Historic places in Manhattan

Historic places in Manhattan

1. BuyChinatown

   Aeon Bookstore

   This subterranean bookstore is a neighborhood gem, with a carefully curated selection of books. The books are fairly prices and cover a range of topics, such as philosophy, art, culture, history, mysticism, and esoterica.

2. SeeUpper East Side

   American Irish Historical Society

   Yet another unique but rich treat on 5th Avenue, the AIHS is a non-profit organization that educates visitors on Irish American culture and history. Immersive and traditional events are held often along with exhibits showcasing the array of unique art and music. If performing and visual arts aren't your thing, you can visit the library instead with over 10,000 books, newsletters, newspapers, and pieces of literature dating back to the 1700s that feature a wide variety of otherwise unknown topics that are great for anyone interested in European culture and history.

   Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM

3. SeeUpper West Side

   American Museum of Natural History

   Holding a remarkably large collection, each of the 5 floors of this massive building has expansive and well-designed exhibits devoted to astronomy, biology, geology, anthropology, climatology, and paleontology. You will want to allow a full day if you hope to see the entirety of the museum. Some of the highlights are the Rose Center for Earth and Space on the northeast corner of the building, which contains a seven-story glass cube holding the Hayden Planetarium, a huge sphere suspended above the exhibit halls below and holding a "cosmic pathway" exhibit; the numerous habitat diorama halls on the first, second and third floors, with recreations of African, Asian, North American, and ocean plants and animals, including a full-size model of a Blue Whale suspended above the Ocean Life Hall; a Hall of Minerals and Gems, which contains many rare and beautiful specimens, including the largest star sapphire in the world and a chunk of a massive meteorite; extensive anthropology halls on the first, second, and third floors, with exhibits devoted to people of Asia, Africa, Central America, the Pacific, and Native Americans; and the natural history halls on the fourth floor, with one of the largest collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world.

   10AM-5:30PM (closed Thanksgiving/Christmas)·$30/adult, $24/senior/student, $18/child, pay-what-you-wish for NY/NJ/CT residents, special exhibitions cost extra

4. DoCentral Park

   Ancient Playground

   Inspired by the nearby Egyptian Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this playground contains several pyramid-like play structures.

5. SeeCentral Park

   Arsenal

   A picturesque brick building that actually predates the park. It was built in 1851 to serve as a munitions supply depot for the New York State National Guard, and was designed to look like a medieval fortress, with battlements overlooking the area. Today the building holds a refreshment stand and a small art gallery with rotating/seasonal exhibits.

   Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM·Free

6. SeeFinancial District

   Battery Park

   At the southern tip of Manhattan, Battery Park is a waterfront green space, named for the artillery batteries which were installed here to protect the settlement of New York when it was under Dutch, then British rule. In the lead-up to the War of 1812, was constructed as a fort to protect the city, and is now operated as a small museum. There are several memorials in the park, including, a public art piece originally housed on the World Trade Center site which survived the events of September 11 and was moved to Battery Park. Ferries departing to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (see below) depart from here.

   Free

7. SeeCentral Park

   Belvedere Castle

   Sitting on Vista Rock, one of the highest points in the park, the castle provides excellent views of Central Park, particularly to the north. It is a popular spot for photography and contains a visitor center and a nature conservatory. Just below the castle to the north is Turtle Pond, a small, swamp-like pond holding various fish, frogs, insects, and birds.

   Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM·Free

8. DoTheater District

   Birdland Jazz Club

   This historic club (though not at the original location of W. 52 St.) — universally acknowledged as one of the top jazz venues in the city — features a great lineup of justly famous performers and has good acoustics. Expect to pay a fair price for that quality.

9. SeeFinancial District

   Brooklyn Bridge

   From its intersection with Park Row (just east of City Hall) you can walk (takes about 20-30 minutes each way), bike, or drive across the historic and iconic bridge to Brooklyn. The view from the bridge is quite lovely, with excellent views of Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn and good views of Midtown and the New York Harbor in the distance.

   No toll

10. SeeUpper West Side

    Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

    The world's largest neo-Gothic cathedral, the place has been a work in progress for over a century! There are also resident peacocks on campus, and many songbirds stop by during their seasonal migrations.

11. SeeUpper East Side

    Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum

    A branch of the Smithsonian Institution, the Cooper Hewitt is devoted to over 240 years of contemporary and historic design, with changing exhibits.

    10AM-6PM·$22/adult, $16/senior, $10/disability, $10/student, children free. Pay what you wish 5PM-6PM

12. SeeEast Village

    Cooper Union

    Until 2014, Cooper Union was the only private, full-scholarship college in the United States dedicated exclusively to preparing students for the professions of art, architecture and engineering. It now charges tuition for regular classes but still gives free extension courses. The college, established in 1859, occupies several buildings, but the most recognizable and famous is the Foundation Building, on the block to the south of Astor Place between the two branches of Cooper Square (one being the southward extension of 3rd Av. and the other, an avenue that connects the Bowery with 4th Av. at Astor Place). The college, the legacy of Peter Cooper, occupies a special place in the history of American education.

13. EatEast Village

    Dim Sum Palace

    Delicious Cantonese dim sum; one of six locations, all in Manhattan.

    Daily 10:30AM–3:00PM and 5:30PM–11:00PM·$7–13 per dim sum dish; you'll probably want to order three or so per person

14. EatLower East Side

    Doughnut Plant

    This ain't no Dunkin' Donuts! Each doughnut costs roughly $2.50, but the place is a really fabulous, artisanal palace (albeit humble-looking) of doughnutry.

    Tue-Sun 6:30AM-6:30PM

15. SeeFinancial District

    Ellis Island

    Ellis Island was home to the nation's primary federal immigration station, with over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers passing through from its opening in 1892 to its closing in 1954. Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The island is home to the American Family Immigration History Center, which contains manifests of 25 million immigrants, passengers, and crew members who entered New York Harbor. The Immigration museum at Ellis Islands has details about "Peopling of America" and if you are an avid history lover, this museum will need at least 3-4 hrs of your time. Since the ferry ride takes you to both Ellis Island as well as the Liberty Island, you will have to plan your day well.

    $75 adult; $72 senior (62+)

16. SeeFinancial District

    Federal Hall

    On this site on April 30, 1789, George Washington stood on a balcony overlooking Wall Street and was inaugurated as the first president of the United States. The old building on the site had been used as New York's city hall and had hosted some of the first congregations of the colonies in the lead-up to the American Revolution, such as the Stamp Act Congress. After the revolution the building, now Federal Hall, briefly housed Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices before the national capital moved to Philadelphia. The current building dates to 1842 and was used first as a Customs House, then later the US Sub-Treasury (millions of dollars of gold and silver were kept in the basement vaults). Today the building is maintained by the National Park Service as a museum dedicated to the history of the site. Guided tours of the building are available, or you can just walk in and look up at the rotunda and view some of the artifacts, such as the bible Washington used in his inauguration ceremony.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM. Free guided tours Mon-Fri at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM·Free

17. SeeFinancial District

    Governors Island

    Governors Island has a long military history, home to headquarters and military posts of the United States Army from 1794 until 1966, then a complex for the U.S. Coast Guard before becoming a historic district open to tours.

    Open seasonally; Wed-Thu guided tours take place at 10AM and 1PM, Fri ferries leave every hour 10AM-3PM, Sat-Sun ferries leave every hour 10AM-5PM, from Brooklyn ferries leave every 20 minutes·Free

18. EatUpper East Side

    Heidelberg Restaurant

    German-style schnitzel and beer at an authentic 1936 beer garden in Yorkville, the historically German neighborhood of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Gulasch, sauerbrauten, sausage, schnitzel, and schweinebraten can be found here.

    Mon-Thu Sun 11AM-10PM, Fri Sat 11AM-11PM·You can expect Heidelberg to be on the higher end in terms of pricing. Starters are around $10 to $15 but can get up to $23, while entrees and the signature Schnitzel are absolutely delicious but pricey ($19 to $40). Sides come at $7.75 and one can also order sausage platters for massive parties that can reach from $25 to a whopping $162

19. EatEast Village

    John's of 12th Street

    This old-school Italian-American red-sauce place has friendly service, ample portions, loads of atmosphere and a century's worth of history. Expect to pay around $40-50/person for a 3-course meal with a glass of wine. Appetizers are often served family-style.

    4-11PM

20. BuyGramercy Flatiron

    Kalustyan's

    A sensory experience for your nose, and probably the most complete source for Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian foodstuffs in Manhattan, though some things cost more than you'd pay at the smaller Dual's Natural in the East Village. While you're there, make sure to go upstairs and get some mujadara. Some of the other prepared products are just OK, but the mujadara is great. Eat in or take out. The building itself has some historic significance, as it's where one of the United States' less-remembered presidents, Chester A. Arthur, lived and took the oath of office; this history is commemorated by an unobtrusive plaque outside.

    Mon–Sat 10AM–8PM, Sun holiday 11AM–7PM

21. SeeTheater District

    Madame Tussauds New York

    Get up close to over 200 lifelike wax figures of the biggest stars and icons in entertainment, sports and history.

    Sept–May: daily 9AM–10PM; June–August: Sun–Thu 9AM–10PM, Fri Sat 9 AM–midnight·Silver Ticket: $36.95 ($29.95 online), children 2 and under free

22. DrinkEast Village

    McSorley's Old Ale House

    The oldest pub in continuous operation in New York, this small Irish pub packs up fast. Sawdust on the floors and dust on the century-old decorations, this place is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. There are only two drinks to choose from: McSorley's light ale or McSorley's dark ale, always served in a pair of half-pint mugs. The ancient chandelier above the bar has turkey wishbones dating from WW1 when a turkey dinner was thrown for the departing soldier and the wishbone was hung up till he returned. Abraham Lincoln drank there and Teddy Roosevelt's signature graces the walls. Boisterous atmosphere and cheap food too!

    Mon-Sat 11AM-1AM, Sun Noon-1AM. No kids after 6PM·Beer (2 half-mugs) $8. Cash only

23. SeeCentral Park

    Metropolitan Museum of Art

    The Met

    One of the world's largest and most important museums of art and world culture, you'll have to devote an entire day (if not more!), if you want to do this place justice. This massive neo-Gothic building, originally opened in 1872 and with numerous expansions added on over time, holds literally hundreds of rooms on its two floors, containing thousands of art pieces from across human history and around the world, covering virtually every field of art in existence, but controversially including many items that were looted from their places of origin. Along with the numerous permanent exhibit halls mentioned below are several changing exhibit halls.

    Sun-Tue/Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM·$30/adult, $22/senior, $22/disability, $17/student, children under 12 free. Residents of NY State and students from NY/NJ/CT may pay what you wish. Admission includes 3 consecutive days at the Met and the Met Cloisters in upper Manhattan. Note admission is not included as part of city passes

24. SeeUpper East Side

    Mount Vernon Hotel Museum

    Hidden in the small pocket of the very southeast Upper East Side, this rustic site dates back to 1799 as a carriage house, and was converted into a hotel in 1826. Sitting on land historically owned by Abigail Adams Smith, daughter of John Adams, it is home to beautiful historic gardens, halls, and taverns.

    Tours Mon-Tue 10:30AM/Noon/1:30PM/3PM, Wed 1:30PM/3PM, Thu-Fri 10:30AM/Noon·$15/adult, $12/senior/student, $5/youth, children under 12 free

25. SeeChinatown

    Museum at Eldridge Street

    The museum, a non-sectarian cultural organization based in the restored 1887 National Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue, presents the culture, history and traditions of the great wave of Jewish immigrants to the Lower East Side drawing parallels with the diverse cultural communities that have settled in America. The museum offers guided tours of the synagogue, new exhibits and programs -- including concerts, neighborhood walking tours and film screenings.

    Sun-Fri 10AM-5PM·$15/adult, $10/concession, $8/child

26. SeeTheater District

    Museum of Broadway

    Opened on November 15, 2022, this interactive museum utilizes technology to convey the history of Broadway, complete with props from past shows, costumes, and other artifacts. You can learn about how a Broadway show is made, and there is a gift shop selling not only their own merch, but also products from current Broadway shows and Broadway in general.

    Tue-Fr 9:30AM-6:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-8PM, Sun 9:30AM-6:30PM·$57.71 including service fee and tax

27. SeeSoHo

    New York City Fire Museum

    Closed until further notice. Housed in a restored 1904 firehouse, the NYC Fire Museum covers the history of fire fighting in the United States from the 18th century to the present. Displays include antique aparatus, uniforms and equipment, as well as an apartment fire simulator.

    Suggested admission $7 adults, $5 seniors/students/children

28. SeeFinancial District

    New York Stock Exchange

    NYSE

    A historic site, not least because of the Black Thursday crash of the Exchange on 24 October 1929 and the subsequent sell-off panic which started on Black Tuesday, 29 October, precipitating the worldwide Great Depression of the early 1930s. The present Exchange building opened in 1903, recognized from the first as an example of masterful architecture, with the six massive Corinthian columns across its Broad Street facade imparting a feeling of substance and stability and, to many, seeming the very embodiment of America’s growth and prosperity. The building has been closed to the public since 9/11.

29. SeeUpper West Side

    Riverside Church

    A large and historically important Protestant church and center of progressive social activism. Also neo-Gothic.

30. SeeFinancial District

    Skyscraper Museum

    Exhibits on the history of highrise and skyscraper construction.

    Wed-Sun noon-6PM·$5 adults, $2.50 students/seniors

31. SeeUpper East Side

    Society of Illustrators

    The Society of Illustrators is one of the many off the beaten path museums in New York City, and while it may not have as many visitors, it certainly isn't a place to miss. Certainly don't miss the art of illustration featured here, with countless historical galleries since the museum's opening in 1901. It's even the origin of the famous "I Want You For U.S. Army" poster of World War I and II.

    Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM·$15/adult, $10/concession, children under 10 free

32. SeeFinancial District

    South Street Seaport Museum

    A museum with exhibits on the historic Seaport area and a collection of ships at the South Street Seaport on the East River open for tours.

    Jan-Mar: Fri-Mon 10AM-5PM, Ships noon-4PM; Apr-Dec: Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM·$10 adults, $8 students/seniors, $5 children, children under 5 free

33. DoUpper East Side

    St. Catherine's Park

    A hidden gem that's been a hotspot for Upper East Side recreation since 1996. While the area may seem like any park welcoming screaming children from nearby areas and plenty of areas to exercise such as basketball courts and the running track, this park is so much more. Such a small park is so rich in history, mimicking Rome's Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church and including many Roman-influenced details few and far between. If you're in this area, be sure to pay the park a visit.

    Daily 7AM-6PM·Free

34. SeeMidtown East

    St. Patrick's Cathedral

    A big, grand neo-Gothic Catholic church, presided over by the Archbishop of New York; a years-long renovation was completed in time for a Sep 2015 visit by Pope Francis.

35. SeeFinancial District

    Statue of Liberty

    Liberty Enlightening the World

    One of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the USA, if not the world. A gift from the people of France to celebrate the centennial of the United States, stands upon Liberty Island and is one of the most famous symbols of the nation and has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Upon departing the ferry, you can visit the Visitor Information Station, which has a schedule of the day's events. Visitors can also meet at the Liberty Island Flagpole (behind the statue) for a ranger-led tour of the island. You can also visit the monument lobby, museum (where you'll see various exhibits on the statue, the old torch, and the famous "New Colossus" sonnet), and outside to the promenade and Fort Wood (the 11-point star-shaped structure the statue stands upon). You can also take a trip to the pedestal observation deck (though not up into the statue itself, unless you have a Reserve with Crown ticket); visitors can look upward to view the interior of the statue (there are four marked viewing locations); and the pedestal observation deck provides a 360-degree view, which includes the New York City skyline. Security checks are rigorous, so travel as light as possible. Backpacks and other large bags are not permitted on the tours but can be stored in lockers for a fee. On busy days there may be long waits. Visitors with the Reserve with Crown ticket are allowed to climb up a circular staircase from the base of the statue to the crown, but tickets are very limited and should be reserved three or four months (up to one year) in advance. Children must be at least 4-feet tall, and must be able to walk up and down the stairs by themselves, and all ticket holders must show a photo ID to match the name on their tickets. The design of Lady Liberty's torch evokes the universal symbol of enlightenment, which lights the way to freedom, showing immigrants the path to liberty and justice.

36. SeeEast Village

    Stuyvesant Street

    The only street in Manhattan that actually runs due east to the compass. There are several 18th- and early 19th-century buildings along this street, which runs from a bit south of 9th St. and 3rd Ave. to 10th St and 2nd Ave. At the corner of 10th St. and 2nd Ave. is, a historic landmark and a very active church today, with an old and lush graveyard to the north, on and near the corner of 11th St. and 2nd Ave. Peter Stuyvesant, the last Dutch governor of the colony of New Netherland before the British took possession and renamed it New York, is buried in a crypt in the east wall of the church. On the other end of Stuyvesant St., at the triangle between 9th St., Stuyvesant St., and 3rd Ave., a small garden and a compass fountain were constructed a few years ago for beautification and in order to show that Stuyvesant St. does go due east to the compass.

37. EatCentral Park

    Tavern on the Green

    This iconic restaurant has appeared in dozens of films as one of New York's most famous dining spots. The historic building once served as a sheep paddock before being converted to a restaurant in 1934, soon becoming a favorite destination for New Yorkers' special occasions. Although the setting is as lovely as it's always been, the restaurant itself has developed a reputation for providing overpriced food that isn't all that good.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-11PM; Sat 9AM-11PM; Sun 9AM-midnight

38. SeeTheater District

    The Paley Center for Media

    formerly the Museum of Television & Radio

    Dedicated to preserving and collecting television programs as a service to the public, the museum consists of two museum branches in Los Angeles and New York City; combined they hold over 100,000 television programs that are available to the public, providing a historical, artistic and cultural perspective to television and radio. You may use their library here for the price of admission. They have lots of old shows and a database so you can see if they have what you want.

    Wed Fri–Sun noon–6PM; Thu noon–8PM; closed Mon Tue·Admission is free; suggested admission: $10 adults, $8 students/seniors, $5 children under 14

39. SeeUpper West Side

    The San Remo

    The historic building with the distinctive, iconic twin towers and a star-studded housing cooperative board. Built in 1930 in a vaguely Art Deco style to the design of Emery Roth, the San Remo actually has two separate addresses, lobbies and sets of shafts, each for a half of the building topped with a tower.

40. SeeGramercy Flatiron

    Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace

    A designated National Historic Site, Roosevelt lived at this site from his birth in 1858 until the age of 14 years. The building is not the original - that was demolished in 1916 - but a reconstruction erected by admirers three years later in 1919 after Roosevelt's death, and subsequently furnished with many of the original fittings and memorabilia of the 26th U.S. President by Roosevelt's wife and sisters.

    Tue-Sat 9AM-5PM, closed Federal holidays·$3 adults, children under 16 free, guided tours available

Browse all 543 places in Manhattan

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0).