Start spreading the news! Visiting New York City is incredibly exciting and there are various attractions and sights that are not to be missed. Thinking of things to do in New York? This is your guide to the top New York neighbourhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn to visit on your next trip.
New York City is comprised of five boroughs: Manhattan (where a good portion of the tourist sights are located), Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. From Soho to Dumbo, New York has plenty to offer tourists and residents alike across its different neighbourhoods.
If you are a first-time visitor to New York City and visiting for a long weekend, you’ll definitely want to start with the borough of Manhattan. Within Manhattan itself, there are several neighbourhoods to explore and each has its own personality, sights and food to experience. Check out our guide to New York’s most popular neighbourhoods to discover where to stay and what to do in each one – as well as how to navigate and get between them all!
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A Guide to Manhattan’s Best Neighbourhoods
Broadway: New York City’s Theatre District
Bright lights, bustling streets and the infamous Times Square New Years Eve Ball Drop site, Broadway is also known as the theatre district. Not necessarily a neighbourhood, but a long street in the centre of Midtown. This is where you can catch one of the many amazing musicals or plays. From classics like The Phantom of the Opera (The longest-running show on Broadway) to more modern musicals like Mean Girls (based off of the movie!), you can see something to please any artistic taste.
On 42nd street, close to Times Square you can also find Madame Tussaud’s. This is one of the top things to do in New York. Walk through the museum to see crazy wax figure look-a-likes of your favourite stars, sports legends, world leaders and more.
Where to eat on Broadway
It’s best to have a happy stomach before heading in for a three-hour show on Broadway. For a quick and convenient dinner, check out Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen at 811 8th Avenue. Then for something on the more luxurious side, Le Bernardin is a top-notch dining experience that offers delicious French seafood.
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Broadway neighbourhood:
Insider Tip: To get the best prices for a Broadway show, head to the TKTS booth right in the centre under the red steps in Duffy Square. You’ll have to wait in line, but can get discounted tickets for shows that are happening the day of the show!
Midtown: The neighbourhood filled with New York’s top attractions
Midtown is like the hub of all the pinnacle New York attractions that you want to see, especially as a first-time visitor. And good news: everything is within walking distance! You can start with the standout Empire State Building, and head up to the observation deck that provides 360-degree views of the city and beyond. Want that New York skyline with the Empire State Building in it? Then you can also go to the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center for unobstructed views of the city.
More into the artistic side of New York City? Then Midtown is also home to the MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art) which features exhibits and collections of modern and contemporary art. Or get inspired with a passionate show at Carnegie Hall which is continuously featuring distinguished musical guests and orchestras.
Where to eat in Midtown
For some delicious eats in Midtown, there is Totto Ramen for some of the best ramen in the city. Then another cheap, but very flavourful option is The Halal Guys, a classic staple food truck for all foodies.
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Midtown neighbourhood:
Get outside: Midtown is also a great gateway to exploring Central Park. Keep heading north to enter the park and you will be steps away from Central Park Zoo. There are truly so many things to see in Midtown and you should definitely spend the better part of a day in this central neighbourhood in Manhattan.
Harlem: New York’s cultural centre
Located north of Central Park is Harlem, known for being an African American cultural and historical centre. Harlem is definitely an NYC neighbourhood worth visiting because there is no shortage of good eats and attractions. But if you do anything in Harlem, see a show at the Apollo Theater, which has been showcasing everything from jazz, blues, R&B, soul and swing since 1914. They have a number of different programs, but Amateur Night, which occurs every Wednesday evening, is one of the favourites.
Where to eat in Harlem
Looking for something delicious? Bite into some classic soul food at Red Rooster, a popular place among tourists and locals. You can feast away on comfort food such as chicken and waffles while listening to some local musicians in the basement speakeasy. Then indulge in one of the best chocolate chip cookies around at Levain Bakery. There is no doubt that time spent in Harlem will nourish your soul and your belly!
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Harlem neighbourhood:
Madison Square Garden: The sports and entertainment neighbourhood
Sports enthusiasts will know of this area of New York City well. Right in the middle of Manhattan is Madison Square Garden, home to the New York Rangers and the New York Knicks. If there is a home game playing while you are in the city, it may be worth checking out a game in action. Alternatively, you can take a tour and learn about sport and entertainment history more in depth. Or perhaps you may be able to snag good seats to a concert with the number of artists that pass through.
Where to eat near Madison Square Garden
Other notable areas nearby Madison Square Garden are Koreatown, where you can get your karaoke on at MK Karaoke and devour some tasty Korean barbecue at miss KOREA BBQ. Then walk off your food coma and head over to Macy’s Department Store which is also conveniently located close by between 34th and 35th Streets. You will be quickly knocking some New York City icons off your bucket list!
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Madison Square Garden neighbourhood:
SoHo: The New York neighbourhood for shopping
SoHo is without a doubt one of the best places to shop in New York. This NYC neighbourhood is well known for its timeless cast-iron architecture and being a hub for creatives. For an all-inclusive shopping spree, head to the Canal Street Market, an indoor bazaar with vendors selling clothing, art, jewellery and more. If you are looking for a unique shopping experience, SoHo is your place. If you’re in the neighbourhood for a more cultural experience then head to Eden Fine Art Gallery. A major catalyst for international artists, Eden Fine Art Gallery showcases some amazing contemporary and pop art.
Where to eat in SoHo
Looking for some good food in SoHo? Look no further than Once Upon a Tart – a brunch haven if you have a sweet tooth, with their extensive selection of freshly baked muffins, scones and tarts. There is so much more to do than shopping in SoHo if you just know where to go!
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the SoHo neighbourhood:
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Greenwich Village: The neighbourhood dedicated to the arts
Also known as “The Village”, Greenwich Village is a very walkable New York neighbourhood. In Greenwich Village, you are less among the skyscrapers of the city and more amidst residential streets lined with brown-stone buildings and trees. Greenwich Village is also where you can see that notorious ‘Friends’ apartment. While it may not be the legitimate apartment (thanks to TV magic), they took exterior shots at 90 Bedford Street.
Moving on with your walk, don’t miss a leisurely stroll in Washington Square Park, another recognizable spot from some of our favourite movies and shows. Here you will find a replica of the Arc De Triomphe in Paris and if you’re lucky, there may even be an event happening while you are there. Greenwich Village is the neighbourhood for a classic day in the city.
Where to eat in Greenwich Village
If you are in the market to have a classic slice of New York pizza, look no further than Joe’s Pizza for the best pizza. Here, you can get a quintessential, cheesy, huge slice of goodness. Looking for something a little bit more chic and sit-down friendly? Get ready to step back in time with a taste of old New York at Minetta Tavern.
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood:
Financial District: The neighbourhood of landmarks
If you are going to the Big Apple, then a trip would not be complete without making a visit to the Financial District. A well-known landmark in this New York neighbourhood is Wall Street. Walk down this financial hub and take a photo in front of the New York Stock Exchange. More importantly, it would be remiss if we didn’t place importance on visiting and paying respect at the 9/11 Memorial. It will be emotional, but important to observe the waterfalls flowing into the foundation of the fallen Twin Towers. Entrance to the memorial is free but if you want to learn more in the museum, tickets are around $30.
Where to eat in New York’s Financial District
Kick back and relax with good food and some of the best views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty at Pier A Harbor House in Battery Park.
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Financial District neighbourhood:
Insider Tip: If you are in the Financial District area, you are already conveniently located close to the Staten Island Ferry port. Hope on the ferry (for free!) to get incredible views of the New York Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It also is very different at night compared to day – so you could even go twice if you have the time.
Hell’s Kitchen: The best neighbourhood for foodies
Not to be confused with the reality TV cooking show, New York’s neighbourhood of Hell’s Kitchen is also known as Clinton by New Yorkers. Facing the Hudson River, this area has quite a blend of cultures and food from Thai to Argentinean. Start off at Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, where you are more likely to find antique treasures and finds. You can put your bargaining skills to good use here.
If you are a beer connoisseur, you will surely enjoy Valhalla, a beer hall with selections and brews on tap and by the bottle. Then for a unique night out, Bar Nine is the place to be. The crowds and energy pick up as the night goes on, and you’ll find people having a good time over drinks, arcade games, pool tables or the “Dueling Piano Show” every Friday and Saturday evening. Memories will most certainly be made in Hell’s Kitchen.
Where to eat in Hell’s Kitchen
You can easily eat delicious food from all over the world in the melting pot of New York City, and Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood is no exception. For authentic and delicious Ethiopian food, go to Meskerem. Looking for some flavourful Thai food? Head to Pure. And for fancier, Italian fare, you can’t beat Esca.
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood:
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Go Beyond Manhattan in the NYC Borough of Brooklyn
The neighbourhoods of Manhattan in New York can easily eat away at your time in the city over a long weekend. But if you plan on staying a bit longer or want to venture off a bit past Manhattan, then the borough of Brooklyn is your next best stop! Here are a couple of the best neighbourhoods in Brooklyn.
Dumbo: The neighbourhood with character
The New York neighbourhood of Dumbo is one of the first things that come to people’s mind when they think of Brooklyn – and that’s mostly because the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is located here. Get your camera ready as you stroll down its length and take those Instagram-worthy photos.
Dumbo was curated by artists and developers that value art; as a result, you will find several murals and art everywhere. Walk the pleasant cobblestone streets of Dumbo to also find a plethora of shops, restaurants, and cafés in the area.
Where to eat in Dumbo
One Girl Cookies has amazing cookies and coffee and is a great place to sit, relax and people-watch after a lot of walking around Dumbo. Want to try some staple American comfort food? Head to Shake Shack for a hearty burger and fries. For an extra special moment in New York – walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park at night to see the Manhattan skyline sparkle.
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Dumbo neighbourhood:
Williamsburg: The hippest New York neighbourhood
An up-and-coming New York neighbourhood with a youthful feel and industrial vibe, Williamsburg has some of the most fashionable boutiques and thriving nightlife. There is no doubt that Williamsburg is one of the places that you are sure to find something worth your money.
Stroll down Grand Street and Bedford Street and just try to resist not peeking into one of the numbers of local shops. And for a DIY shopping experience, go into Brooklyn Charm, where you can assemble your own jewellery in the store for yourself or as a gift. If you are visiting the city during the summer, then you must go to a rooftop party at Output and dance the night away or have a night out at one of Brooklyn’s original gay bars, Metropolitan where drag shows occur nearly every night.
Where to eat in Williamsburg
Top off your visit to this New York neighbourhood all off at Martha’s Bakery for a delectable piece of cake and you have had yourself a successful time in Williamsburg!
Where to stay
Here are some of the top rated hotels in the Williamsburg neighbourhood:
Insider Tip: Head towards the East River where you will find Domino Park, an area that you can play with the kids or just sit by the river for gorgous Williamsburg and Manhattan Bridge views.
Now that you are equipped with knowledge of things to do in New York’s most popular neighbourhoods – are you ready to have an unforgettable experience? Want to get there for cheap? Check out the Skyscanner search engine for deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Not sure how we can find you the best travel deals out there? Read the FAQs!
More New York City Travel Guides and Tips
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- Places to Shop in New York
- How to Save Money for Your Next Trip
- New York City Travel Guide
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