One World Trade and Beyond: An Editor's Guide to Lower Manhattan

New York City's sprawling, 24/7 subway system makes it a remarkably easy city to navigate and to interact with. Condé Nast Traveler web editor Amy Plitt's book Subway Adventure Guide: New York City introduces museums, restaurants, parks, and other attractions, organized by their closest subway stop. Here, she spotlights some of Lower Manhattan's gems, as well as other spots you can easily access via the E subway line.
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    One World Trade Center

    The 1,776-foot-tall building is the anchor of the WTC campus and is among the tallest buildings in the world. A public observatory, located on the 100th floor, offers panoramic views of the city.

  • National September 11 Memorial & Museum

    Built to commemorate the 9/11 attacks, this institution includes both a museum and the memorial plaza, with reflecting pools built in the footprints of the former Twin Towers.

  • St. Paul’s Chapel

    Part of Trinity Church, this chapel has lasted through several disasters, including the Great Fire of 1776 and 9/11 centuries later. Also a rich historical site, it’s home to a pew that George Washington used.

  • Francois Payard Bakery

    A more casual outpost of the titular chef’s Upper East Side patisserie, this café serves not only Payard’s famed pastries, but also panini, salads, and quiches.

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  • Shake Shack

    Danny Meyer’s near-ubiquitous burger chain offers the same delicious burgers, hot dogs, and frozen custard as its other NYC outposts, along with location-specific touches, such as a Wall-nut Street concrete.

  • The Mysterious Bookshop

    Originally opened in 1979, this indie bookseller is devoted to thrillers, crime stories, and whodunits. The shop also hosts book clubs focused on topics like hard-boiled thrillers or historical mysteries.

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  • Brookfield Place

    It’s easy to stay entertained at this public space: There are more than a dozen restaurants (including an Umami Burger) and a robust cultural calendar filled with live music, art installations, and more.

  • Irish Hunger Memorial

    This tribute to the Great Irish Famine is meant to evoke the Irish landscape, with native limestone and plants imported from the Emerald Isle, and pieces of an actual cottage from County Mayo.

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  • Nelson A. Rockefeller Park

    In warmer months, this space is filled with crowds picnicking, playing sports, or soaking up the sun. Part of Battery Park City, its Hudson River views make it a perennially popular spot.

  • Along the E at… Canal St

    Nancy Whiskey Pub: This dive opens as early as 11am some days, giving patrons more time to down cheap beers and play shuffleboard.

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  • Along the E at… Spring St

    Dominique Ansel Bakery: French chef Ansel is known for creating the Cronut, but any of his confections are worth a try.

  • Along the E at… W 4 St–Wash Sq

    Comedy Cellar: Famous comedians, including Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, regularly grace this subterranean club’s stage.

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  • Along the E at… 23 St

    Doughnut Plant: Creative, delicious doughnuts (try the moist tres leches variety) are available all day at this bakery.

  • Along the E at… 34 St-Penn Station

    Tracks Raw Bar & Grill: A raw bar in Penn Station? Believe it: This pub, located near the LIRR, is beloved by commuters.