The debut of One World Observatory on May 29 was the culmination of more than a decade's worth of revitalization in Lower Manhattan (broadly defined as the area below Chambers Street, between the East and Hudson Rivers). After the devastating September 11 attacks, numerous parties—from actor Robert DeNiro, who co-created the Tribeca Film Festival, to brand-new organizations like the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation—invested time, energy, and cash into the neighborhood in an attempt to bring it back to its pre-9/11 levels of popularity. That effort was undoubtedly a success: Now, 14 years later, Lower Manhattan is more popular than ever—more people visit the neighborhood than nearly every other area in NYC (except, of course, Times Square), and its population is now higher than it was before 9/11.
Of course, there are some who may still scoff at paying a visit to Lower Manhattan, thinking it too tourist-filled, or lacking in interesting dining or culture options. But thankfully, that trend has also reversed: More restaurateurs have migrated to the area (Danny Meyer already has several eateries, and new spots from Anthony Bourdain, Mario Batali, and the team behind Parm are expected in the next few years), while more wellness venues and shopping options are opening by the day.
With all this change afoot, it can be hard to know where to begin an exploration of the neighborhood—even if you're a local. Fear not; we've compiled a handy guide to Lower Manhattan, with picks for the best places to eat, drink, play, and stay. This is where to go to…
…see a bit of Old New York
Lower Manhattan is rife with significant historical sites, principally because it’s Manhattan’s oldest neighborhood—as in, from the Colonial era, when the city was still known as New Amsterdam. The landmarked Fraunces Tavern once served as George Washington’s Revolutionary-era headquarters and now contains a museum, as well as a beer and whiskey bar, while the nearby steakhouse Delmonico’s, which has operated since 1837, holds the distinction of being one of America’s oldest restaurants. It’s reputed to have been the first U.S. restaurant to serve eggs Benedict, the Baked Alaska (created by Delmonico’s to celebrate the country’s purchase of Alaska from Russia) and lobster Newberg, which was introduced to the then-chef by an affluent sea captain who’d seen the dish abroad.
…sample the neighborhood's best dishes
The area below Chambers Street is no longer a food desert (thankfully), and three new venues exemplify the vibrancy and freshness of the area's food scene. Tapping into the nouveau food hall trend are two multi-pronged eateries at Brookfield Place. The first, Le District, lets gastronomes wander through four areas that include a cheesemonger, rotisserie, delicatessen, wine bar, butcher, fishmonger, and bakery, plus three full-fledged French restaurants. The second is Hudson Eats, a collection of casual stalls that includes Black Seed Bagel, Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue, and Umami Burger. Just up West Broadway, there’s Andrew Carmellini’s jam-packed Little Park, where the kitchen churns out seasonally driven dishes like beetroot risotto and ramp-and-duck sausage.
…find high-end fashion (and designer steals)
Fifth Avenue and Soho get all the glory for as New York City’s go-to retail destinations, but Lower Manhattan has a couple hidden gems. The newly opened Brookfield Place is home to several luxury designers, including Tory Burch, Bottega Veneta and Diane von Furstenberg, along with outposts of chains like J. Crew, Lululemon, and Cos. But if you’re looking to snag a bargain, your best bet will be Century 21. It’s admittedly a bit of a madhouse (think your neighborhood Marshalls or T.J. Maxx to the nth degree), and you’ll have to dig through racks upon racks of options, but there are steep discounts and sartorial gems to be found.
…have a drink with a view
What trumps drinking with gorgeous river views? Drinking with gorgeous river views that include the Statue of Liberty. The tri-level Pier A Harbor House, located in a historic late-19th-century building, oozes old-school charm. Large groups might be most comfortable sipping the bar’s signature Brooklyn Brewery beer at cushy booths and wooden tables, but the best vantage points are on the veranda or perched inside the intimate third floor bar. Honorable William Wall feels slightly less than honorable—it’s actually the Manhattan Yacht Club’s floating bar that, during the warm months from May to October, bobs in the harbor just north of Ellis Island. Anyone can get ferried out to the two story platform and enjoy wine, beer or simple cocktails on the upper deck, but those with a membership get the $20 entry fee reimbursed, plus access to the downstairs champagne bar.
…get a moment of zen
When you need a tranquil moment away from the bustle, three Lower Manhattan destinations encourage moments of contemplation: the Elevated Acre, a lofted grassy knoll hidden behind towering office buildings and overlooking the East River (to access it, look for a street-level escalator at 55 Water Street); the outdoor sculpture garden at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, which was designed by the artist Andy Goldsworthy, with some assistance from Holocaust survivors and their families; and the Irish Hunger Memorial, a quiet, lush enclave in Battery Park that echoes rural Ireland.
…throw back a throwback cocktail
Irish pubs might comprise the bulk of downtown bars, but they’re certainly not the only places to imbibe, especially if you’re looking for throwback tipples in a sleek setting. Connoisseurs will find plenty to like about award-winning cocktail bar The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, where antique recipes and bottled punches reign—try the Usquaebach, which melds Tullamore Dew Blended Irish Whiskey with lemon sherbet, lemon juice, and spices. Weather Up puts its own spin on standards like French 75s, gimlets, and white negronis. If you’re in the mood for a more customized sip, head to Ward III, a dimly lit neighborhood lounge where bartenders will whip up a superlative bespoke cocktail with fresh seasonal ingredients on the fly.
…book the best rooms (or a staycation)
Shopping and dining aren’t the only industries that have experienced a renaissance in the area. In the past five years, two sleek hotels—the Andaz Wall Street and Smyth—have brought world-class lodgings that go beyond the usual business accommodations. The Andaz exudes artsy elegance with its sculptural steel-and-stone staircase and two-tone bamboo lobby lounge, while the Smyth gives off an upscale homey vibe through its spacious, apartment-inspired rooms. Both hotels also up the wow factor when it comes to dining thanks to their respective seasonally focused restaurants: Wall & Water at the Andaz and the aforementioned Little Park, located at the Smyth.
…while away a rainy afternoon
Wet weather doesn’t have to rain on your parade. Catch a blockbuster at the plush Regal Battery Park Stadium 11 cinema, which trumps most other movie theaters with wine among the concessions (not to mention way fewer people in the audience). After the film, head next door to indulge in a double Shack Burger and fries at restaurateur Danny Meyer’s fast-casual Shake Shack. For an extra treat, order up the Wall-nut Street concrete, which blends super-creamy frozen vanilla custard with chocolate-truffle cookie dough, walnuts and amarena cherries
…spend a day by the water
Nestled next to the Financial District, at the point where Fulton Street and the East River meet, lies the South Street Seaport, a historic neighborhood in the middle of a rebirth. It began as a trading hub and harbor in the 1600s, and some of the architecture from that period still stands today. Other preservation efforts have been facilitated through the South Street Seaport Museum, which has restored several antique sailing vessels and puts on rotating exhibitions several times a year. Future developments are reimagining the area as a waterfront destination with new dining and retail options, including several new restaurants and a version of Brooklyn’s popular Smorgasburg. For now, indulge in one of the old-fashioned, brick-oven-fired rectangular pies from Adrienne’s Pizzabar (we can’t get enough of the pepperoni). To end the night, a Dark & Stormy or cold IPA at Fresh Salt, a bar named for the erstwhile fish smokehouse that used to call the building home, or head to Pasanella & Sons, a family-run shop that curates one of the city’s best selections of wine from small producers, many of whom use organic or bio-dynamic methods.
