First thing to do is get a good map. This is a good one you can print up right from your computer. http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=983
It has the sites clearly numbered and you can every easily map out your Downtown Manhattan walking tour using it. Some of their suggestions are way too far north for a walking tour of Downtown Manhattan. Save them for another day when you are taking a walking tour in different parts of Manhattan.
There is no rhyme or reason to the lay out of the streets in Downtown Manhattan. Most of the streets follow the routes of the old Indian trails that wound their way through the woods of the 15th century that were to become the financial center of the world. The best way to get to downtown Manhattan is by subway, many of the trains stop here and the E train goes right by the World Trade Center Site Map out your itinerary from these major sites. There will be plenty of restaurants along the way to stop and rest, so you do not need to push yourself. Try and time your arrival either every early before the rush hour starts and stop for breakfast in one of the restaurants or arrive after the rush hour. You do not want to be on the New York City Subways during rush hour if there is any way to avoid it.
Downtown Manhattan is one area that everyone should visit by a walking tour. It is not only where New York City started, but it is also where the United States Government started It is where the first Congress met, where George Washington took the oath of office as first President. You will be walking the same streets as the Founding Fathers did when they were putting together the laws that would eventually become our Constitution.
Be sure to check with the different sites and confirm that they will be open when you are coming. They do close for some holidays and for renovations. Also check and see if they have any special events or exhibits going on. You just might be lucky and get there on a very special day.
Battery Park
Battery Park is a good place to start. It is at the tip of Manhattan and there is plenty to see right here and you can either go from here to the east or the west, whatever direction you want to start your walking tour with.
Bowling Green
Is right at the foot of Broadway and is the oldest park in New York City and yes there was once lawn bowling going on here.
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/lmr/html/bowling_green.html
Fraunces Tavern
Where Washington bid farewell to his troops. Try to have dinner here at least once. It is not the most economical by far, but quite an experience.
http://www.frauncestavern.com/index2.htm
Also stop in at the museum
http://www.frauncestavernmuseum.org/
Trinity Church
Trinity Church is the oldest in Manhattan. Go through the graveyard and see how many of the names you recognize like Alexander Hamilton and Clement Moore among others.
http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/
City Hall Park
City Hall Park is right off Broadway and a great place to stop for a rest or a picnic lunch.
Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial – Water Street at Coenties Slip
http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NewYorkNY/pointsOfInterest/VietnamVeteransPlazainNewYorkCityNY.cfm
The Shrine to Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton
http://www.setonshrine.com/
souvenirs
The New York Stock Exchange
http://www.nyse.com/
Federal Hall
http://www.nps.gov/feha/planyourvisit/hours.htm
This one is a must. One of the most important sites in US History.
Don’t forget the camera and a note book and you will want to buy souvenirs. Most of the sites are rather close together. I would suggest doing the sites on the west side, go up to the World Trade Center Site, take a rest in City Hall Park and then come back down visiting the sites on the east side and back to your starting place.
