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Busy, beautiful and utterly bewitching, Manhattan is an urban fairy-tale. It’s New York’s most densely populated borough, with an upbeat attitude to match. The island covers a sprawling 87 km² footprint, dotted with New York’s most popular attractions and experiences. From getting lost in Central Park, taking credit cards for a spin on Fifth Avenue, admiring modern masterpieces at the MET, getting sky-high up the Empire State Building and eating up a storm in neighbourhoods like the Village, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, opportunities to explore Manhattan are infinite.

Not only is Manhattan the beating heart of New York City, but it’s also celebrated as the cultural and financial capital of the world. Ironically, one of the best ways to experience Manhattan in all its glory is to get off the island. For a view of New York’s iconic skyline, cross the Brooklyn Bridge and soak up the towering skyscrapers from across the Hudson River.

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to soak up the magic of Manhattan is by foot. That said, the island is home to one of the world’s most efficient subway networks, which makes getting around as smooth as a top-shelf Manhattan cocktail. Broadly speaking, Manhattan is divided into three sections, Downtown, Midtown and Uptown. All three are well-serviced by subway stations, with major railway hubs like Pennsylvania and Grand Central also linking stops across the city and beyond. New York’s iconic yellow cabs are popular, yet can be frustratingly slow, with a public ferry service connecting Staten Island to Manhattan’s Battery district. For a budget friendly way to view the Statue of Liberty, riding the ferry is a great option.

Manhattan is New York City’s historical birthplace, with roots dating back to 1683. Settled by the Dutch, it was long inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans. Over the centuries, Manhattan has seen more than its fair share of history. It served as HQ for the New York Campaign that took place during the American Revolutionary War, played a complex role during the American Civil War, is a cornerstone for US immigration and is now a 21st century economic powerhouse.