Which two rivers are located on either side of Manhattan?

The Hudson River and the East River are indeed the two rivers that frame Manhattan, creating significant geographical and cultural boundaries for the island. The Hudson River lies to the west of Manhattan, flowing from the north down towards New York Harbor. It is a vital waterway, historically important for trade and transportation. The East River, despite its name, is actually a tidal estuary that separates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens to the east.

This configuration of rivers has played a key role in the development of the city, influencing transportation routes, economic activities, and even recreational opportunities. The relationship between the two rivers adds to Manhattan's unique geographic identity, making "the Hudson River and East River" the correct pairing for this question.

In contrast, the East River and the Harlem River do not frame Manhattan in the same way, as the Harlem River is a much narrower waterway that separates Manhattan from the Bronx. The Bronx River also does not border Manhattan, as it flows entirely within the Bronx. Similarly, while the Harlem River and Hudson River are both significant, they do not directly frame Manhattan, thus making the choice of Hudson and East the most precise answer.