Manhattan: New York’s main borough

What is Manhattan?

• Manhattan is one of New York City’s five boroughs, along with Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The borough is an island roughly 22 km (13.7 mi) long. It’s bordered by the East River to the east, the Hudson River to the west, the Harlem River to the north, and New York Harbor to the south. Manhattan covers approximately 60 km² (23 sq mi).
• Manhattan is home to more than 1.6 million people out of New York City’s total population of 8.4 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While not the most densely populated borough, it remains the most important one in New York.
• Manhattan drives the vast majority of New York’s economic, tourist, and cultural activity. The borough accounts for roughly two-thirds of all jobs in New York, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Without Manhattan, New York simply wouldn’t be New York.

What’s the difference between New York and Manhattan?

• New York refers to New York City as a whole, while Manhattan is just one of its five boroughs. Because of Manhattan’s outsized importance, many people use the two names interchangeably.
• Most visitors spend their entire stay in Manhattan without visiting the other boroughs. The majority of New York’s hotels are also located here.

What should you see in Manhattan?

• Manhattan is the heart of New York—this is where everything happens. The borough contains most of the city’s skyscrapers, monuments, and major attractions. Explore the distinct neighborhoods that define New York’s character and diversity. To discover each neighborhood in depth, join one of our guided tours of New York.
• Manhattan is also home to roughly 30 museums, including some of the world’s finest. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, the September 11 attacks, or espionage, you’ll find a museum for your interests.
• Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to love here, with access to New York’s best stores. Head to the iconic Fifth Avenue for major department stores, or explore SoHo, the city’s fashion hub.

5 observation decks to visit

All of New York’s observation decks are located in Manhattan. It’s the most central location for panoramic views of the city, and the most logical place for such attractions.

Empire State Building	New York’s historic observation deck.
One World Observatory	The highest in New York, at 382 m (1,253 ft).
Top of the Rock	An observation deck with an open-air level—no glass or barriers.
Summit One Vanderbilt	A spectacular deck featuring mirror effects.
The Edge	The most thrilling, with a cantilevered platform extending into the air.

10 top landmarks and attractions in Manhattan

The borough contains the city’s major landmarks and attractions. Some visitors never leave Manhattan during their entire stay—there’s simply that much to see and do.

Financial District	The financial hub at the southern tip of the island.
Times Square	The heart of Broadway musicals.
Midtown	The city’s central neighborhood.
Greenwich Village	A vibrant, artistic neighborhood.
East Village	A neighborhood with a rebellious spirit.
Chinatown	The Chinese neighborhood.
Little Italy	The Italian neighborhood.
Chrysler Building	New York’s most elegant skyscraper.
Flatiron Building	A distinctive building shaped like a clothes iron.
Central Park	New York’s most famous park.

10 top museums in Manhattan

Manhattan is home to all of New York’s major museums. Many are clustered along a stretch of Fifth Avenue next to Central Park, known as Museum Mile—perfect for visiting several in one day.

Metropolitan Museum of Art	New York’s largest museum.
MoMA	The premier modern art museum.
Guggenheim Museum	A museum with striking architecture.
Whitney Museum of American Art	Dedicated to American artists.
American Museum of Natural History	Explore human history and the natural world.
9/11 Memorial & Museum	Dedicated to the September 11 attacks.
Ground Zero Museum Workshop	A private museum about September 11.
Museum of Broadway	Explore the history of Broadway musicals.
SpyScape	A fascinating museum dedicated to espionage.
Museum of Ice Cream	A quirky, immersive ice cream experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is Manhattan's most famous neighborhood?

The Financial District is Manhattan's most recognizable neighborhood. Located at the southern tip of the island, it's the neighborhood that appears in virtually every photo of New York. The Financial District is dominated by One World Trade Center, the city's tallest building.

What is Manhattan's most visited neighborhood?

Times Square is Manhattan's most visited neighborhood. It has the highest concentration of hotels and therefore tourists. Times Square is also the heart of the theater district and home to Broadway's famous musicals. According to the Times Square Alliance, roughly 360,000 people walk through Times Square daily.

Map of the borough