Manhattan the concrete jungle, is often referred to as the heart of New York City. It is a densely populated island that epitomises urban vibrancy and diversity. While racism is part of American society, Manhattan is one of the few places where the only real colour that matters is green (The Green Dollar Bill).
As one of the five boroughs of NYC, it’s characterised by its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and a dynamic blend of cultures. This explains the name ‘Manhattan the concrete jungle’ because of the number of towering skyscrapers.
From the wealthy financial district of Lower Manhattan to the poorer district of Washington Heights, it combines fine living with those living to survive. Something you can only experience if you have travelled there.
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Manhattan the concrete Jungle
Manhattan is the most densely populated boroughs of New York, coined the concrete jungle for the amount of skyscrapers that light up the night sky. The Borough of Manhattan is divided into 5 districts:
From the iconic Central Park to the glittering lights of Times Square, and the thriving financial district of Wall Street, Grand Central station (thats frequently called grand central terminal and destroyed in the movies) Manhattan is a mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and offerings and it is constantly transforming, blink and you’ll miss it.
It’s a global centre for finance, culture, and innovation, drawing people from around the world to experience its unparalleled energy, entertainment, and opportunities.
Manhattan is a place of statement living, full of budding entrepreneurs and those who aspire to live the New York chic fast lifestyle. From 5th avenue to the Meat and Wine District, it is littered with fashionable places to eat and tourist hotspots, pictures, Instagram moments and posh Facebook check-ins.
The 5 Districts of Manhattan
The 5 Districts of Manhattan are divided by location an,d some as,y class as well. Although that may not be a popular statement, money defines these districts in terms of resources, privilege and safety.
Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan, also known as Downtown Manhattan or Downtown New York City, is everything south of 14th Street. Lower Manhattan is the financial district, comprised of diverse areas such as artsy Greenwich Village, hip Tribeca, SOHO, the vibrant Chinatown, and the buzzing Financial District.
The Financial District is anchored by the world famous Wall Street, and the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, New York City is the leading global center for finance around the world ( Just think Eddie Murphy in Trading places).
Lower Manhattan not only houses Wall Street but also the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and all the major global banks and financial institutions.
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan is the central portion of the New York City borough of Manhattan, serving as the city’s primary central business and tourism district. It is the busiest of districts and houses some of the most popular tourist hotspots.
Midtown Manhattan is where you can find most of the iconic attractions in New York, like the famous Times Square and the Museum of Modern Art, and the skyscrapers including the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, the Flatiron Building and of course the world famous 5th Avenue which is featured in most movies and TV Shows.
There are so many famous shops and buildings within that that they simply would take too long list, but we’re certain you’ve seen them in the movies.
Midtown Manhattan is the area between 34th Street and 59th Street.
Upper Manhattan
Upper Manhattan is the northern section of the New York City borough of Manhattan. It borders Central Park and the famous Hudson River, featured in many Hollywood movies.
It has more houses or brimstones, as New Yorkers would say, and has more residential districts than Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
The Upper West Side is known for its culture and heritage and houses the cultural institutions, home to Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and numerous other museums and theaters. It is home to some of the beautiful pre-war buildings and iconic landmarks like the Dakota, Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine and Riverside Park.
Upper Manhattan is the area above 96th Street.
Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in the upper section of Manhattan Island. Historically, it has been coined as a black borough and was a neglected neighborhood. However, a second Harlem Renaissance is under was,y which has seen an influx of gentrification to develop the district.
Harlem is a diverse district home to a diverse population and culture. Made famous for the shows and marches led by Martin Luther King. It includes Columbia University and Martin Luther King Boulevard, and it’s also said to be the world’s second-largest Gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of St John, which is the city’s largest Episcopal congregation. Construction began in 1892 and is still unfinished.
Harlem is the musical district of Manhattan, there is so much American musical heritage in this district. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Rakim, Common, Mos Def, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and Questlove, among countless others.
Washington Heights
Washington Heights is a neighborhood in the northern part of the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Washington Heights reaches north from West 155th Street to West 181 Street and between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers.
It is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and a diverse community. With majestic views of the Hudson and Palisades.
Washington Heights is where modern New Yorkers live. Culminating the river views, rolling hills, picturesque parks and Latin restaurants offer plenty of reasons to visit. Once bedeviled with crime and drugs, the neighborhood has been revitalized and re-energized
It is named after Fort Washington, a fort constructed at the highest natural point on Manhattan by Continental Army troops to defend the area from the British forces during the American Revolutionary War.
How safe is Manhattan?
Manhattan is cosmopolitan city full financial institutions, wealth and tourism hotspot, and where there is wealth and tourism, there is the opportunity of crime.
It has a high crime rate relative to the other cities around the world, but it is generally safe to travel and visit. Vigilance is always recommended and but it is not as violent as the movies depict.
What is the Weather like in Manhattan?
The weather in Manhattan is seasonal, it is one of the places in the world where you can experience all four weather types in full. from the deep snow in the winter to the blazing heat in the summer.
What is the weather like in Manhattan in the Summer?
In the summer the weather is lovely and sunny, with high temperatures climbing as high as 41 degrees. It can feel even warmer and humid in the subway and in Midtown, with Manhattan’s concrete jungle creating an enclosure for the heat.
On average the weather in Manhattan in the Summer ranges from highs of 32 degrees and lows of 18 degrees.
What is the weather like in Manhattan in the Winter?
In winter you can expect snow and freezing temperatures. It can look picturesque in the snow, but it can also be devastating with blizzards with temperatures dropping way below freezing. In Central Park, the lowest temperature ever recorded was -15° F (-26° C).
The average temperature in spring in Manhattan can range between highs of 7 degrees celsius to lows of -5 degrees celsius.
What is the weather like in Manhattan in the Spring?
The spring in Manhattan is bright and lovely time, it brings with it optimism and a fresh breath of air to city that never sleeps. It can also be wet and cool, not usually cold but sometimes the winter weather can linger on longer.
The temperature in spring in Manhattan can range between highs of 22 degrees celsius to lows of 2 degrees celsius.
What is the weather like in Manhattan in the Autumn or Fall?
New Yorkers would say Autumn is the season of Manhattan, perfectly warm and romantically brown.
The temperature in Fall in Manhattan can range between highs of 26 degrees celsius to lows of 5 degrees celsius.
Things to do in Manhattan
Manhattan is full of iconic and diverse culture. The glitz and glamour of Times Square. The fine dining to music and broadway, from shopping on 5th avenue to partying all night in Hell’s kitchen. There’s so much to do and so many landmarks to visit.
You can use our city guides where you can find things to do in New York to get a flavor of the endless days you can spend as a tourist in concrete jungle.
Manhattan in Pictures
Manhattan in pictures as seen in movies, TV shows, sang about in songs and social media, hosting some of the most iconic sites in the world. Including skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, 9-11 heritage site and Broadway and what Alicia Keys referred to as ‘Manhattan the concrete Jungle’.
Quick Facts about Manhattan FAQ’s
What’s the difference between Manhattan and New York City?
Manhattan is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City. Coextensive with New York County, Manhattan is the smallest county by area in the U.S. state of New York.
Why is Manhattan so famous?
As a global financial center, Manhattan’s influence on world economics and business is undeniable. Wall Street’s iconic institutions and the bustling tech startups of Silicon Alley exemplify the borough’s economic dynamism and its role in shaping global markets.
Is Manhattan expensive to live in?
Manhattan, NY housing is 408% more expensive than the U.S average, while utilities are about 5% more expensive. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and groceries they are around 15% pricier in Manhattan than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 27% more.
Is Manhattan in New York?
Manhattan is one of the 5 Boroughs of New York, it is the most densely populated places around the world.
How safe is Manhattan?
Manhattan is cosmopolitan city full financial institutions, wealth and tourism hotspot, and where there is wealth and tourism, there is the opportunity of crime. It has a high crime rate relative to the other cities around the world, but it is generally safe to travel and visit.