Yes, street lights are merely a suggestion in Manhattan...
But what an energy level that place has. I love it.
Ellis Island is touristy, but worth the time and effort. My grandparents arrived in America through there.
While you are are the south end of Manhattan (downtown), a visit to the top of the World Trade Center is a real experience and heckuva view of the city. How many times can you remember seeing helicopters flying below you when you in a bldg?
NY city is also a 'nicer' place to visit now than it was 5 or so years ago.