Lower Manhattan is one of the most diverse areas of one of the most diverse cities in the world. There are thousands of restaurants, venues, cultural institutions and other points of interest to see and experience in the area between 14th street on the north, and New York Harbor on the south.
Here are just a few of the activities you can experience in this area. For additional ideas, check out the Web site of the Downtown Alliance (http://www.downtownny.com/), a neighborhood community organization.
The Staten Island Ferry carries thousands of New York commuters every day, but it's also a great way to see many of the city's landmarks by water. The ferry's route provides breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. A round trip takes about an hour. The ferry is free, but make sure you avoid the rush hour.
The former Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House at One Bowling Green, near Battery Park, is home to the New York branch of the National Museum of the American Indian. Here you can see art and artifacts, both historical and contemporary, from one of the largest collections of Native American art and artifacts in the world. Admission is free.
In Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood you can find restaurants and lounges serving everything from Cantonese dim sum to Vietnamese phở, a beef noodle soup. But to really experience the unique Asian flavor of this area, visit one of the local karaoke bars. Yello Bar (32 Mulberry St.) has a hip feel, while Winnie's (401 Bayard St.) is a bit grittier. Most places in Chinatown are relatively cheap compared with the rest of the city, but most are also cash only.
Manhattan's East Village, located between 14th street and Houston Street, has been one of the city's artistic hot spots since the late 1960s. It remains one of the best neighborhoods to go for live music from independent and up-and-coming artists. Venues such as The Mercury Lounge (217 E Houston St.) and The Living Room (145 Ludlow St.) feature live music every evening. Covers usually range from $5 to $10. Some places have a drink minimum.
