last edited Aug 17, 2020
Neighborhoods of New York
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Neighborhoods of New York
New York City consists of five boroughs, each containing various neighborhoods, some of which are particularly popular with visitors.
The Bronx
For a long time, this was the city’s poorest—and one of its most notorious—areas (the origin of the phrase). The neighborhood has since transformed and, while not one of the most visited, it can be fascinating for its unique culture, shaped by its large Hispanic and Black communities.
For a long time, this was the city’s poorest—and one of its most notorious—areas (the origin of the phrase). The neighborhood has since transformed and, while not one of the most visited, it can be fascinating for its unique culture, shaped by its large Hispanic and Black communities.
Brooklyn
This is New York's most residential and populous borough. Praised for its quality of life, it isn't necessarily a priority for most visitors, though it offers a stunning view of Manhattan from the East River waterfront, and some of its neighborhoods (Brooklyn Heights among them) are well worth exploring.
This is New York's most residential and populous borough. Praised for its quality of life, it isn't necessarily a priority for most visitors, though it offers a stunning view of Manhattan from the East River waterfront, and some of its neighborhoods (Brooklyn Heights among them) are well worth exploring.
Manhattan
The most famous, the densest, the wealthiest, and above all the most interesting district for tourists (Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building...). In short, the heart of New York.
The most famous, the densest, the wealthiest, and above all the most interesting district for tourists (Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building...). In short, the heart of New York.
Queens
It's the largest borough in the city, not particularly touristy, and both residential and industrial. This is also where JFK and LaGuardia airports are located.
It's the largest borough in the city, not particularly touristy, and both residential and industrial. This is also where JFK and LaGuardia airports are located.
Staten Island
This island southwest of the city is pleasant for its natural side, with some historical remnants as well. However, it remains somewhat off the tourist trail despite the stunning view of New York when taking the (free) ferry to get there.
This island southwest of the city is pleasant for its natural side, with some historical remnants as well. However, it remains somewhat off the tourist trail despite the stunning view of New York when taking the (free) ferry to get there.
Community Neighborhoods
Like all U.S. cities, New York—perhaps more than any other—has its share of ethnic neighborhoods long inhabited by specific communities. Among them, three have become well-known tourist attractions over time. As for the others, less "mainstream," you’ll discover them by chance during your visit to New York.
Chinatown
In the Lower East Side, next to Little Italy, this spot—popular with tourists—is very exotic and offers a gateway to Asia. There’s also another Chinatown in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn.
In the Lower East Side, next to Little Italy, this spot—popular with tourists—is very exotic and offers a gateway to Asia. There’s also another Chinatown in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Harlem
Between 110th and 155th Streets in Manhattan, Harlem is known for being—or having been—the main hub of African-American culture in the United States. Between myth and reality, over the years, the neighborhood has also become a tourist spot, especially for jazz and gospel.
Between 110th and 155th Streets in Manhattan, Harlem is known for being—or having been—the main hub of African-American culture in the United States. Between myth and reality, over the years, the neighborhood has also become a tourist spot, especially for jazz and gospel.
Little Italy
This is the "original" Italian neighborhood in Manhattan. Over time, however, it has shrunk considerably and changed so much that it has lost much of its appeal, despite still drawing large numbers of tourists. Another, better-preserved Italian neighborhood can be found in the Bronx: "Little Italy in The Bronx".
This is the "original" Italian neighborhood in Manhattan. Over time, however, it has shrunk considerably and changed so much that it has lost much of its appeal, despite still drawing large numbers of tourists. Another, better-preserved Italian neighborhood can be found in the Bronx: "Little Italy in The Bronx".
"Iconic" Neighborhoods
Broadway
Stretching over 20 km through Manhattan, this iconic avenue is a must-visit for its section leading to Times Square, with its famous "Broadway Theatres" and pedestrian zone.
Stretching over 20 km through Manhattan, this iconic avenue is a must-visit for its section leading to Times Square, with its famous "Broadway Theatres" and pedestrian zone.
East Village
Once a poor and rough neighborhood, this area east of Greenwich Village (hence the name) has become a pleasant, somewhat "gentrified" spot with shops, restaurants, and other trendy and fun places.
Once a poor and rough neighborhood, this area east of Greenwich Village (hence the name) has become a pleasant, somewhat "gentrified" spot with shops, restaurants, and other trendy and fun places.
Greenwich Village
In the southwest of Manhattan, this famous bohemian district, once a symbol of the counterculture, remains more or less a lively spot, especially in the arts.
In the southwest of Manhattan, this famous bohemian district, once a symbol of the counterculture, remains more or less a lively spot, especially in the arts.
SoHo
This former warehouse and factory district became famous in the 1970s–90s for its artists and art galleries. Less artistic now, the area remains chic and trendy. You can still see some of the original beautiful buildings.
This former warehouse and factory district became famous in the 1970s–90s for its artists and art galleries. Less artistic now, the area remains chic and trendy. You can still see some of the original beautiful buildings.
Times Square
This is one of the iconic images of New York, with its giant illuminated signs and advertising screens that give the area a unique atmosphere after dark. It’s also the theater district and where Broadway ends. Partly pedestrianized, the spot has become a must-see tourist attraction, especially for New Year’s Eve.
This is one of the iconic images of New York, with its giant illuminated signs and advertising screens that give the area a unique atmosphere after dark. It’s also the theater district and where Broadway ends. Partly pedestrianized, the spot has become a must-see tourist attraction, especially for New Year’s Eve.
Wall Street
This is the district of the New York Stock Exchange, featuring some beautiful early 20th-century buildings (and its famous Charging Bull statue). Just to see what one of the world’s most famous places looks like...
This is the district of the New York Stock Exchange, featuring some beautiful early 20th-century buildings (and its famous Charging Bull statue). Just to see what one of the world’s most famous places looks like...
Other Neighborhoods
Coney Island
This former island in southern Brooklyn is known for its beach, its amusement park "Luna Park", its aquarium, and a certain way of life. It’s an interesting outing away from touristy New York.
This former island in southern Brooklyn is known for its beach, its amusement park "Luna Park", its aquarium, and a certain way of life. It’s an interesting outing away from touristy New York.
Lower East Side
Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now a lively district in Manhattan, not far from Chinatown, with its restaurants, bars, and shops.
Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now a lively district in Manhattan, not far from Chinatown, with its restaurants, bars, and shops.
South Street Seaport
This is the historic port of New York City. Here you’ll find buildings dating from the early 19th century, a fish market, and shopping arcades with stores, restaurants, and bars.
This is the historic port of New York City. Here you’ll find buildings dating from the early 19th century, a fish market, and shopping arcades with stores, restaurants, and bars.
Williamsburg
A young and trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn with its chic boutiques, bars, clubs, and restaurants, all enhanced by street art.
A young and trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn with its chic boutiques, bars, clubs, and restaurants, all enhanced by street art.