Top 9 Places to Visit in DOWNTOWN NEW YORK

I’ve been to New York 15 times and still long to return! There is always something new to discover in the city! Check out my NYC series to read more tourist tips and advice (where to eat, stay and what to do in Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown New York).

Many first-time tourists to New York will likely spend most of their time in Midtown – only venturing Downtown to visit the Financial District. However, there is so much more to explore in Downtown New York! Indeed, it quickly became one of my favourite areas of New York. Away from the crowds of Times Square/Fifth Avenue are some fantastic neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods are quieter and have outstanding eateries, boutiques, and bars to discover. Nevertheless, I understand that first-time visitors may have their days booked with the usual tourist items. However, if you have the time (or are a returning visitor), I recommend exploring more of Downtown too!

Downtown is at the bottom of Manhattan. One thing to note when travelling Downtown, it is not as easy to navigate as Uptown and Midtown. The streets of Downtown are not in a gridline/ordered by number (like Midtown). Thus, I heavily rely on Google maps Downtown. Fortunately, Subway stations offer free wifi. Therefore, you can pop into one of them to do a google search if you end up lost!

The following Downtown sections are included in this post (click to navigate directly to the section):

1. Financial District
2. Tribeca
3. Chinatown
4. Little Italy & Nolita
5. East Village
6. Lower East Side
7. SoHo (including Hudson Square) & NoHo
8. West Village (Greenwich Village)
9. Meatpacking District
10. Other
11. Watch my YouTube

1. FINANCIAL DISTRICT

There is a LOT to do in FiDi, including, One World Trade, Wall Street, Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and the Irish Hunger Memorial! Therefore, I have a separate post exclusively on the Financial District.

2. TRIBECA

Tribeca is just above the Financial District. Thus, it is roughly a 10-minute walk from the Irish Famine Memorial/World Trade Center. Previously, the area was once an industrial warehouses area but is now known for its trendiness. Subsequently, you will find plenty of artists, actors, and models here. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most desirable areas to live in Manhattan – with fashionable boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Also, it has some interesting architecture – such as a windowless skyscraper and the unusually built Jenga building. Tribeca is great if you wish to visit good restaurants and stay in a pleasant and stylish (mainly residential) area. However, if it’s sightseeing/the hustle and bustle that you are after, then Tribeca is perhaps not for you.

Bars/Dining

A New Yorker brought me to the Brandy Library bar. Thus I knew it was going to be good! Indeed, it’s always great to take advice from a New Yorker rather than some tourist recommendations! Unquestionably, the bar did not disappoint. It was elegant and sophisticated, perfect for a date or a relaxing evening with some impressive cognac drinks! Also, Brandy Library is on Time Out magazine’s best bars in Tribeca! Another popular bar to visit in Tribeca is the pretty little pink townhouse Tiny’s.

For brunch, popular spots include Bubby’s (an American-style brunch) and Sarabeth’s (artisanal bakery). For further food recommendations, check out the following list of the best places to eat in Tribeca.

Sightseeing

Pier 25: During the summer, I imagine Pier 25 is a fun spot. It includes an 18-hole miniature golf course amongst other facilities such as sailing lessons, skateparks, and beach volleyball.

Poster House: A small museum dedicated solely to posters! Consequently, this museum is not for everyone. However, for those interested in art, marketing, graphic design, or politics, it may be worth a visit! Indeed, I can’t want to check it out in June – I will keep you posted!

City Hall Archive tours are available for those interested in politics and history. Significantly, it is one of the oldest City Halls in the States that are still in use and houses its original governmental functions.

Other

Featured on The Tonight Show and Real Housewives of New York, Blood Manor looks like such a fun spot if scaring yourself silly in a Haunted House is your idea of fun!! Also, check out the famous HQ Firehouse of Ghostbusters (14 N Moore St)!

3. CHINATOWN

Adjacent to Tribeca is where you will find Chinatown, Little Italy, and NoLita. I previously visited Chinatown in San Francisco. It is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, and I was blown away by it! Though Chinatown NYC is not as impressive as San Francisco, it is still worth visiting. Indeed, you can take a colourful walk along Mott Street (considered the Main street of Chinatown) and detour along its intersection at Canal street. Moreover, Canal street is a famous strip known for bargain shopping – for example, fake handbags, wallets, perfumes, and watches. Subsequently, on the busy sidewalks of Chinatown, you will also find street vendors, low real estate, souvenir shops, tea and herbs, and food markets.

Dining

If you are a foodie, particularly of Chinese and South Asian food, then read this Time Out article on the best restaurants in Chinatown! Also, for a treat, stop off at the renowned Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

Sightseeing

From the Ice Cream Factory, you can enjoy a 2-minute stroll to Columbus Park. Here, you will find many of the Asian community with chess, cards and perhaps see some tai chi and traditional Chinese music happening. For those interested in the immigration of Chinese to New York, check out the small Museum of Chinese in America. Also, you can visit the peaceful (and New York’s largest) temple Mahayana Buddhist.

4. LITTLE ITALY, NOLITA

Dining

If you are a foodie, the Italian bakeries and restaurants of Little Italy should be on your list! Little Italy is known for its fantastic food. Also, many of the Rat Pack and Mafia visited bars and restaurants around Little Italy back in the day! Specifically, Grotta Azzura was known to frequently have members of the Rat pack stop by for a meal. Along the most well-known street in the area (Mulberry street) is where the prior Ravenite Social Club was based. It was known as a meeting place of the Italian Mafia bosses (this club is now a shoe store). Additionally, Frank Sinatra was also known to frequent Mulberry Street Bar – several Soprano episodes filmed here!

Lombardi’s is famous for its pizza – if you are a pizza lover, check it out! Also, not quite in the Italian theme, but one of the popular Butchers Daughter restaurants (vegan and vegetarian) is in Little Italy. Indeed, I love this spot for brunch! Time Out’s article on some of the best restaurants of Little Italy is worth a read before visiting too.

Feast of San Gennaro

I stumbled upon the streets of Little Italy during the Feast of San Gennaro and loved how alive and colourful the streets were! There was a fantastic atmosphere and smell of beautiful Italian food as people sat outside in the sun, dining over a glass of Italian wine! San Gennaro is an American-Italian festival held each September along Mulberry Street. It was originally a 1-day religious commemoration to celebrate Saint Januarius. However, it has grown into an annual festival of food, drink, and an 11-day street fair (parades, family activities, free concerts, a cannoli eating competition, etc.). It is worth a wander if you visit in September!

Sightseeing

To learn more about the history of American gangsters, head over to the East Village (circa a 20-minute walk). Here, you will find the Museum of the American Gangster! Another museum that looks good in this area is the Italian American Museum. Also, Little Italy is known to have some fantastic street art pop up! Check out the Lisa Project tour if you are interested in street art!

NOLITA

NoLita is a small area and quieter than the likes of SoHo and Little Italy. It is known to have a charming, relaxed, and community feel (while still having fashion-forward boutiques, vintage stores, and coffee houses). However, NoLita has started to lose its Italian neighbourhood character in recent times due to real estate, and it is now a very pricey neighbourhood. A few famous actors and musicians live/lived here, including David Bowie!

Sightseeing

The most popular tourist attraction in NoLita is likely the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Another is the Exhibition space Storefront for Art & Architecture. However, I have not ventured to either of these yet – I will update once I do!

Dining

There are plenty of good places to eat both here and in the closeby neighbourhoods (Soho and Little Italy). Popular locations include the Australian Ruby’s Cafe, Rice to Riches (specializing in rice pudding!), a burst of pink at Pietro Nolita, and brunch spot Egg Shop.

5. EAST VILLAGE

The East Village is between the Lower Eastside and the Eastside – collectively known as Little Germany. It is composed of Alphabet City, Little Ukraine, and Bowery. The 1960s saw East Village separate from the Lower Eastside as it attempted to distinguish itself from this immigration area. Indeed, there was even a time when part of this area was the wealthiest residential neighbourhood in the city! Nonetheless, a victim of its success, it became an expensive area, and many art galleries shut/moved circa the late 1980s. Subsequently, the park had protests following the gentrification. For example, the 1988 Tompkins Square Park riot over a proposed curfew targeting people experiencing homelessness in the park. Thus, this slowed down the pricing for a while. However, by the end of the 20th century, prices rose rapidly. The area saw a lot of gentrification in the mid-2000s with students, artists, and musicians.

Sightseeing

As mentioned, the Museum of the American Gangster is in the East Village. Tompkins Square Park is a nice small park to take a break and wander too. The park’s annual lineup includes the outdoor drag festival Wigstock, the Howl Festival commemorating Allen Ginsberg, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

Music Scene

The East Village is well-known for its music and art scene. Undoubtedly, it still has some good art galleries. Also, it is known for its gay and punk rock clubs (it has seen performances from Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, RuPaul, and Bruce Springsteen!). Furthermore, the Bowery is along the boundary of East Village. Here you will find the renowned Bowery ballroom and Bowery Electric – popular with punk bands. Also, Mercury Lounge is a fantastic venue for live music.

Bars/Hotel

A fantastic speakeasy cocktail bar that I visited here a few years ago was Angels Share. Also, I’ve recently spotted it a few times online as it seems to have grown even more in popularity since then! We all complimented the service and the outstanding cocktails on our visit! Additionally, directly across from it, you will find McSorley’s bar (the oldest Irish saloon in New York). A very cool rooftop bar to visit in the area is Moxy. For a combination of a bar and vintage video games, visit Barcade. Another famous speakeasy in East Village is Please Don’t Tell (PDT).

Other

If you want to explore this area further, a good article to read is 15 things to do in the East Village!

6. LOWER EASTSIDE

The Lower Eastside was predominately a working-class and immigrant area until gentrification in the mid-2000s. Thus, it became a popular spot for artists and musicians. Indeed, it is now considered quite a hip neighbourhood – especially the upscale boutiques of Orchard Street and trendy restaurants on Clinton Street.

Music/Art

As mentioned, Bowery Ballroom and Bowery Electric, which are popular with punk bands, are found close by here. The Slipper Room is another popular venue here (known for its Burlesque) – Lady Gaga, Lenord Cohen, and U2, among others, have appeared here. Art venues include the New Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Street Art. Also, you can check out the immersive Van Gogh exhibition showing at Pier 36.

Dining/Cocktails

The long-standing (over 100 years) Russ & Daughters Cafe and Katz’s Deli are worth considering here for brunch. Indeed, Katz’s is said to have the best pastrami on rye in NYC! For food on the go, check out Essex Market. Or, visit Economy Candy for all things candy, nuts, and dried fruit. For great cocktails, check out Garfunkel’s speakeasy. Additionally, The Infatuation website provides a thorough list of restaurants in the Lower Eastside.

Tenement Museum

I had visited New York many times before visiting Tenement Museum as I am not a huge history buff. However, it has such great reviews that I was finally curious and booked the tour. To my surprise, it touched me so much that I visited a second time too! The Museum guide tells the stories of real-life people who lived in the tenements. Therefore, in the bright lights of this expensive city, where one may get caught up in materialism, this museum brings you right back down to what is truly important. On each tour I took, we walked through the lives of families who once lived in the building. Subsequently, standing in the homes of these people, you can’t help but feel connected to them.

Other

For over 20 vintage arcade games, check out Two Bit’s Retro Arcade. Also, drop by Pier 35. Here, you will find oversized swings to relax on and watch a beautiful sunset over Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge.

7. SOHO & NOHO

SOHO (incl. Hudson Square)

If upscale designer boutiques are what you are after, visit Soho! This area was popular in the 70s and 80s for artists and art galleries. It was popular with artists due to the large lofts and windows that provided great light. However, as gentrification increased, many galleries moved to Chelsea.

Soho is a pretty area to wander. Due to its beautiful cast-iron architecture, it is listed under SoHo–Cast Iron Historic District and declared a National Historic Landmark. Indeed, it has very pretty cobblestone streets to wander! Soho is one of the most expensive areas for real estate in NYC. You may even bump into a celebrity or model here!

Shopping

SoHo has become one of the city’s prime shopping locations. Many expensive boutiques are here (as well as chain outlets). Thus, the streets can get quite busy due to its popularity. If visiting, check out 25 essential stores to visit in the area.

Dining/Bars

There are many great restaurants and boutique hotels in SoHo. It is the location of two fantastic French bakeries – Balthazar (renowned for celeb sightings) and Laudurée. SoHo Lauduree has a beautiful outdoor garden area to dine in. Lola Taverna is another garden-style Greek restaurant in SoHo. Treat yourself to food and cocktails at Crosby bar or Jimmy at the James Hotel rooftop bar. However, both of these are not on the cheap side! Jimmys has a rooftop pool that looks amazing for Summer evenings!

Other

The creative and fun Museum of Ice cream is a colourful museum to visit. Also, there are still many small art galleries for art lovers to explore in this area. The Color Factory is pricey but looks like another colourful and fun museum to visit. It looks great for kids and Insta pics! Additionally, the New York City Fire Museum is another worthy museum to mention.

NOHO

Just above SoHo, between the West and East Village, is the small neighbourhood of NoHo. It’s another pretty Boho, trendy, and chic area. One very famous past resident is Andy Warhol!

You can check out emerging artists at The Hole Art Gallery. For open mic and improv poetry, head to Bowery Poetry. For a theatre show, check out the Public Theatre. Also, Joe’s Pub is part of Public Theatre and showcases music performances – past performances include Lady Gaga to Leanard Cohen. Additionally, the off-broadway Blue Man group performs at The Astor Place Theatre.

8. WEST VILLAGE (Greenwich Village)

Once a very arty and bohemian area, West Village has also gone through a lot of gentrification in recent times. Subsequently, it is now quite an expensive area. West Village played a big part in the LGBT movement, with Christopher Street (especially Stonewall Inn) considered an international symbol of gay pride. Here, there are many pretty streets to experience a slower pace and admire the brownstone buildings and small boutiques. Indeed, you will likely see a more community atmosphere with people walking their dogs in this area. It maintains a village feel to it and many famous people live here. I like to finish the High Line here and wander over to Greenwich Village.

Dining

Magnolia Bakery is a 10-minute walk from the High Line exit. This bakery featured on Sex and the City – Carries stoop is located around the corner (on Perry Street) from the bakery. There are fabulous boutique shops by here too. Also, there are plenty of other popular eateries in West Village, including The Butcher’s Daughter, Shake Shack, Jack’s Wife Freda, and Joe’s Pizza. I visited White Oak Tavern (under the recommendation of a New Yorker) which had fantastic food and craft beers in a relaxed environment. We went for the casual bar menu for more of a budget cost (the brussels sprouts were AMAZING!). Additionally, White Oak is near Washington Square Park, a fantastic area to explore!

Other

Visit the famous Comedy Celler where many great performers such as Dave Chappelle have performed. Also, it’s not too far from Washington Square Park. This Park is well known for its Arch entrance (honouring George Washington) and is a fantastic place to people-watch. Subsequently, you will often find impressive street artists performing by the fountain here. The famous ‘Friends’ apartment building is close by here too! It’s less than a 10-minute walk from Magnolia Bakery to the Friends Building (Grove street & Bedford St).

For music, The Cutting Room is a great venue. I saw a popular Irish band (Riptide Movement) here. It was a fantastic evening! The Museum of Illusions is another cool museum on my list to visit in West Village.

9. MEATPACKING DISTRICT

Stretching just a couple of blocks above West Village is the Meatpacking District. Meatpacking was previously home to many slaughterhouses and became quite derelict before gentrification occurred towards the end of the 20th Century. However, its pretty cobbled streets remain today, and it is now one of the hippest areas in Manhattan (especially for nightlife). Indeed, Meatpacking is home to many boutiques, such as Diane von Furstenberg’s flagship store, Lululemon, Rag and Bone, and All Saints.

Dining/Nightlife

Chelsea Market is close to the Meatpacking District. The market is great for grabbing some food to go and wandering its stalls. Also, I loved a meal in The Standard Grill (at the Standard Hotel – which also has a lovely rooftop area).

Meatpacking is popular for its nightlife and has some great bars and nightclubs. For example, Brass Monkey, Boom Boom Room and Le Bain (The Standard Hotel), 1Oak, RH Rooftop Restaurant, and Gansevoort Rooftop.

Sightseeing

You can start/finish The High Line walk from here (see more on this in my Midtown post). Also, for contemporary art lovers, stop by The Whitney Museum. I visited the museum and enjoyed it considerably – there’s also a decent view of the city from its rooftop! Meatpacking is also the location of the newly opened Little Island (a park on a constructed island). I visited Little Island at sunset and it offers a fantastic sunset view over the city in a tranquil green environment to explore!

10. OTHER

We took the Downtown Hop on Hop Off bus tour. It was a great way of gaining a good overview of the different areas in Downtown New York. It included Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Financial District, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side. However, it was an extremely cold day – so sitting upstairs on an open-top double-decker bus was not very enjoyable! However, I’m sure it would be lovely during summer!

Another enjoyable activity Downtown is to take the Hudson River Park waterfront walk. Indeed, this is especially beautiful at sunset, overlooking the Hudson River. The park walk runs from the top of Midtown (57th street) to Downtown (Tribeca).

WATCH MY YOUTUBE

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out my entire New York series of blogs! Also, if there is anything else you would like to see included for New York, please let me know (comment below)!

Anita xx