aventuro
United States of America
Things to do in Manhattan
218 attractions · United States of America
Photo: Anthony Quintano from Hillsborough, NJ, United States, CC BY 2.0
New York State, United States of America · 40.758, -73.986
About Manhattan
Manhattan functions as the dense, vertical heart of New York City, serving as a global center for finance, culture, and media. The island is defined by its rigorous grid system and the massive green expanse of Central Park, which provides a necessary counterpoint to the city's intense development. Iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the soaring observation decks of Top of The Rock dominate the skyline, while world-class institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art anchor its cultural life. Visitors navigating the borough find themselves amidst a high concentration of historical architecture, including the intricate facade of St. Patrick's Cathedral and the mid-century design of Rockefeller Center.
Good to know
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Manhattan's bedrock, known as Manhattan Schist, is a durable mica-heavy stone that allows for the construction of massive skyscrapers while remaining close to the surface.
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The borough's grid street layout was officially established by the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, which prioritizes uniform rectangular blocks north of Houston Street.
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The island was originally purchased from local Lenape people in 1626, a transaction that served as the foundational moment for the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam.
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Manhattan contains more than 1,000 high-rise buildings exceeding 330 feet, the highest density of skyscrapers in the United States.
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The city's 'Canyon Effect' refers to the phenomenon where tall buildings funnel wind through streets, significantly altering local microclimates.
Plan your visit to Manhattan
Best time to visit
September to November, as the summer humidity dissipates and the city experiences clear, temperate weather conducive to extensive walking.
How many days
4-5 days to adequately experience major museums and multiple borough neighborhoods.
Getting around
The New York City Subway is the primary transit method, supplemented by extensive bus lines and walkability within specific neighborhoods.
Where to stay
Midtown Manhattan offers proximity to transit and major landmarks, while the West Village and SoHo provide a quieter atmosphere with historic townhouses.
Budget
Expensive; lodging, dining, and activity costs consistently rank among the highest in the country.
Highlights of Manhattan
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Central Park
This 843-acre urban park acts as the green lungs of the island, housing numerous lakes, walking paths, and specialized gardens.
Empire State Building
This Art Deco skyscraper remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the global skyline, offering historic 86th and 102nd-floor views.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
It houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of art, including significant Egyptian and European decorative collections.
Top of The Rock
The observation deck provides a unique vantage point to photograph the Empire State Building directly across the skyline.
The High Line
This elevated linear park was constructed on a repurposed historic freight rail line and stretches through the Chelsea neighborhood.
The Museum of Modern Art
Widely regarded as the premier collection of modern art, it features seminal works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol.
Intrepid Museum
This maritime and air museum is housed on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked permanently on the Hudson River.
Edge NYC
It features the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, offering a transparent floor experience suspended over the city.
Top things to do in Manhattan
The 218 most popular places in Manhattan.
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91
Parks Known locally
DeWitt Clinton Park
DeWitt Clinton Park is a 5.8-acre public space situated along the Hudson River waterfront in the Hell's Kitchen neighbor...
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92
Places of interest Known locally
The Obelisk
The Obelisk, popularly known as Cleopatra's Needle, is the oldest outdoor monument in New York City. Erected in Central...
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93
Parks Known locally
Paley Park
Paley Park is a pioneering 'vest-pocket park' located in Midtown Manhattan that functions as an urban sanctuary. The sit...
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94
Playgrounds Known locally
Ancient Playground
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95
Parks Known locally
Damrosch Park
Damrosch Park is a 2.4-acre public space located at the south end of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex....
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96
Museums Known locally
The New York Historical
The New-York Historical Society is the oldest museum in New York City, founded in 1804. It houses a collection of more t...
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97
Museums Known locally
American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum at 2 Lincoln Square is the leading institution in the United States dedicated to the aesthe...
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98
Museums Known locally
AKC Museum of the Dog
The AKC Museum of the Dog houses one of the world's most extensive collections of canine-related fine art, including pai...
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99
Parks Known locally
Shakespeare Garden
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100
Venues Known locally
New Victory Theater
The New Victory Theater is New York City's premier performing arts venue dedicated specifically to children, families, a...
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101
Museums Known locally
Hayden Planetarium
The Hayden Planetarium is a centerpiece of the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History...
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102
Temples Known locally
Shrine and Parish Church of The Holy Innocents
The Shrine and Parish Church of The Holy Innocents is a historic Roman Catholic parish located in Manhattan's Garment Di...
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103
Venues Known locally
Theatre Row
Theatre Row is a multi-venue complex located on 42nd Street in Manhattan that serves as a cornerstone for Off-Broadway a...
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104
Venues Known locally
59E59 Theaters
59E59 Theaters is a prominent Off-Broadway complex located in Midtown Manhattan that functions as a non-profit performin...
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105
Historical places Known locally
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is a reconstructed 19th-century brownstone townhouse located in...
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106
Parks Known locally
Hell's Kitchen Park
Hell's Kitchen Park is a compact urban recreational space located on 10th Avenue in Manhattan. The park features dedicat...
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107
Venues Known locally
Magnet Theater
Magnet Theater is a dedicated hub for improvisational comedy performances and professional training in New York City. Th...
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108
Venues Known locally
Alice Tully Hall
Alice Tully Hall is a world-class chamber music and recital venue located within the Juilliard School building at Lincol...
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109
Historical places Known locally
General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument
The General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument is a gilded bronze equestrian statue located at the southeastern entrance...
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110
Museums Known locally
Rose Center for Earth and Space
The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a specialized wing of the American Museum of Natural History defined by the Hayde...
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111
Temples Known locally
Islamic Cultural Center Riverside Drive
The Islamic Cultural Center of New York, located on Riverside Drive, serves as a prominent religious and community hub f...
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112
Venues Known locally
Irish Repertory Theatre
The Irish Repertory Theatre is a prominent Off-Broadway institution in Chelsea dedicated to producing plays by Irish and...
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113
Temples Known locally
St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church - The Actors' Chapel
St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church, historically known as The Actors' Chapel, serves as the spiritual home for New York C...
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114
Temples Known locally
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is a historic parish situated in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood. The church serve...
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115
Historical places Known locally
ATLAS
The Atlas statue is a monumental bronze sculpture located in the International Building courtyard of Rockefeller Center....
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116
Venues Known locally
The Tank
The Tank is a multi-disciplinary, non-profit performance venue dedicated to providing an affordable stage for emerging a...
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117
Amusement parks Known locally
Central Park Carousel
The Central Park Carousel is a historic amusement ride featuring 57 hand-carved horses, originally manufactured by the S...
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118
Venues Known locally
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre is a historic wooden structure located within Central Park that serves as a perma...
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119
Places of interest Known locally
Hans Christian Andersen Monument
The Hans Christian Andersen Monument is a bronze sculpture located on the west shore of Conservatory Water in Central Pa...
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120
Museums Known locally
Gagosian
Gagosian West 24th Street is one of several New York City locations of the global gallery founded by Larry Gagosian. The...
Around Manhattan
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Jump straight to what you're into.
Manhattan on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Manhattan?
Aventuro lists 218 curated attractions in and around Manhattan, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Manhattan?
Central Park is the most popular place to visit in Manhattan right now.
What kind of attractions does Manhattan have?
The largest category is venues, with 68 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Boston.
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
