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- New York's Busiest Borough: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Manhattan & Things To Do There
Manhattan is often the first destination within New York City that visitors head to—and it’s often the busiest of the city’s five boroughs.
As a major financial and commerce hub, with various neighborhoods and world-famous landmarks, out-of-towners can come across many places in Manhattan for sightseeing, dining, and shopping. Here’s an introductory travel guide to Manhattan.
UPDATE: 2023/07/17 20:17 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA
New York's Busiest Borough: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Manhattan & Things To Do There
There's more to do in Manhattan; this guide has been updated with more activities and attractions to see while traveling in Manhattan, New York.
Things To Do In Manhattan
While Manhattan has much to offer visitors, here are a few must-dos.
1 Go To Broadway Play Or Musical
Attending a Broadway show is a must, as many musicals and plays are put on at theaters within or off Times Square. Hot tickets can extend to “Hamilton,” “Wicked” and “Six: The Musical.”
Learn more about the history of theater in NYC at The Museum of Broadway, also located in Times Square. Then spend some time in Times Square, a major tourist attraction.
The Museum of Broadway tells of the history of theater in New York City through a timeline of events and then rooms full of props, costumes, and other memorabilia from groundbreaking musical and drama productions.
- Admission: Starting at $29 with a flexible entry admission at $29
- Address: 145 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
2 Visit A Museum
Manhattan’s museums center on art, history, and other interesting topics.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Travelers can spend a whole day at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, whose collection holds over 5,000 years of art from around the world.
It is located along Fifth Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in “Museum Mile” which includes El Museo del Barrio, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
- Admission: $30 for adults; $22 for seniors; $17 for students; New York State residents and New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut students pay as they wish
- Address:1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Whitney Museum of American Art
- Admission: Tickets start at $25 for adults and $18 for seniors, students, and visitors with a disability. Museum admission is Pay What You Wish on Fridays, 7–10 pm.
- Address: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014
Museum of Modern Art
- Admission: Tickets start at $25 for adults and $18 for seniors and visitors with a disability, and $14 for students with an ID.
- Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side has an incredible dinosaur wing; it’s across the street from the New York Historical Society.
- Admission: $28 adults, $22 students with ID and seniors, and $16 children ages 3-12. Pay as you wish for New York, New Jersey or Connecticut residents.
- Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Tenement Museum
On the Lower East Side, the Tenement Museum is inside a real-life tenement that tells the stories of the people who once lived here.
- Admission: Starting at $30
- Address: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
3 Head To An Observation Deck
See New York City differently from up above. Presently, Manhattan has five year-round observation decks. Each has a different take on the city skyline.
The Empire State Building is the long timer of this bunch, as this landmark NYC skyscraper has both its original 86th-floor observatory and 102nd-floor observatory. The building also has exhibition spaces highlighting different periods of its history since its opening in 1931.
Top of the Rock, which is positioned 70 floors above Rockefeller Center, has three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks.
Beginning in February 2023, the mezzanine level and the observation decks will be under construction, but the venue will remain open.
Located between the 100th and 102nd floors of the One World Trade Center, One World Observatory offers views from an indoor climate-controlled space. There’s also a restaurant, ONE Dine, and bar, ONE Mix, on the 101st floor, with New York-inspired menus.
Located at Hudson Yards, The Edge is said to be the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. It is suspended over 1,100 feet up with 7,500 square feet of outdoor space. Its glass floor has visitors looking 100 stories down, while angled glass walls lean over the city. There's also the opportunity to scale the outside of this skyscraper, then lean out and look down.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt opened in 2021 and puts a spin on the meaning of an observance deck, and is described as a three-level multisensory art immersion. On the 91st floor, visitors encounter an exhibit called Air by Kenzo Digital Air, which comprises multiple rooms; one of which has floating balloon-like orbs.
Then on the 92nd floor, there’s a glass-bottom ledge extending 1,100 feet over Madison Avenue. On the 93rd floor, there’s a Nordic-themed café and a glass-bottom exterior elevator.
Empire State Building
- Admission: Starting at $44 adults, $38 children, and $42 seniors
- Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Top of the Rock
- Admission: Tickets start with general admission at $40 adults, $34 children, and $38 seniors
- Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
One World Observatory
Admission: Ticket levels start at $43 for general admission.
- Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006
The Edge
- Admission: Ticket levels start at general admission at adults (online, $38, in person, $40), children (online, $33, in person, $35) and seniors (online, $36, onsite, $38)
- Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
- Admission: Ticket levels start $39 for general admission.
- Address: 45 E 42nd St., New York, NY 10017
4 Visit A Park
Made famous in movies and on TV, Central Park is one of Manhattan’s top attractions. It sits in the middle of the Upper East and Upper West sides and is home to a zoo, various statues and gardens, a castle, bridges, and meadows. While many wander around the park on their own, guided walks led by park staff are held regularly.
Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is smaller than most NYC parks, but it has the famous Washington Square Arch and is based near much of the neighborhood’s activity.
Bryant Park, right behind the New York Public Library, holds events such as an annual holiday market with an ice skating rink and a movie night series in the summer.
The High Line is a public green space on what was once a freight rail line with its direction going to and from the Chelsea/Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. Riverside Park is on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and had a scene in the film You’ve Got Mail.
5 Explore The Lively Times Square
Times Square is the city's holy grail for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Teeming with wacky street performers, high-end shopping venues, vibrant bars, and trendy restaurants, the area is a top tourist magnet and the epicenter of all the action in Manhattan.
Flashy lights and giant billboards highlight the perimeter and people from all walks of life interact here while performing on the street, selling hot dogs, or admiring the shiny scene, culminating in a cultural boiling pot like no other. For a first-timer, this promises to be a thrilling experience that epitomizes life in the Big Apple.
While Times Square will never disappoint, vacationers will get the full experience at night, when the sparkly neon ads take over and entertainment venues come to life.
6 Catch The Best Show At Madison Square Garden
Aptly nicknamed the "Mecca," Madison Square Garden is a premier entertainment venue in Manhattan's downtown. It is where city folk converge to enjoy various live shows, from professional sports to music concerts.
Home to the New York Rangers of the NHL and New York Knicks of the NBA, MSG hosts thrilling hockey and basketball games with a carnival atmosphere in one of America's most iconic stadia.
The arena also doubles up as a concert venue, with big names like Billy Joel headlining the show, and stages the top boxing bouts in the nation. As such, The Garden is the perfect place to encounter and brush shoulders with the crème de la crème of the entertainment world.
While Madison Square Garden is famous for its entertainment, it also boasts a captivating history that visitors can learn about by taking a behind-the-scenes guided tour.
7 Check Out The Opulence Of 5th Avenue
Also known as Millionaire's Row, 5th Avenue is a prominent street in Manhattan stretching from Washington State Park to West 143rd Street in Harlem. It is lined with some of the city's top real estate, including glamorous Gilded Age Mansions, luxury shopping stores, and world-class museums.
The department stores in the area are famous for their amazing window displays, which attract shoppers and admirers in droves. Guests will come across top brands like Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, and Bergdorf Goodman while exploring the busy Millionaire's Row.
Because of the numerous stores dotting it, 5th Avenue can easily become a trap for shopping enthusiasts. Tourists are advised to carry their credit cards and brace for impulsive buys.
8 Marvel At The St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral is an imposing and fantastic sight that leaves many first-timers in awe. The iconic church in Manhattan spots a Neo-Gothic architectural design that stands out in the city's skyline. Gigantic bronze doors, an exquisite high altar, and hundreds of stained windows highlight its intricate construction.
Besides its incredible architecture, St. Patrick's Cathedral holds a rich historical value dating back to the 1800s when it was established, hence it is a top destination for Catholic pilgrims. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, putting it among the most iconic churches in America and a more-than-worthy stop for sightseers.
9 Remember The 2001 Bombing Victims At The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a site of reflection that commemorates a tragic yet important time in America's history. It was built to honor the lives of those who perished in the Twin Towers attack in 2001 and the 1993 bombing, some of the country's most tragic terrorist attacks.
Inside the museum, guests can explore more than 58,000 photos, videos, audio recordings, and other exhibits that tell the story of the unfortunate incident, including a serving staircase taken from the Twin Towers.
At the memorial, the names of 2,983 victims of the attack are inscribed on bronze plaques for visitors to pay their last respects.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 9/11 Memorial (Daily 8 am-8 pm), 9/11 Museum (Weds-Mon 9 am -7 pm)
While the 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers tourists a chance to pay tribute to the victims, they should note that the photos and displays can be too emotional and overwhelming for some.
10 Get A Taste Of Chinese Culture In Chinatown
Chinatown is one f the most interesting places in Manhattan as it hosts the largest concentration of Chinese-descent individuals in the Western Hemisphere. And while more than 50 American cities have their own Chinatown districts, Manhattan's is probably the most prominent.
For a moment, tourists will feel like they are in actual China thanks to the numerous produce markets, food stalls, grocery stores, and noodle houses dotting the streets. This is also an excellent opportunity to sample Chinese culture by trying sumptuous cuisine like dim sum and buying awesome souvenirs from the unique gift shops.
Just next to Chinatown is Little Italy, another interesting neighborhood worth exploring. This is another chance to experience authentic Italian culture through religious festivals, cultural events, and Italian cuisine
11 What To Know When Visiting
Some of the best resource guides on Manhattan are local newspapers, video and online blogs, and NYC & Company, the city’s tourism board.
The first thing to know when visiting Manhattan is to understand how to get around. Geographically, much of Manhattan goes by what’s known as the Grid. Established by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811, in response to the city’s swelling growth of population, the Grid is a layout plan that was developed going northward, from above Houston Street to then 155th Street.
It works like this. Manhattan’s avenues run north (uptown) to south (downtown) and streets run east to west (crosstown). The middle portion of Manhattan is generally referred to as Midtown.
Most of the streets are numbered, with 1st avenue starting on the east side of Manhattan and then ascending as they go to the west side (which ends with 12th avenue) or uptown.
Exceptions include cross streets such as Broadway and Columbus, Lexington, Park, and Madison avenues.
6th Avenue is more so referred to as the Avenue of the Americas. Before 14th Street, streets go more by names and can be routed differently.
12 Best Time To Go
Autumn is probably one of the most beautiful times to visit Manhattan, as the season ushers in events such as the Village Halloween Parade and New York Comic Con and fall foliage. Yet the most famous time to visit Manhattan is around the holiday season, to view the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and other festively decorated venues.
Winter can slow the pace of Manhattan down, where there are various tourism promotions to encourage more foot traffic. However, it's best to dress in layers as temperatures can vary.
Summer is often a busy season, but the weather gets pretty hot and humid. Crowds can gather for Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular or wait in line for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre.
Usually, January and February are wintry cold months, but they could be cost-saving. During this time of year, special discount promotions can be offered through NYC & Company, the city’s tourism board, or special rates offered through hotels.
13 Best Ways To Get Around
There are a number of ways to get around Manhattan. Walking is often a top option but taxicabs and Uber are other alternatives. Citi Bike, a bike rental share program, is another choice but taking public transit is very common.
Run by MTA, New York City’s subway treks all around Manhattan. This underground transit network encompasses stops at stations placed throughout the borough.
Now through at least 2024, the MTA MetroCard can be used as a tender for entering the subway system, only requiring a single swipe; as of January 2023, the cost is $2.75, but it is subject to increase.
If buying a new MetroCard, there is an additional $1 fee on top of the pay-per-ride amount purchased, but the card can be reused and refilled.
The MTA has begun implementing OMNY, a contactless payment system that works by tapping a credit or debit card or smart device with a digital wallet onto a reader. It charges the same current fare price.
Each subway line has a color-coded letter or number with specific routes; some intertwine with others. While their set routes are displayed on maps, they can be altered at times because of required track maintenance, weekend and holiday schedules, or sudden changes.
Use Google Maps and refer to MTA Weekender for mapping out and checking the status of subway routes. MTA also runs the public bus system, which also takes OMNY and MetroCard.
14 Where To Stay In Manhattan
From high-end hotels, to major hotel chains, to boutique properties, Manhattan has many lodging options.
Some visitors may choose to stay in Midtown, due to its proximity to Grand Central Terminal and other major spots, but consider staying in another Manhattan neighborhood to get a different perspective. Here are some of the top-ranked hotels in Manhattan.
Budget Accommodations
- Address: 230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022
- Amenities: Outdoor garden and rooftop deck. Note that some rooms have private bathrooms, but there are multiple shared bathrooms on every floor.
- Address: 570 Tenth Ave at W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
- Amenities: Hip atmosphere, rooftop restaurant and fitness center.
Mid-level Accommodations
- Address: 2130 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
- Amenities: Located near Upper West Side attractions including Central Park, Beacon Theatre, the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center.
The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Address: 511 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017
- Amenities: On-site Starbucks, bar, fitness center and pet-friendly rooms.
Luxury Accommodations
- Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
- Amenities: On-site salon services, fitness center, dog-friendly, 24-hour laundry and dry cleaning and “Only At The Palace” experiences.
- Address: 438 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001
- Amenities: Lobby bar, on-site restaurant, concierge team and a 24/7 Fitness Center and Movement Studio.
15 Manhattan's Best Eateries
Dining in Manhattan can please any appetite, with NYC classics, fine dining, cuisines from cultures all over the world, or trendy dishes.
Newcomers and longtime establishments round out this mix. Most may require advanced reservations that can be done via their website or booking services such as OpenTable or Resy.
Bagels
Start your morning with a bagel with schmear from popular bagel shops such as Ess-a-Bagel, Murray’s Bagels, Black Seed Bagels, and Tompkins Square Bagels.
Pizza
Pizza is synonymous with NYC with places to order from subject to preference. Depending on where travelers go, they can order slices and/or whole pies. High-ranking spots in Manhattan include Prince Street Pizza, Joe’s Pizza, Rubirosa, Lombardi’s, Pronto’s, and John’s Of Bleecker Street.
Delis
Delis are an NYC institution, serving specialties such as pastrami on rye and egg creams. While Katz’s Delicatessen is on many a visitor’s list, other good Manhattan delis include Sarge’s and 2nd Avenue Deli.
Longtime Establishments
Manhattan has the oldest restaurants in New York City. They include Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan, whose roots go back to the time of the American Revolutionary War; Delmonico's, within the Financial District and with past customers including Mark Twain; Old Homestead, the longest continuing operating steakhouse in America; and PJ Clarke's, which was founded in 1884.
Also within this list, Keen's Steakhouse has some interesting decor. Its ceiling is adorned with clay smoking pipes belonging to their club members.
Food Halls
Food halls are also a popular trend. Among them, Chelsea Market is the former location of the Nabisco Cookie Company. This one-time factory now holds various eateries and retail businesses.
Other Manhattan food halls include Urban Hawker, Essex Street Market, the Market Line, The Hugh, Urbanspace at 570 Lex, Mott Street Eatery, and Tin Building by Jean-Georges.
16 Popular Neighborhoods In Manhattan
Manhattan consists of many neighborhoods varying in what they’re known for. Most can be reached by subway along with a bus, cab, and Uber.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood with tea shops, bakeries, grocery markets, and restaurants and eateries reflecting the diversity of Asian cuisines such as Cantonese. Try dumplings, dim sum, Peking duck, steamed rice rolls, congee, and pork buns.
Suggested spots include Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Hop Kee, Mott Street Eatery, and the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. It’s also the location of the Lunar New Year Parade, which rings in this holiday season.
Lower East Side
The Lower East Side was once home to arriving immigrants and has become a trendy neighborhood known for hip restaurants and cool street art.
Much of its history relating to those of the Jewish faith who came to reside in the Lower East Side is still prominent at Russ & Daughters, a Jewish appetizing store that also has a separate café, and Yonah Schimmel’s Knishery, which is known for their knishes.
Other places to see include Economy Candy, Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, Dirty Candy, and Essex Market.
Harlem
Harlem is rich in Black history, which can be experienced in many ways. Attend a performance at the Apollo Theater or visit the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture. The Abyssinian Baptist Church permits the public to attend a worship service but note to dress modestly and practice respectful observance.
Try soul food at Sylvia’s Restaurant, Melba’s, Amy Ruth’s, or, for vegans, Seasoned Vegan. Another famous Harlem restaurant is Red Rooster Harlem by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Jazz clubs are also popular such as Bill’s Place and Minton's Playhouse.
SoHo
SoHo is a trendy shopping neighborhood, but it also has incredible cast iron buildings and art galleries.
East Village
The East Village has a gritty legacy yet it’s seen as a cool place to be. Popular spots in East Village include McSorley’s Old Ale House, Death & Company, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and Book Club Bar.
Little Italy
Little Italy gives off a touristy vibe but crowds still come out every September for the Feast of San Gennaro Festival. Travelers can also still find old-school Italian dining at Benito One, Umberto’s Clam House, and Lunella. After dinner, buy a cannoli from Ferrara or Caffe Palermo.
17 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Manhattan
The perfect day in Manhattan comes down to what travelers most enjoy about the city. Heading over to the Empire State Building for a tour is probably a must for most visitors, especially those on their first trip to New York.
But some adventurers may want to spend a meandering afternoon in Central Park, while others will want to sample breakfast, lunch, and dinner at restaurants that can hold their own against Brooklyn's offerings.
Whatever visitors decide to do, the memories are well worth planning a vacation to Manhattan.
FAQ
Q: Is Manhattan Safe?
As with any major city, crime can occur. In Manhattan, it’s best to stay aware of one's surroundings and safeguard valuables. Avoid appearing 'touristy' (carrying valuables, for example), travel in groups at night, and avoid taking the subway late at night.
Q: How can I save money while seeing Manhattan?
Manhattan can be expensive, but here are some money-saving tips.
- With eating out, look for specials or go during happy hours for discounts on food and drink. Drug stores can also help with saving money on beverages such as bottled water. Lunch is often a good time to dine as combination orders can be filling but easier on the wallet.
- Certain foods can be more wallet-friendly such as a slice of pizza or a serving of dumplings or empanadas, or consider shopping at a grocery store with pre-made meals. In the winter and summer months, NYC Restaurant Week has restaurants offering pre-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus that often include three courses. They can include ones in Manhattan as well as in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
- Most restaurants can take debit and credit cards yet some businesses may require a spending minimum. With popular restaurants, book reservations in advance directly with them or via booking sites such as OpenTable or Resy.
- As for museums and other public venues, read up on their visitor hours and policies beforehand; some may be closed on certain days. Some may have pay-as-you-wish admission at times or free admission days. The New York City CityPASS offers savings on admission to the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and other top NYC attractions.
Q: What is Manhattan NY known for?
Manhattan is known for its culture, entertainment, and art. Highlights include immersive art experiences, great food (including gelato), and dives into history—like the Manhattan Project.