The Neighborhoods Of Manhattan – Part Two
Last week, we took a glimpse at Manhattan’s historical beginnings and explored the eclectic and diverse areas of Northern Manhattan down through bustling Midtown, and the waterfront neighborhoods that border it.
This week, we’ll start at the fun and trendsetting neighborhoods below Midtown, and then meander down through the city’s Southern neighborhoods to it’s Southern-most tip.
We’ll wind up this two-part look at the borough of Manhattan with a look at the small islands along its shores.
The Garment District & Chelsea
To the South and Southwest of Times Square in Midtown are NYC’s famed Garment District, and Chelsea, respectively.
Have a drink at a fabulous rooftop bar, or visit one of the many Garment District’s wholesale or industry shops such as Mood of “Project Runway” fame. Stroll down the Fashion Walk of Fame on 7th Avenue while you’re there too.
Chelsea is an arts and recreational hub offering no shortage of fun activities at the UCB Theater, Highline, Chelsea Market, and Chelsea Piers.
The Lower East Side, And Surrounding Neighborhoods
Artsy East Village and Alphabet City serve up some of the best alternative theaters, amazing restaurants, cool antique and vintage shops, and shabby chic culture.
The Bowery is both a neighborhood where the New Museum of Contemporary Art resides and the street which holds the distinction of being the oldest thoroughfare in Manhattan.
The famous Katz Delicatessen, The Tenement Museum and the trendy music scene of the Bowery Ballroom make the Lower East Side (“LES”) the place to be, while Two Bridges (named for being in between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges) has a wide assortment of unusual stores.
Neighborhoods of The Lower West Side
The lively neighborhoods of “Manhattan’s Left Bank” are a hotbed of creativity, style, and good taste.
The juxtaposition of creative studios and chic restaurants with actual meat-packing warehouses make the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District eclectic and exciting.
The West Village – known for being the epicenter of Beat literature in the 50s and social change in the 60s – has some of the city’s best dining.
Greenwich Village – where a young Bob Dylan made his mark – has always inspired and attracted artists. Experience its unique brand of bohemian nightlife, boutiques, and the signature Washington Square Park.
Houston Street is the border that distinguishes the neighborhoods of NoHo (North of Houston), and SoHo. (South of Houston). While NoHo is the quieter, more historic of two featuring great bookstores and art house theatres, SoHo is bustling with the independent designer boutiques and luxury shopping it has come to be known for.
Celebrate the food and culture of two of the city’s most influential ethnicities any time of the year with a visit to Little Italy and Chinatown. But for a real treat, celebrate Little Italy’s San Gennaro Festival every September, and Chinatown’s New Year Parade every January.
Great views of the Hudson River, lofts of the rich-and-famous, spectacular dining, and the Tribeca Film Festival, have made Tribeca one of the city’s most desirable and trendy destinations.
While the Civic Center neighborhood is mainly known for its municipal buildings such as City Hall, it also offers passage to the Brooklyn Bridge’s pedestrian walkway and many cultural spots such as the African Burial Ground National Monument – a National Historic site.
Southern Tip of Manhattan
In the Financial District, you can walk the sidewalks Wall Street, see the soaring Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, and visit the area’s many significant landmarks such as 9/11 Museum, the Reflection Pools of the 9/11 Memorial, and museums honoring Jewish Heritage and American Indians.
The South Street/Fulton neighborhood features lively shops, sights, restaurants, and attractions at South Street Seaport at Pier 17. The South Street Seaport museum will give you great insight to this section – one of Manhattan’s oldest. You can even set sail on the Pioneer – an 1885 schooner – which is available for daily cruises and private charters.
Battery Park’s spacious area features Castle Clinton, seasonal outdoor entertainment, and harbor ferries to Governor’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Staten Island.
The Outlying Islands of Manhattan
Manhattan’s notable outlying islands are Ellis Island (which it shares with NJ), Liberty Island (where the Statue of Liberty resides), the recreational land of Governor’s Island, the parks of Randall’s Island and Ward’s Island, and Roosevelt Island which lays claim to the city’s only aerial tram.
Plan Ahead To Make The Most Of Your Trip
Clearly, Manhattan offers much more than just the traditional tourist areas you may already know about. This two-part overview will help you to immerse yourself in some of Manhattan’s most interesting and multifarious spots during your stay here.
Look for next week’s blog: “The In’s And Out’s Of Transportation In NYC”
