Civic Center, the government district, comprises plenty of New York's landmarks, most of which are historic buildings whose origins range from the 18th to 20th centuries. Its centerpiece, the City Hall, has been the seat of the city authorities since 1812. Topped with the iconic statue of Justice, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings dating from the early 19th century. Its grand interior, including the soaring rotunda and the Governor's Room, can be seen on one of the weekday free-of-charge guided tours. The placid City Hall Park is a good escape from the busy streets of the Civic Center. The newly refurbished park, with its fountains, benches, chess tables and gas lamps is a perfect relaxation spot. On summer weekends City Hall Park hosts Summerfest, a series of live jazz and R&B concerts.

From across the street in City Hall Park one can admire the facade and height of Woolworth, the 60-story Gothic-styled building which, upon its completion in 1913, was the tallest building both in New York and in the world and served as a model for the skyscrapers to be built in the 1920s and '30s. If heading south, along Broadway, there are two other landmarks worth seeing: St. Paul's Chapel and the 37-story Sony Building. The former, dating back to 1766, is the oldest church in Manhattan, whereas the latter is a fine example of postmodern architecture with the facade made of the largest amount of columns in the world.

From here one can walk along Park Row, formerly known as Newspaper Row, which used to be lined with newspaper publishing businesses as far as the entrance to another top attraction in the area, i.e. Brooklyn Bridge. The 1596ft span suspension bridge is an enduring icon of New York City. The Brooklyn Bridge has been regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and an inspiration for painters, writers and poets. Hence, it is a must to all New York City newcomers.

From here, right of the Brooklyn Bridge, one gets to the seaport area of New York. It is here in South Street Seaport that one can familiarize with the long seafaring past of New York City. The sea air, excellent restaurants, nautical feel, street performers, pedestrian malls, historic tall ships and buildings situated around the piers make South Street Seaport a picturesque tourist attraction. If one wants to learn more on New York seaport's history, the best idea is to visit the nearby South Street Seaport Museum, situated at 207 Front Street. Apart from interesting permanent exhibitions, one can see an antique printing shop, a maritime crafts center and the historic tall-masted sailing vessels close to Pier 17.

There are also view-rich two-hour sailings aboard the ''Pioneer'', dating from 1885, on offer. South Street Seaport also has its architectural landmarks. In Fulton Street, between Front and South Streets, one can travel in time to the Federation epoch while walking along the ''Schermerhorn Row''. The block of the early 19th century warehouses, similarly to other sites in the area, has become home to a number of upscale boutiques and novelty shops. Close to it is Pier 17, the three-level restaurant and food stall complex, which offers a splendid view of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. If longing for a shopping spree or a snack, pop into the Fulton Market Building, a popular shopping arcade and fast-food court, whose outdoor courtyard hosts local jazz, blues and rock bands in summer.