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 vacation? Well, the case for exploring Lower Manhattan instead grows stronger by the day and here’s why.
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 skyline.
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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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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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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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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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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 to Brooklyn, don’t forget to stop and turn back around along the way.