Moving to Manhattan? One of the top boroughs in New York City, Manhattan is full of local restaurants, outdoor spaces, family-friendly activities, and more. For newcomers, exploring hidden gems and local favorites is a great way to discover what makes this borough unique. Here are some of the best places to explore as you get to know your new home.
Manhattan Essentials for Newcomers
Before you explore the local favorites below, here are some must-see Manhattan icons every newcomer should check out sooner or later!
- American Museum of Natural History: On the Upper West Side, this museum’s dinosaur fossils and space exhibits have made it a beloved city fixture. It’s also the real-life setting behind the Night at the Museum films.
- Broadway: Running from 42nd to 52nd Street, Broadway is New York’s oldest North-South thoroughfare and the heart of the city’s theater scene. Most of the theaters sit within a block of the street, so catching a show—from long-running favorites to brand-new musicals—is one of the easiest ways to dive into Midtown Manhattan’s live entertainment.
- Central Park: Manhattan’s flagship green space, spanning over 800 acres right in the middle of the city. Walk or bike the loops, have a picnic, or explore gardens like the North Woods and Conservatory Garden.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located along Fifth Avenue, “The Met” houses an extensive art collection spanning thousands of years, including galleries like Arts of the Ancient Americas. It’s a favorite for New Yorkers and visitors alike.
- Rockefeller Center: A Midtown institution for making memories—take in skyline views from Top of the Rock, ice skate at The Rink in winter, or just wander the plaza. It’s one of the first stops most newcomers make in the city.
- Times Square: The bustling heart of Midtown, known for its bright lights, plazas, and nonstop energy. Walk through to take in the city views and public art, and you’ll understand why it’s the address every visitor and newcomer eventually passes through.
Outdoor & Nature Spots in Manhattan
Located in the heart of New York City, between the Hudson and East Rivers, Manhattan Island offers residents plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From scenic parks to waterfront spaces, residents can find plenty of outdoor spaces in Manhattan to walk, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
The Battery
Located on the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, The Battery is a 25-acre park where newcomers can enjoy magnificent views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Be sure to explore the beautiful gardens, stroll along the many walking paths, or relax on the green. The combination of green space and scenery makes this a favorite outdoor spot to enjoy Manhattan.
The High Line
Originally built on an elevated rail line, The High Line is a beloved public park located on the West Side of Manhattan. Residents can wander through the gardens to view the various shrubs, trees, and perennials—or go stargazing after sunset with friends and family. With unique public art on display throughout the park, including sculptures like West Side Warrior and The Golden Crop, The High Line is a Manhattan park you’ll never want to leave.
Inwood Hill Park
Get a taste of old New York by exploring Inwood Hill Park! Estimated to date back to the 17th century, this historic park has plenty of caves, ridges, and valleys that were left as a result of shifting glaciers. Today, residents can bike along the Hudson River, play games of tennis or roller hockey, or walk their dogs through the area’s hiking trails. Keep an eye out for bald eagles—the park is one of the best places to explore them in the city!
Little Island
Built along the Hudson River at Pier 55 on Manhattan’s West Side, Little Island is a public park where New Yorkers can experience nature and art. The park features landscape gardens, walking paths, an outdoor play space for kids, and scenic overlooks with waterfront views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. You can also catch outdoor performances at Little Island’s performance venues—The Amph, a 700-seat amphitheater along the Hudson River, and The Glade, a 200-seat performance space tucked among lush greenery.
Bridges to Brooklyn
Walking across one of the bridges connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to get outdoors while exploring the city. Take in views of the Manhattan skyline and East River as you walk from Lower Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, or Williamsburg Bridge, giving residents a chance to walk along Manhattan’s waterfront.
Washington Square Park
Located in Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is known for its iconic arch and central fountain. Residents can relax in the green spaces, take their pups to the park’s dog-friendly areas, or take the kids to one of the playgrounds. This park is a perfect place to spend time outdoors while experiencing the vibe of Greenwich Village.
Local Restaurants & Coffee Shops in Manhattan
Known for a diverse food scene, Manhattan is home to iconic New York eateries and coffee shops. Residents can explore different neighborhoods to find local restaurants and coffee shops that make this borough unique. Here are some of the best places to dine in Manhattan.
Heidelberg Restaurant
One of the oldest family-run German restaurants in Manhattan, Heidelberg Restaurant is an Upper East Side staple serving traditional German dishes made with family recipes. The restaurant offers German fare in a classic beer-hall atmosphere and has decades of history. Popular dishes include Schnitzel Vinaigrette, Bratwurst, and Beef Gulasch.
Monkey Bar
Established in 1936, Monkey Bar is a longtime Midtown favorite on 54th Street. Known for its Art Deco-inspired dining room, it’s a great spot for residents to stop in for cocktails like the Cucumber Martini or Grand Cosmopolitan, paired with dishes such as Truffle Monkey Bread or Prime Rib French Dip.
Moon Coffee Lab
Moon Coffee Lab in the East Village, off Avenue B, offers classic coffee options and unique specialty drinks. Start your morning with a Nutella Milk Latte, Lychee Matcha, or Salted Caramel Banana Latte on your way to work.
Osteria La Baia
A Manhattan hideaway, Osteria La Baia is an Italian favorite tucked away on West 52nd Street. Known for its Italian menu, stop in for homemade pasta entrees such as Gnocchi Caprese, Cacio E Pepe, or Lobster Fettuccine.
Patsy’s Italian Restaurant
Located in Midtown Manhattan—just south of Central Park—Patsy’s Italian Restaurant has been a staple in the New York food scene since 1944. A favorite of iconic singer Frank Sinatra, this family-owned restaurant serves signature dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana, Penne Vodka Pasta, and Fettuccine Alfredo.
Pop’s Pizzas
With locations across the Manhattan area, Pop’s Pizza is known for its classic New York-style slices and focus on quality ingredients. Try one of Pop’s specialty pizzas, such as Pop’s Square Pizza, Pop’s Hawaiian Pizza, or Pop’s Vodka Pizza.
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner
Sarge’s Delicatessen & Diner in Murray Hill is one of the best delis in Manhattan. Known for their enormous Pastrami Sandwich and world-famous Matzo Ball Soup, Sarge’s Deli is exactly what you want in a New York City diner experience. It’s open seven days a week—from breakfast to dinner—and serves up everything from bagels and lox to split pea soup and steak.
Arts & Culture Things to Do in Manhattan
Manhattan offers residents many ways to experience the city’s art and culture scene, from galleries and museums to live music and Broadway or Off-Broadway shows. Here are some beloved spots to check out.
Carnegie Hall
A historical landmark in Midtown Manhattan, Carnegie Hall is one of New York City’s most well-known music venues. Residents can attend classical, jazz, world music, or contemporary music performances, while experiencing one of Manhattan’s iconic landmarks.
Lincoln Center
A major performing arts venue in Manhattan on the Upper West Side, the Lincoln Center is home to a diverse lineup of performances. Residents can get tickets to see the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, or the New York City Philharmonic here.
The National Jazz Museum of Harlem
Led by Grammy award-winning artists Jon Batiste and Christian McBride, The National Jazz Museum of Harlem aims to highlight diverse voices in jazz through education and digital exhibits. Visitors can expand their knowledge and appreciation of jazz through tours, workshops, and events. It’s an engaging way for residents to celebrate this beloved music genre!
New York Comedy Club
Want to catch great comedy shows in New York City? New York Comedy Club has the laughs you need. With locations in Midtown, East Village, and the Upper West Side, this club has been a staple in the NYC comedy scene since the ’80s. Whether it’s open mic nights, lineups featuring on-the-rise standup comedians, roast battles, or drop-ins from famous comedians, you never know what you’re going to get when you visit!
NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
A landmark in Midtown Manhattan, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the flagship location of the New York Public Library. Here, residents can explore its grand architecture, visit the historic Rose Main Reading Room, and discover the library’s collection of rare books, manuscripts, and more. Plus, you can access research and archived books through the library’s Archives Portal—or expand your knowledge through exploring the free exhibits and special displays.
Off-Broadway Theaters
Off-Broadway shows are defined by seating capacity rather than prestige—professional New York City venues with 100 to 499 seats—giving residents a more intimate, often more experimental alternative to the big Broadway productions. Performances include a mix of plays and musicals and take place in smaller, more intimate theaters like New World Stages, 92NY’s Buttenweiser Hall, and Greenwich House Theater. An Off-Broadway show can be a fun way for residents to discover local theater.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Manhattan
Families can find a variety of things to do with kids in Manhattan. From interactive museums to kid-friendly shows, there are plenty of ways to explore your new home with kids.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
One of the best activities in Manhattan for families, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities encouraging kids to learn through play. Sign your soon-to-be preschooler up for some early childhood classes where they will learn gentle separation, imaginative play, and develop their social skills! Or simply bring your kids to explore art, science, and creative exhibits on the Upper West Side.
Intrepid Museum
Located on Pier 86 at 46th Street, the Intrepid Museum lets families explore aircrafts, submarines, and more. Kids can learn about aviation, space, and military history through interactive exhibits.
The Museum of Ice Cream
The Museum of Ice Cream offers a colorful, interactive experience with hands-on exhibits, unlimited ice cream samples, and more. It’s a fun option for residents looking for a unique family activity in Manhattan.
NYPL’s Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
Located right across the street from the flagship NYPL building on Fifth Avenue, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) is where the library’s kid and teen-focused programming lives. The Children’s Center and Teen Center offer storytime, podcast studios, and cozy reading nooks, plus a free rooftop terrace with Midtown views—making it an easy, low-key stop for families with young readers.
Spyscape
Great for families with older children, Spyscape is an interactive experience where everyone can test their skills through spy-themed challenges, puzzles, and games. Everyone works together to crack codes, dodge lasers, and outsmart a lie-detector test along the way.
Seasonal Events & Local Festivals in Manhattan
From cultural celebrations to community festivals, Manhattan offers plenty of opportunities for residents to experience its local traditions.
Drums Along the Hudson
Experience Native American culture in Upper Manhattan! Held in Inwood Park in June, Drums Along the Hudson is a free multicultural celebration featuring traditional drumming, dance, storytelling, and international foods.
Harvest Festival
Embrace the autumn season by attending the Randall’s Island Harvest Festival! Explore the pumpkin patch, dance to live music, get your face painted, watch seasonal cooking demonstrations, and more. Whether you go alone, with family, or friends, it’s an ideal way to celebrate the changing seasons!
Loisaida Festival
Held on the Lower East Side, the Loisaida Festival celebrates the neighborhood’s Puerto Rican, Latinx, and Caribbean heritage. Enjoy live music, performances, food, and art while experiencing the culture and community.
Lunar New York Parade and Festival
Celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year at the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival with lion dances, cultural performances, colorful floats, and more. Experience the traditions of Manhattan’s Chinatown while attending this lively community celebration.
The River to River Festival
Held in Lower Manhattan and on Governors Island, The River to River Festival is a free summer arts festival that has been running for over two decades. It spotlights local artists across dance, music, theater, and visual art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hidden gem in Manhattan?
Manhattan has a variety of hidden gems for everyone. If you want to spend time outdoors, check out Little Island or The Battery. For a culinary experience, go to Heidelberg Restaurant. For a kid-friendly outing, try The Museum of Ice Cream, featuring unlimited ice cream samples and interactive art installations.
What is the best neighborhood to explore in Manhattan?
With its diverse neighborhoods and attractions, Manhattan offers something different depending on what you’re looking for. The East Village and Lower East Side bring a lively, nightlife-driven energy, while the safe and affordable Murray Hill offers a quieter, more residential feel. Explore a few different pockets of the borough to find the one that fits your lifestyle best.
What is Manhattan known for?
Manhattan is known for iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and a world-class arts and dining scene packed into one borough. From Central Park to Broadway, there’s no shortage of ways for residents to explore their new home.
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