Whitehall St, Financial District

Every tourist should take at least one jaunt down to the south side of Manhattan. Whether you're hitting up the nearby Ellis Island Immigration Museum, with its testament to the stories of thousands of hopeful immigrants arriving in search of the American dream, of walking through Battery Park, this part of the city represents the real "old New York" that seems sometimes to have been swallowed up in the metropolis. The area is well-served by public transport, including the Staten Island Ferry (itself a prime New York City tourist destination, and one not well-enough appreciated), but it's far from residential: the street consists mostly of chrome-and-glass office buildings and plenty of quick-n'-cheap dining options (Dunkin' Donuts, Au Bon Pain, etc.) Fraunces Tavern is the only place of note nearby, and that's known for its historic pedigree (where Washington said goodbye to the troops) more than for its culinary fare. But tourists should be pleased by the wealth of historical sites in the area, and as far as office-streets go, its a perfectly pleasant place to work! Just wear a scarf in winter: the water renders this area very cold indeed!

While Whitehall Street offers some really great views of the water and the statue it is simply too crowded during the warm months to even consider enjoying. It's a tourist trap at it's finest and while there are some great things to see the crowds can make the trip almost unbearable. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are worth a trip so any tourist is going to have to make the haul down.

Whitehall Street is directly adjacent to Battery Park, the place where you can get the most spectacular views of the State of Liberty. I really enjoy this neighborhood and think that it is very classically New York, with several special features and highlights. This area is constantly filled with people and life, and with the R and W trains located on Whitehall Street and South Ferry and the 1 train on South Ferry, it's easy to find and an easy commute. All in all, a great street.

Sure, they try to get you every which way, but a trip to Whitehall St/South Ferry is essential for all tourists. The Battery Park area is gorgeous, especially with recent renovations and additions. Taking the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is a must-do for tourists. And worth one visit. That's all you'll need.