New York City is a city of cultural diversity, relentless energy and many iconic neighbourhoods. This dynamic metropolis is divided into five major boroughs, each with its own character, history and lifestyle.
The five boroughs are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Each is home to a variety of unique neighbourhoods that together form the soul of New York.
Manhattan
Manhattan is New York’s must-visit borough, the beating heart of the city. It’s home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. As well as its famous monuments, Manhattan offers an incomparable wealth of culture, with world-famous museums such as the MET and MoMA, and diverse neighbourhoods from SoHo to Harlem.
Whether it’s a stroll through its bustling streets, a panoramic view from its skyscrapers or an immersion in its effervescent nightlife, Manhattan is an essential stop for any visitor.
Interesting areas of Manhattan
South Street Seaport
Greenwich Village
Midtown
Financial District
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a historic borough of New York, once an independent city before becoming part of the metropolis in 1898. Famous for its creative atmosphere and neighbourhood spirit, Brooklyn offers a fascinating mix of culture, art and local life. The borough played a key role in industry and immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and today is known for its diverse neighbourhoods such as Williamsburg, a centre for hipsters and alternative culture, and DUMBO, with its art galleries and stunning views of Manhattan.
As well as green spaces like Prospect Park and beaches like Coney Island, Brooklyn is a cultural hub, renowned for its art events, local markets and thriving culinary scene. For visitors, it’s a destination that combines authenticity, modernity and heritage.
Interesting neighbourhoods in Brooklyn
Williamsburg
DUMBO
Park Slope
Brooklyn Heights
Bushwick
Coney Island
Queens
Queens is New York’s largest and most culturally diverse borough, home to communities from all over the world. Historically, it grew rapidly in the early 20th century thanks to industrialisation and an influx of immigrants. Today, Queens is a truly global crossroads, with each neighbourhood reflecting a different culture, whether it’s Astoria with its Greek roots, Flushing for its Asian community or Jackson Heights, famous for its Latin American and South Asian influences.
The borough is also home to several major attractions, including Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, home to the Unisphere and the US Open stadium, as well as cultural venues such as MoMA PS1, one of the world’s leading contemporary art museums. For food lovers, Queens is a must-visit destination, offering a range of culinary specialities from around the world. It is a borough where diversity and culture meet in a residential and leafy setting.
Interesting neighbourhoods in Queens
Astoria
Flushing
Jackson Heights
Long Island City
The Bronx
The Bronx is a borough in the north of New York, rich in history and culture, often regarded as the cradle of hip-hop. It has played an important role in the musical and artistic evolution of the United States. Historically, the Bronx went through periods of economic decline in the 1970s, but has since experienced a renaissance with numerous revitalisation projects. The borough is home to such must-see attractions as Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees baseball team, as well as the Bronx Zoo, one of the world’s largest urban zoos, and the New York Botanical Garden, a haven of greenery.
The Bronx is also famous for its “Little Italy” on Arthur Avenue, where you can sample authentic Italian specialities. In addition to its verdant parks and cultural spaces, the Bronx offers a fascinating mix of history, nature and urban life, making it a must-see destination for visitors.
Interesting neighbourhoods in the Bronx
Bedford Park
Concourse
Belmont
Fordham
Staten Island
Staten Island is New York’s most peaceful and least densely populated borough, often nicknamed “the forgotten borough” because of its relative tranquillity. Historically, it was one of the first places settled by European colonists in the 17th century and played a key role in maritime trade. Accessible by the famous free Staten Island ferry, which offers spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, the borough is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Staten Island offers a unique combination of natural parks, such as the Greenbelt with its hiking trails, and historical attractions such as Historic Richmond Town, an open-air museum that recreates a colonial village. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center is also a must for art and culture lovers. Staten Island offers a quieter, greener experience, while remaining close to the heart of New York.
Staten Island’s interesting neighbourhoods
St. George
West Brighton
Richmond Town
