battery park ,

Hop on down to one of New York City's oldest open public parks, historically called the "emerald doorstep of the metropolis." Manhattan's Battery Park is a cradle of New York history and a center of harbor access and cultural tourism.
Even if you haven't actually been here, you're sure to know the Battery from the show tune "New York, New York," which includes the line "and the Battery's down" (for its literal southerly location) or perhaps you know it from the Beastie Boys anthem, "Open Letter to NYC" which also mentions the Park. And if you don't know either, you're invited to come get to meet the famous Battery in person—its well worth the trip. Established in the 1600s by Dutch settlers, it encompasses 25 acres of waterfront parkland, with over 280,000 people working within walking distance. With its expansive lawns, shady trees, perennial gardens, and cultural events like open–air concerts in the summer, it's a huge draw to locals and visitors alike. In fact, over four million people from around the world visit Battery Park and its major landmark, Castle Clinton National Monument every year. Pier A at the north end of the park houses Hope Garden, a memorial to AIDS victims and at the other end is the delicious Battery Gardens restaurant. Many cultural institutions are also within walking distance of the Battery, such as the South Street Seaport, the New York Stock Exchange, the Museum of the American Indian, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the soon–to–be–opened Pier A visitor center, so there's no limit to the fun to be had, down on the Battery.