Lower Manhattan, Chelsea, Koreatown and Midtown West: four of Manhattan’s most-visited neighborhoods are positively brimming with must-see sights and can’t-miss attractions. Wondering where to start? See our recommendations below, along with short videos from content creator Laura Peruchi, covering all the major highlights.
Lower Manhattan
The Oculus. Photo: Brittany Petronella
Why You Should Visit: The narrow southern tip of Manhattan affords the opportunity to explore everything from the Financial District to the Seaport all in the same day.
Don’t Miss:
● One World Observatory: SkyPod elevators go up 102 stories in 47 seconds, taking you to the highest viewpoint in the City. Take in breathtaking 360-degree panoramas and complete your visit with your pick of contemporary American dishes and a handcrafted cocktail at One Dine.
● Shop at Brookfield Place and the Oculus: Brookfield Place features dozens of luxury brands, along with 20 or so places to eat including a Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and the 30,000-square-foot French marketplace Le District. Centered around the Oculus of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, the Westfield World Trade Center has many additional shops like upscale clothing retailers, cafés and, of course, the markets and restaurants of Eataly.
● Wall Street: The historic street holds the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall, the site of George Washington’s inauguration. Nearby are other major attractions, including the Charging Bull sculpture and Trinity Church.
● African Burial Ground National Monument: Located on the site where hundreds of 17th- and 18th-century Africans were buried in an unmarked cemetery, this memorial shines a light on the role slavery played in building New York City, and offers tours, educational exhibits and moving live events. Note: certain outdoor features of the memorial are temporarily closed.
● 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Spend some time above ground at the memorial’s reflecting pools, located within the footprints of the former Twin Towers, and consider booking an Early Access Museum Tour, an intimate experience available before the site opens to the public.
● The Seaport: On the banks of the East River, this neighborhood is a waterfront wonderland of shopping, dining and learning. Among the highlights: free tours of the permanently moored 1885 tall ship Wavertree and culinary adventures at the new Tin Building, courtesy of chef-restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Where to Stay:
Conrad New York Downtown. This all-suite hotel features 463 luxury rooms. A true urban oasis, the Conrad is perfect for both business guests and vacationing visitors.
Chelsea
Photo: Joe Buglewicz
Why You Should Visit: Bustling with galleries, restaurants and some of the best people-watching in the City, Chelsea has much to recommend it. Plus, it’s just a hop and a skip from the scenes and sounds of neighborhoods like the Flatiron District, NoMad and Gramercy.
Don’t Miss:
● Harry Potter New York: An unforgettable immersive experience for fans of the Wizarding World, the official flagship store holds the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof.
● Poster House: At the first museum in the US dedicated exclusively to posters, you can check out their shop. It sells a wide variety of original posters, from beloved vintage classics to fresh-off-the-press contemporary designs.
● Fotografiska: Located within a landmark building constructed in 1894, this inspiring and eclectic museum holds exhibits of boundary-pushing photography plus an epicurean dining experience.
● Gotham Comedy Club: Gaffigan, Chappelle, Schumer, Silverman, Seinfeld, Hart—those are the kinds of comedy legends who have launched their careers or graced the stage at this renowned venue.
● Madison Square Park: Take a stroll in the cool shade, have a picnic in the lush grassy area, watch the pups play at the spacious dog run and cross the street for the perfect view of the Flatiron Building.
Where to Stay:
Motto by Hilton. This majestic 42-story Chelsea hotel has dozens of incredible eateries, bars, museums and shops just steps from its doors.
Koreatown
Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet
Why You Should Visit: This neighborhood, at the southern end of Midtown Manhattan, is situated near some of the most iconic sights and sounds in the City.
Don’t Miss:
● Empire State Building: With 360-degree views of the city that stretch 80 miles and showcase attractions like Central Park and One World Trade, the Empire State Building and its observation decks provide visitors an essential NYC experience.
● Macy’s on 34th Street: At over a million square feet, the world’s largest department store offers a first-class selection of top fashion brands.
● Madison Square Garden: The “World’s Most Famous Arena” has hosted illustrious performers, athletes and speakers from all around the world. Check out a show or a game at the Garden during your stay.
● Bryant Park and the New York Public Library: In the summer, Bryant Park puts on free outdoor movie nights, and in winter it features a skating rink and one of the City’s most popular holiday markets. All year round, you can check out concerts, the carousel and the New York Public Library’s flagship location, adjacent to the park.
● Koreatown: K-town is the City’s premier destination for karaoke, bubble tea, Korean barbecue—and has tons of places for visitors to satisfy their K-pop and K-beauty cravings.
Where to Stay:
Martinique New York on Broadway. Designated as one of the Historic Hotels of America, Martinique New York on Broadway is the perfect hub for all your adventures.
Midtown West
Photo: Kate Glicksberg
Why You Should Visit: Rockefeller Center. The Museum of Modern Art. Central Park on your doorstep. Need we say more? There’s nothing like the urban majesty of the City’s center.
Don’t Miss:
● Broadway: Grab tickets to a long-running hit, a bold new musical or a rousing drama—it’ll be a highlight of your trip.
● Central Park: This world-famous, 843-acre scenic retreat offers rolling meadows, peaceful bodies of water and stunning vistas—not to mention concerts, a zoo and almost any outdoor activity you can think of.
● Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Radio City Music Hall: Rockefeller Center offers three sky-high observation decks with far-reaching views and outdoor space. Back on the ground, and just around the corner, you’ll find Radio City Music Hall, home to the Rockettes.
● Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): One of the largest, most influential and most visited museums of modern art in the world, MoMA is home to an extensive collection and rotating exhibits that feature world-renowned paintings, sculpture and so much more.
● Fifth Avenue Shopping and St. Patrick’s Cathedral: The main artery of the City’s shopping scene has something for high-end fashionistas and bargain hunters alike. Also on Fifth: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, an architectural marvel and home to a massive 7,855-pipe organ.
● The Shops at Columbus Circle: Multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, plus the hottest retailers in fashion, home decor and wellness—these shops have it all.
● Dizzy’s Club: With 140 seats, Dizzy’s is Lincoln Center’s intimate hub for incredible music and sophisticated soul, plus magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park.
Where to Stay:
New York Hilton Midtown. Location, location, location—this fantastic hotel is within five blocks of MoMA, Central Park and Rockefeller Center.
In the mood to book an NYC getaway? View all New York Hilton Hotels by clicking here.
