Things To Do
in Manhattan

Manhattan is a vibrant and densely populated borough of New York City, known for its iconic skyline and diverse cultural scene. It serves as a major commercial, financial, and cultural center, home to landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. The borough's neighborhoods each offer a unique atmosphere, from the historic charm of Greenwich Village to the bustling streets of Chinatown.

With its rich history, world-class dining, and endless entertainment options, Manhattan is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Classics
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through Central Park, visiting landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge.

afternoon
:

Head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore its vast collection, followed by lunch at a nearby café.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a Broadway show, enjoying dinner at a restaurant in the Theater District.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Cuisine
morning
:

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay your respects and learn about the events of September 11, 2001.

afternoon
:

Explore the historic streets of Lower Manhattan, including Wall Street and Battery Park, and grab lunch at a food truck.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner in Chinatown followed by a visit to a rooftop bar for stunning skyline views.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍕Slice of Pizza$3-$5
Coffee$2-$5
🍔Fast Food Meal$10-$15
🥗Salad$8-$12
🏨Hotel Night$150-$400

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experience with diverse attractions.
  • Excellent public transportation options.
  • Vibrant nightlife and dining scene.
  • High cost of living and expensive accommodations.
  • Crowded, especially in tourist hotspots.
  • Can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.

Places to Visit in Manhattan

Visit one of these nice places.

Top of the Rock

Offers stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset.

Brooklyn Bridge

A historic bridge that provides a fantastic backdrop of the city, especially from the Manhattan side.

DUMBO

The area in Brooklyn where you can capture the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by buildings.

Culinary Guide

Food in Manhattan

Manhattan offers an unparalleled culinary scene, blending international flavors with classic New York staples. From food trucks to fine dining, there's something for every palate.

Manhattan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

New York-style pizza

Thin-crust pizza that is crispy along its edge yet soft and pliable enough beneath its toppings to be folded in half to eat.

Must-Try!

Bagels with lox

A classic New York breakfast featuring a chewy bagel topped with cream cheese and thinly sliced smoked salmon.

Cheesecake

Rich, creamy dessert made with cream cheese on a graham cracker crust, often served plain or with fruit toppings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chelsea Market

An indoor market offering a variety of food vendors, from artisanal tacos to gourmet doughnuts.

Smorgasburg

A weekly outdoor food market featuring dozens of local vendors with innovative food offerings.

Climate Guide

Weather

Manhattan experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30°C). Winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures, making these seasons particularly pleasant for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Personal Space

New Yorkers value personal space, so try to keep a respectful distance during conversations.

Walking Pace

People tend to walk quickly and expect others to keep pace, especially in busy areas.

Queueing

Always wait your turn in line; cutting is considered rude.

Safety Guide

Safety

Manhattan is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas. Avoid displaying valuables and use well-lit streets at night. Emergency services can be contacted by dialing 911, and local police presence is strong.

Tipping in Manhattan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping in Restaurants

It is customary to tip between 15% to 20% of the total bill for good service.

Cash and Credit

Most places accept credit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small vendors or tips.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Temperatures range from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Cherry blossoms bloom in Central Park, and outdoor cafes come to life.

Summer

Expect hot and humid weather, with temperatures often exceeding 85°F (29°C). Enjoy outdoor concerts and festivals.

Autumn

Mild temperatures (50°F to 70°F or 10°C to 21°C) and beautiful fall foliage in parks make it a picturesque time to visit.

Winter

Cold temperatures (25°F to 40°F or -4°C to 4°C) bring holiday festivities, with ice skating rinks and festive decorations.

Nightlife Guide

Manhattan at Night

Manhattan boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with options ranging from upscale cocktail lounges to lively clubs. Neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Williamsburg are known for their trendy bars, while the Meatpacking District offers high-end venues. Broadway shows and live music venues add to the entertainment, catering to all tastes and preferences.

Hiking in Manhattan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Palisades Interstate Park

Located just across the Hudson River in New Jersey, it offers stunning views and trails for hiking enthusiasts.

Bear Mountain State Park

About an hour's drive from Manhattan, this park features several hiking trails with beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Manhattan by plane.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Located about 15 miles from Manhattan, JFK is a major international airport serving numerous global destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Manhattan is one of the most walkable cities in the world, with a grid layout that makes navigation straightforward. Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, featuring wide sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks. Public transport options, like subways and buses, complement walking, making it easy to get around without a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Cultural Diversity

Manhattan is home to a mix of ethnicities, including large Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities.

Young Professionals

A significant demographic group includes young professionals working in finance, tech, and creative industries.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

The New York Knicks play at Madison Square Garden, making basketball a significant part of the city’s sports culture.

Baseball

The New York Yankees and New York Mets are beloved teams, with games drawing large crowds during the MLB season.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Manhattan can be congested, especially during rush hours. However, the city has a robust public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis, which are often more efficient than driving. Ride-sharing services are also widely available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Manhattan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and entire establishments focus on plant-based cuisine.

Gluten-free

Several eateries provide gluten-free menus, including bakeries and specialty shops.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Manhattan offers access to world-class healthcare facilities, including major hospitals and specialized clinics. Emergency services are readily available, and many hospitals have multilingual staff to assist international visitors. It’s advisable for travelers to have travel insurance that covers healthcare expenses.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide