New York City’s neighborhoods

First time visitors to New York City head straight for Manhattan. And who could blame them? There’s a lot to see. But they could end up missing out on the best neighborhoods in New York City.

Each slice of the Big Apple has its own unique style, scene and social spots. From century-old pizzerias to explorable aircraft carriers, the sights and attractions are endless.

To help you explore the very best of New York, we’ve hand-picked five of the best neighborhoods the city has to offer. One even has a museum that serves unlimited ice cream. Read on to find out more about our top picks.

1. Chinatown

Think about Chinatown and immediately there’s a spicy and aromatic foodie daydream swirling through your senses. And while the Chinese barbecue pork at Wah Fung No. 1 on Chrystie Street is irresistible, there’s much more to discover in this corner of Manhattan.

Browse the ‘mom and pop’ stores in Doyers Street for quirky gifts and trinkets – or treat yourself to a beauty treatment. Head to Wing on Wo & Co on Mott Street and you’ll find beautiful examples of Chinese pottery.

For art and culture, there are almost too many museums and galleries to see in one stay. Chancing upon the micro-gallery by Jeffrey Stark on East Broadway feels like the ultimate geo-caching prize.

While you’re exploring, don’t forget to look down as well as up. Towering skyscrapers aren’t in short supply in this city, but forgotten tunnels are a rare treat for historians. Used in the 1800s as an escape route from Chinatown gangs, part of the Doyers Tunnels can still be seen in Chatham Square today. Don’t leave Chinatown without trying the exotic foods at Deluxe Food Market.

2. Queens

Drive east on the I-495 west and don’t stop until you reach Queens. It’s a little out of the city center, but it’s one of New York’s best neighborhoods. Famous for hosting the US Open, with green spaces that rival Central Park, Queens is also a museum-packed district.

Delve into the history of local, famous residents at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Check out contemporary art in the MoMa PS1 in Long Island City. Or get scientific at the New York Hall of Science.

We could keep listing museums, but Queens is ripe for exploring. Start by heading north to Fort Totten Park and explore the abandoned ruins of a Civil War fort. Accessible to all, it’s safe to look around and imagine a time when your job was to watch out for Confederate ships sailing in.

Hungry? Locals will tell you to visit The Arepa Lady on 37th Avenue. And you should, the chorizo arepa de choclo is mouthwatering. But don’t miss Cassinelli’s store on 23rd Avenue. The owners have been making authentic, fresh Italian pasta and sauces here for decades. Watch them work their magic before buying as much pasta as you can carry.

3. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Gentrification has brought gojuchang aioli to Williamsburg’s sausage sandwiches. A plus for umami-hungry brunch lovers, but the neighborhood’s glow-up goes further than breakfast condiments. Polished and expensive treats, Michelin-star meals and boutique hotels are easy to find in this part of Brooklyn. But the bohemian roots of Williamsburg are still present if you know where to look.

Start with a browse of the oddities and throwback finds in the Brooklyn Flea. This seasonal, weekend market is open April to December, and sells everything from vintage furniture to ceramics and clothes.

Once you’ve finished shopping, head over to Nighthawk Cinema on Metropolitan Avenue. Here, they do movies a little differently. Watch a blockbuster or classic from the archives accompanied by a themed menu. .

Missing Manhattan? Head to Domino Park for waterfront views of New York’s skyline. No need to bring a picnic either, the Tacocina food truck has some of the best Monterey Jack and Cotija tacos this side of the river. 

4. SoHo

SoHo’s narrow, block paved streets and cast iron buildings are a match made in heaven for Instafeeds and architecture lovers. Though this area of Lower Manhattan is more famous for its shopping than its sights, there’s more to discover beyond the boutique rails.

Galleries are all well and good, but why not let your inner child run free at The Museum of Ice Cream? Besides unlimited ice cream, the 12 immersive experiences will take you back to simpler times of fun and freedom. When the pastel shades and flavor combos get too much, step outside to walk off the calories and hunt down SoHo’s best street art.

Pizza lovers, Lombardi’s on Spring Street has to be on your SoHo itinerary. Opening in 1905, this pizza joint was the first in New York – and possibly the entire USA. For something a little more modern, drop into the Scent Bar. This is the place to create your own signature fragrance.

5. Hell’s Kitchen

The Civil War-era gangs have long since departed, but this neighborhood’s nickname lingers on. For foodies, there’s nothing hellish about this area’s restaurant scene. As a rule, the further north you eat, the better the experience. Join the pre-show fun at Broadway’s Marseille for Parisian fare or dine anytime you want at the 24-hour Empanada Mama on 9th Avenue. Their Reggaeton empanadas taste even better after a class at the Broadway Dance Center on 45th Street.

You can’t mention dance and Hell’s Kitchen in the same sentence without immediately thinking ‘West Side Story’. Check out some of the filming locations from the 1961 movie version on 65th and 69th Street, between Amsterdam and West End Avenue. If musicals aren’t your bag, a nose around the air carrier at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum might appeal. You’ll find the well-preserved ship, planes and 4D coaster experience at 46th Street Pier.

Don’t forget to use Hell’s Kitchen as a base to explore some of New York’s most famous buildings. Start on West 42nd Street and head east until you’ve ticked off the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library.

Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to New York, be sure to explore outside Manhattan. Driving out to Queens or Williamsburg lets you see a whole other side to this fascinating, fast-paced city.

Want to learn more about New York City?

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