Manhattan (New York City)

Manhattan
A breathtaking aerial view of Lower Manhattan, this image captures the iconic skyline of New York City in stunning clarity. Prominently featured is One World Trade Center rising above the Financial District, surrounded by a dense cluster of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings. The shimmering waters of the Hudson River wrap around Battery Park at the southern tip of the island, while the East River and Brooklyn coastline appear in the distance. File photo: phototrip2403, licensed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.