Downtown Girl: A Guide to NYC’s Lower Manhattan & Brooklyn
I moved to NYC for school in 2018 knowing nothing beyond Times Square.
After hours of searching Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and Google Maps, I like to think I know my way around. When Friday rolls around, the texts from my friends start coming in: “Margot, what are we doing this weekend?!” From reservations to transportation to navigation, I’m the woman in charge, and after exploring different NYC neighborhoods, I’ve discovered that I’m a downtown girl through and through. Here’s a guide to the best spots in my seven favorite downtown NYC neighborhoods.
Photo: @margot.sudol
Chelsea
Chelsea, the neighborhood just south of Midtown, breaks the modern city-feel of the streets in the 30s to a more reclaimed, industrial feel of the twenties and teens. My favorite spot in Chelsea is hands-down The Whitney Museum of American Art. Even if art is not your jam, The Whitney will be. The rooftop holds one of my favorite views of Manhattan: a must see for visitors and residents alike.
SoHo
I was never a huge fan of going to the movies until I met Angelika. Angelika Film Center on Houston Street is on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for. Playing mostly indie movies as well as some of your classic blockbusters, the intimate screening rooms are all underground, with a cafe above to satisfy your need to munch. NYC opens movie theaters on March 5th, so get your tickets!
LES
Hester Street Fair is a must-visit flea market/small business outdoor mini mall open every weekend from April through October. From vintage Levi’s to hand-embroidered t-shirts to CBD matcha lattes, Hester Street Fair is such a fun place to wander around on weekends. (They also have a pop-up shop on Ludlow Street during the winter months!)
FiDi
Did someone say bottomless? Harry’s is my absolute favorite place to grab bottomless brunch on the weekend. The champagne just. Keeps. Coming. Although super reasonably priced, the interior makes you feel like you’re in an old Hollywood movie. Harry’s is definitely worth the trek down to Wall Street.
Seaport
The Seaport is the perfect place to spend the weekend, especially in the summer. My go-to party spot is The Watermark Bar, an upbeat scene located on a pier overlooking the East River and Downtown Brooklyn. Long tables are spread across the pier, perfect for a group of friends who are looking for some reasonably priced frozen margs and views of the water.
DUMBO
Cafe Gitane is the cutest little hole-in-the-wall cafe you’ll find at the end of Water Street in Brooklyn’s DUMBO. Walking down the cobblestone street to find yourself at this quaint establishment feels like something out of a movie. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been sent back in time to a village in France. So. Cute. Also, the food is simple, delicious, and the cappuccinos taste like Italy.
Williamsburg
Smorgasburg. Enough said. The outdoor food market on the East River overlooking Manhattan is one of my favorite places to hang out in the summer. With so many different food vendors to try, going back every weekend will feel like a brand new experience. Plus, cute photos. No brainer.