Tanmay 
Moving to Manhattan? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite Manhattan Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- Bill’s Place (148 W 133rd St, New York): Jazz legends play in this intimate, no-frills spot where Billie Holiday was “discovered”. Bring your own booze and enjoy a close-up experience of Harlem’s jazz scene, founded by saxophonist Bill Saxton.
- Columbia University’s Baker Field Athletic Complex: 17,000 seat football stadium
- Tribeca Festival: Held each summer around Tribeca, this festival celebrates storytelling in all forms: film, episodic content, talks, music, games, art, and immersive experiences. It was co-founded by Robert De Niro following 9/11 to ignite the economic and cultural revitalization of Lower Manhattan.
- Harlem Week: This annual festival celebrates Harlem’s vibrant heritage and diversity, in particular the African, Caribbean, and Hispanic histories of the area. Enjoy live music, dance performances, local cuisine, and panel discussions.
- La Noxe (315 7th Ave): According to TimeOut, La Noxe is one of the coolest bars in the world right now. Settle into a plush love seat and bask in the exclusivity, before sauntering back out into the night.
- Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Multicultural musical performances lakeside in Central Park (nearest Harlem side), this event draws thousands of attendees each summer.
- Castle Clinton (26 Wall St, Battery Park, NY) – Situated at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton sits right where New York City got its start. Originally built to keep the Brits at bay back in 1812, it was one of many forts guarding New York Harbor during the War of 1812.
- Somewhere Nowhere NYC (Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel): A swanky two-level lounge with an open-air rooftop pool, jazz Wednesdays, and winter igloos. The drinks are pricey, but the view—430 feet above Manhattan—makes them worth every penny.
- Rudy’s Bar & Grill (627 9th Ave, New York): For a no-frills night out, Rudy’s is the place to be. This “Inflation-Proof” dive bar in Hell’s Kitchen serves cheap beer and throws in a free hot dog with every drink. Old-school, cash-only, and unpretentious.
- Grand Sichuan Eastern (1049 2nd Ave, New York): If you like it hot, head here for spicy Sichuan dishes. With an endless, photo-filled menu, Grand Sichuan Eastern is perfect for those who eat with their eyes first. Plus, it’s conveniently located across from the Joyce Theater, so you can grab a bite before or after a performance.
- Sylvia’s Restaurant (328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York): Dishing up Southern comfort food, with all the classics covered. Think fried chicken and waffles, BBQ short ribs, catfish, and peach cobbler. And if you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the Gospel Brunch—good eats with a side of live soul performances.
- Statue of Liberty National Monument (New York Harbor) – The Statue of Liberty is a neoclassical statue that’s been standing proud on Liberty Island in New York Harbor since 1865.The idea for the statue came from Frenchman Édouard de Laboulaye, who proposed a grand gift from France to America. The nations compromised that France would handle crafting and shipping the statue, while the United States would foot the bill for the pedestal. The statue itself is modeled after a Roman goddess and apparently gets struck by lightning 600 times a year.
- Chelsea Flea Market (29 W 25th St): Revived by the team behind Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, this market is a treasure trove for antique lovers – but be prepared to dig deep. Hidden gems await those who persevere.
- Dragon Fest Manhattan: Taking over Seventh Avenue from 56th to 57th Street, Dragon Fest is the largest celebration of Chinese culture in Manhattan. Held in July, this 2024 edition welcomed Panda Day, with panda-shaped balloons to panda-themed snacks.
- Gotham Comedy Club (208 W 23rd St): The spot for stand-up in NYC, featuring top headliners and rising stars. The intimate setting makes each joke feel like it’s just for you.
- Stonewall National Monument (38-64 Christopher St, New York, NY) – Stonewall National Monument is a 7.7-acre landmark in the West Village of Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan. The area was the backdrop for the June 1969 Stonewall riots and includes the historic Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and surrounding streets like Christopher Street.
- Calvin Klein (205 W 39th St, New York): Located in the Garment District, Calvin Klein’s headquarters is more than just an office – the 39th Street space also holds archives of every single Calvin Klein design ever made.
- Japan Block Fair: The world’s largest Japanese food and culture festival, drawing over 500,000 attendees annually, takes place right in the heart of NYC.
- Blackstone (345 Park Ave, New York): Blackstone, an alternative investment company, is expanding its Midtown office, making it one of the largest recent office leases in New York City. The space will grow from 750,000 square feet to just over 1 million square feet.
- Chelsea Living Room (243 W 14th St): This supper club, which promises a “bygone era of elegance” is your dream lottery-win Manhattan home realized: think cozy fireplace, a grand piano, chandeliers, and just a touch of animal print.
- Le Rock (45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York): Indulge your inner Parisian at this classic French brasserie in a grand Art Deco setting—think seafood platters, pâtés, and plenty of au poivre sauce to go around.
- The Stonewall Inn – This historically significant Inn spearheaded the LGBTQ movement in New York in the 1960’s. Today, you’ll find the same spirit of acceptance and inclusivity.
- JP Morgan Chase (270 Park Avenue, New York): JPMorgan Chase’s construction of a new 60-story global headquarters in Midtown East reflects the company’s loyal commitment to New York City.
- Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort St): The forefront of American modern and contemporary art, with works by Warhol, Hopper, and O’Keefe. Round the visit off with a walk along the High Line.
- BIG Salsa Festival New York: Memorial Day Weekend gets even hotter with this salsa and bachata festival held at the New York Hilton Midtown. Come for the technique boot camps, stay for the fun.
- VeganHood (2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York): Living by the motto “Veganized, Not Compromised,” VeganHood is rumored to serve the city’s best vegan fried chicken. Give it a try and see if all the hype is legit.
- Nothing Really Matters (210 W 50th St, New York): Claiming to be “the greatest cocktail bar in the universe,” this speakeasy is hidden in a subway station beneath the old Duane Reade at 50th and Broadway. You’ll have to check it out to see if it lives up to that title.
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum (180 Greenwich St, New York): A potent and moving tribute that tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and monuments honoring the lives lost and heroic efforts.
- Governors Island (New York Harbor) – Governors Island has always been a hotspot for action. Sitting right off the tip of Lower Manhattan, the 172-acre island’s military roots go back to 1755, starting as a colonial militia base and then as the headquarters for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. Governors Island played a major role in both World Wars and stayed active as one of the country’s longest-running military installations until 1996.
- West Side Festival: Launched in 2023, this festival offers free access to museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on Manhattan’s West Side. Expect live music, art activities, poetry readings, and even a marine science festival.
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (45 E 42nd St, New York): Take your sightseeing to new heights with three levels of immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Far from your average observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was born out of the Instagram age.
- Beefbar (105 Hudson St, New York): From exclusive beef cuts to flavorful street food, this beef-themed “clubstaurant” (founded in 2005 in Monte Carlo) arrives in New York to disrupt the city’s famous steakhouse scene.
- Bloomberg (731 Lexington Ave, New York): The global publisher of financial news and data calls Midtown home. Their HQ has a high-floor terrace with direct views of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
- Ollin (339 E 108th St, New York): This pint-sized Mexican joint blew up on TikTok, and for good reason. The funky decor is Instagram-ready, and the menu, though small, hits the spot with tacos, chilaquiles, and tortas.
- Ginny’s Supper Club (310 Malcolm X Blvd, New York): Tucked beneath The Red Rooster, Ginny’s brings the spirit of 1920s speakeasies back to life. Stop by for a lively gospel brunch on Sundays or catch a live performance happening nearly every night.
- Elsa la Reina del Chicharron : traditional Dominican food in an unassuming setting
- Uptown Bourbon – Neighborhood watering hole offering bourbon, beer & cocktails along with happy hour.
- Empire State Building (20 W 34th St, New York): The Empire State Building was the first building in the world with more than 100 floors. It’s famous for its Art Deco architecture, height, and observation decks, which attract around four million visitors annually.
- New York University – Founded in 1831, this private research university is a staple of the neighborhood and contributes to the youthful, progressive vibe in so many ways. Over the years, the university has hosted a plethora of famous and significant celebrities, lawyers, and businesspeople. NYU is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world.
- The New York Times Company (620 8th Ave, New York): This 52-story skyscraper in Times Square serves as the headquarters for The New York Times and is ranked among the top 150 buildings in the U.S.
