Manhattan (New York City) - Long Island Guide

Manhattan, the beating heart of New York City, is one of the most iconic urban centers in the world. From the bright lights of Times Square to the tranquil paths of Central Park, from world-renowned museums to historic neighborhoods, Manhattan offers an unmatched blend of energy, elegance, and influence. It’s a place where skyscrapers touch the clouds, dreams are chased daily, and every block holds a story.

Located on an island between the Hudson and East Rivers, Manhattan is the smallest NYC borough by land but the most densely populated. With over 1.6 million residents and millions more commuting in daily for work, school, or tourism, Manhattan is a global crossroads. It’s home to Wall Street, Broadway, the United Nations, and the headquarters of countless companies and media outlets, making it both a financial and cultural powerhouse.

Times Square, one of the Citys most famous and vibrant landmarks, is recognized worldwide as a symbol of entertainment, culture, and commerce. — Times Square, one of the City’s most famous and vibrant landmarks, is recognized worldwide as a symbol of entertainment, culture, and commerce. Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” it dazzles visitors with towering digital billboards, bustling crowds, and nonstop energy. Serving as the heart of the Broadway Theater District, Times Square is not only a hub for world-class performances but also one of the most visited tourist destinations on the planet, drawing millions each year. *New York City – May 11, 2013*. File photo: KarlosWest, licensed.

Visitors to Manhattan will find endless ways to engage with the city – from walking the High Line to browsing Fifth Avenue, riding the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty, or discovering food from every culture in the world. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, the borough offers something new around every corner.

A stunning aerial view of Central Park in New York City, showcasing the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, scenic green spaces, and baseball fields, with the iconic Manhattan skyline rising in the background. A must-visit destination blending nature and city life. File photo: Pandora Pictures, licensed.

Top Attractions in Manhattan

Central Park – A sprawling urban oasis offering boating, concerts, walking trails, and iconic views in the middle of the city.
Times Square – The world-famous intersection of lights, screens, and Broadway theaters that draws millions annually.
Empire State Building – An enduring symbol of New York City with sweeping views from its observation decks.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – One of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world.
Broadway & the Theater District – The pinnacle of American stage performance with world-class productions nightly.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – Reachable by ferry, these historic landmarks tell the story of American immigration.
Wall Street & the Financial District – A hub of global finance and home to the New York Stock Exchange and Charging Bull.
9/11 Memorial & Museum – A powerful and moving tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of the city.
The High Line – An elevated park built on an old rail line offering art, gardens, and a unique view of Manhattan’s West Side.

Wall Street in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan. The New York Stock Exchange, adorned with American flags, stands prominently on the right, representing the heart of global finance and commerce. Crowds of locals, traders, and tourists flow through the cobblestone street, highlighting the mix of business and sightseeing that defines the area. Known as the epicenter of U.S. financial markets, Wall Street continues to influence economies worldwide. File photo: Daniel Avram, licensed.

What Manhattan Is Known For

Manhattan is synonymous with New York City itself. It’s known for its iconic skyline, unmatched cultural institutions, world-class dining, fast pace, and global influence. From financial markets to fashion runways, from publishing houses to performing arts, it’s a place where trends begin and history is made. Manhattan is also known for its neighborhoods – Harlem, SoHo, the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and more – each offering a distinct vibe and story.

The Charging Bull statue in New York’s Financial District stands as a symbol of economic power, even as a new statewide report warns that high costs, heavy regulation, and slower job growth are putting New York’s business climate at risk. — The famous bronze *Charging Bull* statue stands boldly on a cobblestone street near Bowling Green Park in Lower Manhattan. Created by artist Arturo Di Modica in 1989, the 7,100-pound sculpture was installed as a symbol of resilience and financial prosperity after the 1987 stock market crash. Today, it remains one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in New York City, drawing millions of tourists each year while continuing to represent Wall Street’s influence and ambition. File photo: Kathy images, licensed.

A Few Fun Facts About Manhattan

The island of Manhattan was purchased from the Lenape people in 1626 for goods worth roughly $24.
Central Park spans 843 acres and is entirely man-made.
Grand Central Terminal has the most train platforms of any station in the world—44 in total.
Manhattan was the first part of New York City to be developed and is still its most famous borough.
The name “Manhattan” comes from the Lenape word Manahatta, meaning “island of many hills.”

Located on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty has long symbolized freedom, democracy, and hope for millions who arrived in America through nearby Ellis Island. In the background, the Manhattan skyline rises with modern skyscrapers, bridging the historic symbol of liberty with the contemporary energy of New York City. The reflection of the colorful sky across the water adds a serene yet powerful atmosphere to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. File photo: CK Foto, licensed.

Manhattan Summary Snapshot

Part of: New York City (one of five boroughs)
Population: ~1.6 million (millions more daily visitors)
Region: Island between Hudson and East Rivers
Known For: Times Square, Wall Street, Central Park, Broadway
Landmark Parks: Central Park, The High Line
Cultural Icons: Empire State Building, MET, Statue of Liberty
Must-See: Broadway shows, 9/11 Memorial, Top of the Rock
Ideal For: Tourists, theater lovers, history buffs, urban explorers

This stunning nighttime view captures the Brooklyn Bridge stretching across the East River, its lights forming a glowing pathway that leads toward Manhattan’s glittering skyline. The reflective waters below add depth to the scene, while the soaring One World Trade Center stands tall among the surrounding skyscrapers, symbolizing resilience and modern New York. The blend of historic architecture and contemporary towers showcases the city’s dynamic character, making this one of the most recognizable and photographed vistas in the world. — This stunning nighttime view captures the Brooklyn Bridge stretching across the East River, its lights forming a glowing pathway that leads toward Manhattan’s glittering skyline. The reflective waters add depth to the scene, while the soaring One World Trade Center stands tall among the surrounding skyscrapers, symbolizing resilience and modern New York. The blend of historic architecture and contemporary towers showcases the city’s dynamic character, making this one of the most recognizable and photographed vistas in the world. File photo: eFlexion, licensed.

How Manhattan Connects to Long Island

While Manhattan and Long Island are geographically distinct, they’re intricately connected through history, transit, and daily life. Thousands of Long Islanders commute into Manhattan each day via the Long Island Rail Road, and many Long Island families have roots in the city. Whether catching a Broadway show, working in Midtown, or enjoying the museums and parks, visiting Manhattan is a regular – and often essential – part of life for Long Islanders seeking the pulse of the world’s most famous city.