If you’re planning a visit to Manhattan, you should know that it’s not just a hub for career growth, but also a premier destination for relaxation. You can get lost in the hustle and bustle of vibrant Times Square, immerse yourself in a peaceful natural atmosphere, or dive into the world of culture and art. Manhattan definitely has plenty to see and plenty to inspire you. In this article, we present a useful list of locations to suit every taste and mood. Where to go at night, on a rainy day, or even as a solo traveler—find all the details at i-manhattan.
Where to Go in Manhattan at Night?
The beauty of Manhattan is that while it may nap during the day, life really begins to bustle after sunset. The borough offers countless locations where you can have a great time after dark, including:
Times Square
Times Square is one of the most popular spots not just in Manhattan, but in all of New York City. It is a true landmark, often called the symbol of “the city that never sleeps.” At night, the square literally comes alive: giant advertising billboards light up the area so brightly it feels like the day never ended, crowds of people never stop walking, traffic hums, and shops and entertainment venues remain open. It is truly a fantastic location for an evening stroll, which is why it opens our list.
Little Italy
At night, you can also visit the historic neighborhood known as Little Italy, which was once the center of the Italian immigrant community. Here, you can step into a “time machine” and see the architecture of old New York, along with a vast number of quaint shops, restaurants, and Italian-style signage. At this location, you can take a leisurely walk through colorful streets or, if you wish, grab a bite to eat, as many establishments stay open late.
Broadway
Another excellent option for spending a great evening in Manhattan is visiting a famous theatrical performance on Broadway. Although tickets aren’t cheap, this cultural experience is absolutely worth it. This area boasts about forty active official theaters offering everything from classics to modern plays, so variety is guaranteed. Pro tip: if you want to score a discount, we recommend visiting a “TKTS” booth to buy same-day tickets right there.
Hudson River Cruises
If you’re in the mood for something unique and romantic, we suggest an evening cruise on the Hudson River. From the liner, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the glittering Manhattan skyline and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the majestic Statue of Liberty. These cruises often offer entertainment, food, and drinks, so you definitely won’t be bored.
Catacombs by Candlelight
For history buffs, we suggest visiting the Catholic catacombs by candlelight, located deep beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Touring this place with a guide, you will learn all about the history of the church, see various landmarks, the final resting places of some famous Americans, and much more.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is another wonderful location for a night walk, offering incredible views of Manhattan and the East River. The bridge itself is architecturally stunning and majestic, and at night, it is beautifully illuminated. It’s worth noting that the Brooklyn Bridge is a New York City landmark, as it was the first steel-wire suspension bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Where to Go in Manhattan on a Rainy Day?
Arrived in Manhattan only to be greeted by rain? Don’t worry. There’s no need to waste time sitting at home, as the city has plenty of locations where you can have a great time. Here are a few of them:
One World Trade Center
Visiting One World Trade Center is a great idea in rainy weather, as you can enjoy a walk inside a famous New York skyscraper, do some shopping, and have a delicious meal. Additionally, you can visit the “One World Observatory,” which allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the city even when it’s raining.
Museums
On a rainy day, hitting the museums is likely to cross many people’s minds, so we advise you to arrive early, right before they open, to avoid long lines and inconvenience.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the most popular and largest art museums in the world. It features over 2 million exhibits covering 5,000 years of human culture from every corner of the globe. The museum includes departments such as Medieval Art, Drawings and Prints, Arms and Armor, Musical Instruments, the American Wing, Islamic Art, Egyptian Art, a library, Applied Arts, and much more. The building itself is incredibly majestic and beautiful—perfect for admiring and taking photos. Notably, it has served as a filming location for movies like The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean’s 8, and others.
Please note that visiting the most popular exhibits requires a reservation, which can be made inside the museum until 3:00 PM, or you can join a virtual queue.
American Museum of Natural History
This is one of the best and most famous scientific research museums in the world. The museum collections contain over 34 million specimens, including plants, animals, fossils, human remains, minerals, rocks, meteorites, and other artifacts. The facility is massive, so even a full day isn’t enough to see everything.
Chelsea Market
This historic indoor market offers a huge variety of restaurants, boutiques, and grocery shops. The space is located in the former Nabisco factory, where the famous Oreo cookie was once made. You can easily lose track of time here for a whole day: there’s plenty to do, from shopping and eating to reading. Sometimes guests can even catch performances by a symphony orchestra and other events. Chelsea Market is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Where to Go in Manhattan as a Solo Traveler?
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is one of the largest library systems in the world, holding over 50.6 million items. Beyond reading, you can also check out exhibitions or simply admire the architectural grandeur of the library building.
The Frick Collection
A wonderful place for a solitary stroll. Formerly the mansion of Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick, today it is a museum featuring rare old paintings and European decorative arts. It is important to note that most of the collection was assembled by Frick himself. The mansion retains its historical atmosphere, adding a special charm.
Central Park
We’ll round out this list with one of the most popular locations—Central Park. Nature has always been the best place to recharge, and here you have 843 acres (341 hectares) of quiet, picturesque terrain. In the park, you can see numerous bodies of water, greenery, animals, sports fields, and walking paths. There are also entertainment and cultural spots: memorials, sculptures, and open-air theaters. Central Park is perfect for both totally passive relaxation and active leisure, with options to go boating, biking, or play sports. Plus, with frequent seasonal events, there’s something interesting happening all year round.