35 Things We Love About Summer Downtown
We’ve got everything from water views (and breezes!), to shady parks, to rooftop concerts, to patio bars where you can cool off with a tasty frozen drink.
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The World in One Square Mile
There’s so much to see and do in Lower Manhattan
Spending a few days downtown? Check out these sample itineraries to make sure you don’t miss everything the neighborhood has to offer.
Your plans for the week are right here
Take a peek at our community calendar to learn about ongoing events in the neighborhood.
A one-stop-shop for your downtown business
Looking for research, statistics, market data or incentives? Find it all here.
A clean, safe and dynamic neighborhood
Serving an area from roughly City Hall to the Battery, from the East River to West Street, the Downtown Alliance manages the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District (BID).
Explore Life Downtown
It’s just not New York City without Lower Manhattan. It’s magnetic. It’s electric. It’s everything and a little bit more. Whether you’re making the most of a weekend getaway or looking for ways to mix up your lunch break, downtown has all the shopping, dining and entertainment you could ask for.
Come visit downtown
Get Inspired
The history of New York as a major metropolis begins with the oyster 🦪
The mollusk is ingrained into the city’s DNA, literally: oyster shells were ground up into paste used to construct New York’s earliest buildings. For hundreds of years – beginning, of course, with the native Lenape people – the oyster was an essential part of life, commerce and infrastructure.
On our website, historian and museum educator Theresa DeCicco-Dizon goes deep on how the story of New York is forever intertwined with the power of the oyster. Read now at the link in our bio 🔗
📸: The @nypl Digital Collection
#nychistory #oyster
If you’ve been out on a weekend night in Lower Manhattan recently, chances are you’ve considered a stop in @oldmatespub — the Seaport newcomer that describes itself as an “Aussie clubhouse.”
We say “considered,” because on an average summer Saturday night, the pub can sport lines down and around the block. Make it inside though, and be welcomed into an energetic scene: beer and cocktails flow endlessly from the bar, music mixes with the chatter of groups at after-work drinks, cheers of victory erupt near the pool table.
But if you’re looking for a more lowkey night of Aussie fare, Old Mates is still the place for you. A more intimate bistro setting sits above the main floor, perfect for enjoying parmas and a pavlova away from the party downstairs.
At the link in our bio, find our full write-up of this exciting new downtown spot 🔗
Some sights and sounds from our summer concert series, which concludes tomorrow at noon on the plaza at 140 Broadway with a performance by Ginita y La Orchestra Esa (@badeeduh)🎶🎸💃
It’s been an incredible six weeks of music and dance out here in Lower Manhattan. We’re so thankful to all of our performers, and to everyone who ditched their desk lunches to enjoy the music outside. We couldn’t do it without the incomparable @svetlanajazz, who has programmed this series for the last three summers.
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow for one more musical afternoon downtown ❤️
📸Photo 2+6 credit @alexskbrown
It’s Bastille Day, and if your inner Francophile is crying to get out, we’ve got you covered.
Lower Manhattan might be an ocean and change away from Paris, Nice or Bordeaux, but there’s plenty of French-adjacent shopping, eating and exploring to be done here at home! Whether you spend today strolling the rooms of the legendary Parisienne retailer @printempsnewyork, dining at the newly reopened @pariscafeny or heading out to visit France’s famous gift to New York (aka @statueellisnps), enjoy!
For our full list of French dining downtown, head to the link in our bio or consult our Shop Dine Guide 🥖
Vive la France! 🇫🇷
Cute…….
Happy Friday! Here’s hoping a new bombshell doesn’t enter the villa and disrupt your downtown date night plans 🤞
Drop *your* Lower Manhattan dream date itinerary in the comments 💖💘🍷🤝
It’s a dog’s city, and we’re just livin’ in it.
New York City is home to an estimated 600,000 pups who need places to play, shop and get a haircut just like we do. Downtown alone, you’ll find several specialty pet shops and groomers, dog runs, dog-friendly hotels and outdoor dining spots that welcome four-legged companions.
On our website, we’ve rounded up some resources for every dog-owner in the neighborhood, so that you and Fido can keep living your best lives in Lower Manhattan 🔗🐾
#dogsofnyc #dog
We’re all back at work after a gorgeous holiday break, which means it’s time to focus on what’s important during the upcoming week. Namely, figuring out where happy hour drinks are going to be.
But when your neighborhood is home to dozens of fantastic bars and restaurants, it can be a struggle to choose the perfect spot for the post-work hang. That’s why we stepped in and created this handy flow-chart quiz to cure your desicion fatigue 🥂
Answer the questions and land at our recommendation for your next happy hour locale – and let us know what you get in the comments!
Happy 4th of July! 🗽
Whether you’re heading to the @theseaportnyc tonight to watch the fireworks over the East River, going to one of Lower Manhattan’s many July 4th parties or just going for drinks and ‘dogs downtown (link in bio for our hotdog guide 🫡), have fun and enjoy this beautiful summer day!
On the evening of July 9, 1776, soldiers of the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, assembled at the Commons — then the northernmost edge of New York City, and today’s City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan. The American Revolution had been underway for over a year.
Months earlier, Washington and his army had successfully pushed their opponents, the British Army, out of Boston. But now, British naval ships had just been spotted in New York Harbor, and a massive battle was looming on the horizon. The rest, as they say, is history.
As we prepare to celebrate tomorrow’s holiday, consider taking a look back on the origins of American independence, and its roots in New York City’s downtown. Click the link in our bio to read 🔗
Summer tends to bring out the best in cities, and New York is no exception. The long days and warm weather welcome outdoor activities, exciting events and more opportunities for adventure. There’s so much potential for having fun when the sun doesn’t set ‘til 8:30 p.m.!
In the spirit of the season, we’ve rounded up a dozen unique, offbeat activities to try this July. From plein air art classes to hidden libraries to poetry festivals and beyond, you’re guaranteed to have an interesting month.
Bookmark this post or share with a friend, and as always, report back if you do something great in the neighborhood! Click the link in our bio for more ideas for summer fun in Lower Manhattan ☀️
NYC’s most dazzling 4th of July fireworks show is set to sparkle over the East River this year. If you’ve yet to lock in on your Friday evening viewing plans, we’re here to help.
At the link in our bio, we’ve outlined five downtown spots that will get you A+ fireworks views, plus other perks (live music, open bars and lawn games, oh my!) for the price of a ticket.
The fireworks will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and from four barges positioned in the water near the Seaport. You can plan to snag a free spot anywhere on the East River Greenway north of Broad Street, or check out the Macy’s guide to the best public access viewpoints 🎇
#nyc
Photo: Gary Hershorn @garyhershorn
Happy Pride, NYC 🌈🎉❤️
The city’s famous and sprawling Pride Parade is on today in the West Village. If you’re looking to keep the good times rolling, or find something new to do this year, we’ve rounded up a few events, attractions and special offerings happening in Lower Manhattan. However you’re celebrating today, have fun and stay safe!
About the Alliance
Maintaining Quality of Life
Our People
At the Downtown Alliance, our staff is committed to your success.
Downtown Connection
Our free bus service makes 36 stops around the perimeter of Lower Manhattan.
Dine Around Downtown
Sample signature menu dishes at a feast of Lower Manhattan restaurants for $5 to $10 all at one community food festival.
LM Live
Our live programming initiative brings the Lower Manhattan community together around events that highlight the neighborhood’s talent, innovation, history and culture.
We are the Alliance for Downtown New York. We manage the Lower Manhattan Business Improvement District (BID) and provide service, advocacy, research and information to advance Lower Manhattan as a global model of a 21st century Central Business District for businesses, residents and visitors. Our district comprises Lower Manhattan south of the north side of Murray Street, roughly from City Hall at the north to the Battery at the south, and from the East River to West Street.