Manhattan is a borough of bold contrasts, where every few blocks can feel like a new world. In this second installment, we’ll explore the neighborhoods below Midtown, where history, culture, and innovation intersect in endlessly surprising ways. From downtown’s iconic streets to the green spaces and open skies of the islands just off the coast, this stretch of the city offers a different kind of energy and plenty of reasons to keep exploring.
The Neighborhoods Of Manhattan – Part Two
In our previous post, we explored Manhattan from its uptown roots through the energy of Midtown and the neighborhoods that hug the Hudson. Now, we’ll pick up where we left off—moving through the vibrant areas below Midtown, down to the southern tip of the island. We’ll also take a moment to highlight a few of the smaller islands just off Manhattan’s shores, each with its own unique character and story.
The Islands Around Manhattan
As you make your way to the southern edge of Manhattan, don’t overlook the smaller islands just off its shores. Each offers a different kind of city experience—still distinctly New York, but with a little more breathing room. Roosevelt Island, set between Manhattan and Queens, is a quiet retreat with some of the best skyline views in the city. You can get there by tram (a short ride with big views), and once you arrive, take a walk down to the southern tip to see the beautifully designed Four Freedoms Park. Governors Island, just a short ferry ride away, is only open seasonally, but it’s worth the trip for wide-open green space, bike paths, art, and summer events.
Then there’s Randall’s and Ward's Islands, connected to each other and Manhattan by footbridges. You’ll find sports fields, walking trails, and waterfront views—plus a growing number of festivals and outdoor events in the warmer months. These lesser-known islands offer a slower pace and a different perspective—perfect for an afternoon escape or a quiet break between neighborhoods.
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 that 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 makes 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 the two, featuring great bookstores and art house theatres, SoHo is bustling with 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 of Wall Street, see the soaring Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center, and visit the area’s many significant landmarks, such as the 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 into 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. From uptown enclaves steeped in history to downtown neighborhoods buzzing with energy and creativity, every corner of the borough tells a different story. Add to that the peaceful green spaces, waterfront views, and even the smaller surrounding islands—and you’ve got a version of Manhattan that goes well beyond the postcard.
This two-part overview is designed to help you experience the city with fresh eyes and a deeper sense of place, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. So take the time to explore, wander off the beaten path, and let each neighborhood reveal something new. And when you’re ready to unwind, come back to the comfort, style, and warm hospitality waiting for you at The Marmara Park Avenue. Book your stay and enjoy New York City and everything it offers.
