If you’re visiting New York Law School, you’ll tour our classrooms, beautiful Mendik Library, our Plumeri Center, and so much more. But don’t forget that NYLS’s location in the heart of Lower Manhattan means you’re close to just about everything a law student—and a visitor to New York City—needs to see.
New York Law School is located in Tribeca—walking distance from New York City landmarks like Wall Street, the Federal Reserve, City Hall, and One World Trade Center. But there is so much more to Lower Manhattan. Below are 13 of our favorite Lower Manhattan spots you shouldn’t miss.
The Bean
Around the corner from NYLS’s Abbey Hall is the recently completed sculpture by celebrated artist Anish Kapoor. Reaching 19 feet tall at its highest point, the massive, reflective sculpture is worth a visit—and a selfie in the reflection.
56 Leonard St., New York, NY 10013
The “Ghostbusters” Firehouse
If you grew up on “Ghostbusters,” you’ll recognize Tribeca’s firehouse. The 1903 building’s exterior served as the firehouse in the beloved movie. Not a “Ghostbusters” fan? You might also recognize the outside from “Seinfeld.”
One note about visiting: Home to the Hook & Ladder Company 8, this is a fully-functional firehouse that keeps Lower Manhattan safe. Be respectful of distance, exits, and any instructions from the professionals on site.
14 North Moore St., New York, NY 10013
Chinatown Food Tour
If you get hungry on your tour, head to Manhattan’s Chinatown. Some NYLS favorites include Great NY Noodletown, with delicious noodles and so much more; and Peking Duck House, where you can go all in on a beautiful Peking duck meal, and Mei Lai Wah, where the famous baked roast pork bun is only $1.75.
Mei Lai Wah
62 Bayard St., New York, NY 10013
Great NY Noodletown
28 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Peking Duck House
28 Mott St. A, New York, NY 10013
Oculus Beer Garden
Just a few steps from the iconic One World Trade Center tower, you’ll find the Oculus Beer Garden. With stunning views of the city and an opportunity to sit and relax outside, you can also take in public art displays. Note that the garden is open March 31–October 31.
2 World Trade Center Plaza
33 Vesey St., New York, NY 10006
Governor’s Island Ferry
Visitors to the City might be shocked to learn about Governor’s Island, a 172 acre, car-free island in New York Harbor. The island has live music, art exhibitions, bike tours, and even a hammock garden for relaxation, but the ferry itself—which is the only way to access the island—is special in its own right. Hop on for $4 to get unmatched views of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Ellis Island, and that Statue of Liberty.
Battery Maritime Building
10 South Street, New York, NY 10004
African Burial Ground National Monument
The African Burial Ground National Monument is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground for both free and enslaved Africans in North America. It’s a key part of New York City’s history: Slavery played a role in building the city, and the 15,000 intact skeletal remains of Africans who lived and worked in colonial New York attest to their impact and devastating treatment.
290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island is a critical story of America’s population, and through archival documents, photos, heirlooms, and more, the museum shows the history of immigration in the United States. The museum also has searchable historic records, and visitors can find evidence of their ancestors’ arrival in this country.
The museum is accessible by the Statue City Cruises Ferry.
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
Tribeca Art Tour
In addition to Tribeca’s rich history and status as a center of government, finance, and business, it’s also a center of the City’s magnificent art scene. Visitors who want to take in contemporary art can wander through Tribeca to see what’s showing, and NYLS favorites include Kerry Schuss Gallery, GRIMM, and Broadway Gallery.
Kerry Schuss Gallery
73 Leonard Street, New York, NY 10013
GRIMM
54 White St, New York, NY 10013
Broadway Gallery
375 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
New York City Hall
A quick walk from campus, our City Hall is one of the oldest that still functions as a city hall. Constructed from 1803–1812, it’s a New York City-designated landmark, and tours are available with a reservation.
New York City Hall, New York, NY 10007
The Supreme Court of New York and Foley Square
Built in 1925 and designated as a city landmark in 1966, the Supreme Court of New York sees some of the most important cases in the state and country. Outside is Foley Square, which held the historic Occupy Wall Street protests in 2011.
60 Centre St., New York, NY 10007
Old City Hall Station
In 1904, New York City’s first subway ride left from the Old City Hall station, paving the way for what would become one of the most used transit systems in the world. The station has since been decommissioned, but tours are available through the New York Transit Museum, and visitors can explore the opulent station. (Think: chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and tilework.)
Old City Hall Station
City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007
33 Thomas St
Walking through Tribeca, it’s impossible to miss the mysterious, windowless building on the corner of Thomas and Church Streets. The brutalist building was designed by John Carl Warnecke and built in 1974, and originally housed AT&T’s telephone exchange and wire center. Just don’t expect to get a look inside.
33 Thomas St., New York, NY 10007
Charging Bull
If you’re down by Wall Street, don’t miss the Charging Bull sculpture. Crafted in 1989 by Arturo Di Modica, the bronze sculpture represents financial optimism and prosperity. It’s a controversial sculpture debated by art enthusiasts and activists alike, and keep in mind that the line for a photo can be quite long.