15 Must-See New York City Neighborhoods and How To Visit

If you want to test the theory that NYC is truly the city that never sleeps, the Lower East Side—and its streets lined with trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs—offers up some good options. Need a place to start, or end, the night? Try the Whiskey Ward. By day, appreciate the area’s rich Jewish heritage, including ample synagogues and classic delis—such as Katz’s and Russ & Daughters. Cultural tours abound: Be sure to visit the Tenement Museum for an immersive portrait of immigrant life in 19th-century NYC.

At the heart of Greenwich Village is the marble Washington Arch guarding Washington Square Park, one of the most vibrant people-watching locations in the city, if not the world. With a history of protests and underground movements, the Village’s history of 1960s bohemian counter-culture lives on, even if some of its grittier establishments have been replaced with more upscale ones.

Don’t neglect to grab a slice at renowned Joe’s Pizza or a treat at Molly’s Cupcakes on Bleecker St. Then hit up the emblematic Comedy Cellar, where the likes of Jerry Seinfeld and Amy Schumer perform sets. Friends fans can also spot Monica and Rachel’s too-good-to-be-true apartment in this hip neighborhood.

Sure, visiting all the must-see neighborhoods in New York City means rubbing elbows with like-minded visitors, but there’s perhaps no spot more densely populated nor jam-packed with rich culture than Chinatown, where narrow sidewalks are packed with makeshift markets selling everything from souvenirs to fresh fish. Marvel at the pagoda-style roofs, fill up on handmade dumplings during a dim-sum brunch (consider fan-favorite Golden Unicorn)—or on a classic food tour—or sip some signature bubble tea.

Related: Chef and Restaurateur Sam Yoo’s Guide to New York City’s Chinatown

One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in NYC, this small but boisterous spot is chock-full of old-world European charm. The main attraction in this pasta haven is sitting down with loved ones to a good meal, and although Little Italy has got its fair share of less-than-stellar spaghetti slingers, some primo Italian restaurants still linger—snag a seat at Peasant, Lombardi’s, Umbertos Clam House, or Parm, and you won’t be disappointed.

Looking to renew your faith outside a meatball parm? Consider one of NYC’s religious-minded tours. Step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which has been a neighborhood anchor for more than 200 years. And if you’re visiting in September, take the opportunity to walk through its annual Feast of San Gennaro street fair.

Of all the cultural districts in NYC, for which there are many, none can compete with the abundance of art in Chelsea. Spend days wandering in and out of galleries (most of which are free!), showcasing the works of established creators and emerging artists. The crown jewel of Chelsea, regardless of art affiliation? The High Line, a well-maintained park built up on an abandoned elevated railroad track. A visit to this westside ‘hood isn’t complete without a stroll through its high-end food court better known as Chelsea Market either, where you can see remnants of the old Nabisco factory, the birthplace of the Oreo.

Listen, one of the most common New York City travel tips visitors hear is to avoid Midtown Manhattan at all costs. It’s not “real” New York, they’ll say, what with its overplayed tourist attractions and, well, Times Square. But, when in Rome, right? A trip to the Big Apple deserves some stereotypical big-name landmarks, many of which reside in this towering neighborhood.

There are the classics: the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center (in the winter, you’ll want to strap on skates at the beloved ice rink). And, if you’d prefer to peep those buildings from high above, consider checking out one of two recent additions to the list of observation decks: Edge at Hudson Yards and Summit One Vanderbilt.

Hidden gems in New York City abound, but when you venture to the Upper East Side, you’re not looking for under-the-radar experiences. Heck, when former residents include the Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Rockefellers, you should come expecting an upscale experience.

Case in point: the famed institutions that sit along Museum Mile, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (even the steps of which are some of the city's most revered!), the Guggenheim, and the Frick. It’s also all about luxury: From upscale shopping at high-end Madison Avenue department stores to white-tableclothed fine dining, nothing on the Upper East Side is understated.

Harlem has been a centerpiece for African-American culture since the early 1900s, and those interested in exploring its history have plenty of options once they ride the train uptown. Take in some jazz, either at the National Jazz Museum or at Minton’s Playhouse, where Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald once took the stage. But don’t stop there: Continue your music education in some of Harlem’s other famous music venues, including the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club.

When you’re ready to eat, don’t sleep on some of the city’s best soul food at Amy Ruth’s, Sylvia’s, or Red Rooster, which offers a modern spin on the classic fare.

Having lured visitors across the East River for decades, Williamsburg is certainly not the inconspicuous spot it once was, but—despite having more widespread appeal—it still holds onto its indie roots as a hipster haven with a live music scene that spotlights a range of unknowns (think string quartets and experimental artists) and more established songwriters.

An easy subway ride from Manhattan, a trip to Williamsburg isn’t complete without a pint at Brooklyn Brewery or a night at Brooklyn Bowl, a modern bowling alley known for its—you guessed it—live music.

Among the best local spots in New York City is Park Slope, which offers a glimpse into residential life not often found in the likes of Midtown. The perfect place for a leisurely (by NYC standards, of course) stroll, the tree-lined streets and classic brownstones are a perfect antidote to high-rise skyscrapers. You won’t be able to miss the massive Prospect Park, which flanks the neighborhood and is the perfect place for picnics or sledding, depending on the season.

Its acronym, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, doesn’t quite do justice to one of Brooklyn’s most visited neighborhoods. Dumbo, with its cobblestone streets, dramatic architecture, and showstopping views across the river, is more than a location: It’s a mood.

A far cry from its strictly industrial past, the neighborhood now plays host to the Brooklyn Flea, a weekend flea market filled with vintage finds, and what may be the most popular Instagram spot in Brooklyn—on Washington Street between Front and Water Streets, where you can snag a shot of the Empire State Building while nestled inside the Manhattan Bridge. Don’t forget to pop by Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park for another idyllic photo op.

Few NYC neighborhood guides will broadcast a visit to the faraway Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, but set against a backdrop of shipping yards with an Al Capone–level criminal backstory, it provides a laid-back seaside village vibe not found anywhere else in New York City.

Accessible by train, or—more fun—by ferry service, Red Hook retains its gritty warehouse aesthetic while featuring quirky museums, makers marts, and waterfront views of the Statue of Liberty. Cap off a trip with a drink at Sunny’s Bar, the oldest drinking spot in the ‘hood, around since the late 1800s.

It’s almost a shame that Long Island City in Queens is so well-known for its sweeping waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline when it truly stands on its own as one of the best areas to explore in NYC. A former manufacturing epicenter, it’s now the Chelsea of Queens, with its vibrant art scene. It’s the home of MoMA PS1, which mounts cutting-edge shows and music series, as well as Noguchi Museum, the arts community space Flux Factory, and SculptureCenter.

This Queens neighborhood is a hotbed of international culture, thanks to a longstanding Greek presence and a Little Egypt, but Astoria is also authentically New York, with multi-generational families maintaining the neighborhood’s old-school street cred, thanks to rows upon rows of prewar brick homes.

Movie lovers exploring New York City neighborhoods in search of film locations will have a field day at the dozen-odd spots, found on many guided movie tours, that harken back to a famous flick. It’s also worth visiting the Museum of the Moving Image, with endless exhibitions—and screening opportunities—on film and TV.

Yes, it’s true that the Bronx is much more than a neighborhood. In fact, it’s one of NYC’s five boroughs. But with so much ground to cover in New York’s northernmost subset, it’s not uncommon for visitors to try to tackle it all at once. If that's your plan, you’ll want to carve out time to tour the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo, which, to many, is far superior to the small-scale zoo in Central Park. And baseball fan or not, Yankee Stadium is a landmark worthy of attention.

Related: Exploring New York City's 5 Boroughs