Manhattan
Vacations In Manhattan
Exploring Manhattan: The Heart of New York City
Manhattan is the most famous borough of New York City (NYC), but it’s not the entire city.
NYC consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan is the smallest in size but the most densely populated, known for its iconic skyline, cultural landmarks, and vibrant energy.
Historical Fun Facts About Manhattan
1. The Name "Manhattan" comes from the Lenape Native American word Manna-hata, meaning "island of many hills."
2. Purchased for $24 – In 1626, Dutch settlers "bought" Manhattan from the Lenape for trade goods worth about 60 guilders (roughly $1,100 today, but often mythologized as $24).
3. Wall Street’s Origins – The street was named after an actual wooden wall built by Dutch settlers in the 1650s to protect against British invasions.
4. Central Park Was Once a Swamp – Before becoming an urban oasis, the area was rocky, swampy, and home to small villages like Seneca Village, a predominantly Black community displaced for the park’s construction.
5. The Great Pizza Ban of 1903 – Eating pizza in public was briefly banned due to concerns over "un-Italian" behavior. Thankfully, the rule didn’t last!
Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities in Manhattan
While Times Square and the Empire State Building are must-sees, try these unique experiences:
1. Explore The Cloisters (Fort Tryon Park)
A medieval art museum in Upper Manhattan, this branch of the Met feels like a European monastery with stunning Hudson River views.
2. Walk the High Line at Night
Most tourists visit this elevated park by day, but nighttime offers a quieter, beautifully lit stroll with skyline views.
3. Visit Roosevelt Island’s Smallpox Hospital Ruins
Accessible by tram (with epic city views), this abandoned Gothic Revival hospital is hauntingly beautiful.
4. Discover Speakeasies & Hidden Bars
- Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – Enter through a phone booth in a hot dog joint.
- The Back Room – A Prohibition-era bar hidden behind a toy store.
5. Tour the Underground Atlantic Avenue Tunnel
The world’s oldest subway tunnel, built in 1844, is now a hidden historical site open for tours.
6. Visit The Elevated Acre
A secret rooftop park in the Financial District with great views of the East River.
Is Manhattan the Same as NYC?
No—Manhattan is just one of NYC’s five boroughs. While it’s the most famous, the other boroughs offer their own unique charm:
- Brooklyn – Hipster culture, great food, and Coney Island.
- Queens – The most ethnically diverse urban area in the world.
- The Bronx – Home of the Yankees and the birthplace of hip-hop.
- Staten Island – Offers the free Staten Island Ferry with skyline views.
Final Tips for Exploring Manhattan
Walk or take the subway – Cabs are expensive, and walking lets you discover hidden gems.
Visit museums on pay-what-you-wish days – The Met, MoMA, and others have discounted entry times.
Eat like a local – Skip chain restaurants and try a bodega breakfast sandwich or a slice of dollar pizza.
Manhattan is a place where history, culture, and adventure collide. Whether you’re uncovering secret spots or marveling at its famous landmarks, there’s always something new to discover.
Manhattan Unlocked: A Traveler’s Guide
Manhattan: A number of people think that Manhattan and New York City are synonymous, but they are not. Everyone should get to see New York City in his or her lifetime, but this network of neighbourhoods can be intimidating without guidance. Manhattan is only one of the five boroughs that make up New York City. There is much to see and do in Manhattan that it could take weeks to visit everything.
First, familiarize yourself with the best ways to get around the city. Since you will probably be spending most of your time outdoors, check the weather and plan accordingly. Manhattan is the home of the Empire State Building, Time Square, Central Park, Greenwich Village, China Town, the former site of the World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty, and much much more.
Let us not forget some activities that you can do while in Manhattan, you can see a Broadway show, check out the wineries. Take a self-guided tour of Rockefeller Center to discover the art-deco masterpieces that this 19-building complex contains. Check out the sober grandeur of Grant's Tomb National Monument near Riverside Church, hey and while you are there go ahead and climb the Church bell tower to see the fabulous city views. Want more ways to watch your wallet? Museum of Modern Art-, which hosts Target Free Fridays from 4-8pm, or Staten Island Ferry- where you can enjoy the skyline views, plus a trip to Staten, The Cathedral of St. John and tour the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Of course there is Central Park - where nature never charges a fee.
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Look out for many of the major events planned year-round, this will give you an opportunity to choose a time that has more activities for you and your family. From somber reflection at Ground Zero to the exuberant performances on Broadway to our excellent dining, NYC provides an experience for any taste. The Manhattan skyline consists of some of the tallest buildings built in the United States.
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