The Ultimate Downtown New York City Guide: Best Things to Do in Downtown NYC
After spending a month living like a local in New York City, I’m more in love with the city than ever.
Part of living like a local is experiencing a “staycation” to enjoy your city like a tourist. I spent a weekend experiencing the best of what Downtown NYC has to offer when it comes to where to eat, where to stay and what to do!
Whether you’re visiting from afar or planning a New York staycation, I have some trusted travel tips for your next visit to downtown New York City!
What to See in Downtown New York
With so many incredible things to see in downtown New York, it can be hard to choose. Sometimes the best thing to do in New York is to wander aimlessly, taking in the sights and people watching. But if you want actual ideas of things to do in downtown NYC, these are a few of my recommendations.
One World Observatory
Ascend to the top of Freedom Tower for some of the best views of New York City. Enjoy exhibits and restaurants 100 stories above the ground. One Dine offers fine dining with amazing views, and it’s a great place to grab a drink as the sun sets over New York.
9/11 Memorial
Whether you lived through 9/11 and it hits close to home like it does for me, or heard about it from your parents, this memorial is a must-see in downtown New York.
Set in place of the two World Trade Center towers that collapsed on 9/11/01, the memorial is so moving. The memorial represents the absence of the two towers in its waterfall foot prints. It’s very well done and amazingly beautiful.
9/11 Museum
Although it can be emotional to visit (at least it is for me), the September 11th museum contains important pieces of American history and puts 9/11 into perspective for those who may be too young to remember. I highly reccomend a visit when you’re in downtown NYC.
Irish Hunger Memorial
New York was pretty much built on the backs of immigrants, especially Irish immigrants, so this is an important memorial for the city.
The small park sits in Battery Park City and was built with stones, soil, and native vegetation from Ireland. This outdoor attraction is a great place to learn about the potato famine of the mid-19th century.
Brookfield Place
Brookfield Place is a hub of activity in this part of New York and is made up of several buildings that leave a mark on the New York skyline. You’ll find some of the best shopping and dining at Brookfield Place, but my favorite thing at Brookfield Place is the ice skating rink! The Rink at Brookfield Place has been frequently named as one of the top skating spots in New York.
Seaport District NYC
Another great spot to hang out in downtown New York. It’s also one of the oldest parts of New York, as the harbor is what made New York such an important city.
The Seaport District has a Seaport Museum featuring historic ships, as well as the Fulton Fish Market. For visitors or locals on a staycation, there are tons of things to do at the Seaport District.
Where to Eat in Downtown New York
New York is a haven for foodies, and there are so many different types of cuisine throughout the city. Best of all, you can pretty much get whatever kind of food you want at whatever time of day (or night) that you want it. A few of my favorite places to eat in downtown New York City include the following:
Saint Ambroeus at Brookfield Place
If you miss traveling to Europe as much as I do, then you will appreciate the Italian ambiance of Saint Ambroeus. They have a little bit of everything on the menu, including the gelato and cornfetti that makes them famous. The namesake signature drink is a must-try; it’s like a cappuccino and a hot chocolate all in one!
P.J.Clarke’s at Brookfield Place
P.J. Clarke’s is a New York City institution and has been serving up some of the best burgers in New York since 1884.
The original location is in Midtown, but make sure you swing by Brookfield Place if you’re looking for a great place to eat in downtown New York. I love that it’s right next to the Hudson River. Be sure to head outside at sunset for a nice view.
The Greens at Pier 17
The best place to eat in New York during COVID, the Greens is perfect! You can reserve your own private little cabin that comes complete with an air purifier, heater, and a virtual fireplace.
Enjoy a diverse menu of seasonal dishes and festive drinks from your rooftop cabin on the Pier. Just be sure to follow them on social for when they release new cabin dates because they fill up immediately.
Ampia Rooftop & Restaurant
Italian chefs have transformed this former bank into a stunning Mediterranean atmosphere. Amazing Italian food aside, this place is the perfect rooftop spot for dining in New York. If you are extra COVID-conscious, you can even rent these cute little individual greenhouses for private dining.
Los Tacos No. 1
No travel or staycation guide is legit unless there’s a taco spot included. If you want authentic Mexican tacos in New York City, you have to visit Los Tacos.
They have simple, affordable tasty food and good drinks! No frills— but very delicious.
Where to Stay in Downtown New York
I love to stay in the heart of downtown New York and be within walking distance of the best things to see in New York City. It’s no coincidence that three of my favorite hotels are located here, so deciding where to stay in downtown New York is always a tough decision for me.
The Beekman
The Beekman is an impressive property, with funky art in every room. Even if you don’t stay at the Beekman, you have to stop by for a drink and a look around. The atrium alone is worth the trip.
Conrad New York Downtown
This Hilton property has long been my go-to place to stay in downtown New York. My first post-pandemic visit had me even more impressed, as they really went above and beyond to make their guest feel safe.
Each room in this property is a suite, and features a living area, large rainfall shower, and a separate bedroom area.
The views of the Hudson River and Irish Hunger Memorial from the Hudson River Suites are amazing— so I highly suggest you book a Hudson River view room.
One of my favorite room features is the wet bar area. The wet bar area has a sink, a Nespresso (I judge hotels based on whether or not they have an in-room Nespresso), and a wonderful Rocean water filtration system. The filtration filter not only cuts out the need for plastic water bottles— but it actually tells you how many water bottles have been “saved” from use by using the filter. It keeps a count right on the machine.
Location is key, and you can’t beat the location of the Conrad Downtown, either. It’s located steps away from the Hudson River, Brookfield Place, and World Trade Center and Oculus— where you can find a subway vein that can take you just about anywhere in NYC. This is actually one of my favorite parts of Downtown NYC— almost every subway line crosses down here, and it makes it very easy and quick to get just about anywhere in the city without hassle.
The property is also a short walk to short walk to SoHo for excellent shopping and dining!
Mr. C Seaport
If you want to stay in the heart of the Seaport District, Mr. C is a fun option. The Cipriani family has taken their dining and nightlife expertise and created a contemporary new line of hotels. The Seaport location is a great choice, and relatively affordable compared to other downtown New York City hotels.