Manhattan: Exploring New York City’s Most Famous Borough

Manhattan is the best-known borough of New York City and attracts more visitors than any of the city's other boroughs. For many people, the name Manhattan is almost interchangeable with New York City itself.

Manhattan is a narrow, elongated island surrounded by the Hudson River on the west, the East River on the east, and Harlem to the north. The borough covers an area of 22.83 square miles, or approximately 59.1 km².

Districts of Manhattan

Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan occupies the southern end of Manhattan Island and marks the location where New York City began. It is home to the city's financial center as well as a number of important government institutions. Lower Manhattan extends from the southern tip of the island northward to 14th Street.

Midtown Manhattan

Midtown stretches from 14th Street north to 59th Street, which marks the southern edge of Central Park. The part of Midtown best known for its concentration of skyscrapers begins around 33rd Street. This is also where visitors can find the iconic Empire State Building.

Upper Manhattan

Upper Manhattan begins around Central Park and continues north to 96th Street. The western section of this area is also home to Columbia University and the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.

Harlem

Located north of Upper Manhattan, Harlem extends as far as 155th Street. One of its best-known thoroughfares is 125th Street, where the historic Apollo Theater can be found.

Washington Heights

Washington Heights lies in the northern section of Manhattan, extending as far as 220th Street. The neighborhood takes its name from Fort Washington, a military fortification constructed during the 18th century to defend the area against the British.

What to See in Manhattan

Many of New York City's most famous landmarks and attractions are concentrated in Manhattan. Midtown, particularly the area north of 31st Street, contains a large share of the borough's major sights. Among them are the remarkable Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Chrysler Building, Times Square, the controversial MoMA, and numerous other popular attractions.

Lower Manhattan has also played an essential role throughout the city's history. It was the birthplace of New York's early development, and today it remains highly significant, with Wall Street and the Financial District continuing to have a major influence on the global economy.

For a chance to discover a different side of Manhattan, head north to Harlem, where the character and atmosphere of the city take on a distinctly different feel.