If you want to spend a day or two around New York, you should find Manhattan short term rentals just outside of the busy business district. While staying at your vacation rental, take the time to explore the highlights of Lower Manhattan.
1. National Museum of the American Indian
Housed inside the lovely custom house in Lower Manhattan, the George Gustav Center of the National Museum of the American Indian showcases the diverse culture of Native Americans. A significant number of traditional and contemporary art is on display both at the permanent and temporary exhibits of the museum. These exhibits are concentrated on one floor only, but since this place is really big, it may take more than a few minutes for visitors to get from one end of the semicircular galleries to the other end. Aside from the art exhibits, the museum also offers film showings, musical performances, dances and education programs including seminars and symposiums about Native American culture.
2. St. Paul's Chapel
Built in 1766, this Episcopal chapel is the oldest building still in use around the city. Despite being dwarfed by tall buildings around it, this ornate building is hard to miss around Lower Manhattan. Located just a few meters from the Twin Towers, this church became the haven and a symbol of hope for many rescue workers and survivors of 9/11 attack. In the aftermath of 9/11, this church opened its doors and served as a resting place for weary rescuers.
3. Battery Park
As the largest park in Lower Manhattan, this place offers a fantastic view of New York Harbor. Before this park became one of the breathing areas of New York City, this place used to part of the city's defense system complete with a battery of cannons and a fortress known as Castle Clinton. At the height of the War of 1812, Castle Clinton served as the primary harbor defense. At present, Castle Clinton serves as the park's visitor's center where you can get information about the park and its activities.
4. Federal Hall National Memorial
As the site of government activities for more than 300 years, the Federal Hall National Memorial is a favorite stop for history buffs. Two buildings had been constructed on this site with the first one serving as the City Hall of New York where the first big trial on the freedom of the press during the early part of the 18th century involving John Peter Zenger, the editor and publisher of the New York Weekly Journal, was held. After the first building was destroyed, the Greek-inspired building was constructed in the area and served as a customs house and in 1939, this building was declared as a National Historic Shrine. In 1955, the Customs House became the Federal Hall and served as home to a number of exhibits featuring the history of New York and the United States.
Lower Manhattan is always bustling with a lot of activities 24 hours a day. Traffic can be quite heavy especially during rush hour so it is very important to get a Manhattan vacation home with easy access to the subway. To find a vacation home in strategic areas around Manhattan, take a look at our listings at VacationHomes.com, where you can search not only by location, but by price and amenities.