Lower Manhattan Places You Won't Find In Guidebooks
A Guide to Lower Manhattan
There are no shortage of guides and things to do in Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge, to the Oculus, Chinatown restaurants, Katz’s deli, and more. But from living there several years, I’ve found a few more spots that I haven’t seen on guides that I think are special. They might not be the best tourist destinations, but I think these places are still worth checking out.
Manhattan Bridge Overlooking Madison Street
This is the most likely place to be on a travel guide which is why I’m including it first. I see countless photos looking down this street towards down town. I’ve seen it on stock photos on the subway and stock videos for commercials on TV. Although it’s not shown in the google street view, there’s a convenient cut-out in the criss-crossing fencing to give your camera an unobstructed view. Everyone on the bridge takes a photo of the view but luckily this bridge is significantly less traffic-ed than the popular Brooklyn Bridge.
Chinese Zodiac Mural - Eldridge & Hester
Every lunar new year, this immense and beautiful mural changes to the new Zodiac animal. There’s no shortage of graffiti or murals in Lower East Side, but this one is one of my favorites. See the new Tiger now!
Fire Escape Concert - Essex & Hester
During New York’s initial Covid shutdown in 2020, large numbers of people were stuck in their apartments. This resident took to playing music on their fire-escape. Slowly the production grew to include lights, a full band, drones, and a street closed to witness the fire escape concert.
Office of the City Clerk - Worth & Centre
I saved the best for last. Why is a government building on the top of my list? At first glance, there’s nothing special about this immense building that occupies an entire block. But looking further even on a Monday morning, you’ll see enthusiastic street vendors selling flowers and photographers beaming. The Office of the City Clerk is where couples can get marriage licenses and ceremonies. The entrance is nothing grand; its no church and the sidewalk is as narrow as the rest of the block. But I think that’s why I love this place so much. Couples are always dressed up nicely even if its early in the morning and everyone is smiling despite a regular four way intersection traffic light directly adjacent. It’s an unexpected sight; glamour and joy on the busy streets.
I often think about what makes a place a place. Is it the big things that draw crowds and tourist from across the globe? Or is it the small minute things that make a place what it is? What happens when we try to seek out the smallest things that make a place what it is?