In addition to being the home of one of the world's most important financial centers, Lower Manhattan contains many of New York's top attractions and historic sights, including South Street Seaport, the World Trade Center, and Battery Park, from where you can take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It is perhaps the best place to start a sightseeing tour of the city.

Originally inhabited by the Iroquois and Algonquin Indians, Manhattan was named New Amsterdam by the Dutch who settled here in the 17th century. In 1653, a wall was built along the northern boundary of the settlement in order to keep its citizens sage from wilderness and warring Indians beyond.

Today, Wall Street as it came to be known, is the heart of the financial district. The winding streets of the Old Dutch town can still be traced among the looming skyscrapers of the modern metropolis. Under British rule, the landscape of Lower Manhattan came to resemble the parks and squares of London. Many of these, such as Bowling Green still remain - though the surronding fence, which still stands, is no longer topped with English royal crowns.

As the nations first capital, post-revolutionary New York was the seat of government and Lower Manhattan held its courts and government offices. General George Washington, the nations first president, took his oath of office in a building on Wall Street which is now Federal Hall National Memorial. Nearby Faunces Tavern Museum is the site of the farwell speech he mad to his officers.

North of the Financial District, Manhattan's Civic Center comprises the courthouses and offices of local, state and federal government. Its focal point, City Hall, was built in 1812 an since that time has been the site of many political protests and demonstrations.
Also in City Hall Park is the infamous Old New York Courthouse. Begun in 1862 and not finished until a decade later, it is better known as the "Tweed Courthouse". Legend has it that Boss Tweed, leader of the political faction Tammany Hall, corruptly pocketed $10 million of the $14 million dollars alloted to pay for its construction.

Overlooking City Hall, the much larger Municipal Building houses government offices of all kinds, including the marriage bureau. At the foot of this imposing building lies the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge and its pedestrian walkway. Further South, Park Row which was once dubbed "Newspaper Row", was the hub of the early 19th-century daily newspaper business. It was also the home of P.T. Barnums American Museum until it burned down in 1865. In the 19th century, South Street Seaport was the heart of the maritime trade. After a period of decline, it has now been delightfully restored as a seaport village, complet with 19th- and early 20th-century buildings and tall ships moored in the harbor. Nearby, Hanover Square was once the home of the English pirate William Kidd, better known as Captain Kidd.

North of Battery Park, at the North Cove Marina on the Hudson River, you can see yachts from all around the world docked in front of the World Financial Center. This steel and glass structure rises to spectacular heights, allowing sunlight to illuminate the palm trees, marble piazza and grand staircase of its interior, a shopping arcade known as the Wintergarden Atrium.

Lower Manhattan is known throughout New York as "downtown", and is possibly where the comment police officials around the country got stating "...we need to take you Downtown". Mainly because in New York, that is where all the government offices and police headquarters is. Lower Manhattan is filled with many of the decision making companies, and million-dollar fortune makers can be seen exited cabs and walking the streets south of Chambers Street and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was presented to the people of the United States by the people of France in 1886, as a symbol of friendship between the nations. Today, it is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom.

Situated on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty rests on an 89-foot granite pedestal and rises a total of 151 feet from base to torch. Lady Liberty herself is more than 111 feet tall, and her index finger alone is eight feet long. Her steel framework and copper shell weigh a hefty 225 tons.
At the time of dedication, the statue was the tallest structure in New York. Today, she is dwarfed by the 110-story World Trade Center which is clearly visible from Liberty Island.

Although, the torch is no longer accessible to visitors, you can go to the crown by climbing the 354 steps from the bottom of the monument. Alternatively, there is an elevator that takes you to a panoramic observation deck near the top of the pedestal.
Inside the statue's base, there is an exhibit which chronicals her extraordinary creation and history, including the unique fund-raising efforts which make the monument a gift which is trully "from the people".

The story of the Statue of Liberty began at a small dinner party in 1865. The host was Edouard Rene Lefebvre de Laboulaye, leader of the French "liberals" - a political group established to promote a republican government based on America's constitution.

The Statue of Liberty is accessed via Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The ferry runs from the point of departure to the statue and then continues to Ellis Island. Tickets for the ferry are purchased in Castle Clinton, on the northwest corner of Battery Park. Castle Clinton still holds its look of a 19th-century fortress used to protect intruders from entering New York (then called New Amsterdam). Statue Visitors get to experience some of New Yorks most unique entertainment while waiting for the ferries, put on by street entertainers working solely for your enjoyment. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry provide a fantastic view back on lower Manhattan while traveling across New York Harbor to the monuments. The ride is suprisingly calm and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to the Statue and 5 minutes between the two attractions.
Once on Liberty Island, visitors can explore the entire island containing not only the statue itself, but several trails and attractions about the Statue's history and the City itself. Spectacular views abound of New York, Ellis Island, New Jersey, the famous Staten Island Ferry and much more. If you decide its time to head to the statue, be prepared. Lines form on each side of the promenade leading into the Statues base, usually waits of 30-40 minutes can be expected to get into the statue itself. Here visitors can peer through more hands-on and visual attractions about the island and the Statue. Visitors have a choice of where they would like to go. The pedestal of the statue rests approximately 45 feet above the promenade, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding island, harbor, and New York. It is an alternative to climbing the 354 stairs to the Statues crown. But if you are determined to see what millions see each year from the ladies' notorious crown, prepare to wait possibly 1-2 hours from the pedestal.The stairs up the Statue of Liberty start big, but half way turn into a tight, spiral staircase. Visitors find this to be worth their while when they reach the top of the statue. For those of you that can take the walk, and waiting, its a must see. The ladies crown offers spectacular views from a much higher level than the pedestal (about 120 feet). From this height, it presents an entirely different perspective on the city and its history.
From here, the visitors once back in the promenade, can venture back to shore, or stop by Ellis Island enroute. Ellis Island was the center of attention in the late 19th-century and early 20th-century, being the hub of Immigration. Here all immigrants came through to access the United States.

Ellis Island

Between 1892 and 1954, the immigration station at Ellis Island processed more than 17 million immigrants - the ancestors of over 40% of Americans's today. Some of the more famous immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island include author and scientist Isaac Asimov, composer Irving Berlin, and actors Rudolph Valentino and Bella Lugosi.

The majority of immigrants were underprivileged Europeans seeking economic and political freedom in the "New World". Upon entering New York Harbor, they were overwhelmed with excitement at the sight of the Statue of Liberty - the embodiment of the American Dream. For many, however, this moment was soon replaced by the reality of strict screening processes, which often meant detention or even deportation. What was called by some the "Island of Hope", became known by others as the "Island of Tears".

As the 20th-century advanced, the number of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island sharply declined. When the immigration station closed in 1954, the site was abandoned and left to decay. During the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan initiated a major renovation project to restore both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as major national landmarks.
The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation was formed as a private sector fund-raising effort to reach a $230 million goal. The largest restoration project of its kind in American history, it enabled Ellis Island to be reopened to the public on September 10, 1990.
Today, the focal point of a visit here is the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Housed in the 100,000 square-foot main building, the museum is dedicated to providing thorough history of the island's processing station and the significant role that immigration played in America's development.

For visitors today intersted in visting Ellis Island, a ticket must be purchased in Battery Park at Castle Clinton (the same tickets used to visit the Statue of Liberty). The ferry that runs between Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty also runs to Ellis Island.

South Street Seaport

Although today the economic success of New York City is based on contributions from a wide range of industries, its initial fortune was largely the result of the success of its port. Ideally placed both for European trans-Atlantic trade, and via the Hudson River and the Eric Canal, for commerce with the rest of America, New York Harbor quickly became the most important port in North America. During the 19th-century, the South Street Seaport area was the center of New York's maritime trade. South Street itself was known as the "street of ships".
After a long period of decline in teh 20th-century, it has now been fully restored to a seaport village, complete with refurbished 19th-century buildings, cobble-stoned streets, and tall ships moored in the harbor.

The seaside village may seem somewhat out of place in such a busy city, but that is why New Yorkers flock here on their lunch breaks and after work to relax, shop or dine while enjoying great harbor views.
Jutting over the East River, Pier 17 is a modern, enclosed pedestrian mall with three floors of shops and restaurants. Exterior stairways and outdoor wooden terraces offer spectacular views of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge, the historic ships in the harbor, and the colossial skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan. You can also catch a glimpse of the second-largest suspension bridge in the world, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, which links Brooklyn with Staten Island.

Nearby, Seaport Liberty Cruises and the Schooner Pioneer depart from Pier 16.

At the Fulton Fish Market, eight million pounds of fish are sold every year, making it the largest fish market in the United States.

Also present on the grounds of the seaport, is the South Street Seaport Museum . Founded in 1967, this museum is comprised of exhibition galleries, historic art and acheological items and New York City's largest collection of restored early 19th-century buildings. Of these, the centerpiece redbrick Schermerhorn Row dates back to 1811-12. There are also historic ships, a maritime crafts center, museum stores, a library and a childrens center - all contained within an 11-square-block landmark historic district.

Directions to South Street Seaport:
The South Street Seaport is located around Fulton and South Streets.

Other NYC Attractions

Click the help icon at bottom for specific attraction information

The famed twin towers, which are known as Number One and Number Two, are certainly the best-known of the six buildings which compromise World Trade Center . Built between 1966 and 1977, the complex is connected by an immense subterranean mall of shops and eateries, as well as stations for the subway and PATH trains to New Jersey. For an incredible view of the city, ride the elevator to the observatory on the 107th floor of Number Two. Alternatively, you can enjoy drinks and dinner at the recently re-opened Windows on the World restaurant at the top of Number One.
Location: Between Church and the West Side Highway, between Vesey and Liberty Streets.

The New York Stock Exchange started in the late 1700s with an agreement made by a small group of brokers who decided to trade only amongst themselves. Prior to this pact, trading occurred randomly on or near Wall Street. The NYSE has since grown into a formidable institution with a global effect on financial markets. Built in 1903, the present building's grand, neo-classical exterior is outstanding in the canyon of neighboring skyscrapers. Visitors can look out onto the action of the trading floor from a public viewing gallery.
Location: 20 Broad Street, at Wall Street.

Trinity Church , which was the tallest structure in New York until the 1860s, is located at the western end of Wall Street. Its interior is an example of Gothic Revivial architecture and its remarkable bronze doors, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, were modeled after Ghiberti's doors for the Florentine Baptistry in Italy. Captain Kidd is said to have loaned some equipment to help in the building of the church. This Episcopalian parish is one of the oldest in America, dating back to 1697. Classical concerts are often given here and you can also attend services on Sundays at 11.15am.
Location: Broadway at Wall Street.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a pleasure often overlooked by visitors to New York. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was first to be made of steel. Its construction, which took 16 years, claimed the lives of at least 20 men, including cheif architect John A. Roebling. The view of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the bridge itself, with its massive network of overhead cables, was described by poet Walt Whitman as the best medicine his soul had ever experienced. The walkway begins by City Hall Park and continues for about a mile before arriving in Brooklyn Heights. The bridge originally linked what were then the seperate cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Twin Gothic arches tower some 277 feet above the East River, anchoring what was once the world's largest suspension bridge.
Location: Chambers Street at City Hall Park.

City Hall , built in 1812, is a charming example of early 19th-century American architecture. This Georgian-style structure was graced with marble on all sides except its north face because the architects underestimated the future growth of New York City and assumed that the city would never expand north of the building. You can visit City Hall during the hours listed in the 'help' and attraction information page.
Location: City Hall Park, below Chambers Street.

Situated in Battery Park, Castle Clinton National Monument was built in the early 1800s as a defense against the recently expelled British. It never saw a battle, but over the years has instead benn used as a theater, an aquarium, and before the opening of Ellis Island, as an immigration center. In 1850, singer Jenny Lind, the "Swedish Nightingale", made her American debut here in front of an audience of over 6,000. Today, Castle Clinton features historical displays, and also acts as a visitors' center. Its is also the place to buy tickets for the Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry.
Location: Battery Park

The Staten Island Ferry was started in 1810 by a young Staten Islander named Cornelius Vanderbilt. The ferry has carried commuters between the islands since and is a remarkably inexpensive way to get great views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. As for Vanderbilt, he went on to become one of the great 19th-century industrialists, making his immense fortune on the railroads.
Location: Whitehall street.

When Fulton Fish Market was established in the early 1800s, the fish arrived fresh every day from boats in the harbor. Today they arrive by land, but are still sold to many of the city's best restaurants. If you get up early enough (or stay up late enough), you can watch the traders in action any day of the week from midnight to about 8am. You can also take a guided tour of America's fish market.
Location: South Street at Beekman, in South Street Seaport.

Open Spaces

Named after the battery of cannons which stood to protect the city, Battery Park is now the hub of downtown offshore activity. Ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island depart from here, and the Staten Island Ferry is nearby.

One of the best recent development projects has been the major overhaul of the area long the Hudson River, including a paved path which has become a favorite place for joggers, rollerbladers, and office workers out for a lunchtime stroll. Originating at Battery Park, the riverside esplanade provides views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and is lined with benches, trees and neatly landscaped borders.

Continuing north, Hudson River Park is an open grassy expanse along the once seedy and run-down waterfront. Instead of decrepit piers and empty docks, there is now a large park which, on warm afternoons, is packed with New Yorkers sunbathing or playing ball - a secret Central Park for the downtown set.