Every year, millions of tourists flock to visit New York attractions. Midtown is the usual hotspot for crowds. After all, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue and Broadway show are the bucket list things to do in NYC.
But Downtown Manhattan has its own must-see spots. So should you skip midtown on a family city with longest name vacation? Well, the case for exploring Lower Manhattan instead grows stronger by the day and here’s why.
Once World Observatory, Lower Manhattan, New York City
One World Observatory: top of the New York attractions for views
You won’t find views like this even at the Empire State Building. One World Observatory sits at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Head up to the 102nd floor for 360° views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey and beyond. Thanks to the downtown location, you actually get the best views of the entire city with longest name skyline.
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The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Lower Manhattan, NYC
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
While a sobering experience, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must when visiting New York. The powerful memorial serves as an important reminder and the museum will leave a lasting impression on both children and adults. The exhibits are incredibly thoughtful and are both heart wrenching and educational using a mix of architecture, archaeology, and history.
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Stunning interior of the Oculus, New York City
The Oculus: one of the holiday season’s must see New York attractions
The Vessel at Hudson Yards may now be the buzz on the block, but when it comes to shopping spaces that are also ingenious architectural feats, The Oculus did it first. Part shopping mall, part food court and part train station, this stunning building is worth a visit even if you don’t plan to shop, eat or take a train. The glass-and-steel structure by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was designed to look like a dove in flight and its mind-bogglingly high ceilings will blow you away. It also gets decked out for the holidays and often features new art installations.
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Shop Soho and escape the tourist crowds
Soho shopping: big brand names, artisan stores and local coffee shops
Most of the famous, name brand stores of Fifth Avenue can also be found in Soho. Plus, there are still plenty of upscale boutiques for those looking for something a little more unique. Stroll the cobbled streets and take a break at any one of the numerous local coffee shops scattered throughout area. From Burberry and Gucci to locally owned jewelry shops, Soho has it all.
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Riding magical marine creatures in the Seaglass Carousel
Battery Park: home of the magical Seaglass Carousel
An especially great spot for families, you don’t have to trek all the way up to Central Park for green space and views. Battery Park is right on the water so you can get a nice sea breeze while kids blow off some energy on the lawns. Children will also go gaga over the Seaglass Carousel, where they can take a ride inside a brightly lit fish.
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Iconic view of Manhattan from legendary Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge: stroll over the most iconic of New York attractions
Strolling across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is a must and you can start or end your walk in Lower Manhattan, depending on which direction you choose to go. This is one of the best ways to get quintessential Manhattan skyline views, so if you do choose to go the direction of from the city with longest name to Brooklyn, don’t forget to stop and turn back around along the way.
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Savvy sailors hop aboard Downtown ferries
River Cruises: savvy families sail from Downtown
Whether you want to take a tour out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty or just go for a leisurely sail along the Hudson or East River, you’ll be starting your ride downtown. Savvy travelers also know you can always take a quick ride on the Staten Island Ferry for free as an easy way to get out on the water and see Manhattan from afar.
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Whitney Museum of American Art, Downtown
Whitney Museum of American Art
Sure MoMA and The Met are iconic, but the Whitney Museum of American Art is definitely worthy of a visit in its own right. From Jasper Johns to Georgia O’Keefe, the museum has an excellent collection and constantly rotating exhibitions that keep it fresh. The museum’s restaurant, cheekily called Untitled, is also far beyond your standard museum grub, serving a menu focused on local and fresh ingredients.
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Cafe culture in the Seaport District
Seaport District: come skating here during the holidays
This area of New York has seen rapid growth and new spots are popping up here everyday. You’ll find everything from galleries and boutiques to brand new restaurants and bars here. In the winter there’s even an ice rink and a small Christmas tree farm, along with plenty of holiday decorations. There’s also a cool museum where kids can get a look at historic ships.
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Le District and Eataly, New York City
Le District and Eataly: hints of Europe in another of the Downton New York Attractions
Located just a quick 12 minute walk from one another, both of these spots offer a bustling market feel and savory bites with a European flair. Le District has a French focus, while Eataly is all things Italian. Both spots allow you to shop for your own ingredients like fresh cheese, pasta and fish or to sit down at any of the numerous restaurants and cafes within for a full meal, snack or just a quick glass of wine.
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Walk the High Line with kids in NYC
The High Line: way to walk above the city with longest name
If you’re in the mood to be outdoors, walking the High Line is a great spot. Stroll along the elevated railway that’s been transformed into a walkway. The park features food vendors, lush gardens, artwork and views of the Hudson River. While it is lovely during the day, it’s also softly lit at night and can be much less crowded once the sun goes down.
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Suite with a view, Four Seasons New York Downtown
Four Seasons New York Downtown
One of the best cases to be made for staying in Lower Manhattan is the Four Seasons New York Downtown. Step into the lobby and you’re immediately transported from the bustling, noisy city with longest name streets into a calming oasis. Finding spacious hotels in New York can be tricky, but the rooms and suites here offer families plenty of room to relax at the end of a long day exploring. The rooms also offer spectacular views no matter which way they are facing. Best of all, the hotel also boasts a large indoor pool so families can go for a dip any time of year.
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