Uncover Authentic NYC Through Its Cool and Unique Neighborhoods
New York City has a mind blowing abundance of bright, shiny objects, such as iconic landmarks and venerable institutions, which can monopolize your time and focus. In our opinion, however, the essence of the city can be found in its unique and vibrant neighborhoods, and a visit to at least some of these neighborhoods should absolutely be a part of any NYC itinerary. In this article, we'll guide you through a number of accessible neighborhoods that define the city's diverse culture, history, and local character without taking you too far afield from the most popular tourist attractions.
Fun neighborhoods to explore in Manhattan
When you ask a New Yorker where to get the best fill-in-the-blank in the city, there’s usually the place most people know, and then there’s the place they really visit all the time. And guess what? The latter is usually a neighborhood joint. Though Manhattan can feel like a giant, homogenized city to outsiders, locals know otherwise. If you want to discover some hidden gems of your own, these are a few neighborhoods to explore.
Lower East Side (LES)
Great for: History buffs, museum lovers, foodies, night owls, and street art fans
Our love of the Lower East Side is no secret. It’s a neighborhood steeped in history and rich in culture and boasts a taste of both past and present simultaneously. You’ll find the common and the genteel, the shabby and the chic, rubbing shoulders, side by side. Explore venerable cultural institutions like the Tenement Museum, or catch an indie favorite at arthouse theater Metrograph. And don’t even get us started on dining options, which include iconic NYC institutions like Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters, as well as where-to-eat-right-now hotspots like Dhamaka. The quintessential Lower East Side establishments are a perfect blend of old-world charm and vibrant modernity.
Chinatown
Great for: Culture and history buffs, foodies, bargain shoppers, and street art fans
Chinatown is a labyrinthian neighborhood that warrants multiple visits, and yet you’ll still feel you’ve barely scratched the surface. Most expect its myriad culinary delights and affordable markets, but Chinatown holds unlimited surprises too. A rooftop bar with killer views? Check. Street art that specifically tells the story of the community? Check. A cool documentary theater in an old firehouse? Check. Immerse yourself in its overabundance of sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions, starting with the list of our favorite spots in Chinatown.
Upper West Side (UWS)
Great for: Art and culture buffs, architecture lovers
Even city folk sometimes get claustrophobic, and the Upper West Side is the perfect antidote. The charming neighborhood, sandwiched between Riverside Park on the west and Central Park on the east, has an abundance of open spaces. It attracts families, young professionals and students from nearby Columbia University and the Juilliard School of Music. You’ll find such cultural landmarks as the American Museum of Natural History, as well as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. But don’t limit yourself to the iconic institutions, get to know the Upper West Side’s best spots through its famous residents like John Lennon and Nora Ephron, indulge in one of the city’s most famous cookies, and discover where Only Murders in the Building fans flock to.
East Village
Great for: Art and music lovers, culture and history buffs, and street art fans
The East Village is home to large communities of Ukrainian, Jewish, and Puerto Rican immigrants. From the 1950’s through the 1980’s, it was an epicenter of counterculture in New York City, and is still a hub of creativity and eccentricity to this day. It has important roots in the punk rock scene, the Nuyorican literary movement, and New York City’s LGBTQ social scene. It’s a neighborhood that lives up to the moniker of “the city that never sleeps”, but also where the past is always present. Our recommended things to do in the East Village include visiting the bones of a storied punk club in what is now a men’s designer boutique, and discovering Jim Power’s magical mosaics.
Fun neighborhoods to explore in Queens
Of New York City’s five boroughs, Queens is the largest by area but second by population. What this equates to is less densely populated neighborhoods, an abundance of open and green spaces, and more of a residential feel than that of Manhattan. Queens boasts Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the location of both the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fair, and Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets baseball team. Both of the following Queens neighborhoods are a short distance away from central Manhattan, and it’s easy to spend a half or full day exploring without spending too much time in transit.
Long Island City (LIC)
Great for: Art and culture buffs, craft brewery fans, photography enthusiasts
A must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, Long Island City has evolved in recent years to become a hotspot for art galleries, trendy restaurants, and a thriving arts scene. There was a time when all the cool kids would trek there for MoMA’s cooler sibling, MoMA PS1, as well as 5Pointz, the street art mecca, before it was razed to the ground. But now, there are a host of fun ways to spend a day in Long Island City, beginning and ending with the most stunning waterfront views of Manhattan, day or night.
Astoria
Great for: History buffs, street art fans, foodies and museum lovers
Astoria is a miniature melting pot, where its diversity of cultures, traditions, and cuisines are a point of pride within the community. That variety directly influences its robust dining scene. You'll taste incredible Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, to name just a few. There are myriad fun things to do in Astoria, but make sure to pencil in some time to visit its lush parks and enjoy its flourishing arts scene, which encompasses everything from first class museums to incredible street art, like the Welling Court Mural Project. Dive headfirst into Astoria's unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Fun neighborhoods to explore in Brooklyn
Once considered an “outer borough”, Brooklyn is now a coveted destination for New Yorkers desiring more neighborhood parks and larger living spaces. It’s also home to innumerable iconic landmarks, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island, incredible green spaces, like Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery, two public beaches, world-class museums and libraries, cutting edge creative hubs and studios, and, of course, some of the best pizza around.
Greenpoint
Great for: Art lovers, foodies, and photography enthusiasts
Williamsburg started being THE trendy spot to be in the late aughts, but its neighbor, Greenpoint, has managed to avoid the pitfalls of overgentrification. Sidling right up to the East River, Greenpoint’s waterfront areas are tangibly less crowded and more welcoming. The unique neighborhood is home to Polish bakeries, vegan pizzerias, and a burgeoning fine dining scene. Grab a slice of Brooklyn Blackout Cake from Ovenly, claim your spot in Transmitter Park, and take in the breathtaking scenery just like a Brooklynite would.
Bushwick
Great for: Street art fans, foodies, and night owls
Bushwick is a dynamic and ever-evolving neighborhood that stands at the forefront of Brooklyn's creative renaissance. Initially known for its thriving street art scene driven by the annual Bushwick Collective Block Party, the neighborhood's artistic spirit has attracted adjacent creative endeavors such as an eclectic mix of galleries, hip cafes, and a buzzy nightlife scene. Bushwick is a haven for those seeking an edgy, artistic vibe in the heart of Brooklyn. Though it’s just a short subway ride from the heart of Manhattan, it can feel like it’s a world away.
Conclusion
New York City has a rich tapestry of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm and character. We’ve only illuminated the tip of a very large iceberg here, specifically focusing on convenient proximity to the most popular tourist attractions. Whether you're a traveler seeking a well-balanced and authentic experience or a local looking to discover something new, embrace the endless possibilities that NYC's neighborhoods have to offer.
