Manhattan | New York City Borough | New York City Attractions

With a rich history dating back to the early 1600s, Manhattan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in North America. This small island officially makes up one of five boroughs of New York City. Manhattan is home to some of the Big Apple's top cultural attractions, architectural landmarks and entertainment venues.

Skyscrapers and Landmarks

If you're interested in architecture, then you'll surely embrace the great skyscrapers and other infrastructure in Manhattan. Built in the 1930s, the Empire State Building, GE Building and Chrysler Building still dominate the skyline of Midtown Manhattan. These Art Deco wonders serve as office space for corporations and small businesses. Opened in 2014 on the ruins of the former Twin Towers, One World Trade Center is another man-made marvel. One World Observatory offers sweeping views of NYC, New York Harbor and the surroundings. Officially recognized as one of the earliest skyscrapers in the United States, the neo-Gothic Woolworth Building still has a notable presence in Lower Manhattan. From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Lincoln Tunnel, Manhattan also has some truly impressive transportation infrastructure. Rising above the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is another prominent component of Manhattan's legendary urban mosaic.

Museums and Galleries

Art admirers should head to Museum Mile in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Stretching for about a mile along the eastern side of Central Park, this district includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Museum Mile also offers great opportunities to discover hidden cultural gems, like the Neue Galerie New York. On the western side of Central Park, you'll find the American Museum of Natural History, New-York Historical Society and other smaller museums. Arguably the most diverse region in the United States, Manhattan is naturally home to numerous museums that celebrate different cultures. The Jewish Museum in the Upper East Side and Museum of Jewish Heritage in Lower Manhattan present the history of Jews in NYC and America. The Italian American Museum, Museum of Chinese in America and El Museo del Barrio highlight the other fascinating cultures of the Big Apple.

Entertainment and Sports

Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is the premier venue for professional sports in the borough. For decades, this indoor arena has been the home of the NBA's Knicks and NHL's Rangers. Large enough to accommodate more than 20,000 spectators, the World's Most Famous Arena routinely hosts concerts and other shows. If you appreciate classical music, ballet and other forms of traditional entertainment, then get some tickets to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This world-famous complex hosts the Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic. Since opening at the height of the Great Depression, Radio City Music Hall has become a top fixture in Manhattan's entertainment scene. Of course, the famous Broadway Theater district has also entertained people for generations.

Transportation in Manhattan

Riding the New York City subway is the fastest and cheapest way to navigate Manhattan. Some of the borough's busiest stations include Times Square-42nd Street, Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. Dozens of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus routes also run through most of the borough. Hailing an iconic yellow taxi shouldn't be a problem in Lower Manhattan and Midtown. If you'd like to drive in Manhattan, you should stick to FDR Drive and West Street that have convenient exits to most streets and avenues. The Staten Island Ferry, NY Waterway and NY Water Taxi offer alternative ways to reach Manhattan from the outer boroughs or New Jersey.

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