoon? Doable.  We’re the first to admit: you could spend days lost in the wonders of the American Museum of Natural History. But if time’s precious—or you’re juggling a busy city schedule—each of these moments gives you a perfect taste of “wow” without the stress. Whether it’s a selfie with a giant T. rex, quiet awe beneath the blue whale, or daydreaming under the lights of distant galaxies, you’ll leave knowing you’ve squeezed a world of adventure into just a few fast-paced hours.  And when you step back into the buzzing city, don’t be surprised if you catch yourself muttering cool dino facts or scanning the sky for shooting stars. That’s the AMNH effect. It sticks with you—until next time.    Enjoyed this? Check out the city’s best historical sites, and make it a long weekend with our 4 day itinerary.    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! 
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New York Explorer Pass Itinerary

Did you know you can save up to 43% with an Explorer Pass?  If you visited the below 5 attractions without our pass, you'd spend $279.09. With our Explorer Pass, it's only $159.  That's a total saving of $120.09. Read on for some NYC inspiration and discover how you can save on your sightseeing. Choice 1: Empire State Building Where better to have that “Oh my gosh, I’m in New York” moment than at the tip-top of the world’s most famous skyscraper? Before heading to the observation deck to recreate that perfect Sleepless in Seattle moment (or King Kong impression, we ain’t going to judge), be sure to take some time to peruse the Empire State’s indoor galleries, which document the history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark. Price without an Explorer Pass: $51.17 Choice 2: Big Bus Hop on Hop off 1-Day Classic Ticket Have you ever heard public transport being described as enjoyable? Skip the cramped subway (sometimes it's not better to do as the locals do!) and get comfy on a Big Bus tour. With two routes to choose from, it's easy to hit up all the must-see NYC spots including Times Square, Wall Street, Little Italy and SoHo. Get on and off as much as you wish, or just sit back and tune in to their digital commentary - it's a great way to learn all about The Big Apple! Price without an Explorer Pass: $80 Choice 3: Edge Can you ever really ever get bored of gazing over Manhattan from high above? Probably not. But, if you’re looking to make your skyscraper experience even more exciting, Edge is probably the place to go. Travel 100-stories high and take in those views from its tilted glass walls. They'll make you feel like you're literally, well, er, on the edge. You can also test your vertigo with a stroll across their glass-bottomed deck. Price without an Explorer Pass: $50.08 Choice 4: Central Park Bike Tour We don't know if you've heard, but Central Park is quite big. So biking is definitely a good option for exploring it. Better yet, take this bike tour from Unlimited Biking. Not only will you stop off at the park's most famous spots, but you'll also learn all about the park's history from your local guide. Notable spots you'll visit include Strawberry Fields, Belvedere Castle and Shakespeare Garden. Price without an Explorer Pass: $56.84 Choice 5: Circle Line NYC Landmarks Cruise Did somebody say photo op!? Take to the water for a close-up look at Lady Liberty along with plenty of other famous landmarks on the Best of NYC Cruise. Onboard tour guides will give you a heads up when you're about to pass another unmissable view, so you can just sit back and take in the sights with ease.  Price without an Explorer Pass: $41 By visiting these 5 attractions with an Explorer Pass, you'll have saved 43% on your sightseeing. So, what you waiting for? It's time to get planning that NYC adventure now! We calculate our savings by comparing the Go City price to the combined normal ticket values - these were last updated on April 1, 2023.
Katie Waller

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