5 Boroughs of New York
Where to Stay in New York City?
New York City is made up of dozens of neighbourhoods, all located within its five characterful boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. New York City is one of the most visited locations in the world and it’s easy to get lost wandering the streets while gaping at skyscrapers, exploring eclectic districts, and taking in the sights of major drawcards like Central Park. Therefore, knowing a little about what to expect will help a great deal.
Each of the Big Apple’s boroughs has its own history and unique identity. Whether you’re looking for 5-star steakhouses and iconic bagels, want to check out landmark buildings like the Empire State or the Chrysler, or are yearning to catch a Broadway show, New York will accommodate. Read out handy guide below before booking your trip.
What are the five boroughs of NYC?
1. Manhattan
The center of all the action
Good for: History, Nightlife, Photo
Manhattan is NYC’s most well-known borough. This is where you can find skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and a vast array of restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for a fast-paced experience in the “City that Never Sleeps”, make sure to spend a few nights in the heart of the metropolis.
Manhattan boasts dozens of neighbourhoods, but Midtown puts you in the middle of everything. While staying there, take a stroll along 5th Avenue to check out the department store window displays before admiring the dazzling neon signs of iconic Times Square, or head to Central Park to picnic on its meadows. If you’re looking for a quieter stay, book a hotel on the ritzy Upper East Side where you can explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For those who want to glimpse the famous Statue of Liberty, opt to stay in the Battery district. Read more
Location: Manhattan, New York, NY, USA
Manhattan
2. Brooklyn
A hip artistic enclave
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Brooklyn is a New York City borough that’s filled with young creatives and affluent artistic families. It’s just west of Manhattan, across the famous Brooklyn Bridge. If you’d like to explore the city’s cultural hub then this is the place to be. Peruse boutique stores, sip lattes in trendy coffee shops, and discover the riveting nightlife that makes Brooklyn, well...Brooklyn!
One of the most popular neighbourhoods is Williamsburg which boasts a thriving music and arts scene and some of the city’s best restaurants. For a sophisticated stay, head to Park Slope, which sits just northwest of Prospect Park. This residential district’s picturesque streets are lined with historic brownstone buildings and chi-chi little bistros. Read more
Location: Brooklyn, New York, NY, USA
Brooklyn
3. Queens
Ethnically diverse melting pot
Good for: Budget, Food, Nightlife
Queens, a culturally-mixed borough east of Manhattan, is a haven of restaurants serving international cuisine, historic pubs like Neir’s Tavern (featured in the Scorsese movie Goodfellas), and scintillating street art. It’s also home to Citi Field (the stomping ground of the New York Mets) and Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which boasts the world-famous Unisphere.
If you’re looking for a quick commute to Midtown without the price of a Midtown hotel, look no further than the Queens neighbourhood Astoria. With plenty of popular eateries, boutique accommodations, and easy access subway lines, it strongly appeals to couples and families. If you love spending time outside, check out Socrates Sculpture Park or Gantry Plaza State Park along the East River for cinematic views of the Big Apple skyline. Read more
Location: Queens, New York, NY, USa
Queens
4. The Bronx
The birthplace of hip-hop
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
The Bronx is widely known as the soul of New York City, even though every neighbourhood in the Big Apple is brimming with history and culture. Located north of Manhattan, this historic borough is home to the NY Yankees and Yankee Stadium. It’s also known as the birthplace of hip-hop.
When you’re not checking out iconic landmarks like the Bronx Zoo and the Bronx Botanical Garden, catch a high-octane baseball game with hotdog in hand! The Bronx has many affordable hotel options that will utterly surprise you. Check out Fordham if you’re looking to stay in a local neighbourhood or head to Riverdale for an upscale experience. Read more
Location: The Bronx, New York, NY, USA
The Bronx
5. Staten Island
Suburban gem with a free ferry to Staten Island
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Staten Island is the southernmost New York borough, accessible from the city by taking a quick ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry. If you want to spend most of your time visiting lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, Staten Island is an awesome place to stay.
A prime neighbourhood to check out is charming St. George, which boasts stunning views of lower Manhattan and a beautiful waterfront park. You can also visit the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, dine at its charismatic local restaurants, or step back in time at Historic Richmond Town (a municipal and farm museum complex boasting more than 30 historic buildings). Read more
Location: Staten Island, New York, NY, USA
Staten Island
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