Civic Center

New York City’s Civic Center is an area in downtown Manhattan that houses all of the city’s municipal buildings.  Its rough boundaries are the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Financial District, Broadway, and China Town, so you can see that it’s right in the middle of virtually everything.  The Civic Center is home to Foley Square, New York City Hall Park, the Javits Federal Building, and City Hall.  Though there have been significant renovations, the buildings still retain their original charm and architectural beauty, and they are exactly the right proportions for a walking tour, though of course there are bus tours available.

Naturally, a walking tour is free, and you can go from the South Street Seaport Museum all the way to City Hall, seeing the Criminal Courts Building, the US Courthouse, and the Old New York County Courthouse along the way.  And since this is New York City, there are photo ops everywhere, from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall itself.  You certainly don’t have to worry about where to eat, since you’ll be outside, and passing eateries of every kind, from sit down wine bars to hot dog vendors on the street.  If you’re in NYC during nice weather, a walking tour of the Civic Center is definitely a must.