New York City combines diverse cultures and landmarks across five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island, each offering its unique charm. In this guide you will get a better understanding of what each borough has to offer, and why you should visit them.
Manhattan The Epicentre of NYC
You will probably spend most of your time on Manhattan. Manhattan is the main island and heart of NYC. It’s home to famous sites like Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Broadway. There’s just something about the vibe in Manhattan that draws people from all over the world. It’s often called the city that never sleeps for a reason! You can find a buzz of energy here, with tons of art, theatre, and fashion all around. It’s like a playground for creativity!
Unlike with the other boroughs, I have not added a list with reasons to visit. It’s simply because the list would be too long ;).
Would you like to know more about the neighborhoods (districts) of Manhattan? Read my blog about popular neighbourhoods.
Brooklyn The Trendy and Urban
The first thing you think of might be the Brooklyn Bridge. Yes, this iconic bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Make sure to cross it, because Brooklyn has a lot of nice things to offer and is worth visiting for a day. Brooklyn is a creative and trendy area, famous for its unique neighbourhoods, like Williamsburg and DUMBO. Here you will find many (street)food options, as well as trendy shops and thrift stores. This borough is renowned for its food scene and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn has a trendy and creative vibe, promoting a strong community spirit while combining urban life with a relaxed, artistic, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Three reasons why you should visit
- The borough is home to many art and cultural attractions, including the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which host amazing exhibitions and shows.
- Food lovers will enjoy Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene, featuring famous pizzerias and unique restaurants in Williamsburg and Park Slope, serving everything from artisanal doughnuts to farm-to-table meals. Make sure to check out the food festival of Smorgasburg in Williamsburg.
- Brooklyn’s beautiful parks, like Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park, offer peaceful retreats from city life, perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Queens Flavours from around the globe
Queens is famous for its mix of cultures and has a large Spanish and Asian community. It has some really cool places to check out, like Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships and Citi Field.
Three reasons why you should visit
- The food! That’s definitely my top reason for heading to Queens. The food scene here is amazing, with strong touches from Asian and Spanish flavours, making it feel like a taste of the world. You can really see this mix in the variety of dishes available. The Queens Night Market offers street eats, and there are also popular spots in Astoria and Jackson Heights featuring Greek, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Korean, and more cuisine. It’s like a global food adventure!
- Did I mention the food already? 😉
- Queens offers various art venues, such as the Queens Museum, Museum of the Moving Image, Noguchi Museum, and MoMA PS1.
The Bronx Birthplace of hip-hop
The Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop. There’s a raw atmosphere in this borough, something you should consider before you visit alone. I recommend exploring this area with a tour guide that’s familiar with the streets. This way you will also learn more about this borough. Check out this GetYoutGuide tour.
Three reasons why you should visit
- My main reason for visiting The Bronx was to view a game at Yankee Stadium, which is located in the heart of The Bronx. If you have some extra time, or visited NYC more than once, I highly recommend catching a match on sunny days.
- The Bronx is a melting pot of diverse cultures and has a rich cultural scene. Visit historic sites like the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, the birthplace of hip-hop at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, and enjoy the street art and graffiti in the borough.
- The Bronx has a ton of great places to eat, showing off its mix of cultures. Arthur Avenue, the true Little Italy, offers delicious Italian food along with many shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Plus, you can find a bunch of different flavors from Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa and Asia in neighborhoods all over the borough.
Staten Island For the best views
Staten Island itself doesn’t have a lot interesting to offer for tourists. Being the least populated borough, it’s got lots of parks and outdoor activities, which makes it feel pretty relaxing. However, the main reason to end up on Staten Island is the free ferry ride.
Three reasons why you should visit
- Amazing Views and a Free Ferry Ride! One of the coolest things to do is hop on the Staten Island Ferry. You get fantastic views of New York Harbour, the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline for free! The ferry runs all day and night, so it’s super easy to squeeze into your plans. Whether it’s day or night, it’s definitely a fun experience!
- Shopping at Empire Outlets, which is located directly at the harbour after you leave the ferry.
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden offers culture and entertainment with its historic buildings and beautiful gardens, making it a great place to visit.
