Exploring New York's 12 Trendiest Districts: A Neighborhood Guide
Where to Stay in New York?
The most popular neighborhoods in New York have their own unique identity, so finding the one that fits your personality is essential. With dozens of vibrant areas across five massive boroughs, picking just one or two neighborhoods can be a daunting task. It really depends on the type of travel experience you’re looking for in New York.
Each New York neighborhood has something special to offer, whether it’s unique culinary options or niche nightlife spots. We’ve compiled some iconic names, like Hell’s Kitchen and Upper East Side, as well as lesser-known yet charming areas such as Astoria and Williamsburg. Read on to find out which part of New York you should base yourself on during your visit.
1. West Village
Sipping coffee at lively cafés or dining at 5-star restaurants
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
West Village in New York is a must-visit if you’re looking for a rare small-town atmosphere in Manhattan. Artists made the West Village how it is today, and the enclave boasts independent theaters, movie theaters, and jazz clubs. If you enjoy outdoor dining, there are plenty of cafés and eateries with sidewalk seating.
Pay a visit to the Stonewall Inn to learn about the 1969 riots that kickstarted the global LGBTQ rights movement. Catch a show at the Comedy Cellar and a world-famous comedian may be the mystery guest. Locals and visitors converge on the beloved Washington Square Park to watch street performers, snag a meal from food trucks, or cool off in the fountains. Read more
West Village
2. Theater District
Witnessing an inspirational performance on Broadway
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
The Theater District is one of the most popular neighborhoods in New York. It’s the buzzing section of Midtown West that hosts the city’s Broadway shows. Take a stroll beside the theaters to study the posters of the shows set to perform during your visit. If you want to discover the stars of tomorrow, check out the Off-Broadway shows. As eager spectators wait for tickets, costumed characters and street performers entertain crowds in Times Square.
The Theater District hosts fancy restaurants, upscale hotels, and other entertainment hubs. Famous for its movie star caricatures, Sardi’s has been a culinary staple for nearly a century. For a chance to bump into your favorite Broadway stars, hang around Shubert Alley near performances. Read more
Theater District
3. Hell’s Kitchen
Partying at some of New York’s premier nightclubs
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
Hell’s Kitchen, once a notorious enclave on Manhattan’s West Side, flaunts an upscale dining scene and frenetic nightlife. It’s among New York’s top destinations for gay clubs and features pulsating dance venues to party all night. Foodies have an infinite number of choices sampling worldly cuisines prepared by talented chefs. Hell’s Kitchen sits around the corner from Broadway, and visitors love getting a meal after a star-studded performance.
Stroll down 8th or 9th avenues to discover a wide selection of wine and cocktail bars. Since you’re near the Hudson River, stop by Pier 86 for beautiful harbor views and the Intrepid Museum. You can also hop on a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise for thrilling Manhattan skyline views.
Hell’s Kitchen
4. Upper East Side
Strolling through Central Park and visiting world-class museums
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
The mostly residential Upper East Side attracts visitors with its cultural institutes, upscale eateries, and neighboring Central Park. Head to Museum Mile to visit institutes like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, and Museum of the City of New York. Once you’re finished museum hopping, the walking trails and beautiful greenery of Central Park are close by.
Between traditional brownstones and lavish apartments, Upper East Side welcomes a mixture of families and young professionals. Some of New York’s wealthiest residents reside here, and the enclave boasts private art galleries and stylish shops. Despite its family-friendly vibe, you’ll find an energetic nightlife scene with plenty of hip bars, pubs, and lounges. Read more
Upper East Side
5. Midtown
Visiting New York’s iconic attractions
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Midtown is the New York many travelers imagine, with the flashing billboards of Times Square and looming skyscrapers. Many of the biggest attractions are here, and it’s often packed with sightseers checking off their must-see list.
New York remains an architectural legend, with the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building among its most iconic structures. You can also check out Grand Central Terminal, Radio City Music Hall, and the Museum of Modern Art. For a break from frenetic tourists, hang out at Bryant Park or dive into a book at the New York Public Library. Madison Square Garden hosts action-packed sporting events and concerts featuring international artists.
Midtown
6. Chinatown
Bargaining for souvenirs and tasting delicious Asian cuisine
Good for: Food, History, Shoppers
Lower Manhattan’s Chinatown draws tourists to its energetic souvenir shops, lively markets, and Southeast Asian restaurants. As one of America’s largest Asian neighborhoods, Chinatown gives you the chance to explore fascinating cultures. Take a walking tour around the narrow streets to find Buddhist temples, dim sum eateries, and Chinese monuments.
The street corners bustle with vendors selling jewelry, clothes, and other items you can haggle over. For a history lesson, venture down the curved Doyers Street and learn about its bloody past. Head to Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center for classic arcade games or view bizarre collectables at Mmuseumm. And to hang with the locals, visit Columbus Park to play chess or do calisthenics.
Chinatown
7. Little Italy
The roots of New York City’s Italian culture
Good for: History, Food
New York’s Little Italy is your slice of Italian culture and romance amid the bustle of Lower Manhattan. Wander down Mulberry Street to engorge your taste buds at famous restaurants like Lombardi’s or Angelo’s. Italian immigrants flocked to the enclave in the 19th century, and their heritage flourished for decades. While many Italians moved to other boroughs, Little Italy remains a tourist staple.
Vibrant bars and cafés line the narrow streets as visitors search for nourishing bites to eat. Grab a plate of traditional pasta, snack on sweet cannolis, and recharge with a cup of espresso. Around the old tenements, you can also admire the beautiful creations of the Little Italy Street Art Project.
Little Italy
8. Williamsburg
Vintage shops and creative restaurants in hipsterdom
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Williamsburg, just across the East River from Lower Manhattan, is home to all things hip and cool in Brooklyn. For a fun-filled weekend, the offbeat neighbourhood has an array of laid-back cafes, clothing shops, boutiques, and colorful street art. Stroll down Bedford Avenue to find eccentric stores that sell bizarre items for all budget sizes.
Williamsburg entices shoppers and foodies with fantastic markets, including delicious treats at Smorgasburg. Expect to see outdoor concerts during balmy summer days and an animated nightlife scene of dance clubs and wacky bars. Williamsburg residents unleash their creative side at festive performance venues like the Music Hall of Williamsburg and The Brick. Read more
Williamsburg
9. Chelsea
Spending the day shopping and enjoying evenings at hip lounges
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Chelsea is for the artsy types with many of New York’s top-rated contemporary art galleries. While artists pursue their dreams, foodies walk around Chelsea Market to sample delicious treats from high-end food vendors. Wander other corners of the neighborhood to find antique shops, boutiques, flea markets, and other local artisans. Chelsea is also home to many upscale restaurants, stylish lounges, and LGBTQ-friendly bars.
Converted from an abandoned railroad track, the High Line is an exquisite piece of landscape architecture for pedestrians. Head to Chelsea Piers for entertaining sports and games catered to all ages. For a relaxed ending to your day, hang out at a speakeasy or cocktail bar for some beverages.
Chelsea
10. Astoria
Worldly cuisines in a multicultural enclave
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Astoria, originally a hub for New York’s Greek immigrants, now stands as one of the city’s multicultural meccas. The immense diversity makes the Queens neighborhood a foodie’s paradise with restaurants serving Greek, Brazilian, Italian, Thai, and dozens of other mouthwatering cuisines. When the weather’s nice in New York, find a seat at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden for an outdoor feast.
Astoria was once the epicenter of the American movie industry, and the historic studio’s magic comes to life at the Museum of the Moving Image. Artists can find inspiration at underrated gems like the Socrates Sculpture Park and Noguchi Museum. And for dreamy sunsets overlooking the Manhattan skyline, Astoria Park is a beautiful spot by the East River.
Astoria
11. East Village
Hanging out at hole-in-the-wall bars and eateries with the college crowd
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
East Village is grungy, eccentric, and hip with the young crowd, and it’s easily one of Manhattan’s liveliest hangouts. New York University sits around the corner, and it’s a happening spot for nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and dive bars. While you won’t find posh eateries, East Village hits the mark with its diverse food selection for budget-minded visitors. With a mixture of tattoo parlors, punk bars, comedy clubs, and “barcades,” there’s a spot for everyone in the East Village.
Tompkins Square Park hosts jubilant outdoor festivals on 10.5 acres (4.2 hectares) of recreational facilities. For a laidback appreciation of the arts, wander into the Nuyorican Poets Café for poetry slams, art exhibitions, and concerts. Read more
East Village
12. Harlem
Discovering New York’s deep African-American roots
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
Harlem is the pinnacle of New York’s African-American culture. It’s a hotbed for hip hop, smooth jazz, and creative artwork. Just wander around its corridors to find colorful murals crafted by talented street artists. Do yourself a favor and find a walking tour to learn the backstory of its famous talents.
The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s produced legendary performers like Louis Armstrong and Billie Vacation. Catch a show at the historic Apollo Theater to walk in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest musicians. Harlem’s budding food scene is one of New York’s hottest, with Japanese, Ethiopian, Puerto Rican, Somalian, and other influences competing with its iconic Southern soul food.
Harlem
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