Discover the Famous Boroughs of New York City Your Way

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Our Borough Guide

Each of New York City’s boroughs is like a city unto itself – there’s enough sights, food, shopping and excitement in any one of them to rival most metropolises worldwide. That’s what makes New York such an exciting bucket-list destination.

Manhattan

Something for everyone

Manhattan may be New York City’s beating heart where many of the city’s most world-famous sights can be found. You already know what they are: The Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, iconic megastores like Macys and Tiffanys. Manhattan really is a sightseer’s paradise and a solid all-round people-pleaser.

If it’s shopping you’re after, you can’t go better than Manhattan! As well as those flagship stores discover amazing shopping all over Manhattan.

We especially love Madison Avenue which is great for window shopping with its range of brands and stores. Discover also The Shops at Columbus Circle just off West 57^th Street.

As for culture, Broadway is the major attraction for visitors. Seeing one of its iconic musicals is just a must-do activity no matter how many times you’ve been to the city. Go Off Broadway for a wide range of entertainment and shows – a blend of up and comers or quirky alternatives.

Looking for outdoor activities? Then head to Central Park! This expanse of green is world famous. Walk around the lake, go for a cycle or just stroll around the beautiful lawns.

Brooklyn

Diverse, fun to explore neighbourhoods

Brooklyn is an eclectic mix of people, cultures and scenes. There’s no one way of experiencing Brooklyn, instead it’s a blend of smaller neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct atmosphere.

Brooklyn Bridge, of course is one of the most famous sights in New York City, so don’t miss out on a stroll across at least part of it. Head to Downtown Brooklyn, the heart of business and some amazing shopping. Try outdoor Fulton Street Mall for a wide variety of shopping options.

Head to hip Williamsburg for indie entertainment, galleries and local shops. You can also sample locally made food and drink, and Williamsburg boasts an incredible nightlife. For shopping head to Bedford Avenue. Head to Red Hook for great views of New York Harbour along the waterfront. Sunset Park is a real melting pot with an amazing food scene drawing flavours from all over the world.

For culture head to Prospect Heights where you’ll find the Brooklyn Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum as well as the Barclays Centre which is home to basketball stars the Brooklyn Nets. This neighbourhood has a really historic vibe.

DUMBO (that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is worth stopping by too thanks to its art galleries, independents stores, boutiques, food, views of Manhattan and its glimpse into old New York’s industrial times.

The Bronx

Underrated, authentic New York gems

The only borough in New York City that’s not an island, The Bronx is a taste of authentic NYC in contrast with sleek, sky-high Manhattan or rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn. The Bronx is also home to some of the city’s best and most popular attractions.

Top sights include the New York Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo – and once you’ve crossed those off your list there’s tons of things to do. It’s home to the New York Yankees and sports buffs should head straight to Yankee Stadium to catch a game.

Foodies have to head to Arthur Avenue where you’ll find some of the best and most authentic Italian food in NYC. It’s known locally as the real Little Italy, so check it out.

To get a taste of the outdoors head to Pelham Bay Park – 3 times bigger than Manhattan’s Central Park it’s home to popular Orchard Beach, the perfect place to soak up some sun.

If you love culture there’s so much to see - the Bronx Documentary Center, Bronx Museum of the Arts, BronxArtSpace, the Andrew Freedman Home, the WallWorks Gallery and of course, the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage.

Queens

A melting pot of cultures

Queens is known for being diverse and exploring all the different cultural influences this brings is a key part of its appeal. Many visitors to the city of New York overlook Queens but they’re missing out – there’s so much to see and do in Queens.

If it’s culture you’re after, see its array of museums. The Queens Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, the NY Hall of Science, the Noguchi Museum and MoMA PS1 are all must-sees.

Take a stroll through Flushing Meadows Corona Park – there’s a botanical garden, games, sculptures to see and loads of artsy flourishes.

Foodies will love visiting each of the diverse neighbourhoods in Queens and testing out the international cuisine on offer: explore Chinatown, Little Guyana, Little India, Little Morocco and Greek-infused Astoria all in one day.

Staten Island

Island of history, greenery, wine and food

Staten Island might be one of the least-visited parts of the city thanks to its location. It’s further out from Manhattan than the other boroughs, only accessible by car or boat. But there’s so much to see and do here you’d be missing out if you don’t visit.

Head to Staten Island on the Staten Island Ferry – millions of people take this boat every year as it’s free to use and takes you up close to Lady Liberty herself.

For culture, check out the Chinese Scholar Garden, Snug Harbour Cultural Center, the former military base Fort Wadsworth, the Conference House Museum and so much more.

Staten Island has historically had a large Italian population so it’s a great place to try authentic New York Italian cuisine. And why not go for a tasting at the Staten Island Winery? You can also try some locally produced beer at the Flagship Brewery.

How about a taste of the outdoors? The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk is a great place to go for a stroll, bike along the paths, and bring along a picnic. You should also head to beautiful South Beach, a public beach that has a lovely boardwalk and pier.

Bonus: Upstate New York

Explore famous sights beyond the urban jungle

It’s not all about the city! New York State is packed with stunning natural beauty and exciting activities.

The best-known is probably Niagara Falls. These cascading waters are a sight to behold. Bordering Canada, the Falls draw huge crowds each year. Why not venture up Long Island, packed with beautiful beaches and charming towns? If it’s hiking you’re after head to the Catskills, or the Adirondacks.

For small town vibes head to gorgeous Watkins Glen. The town has shops and cafes and Watkins Glen State Parks is nearby. Check out its 19 waterfalls!

Why not see some of New York State’s other cities? The actual capital of the state is Albany. This is a low-key historical city with European-inspired architecture that’s worth seeing.

In short, you’re missing out on some great experiences if your visit to New York is just about the city proper! Upstate New York is a delight to discover.

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