For many people around the world, New York City means Manhattan. But, to truly know NYC, one should know at least a bit about all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
This post is a brief guide to the 5 boroughs and some suggestions of what to see in each of them.
When writing this post, I talked to my fellow local walking tour guides about their impressions of the 5 boroughs and in particular, the borough where they live and have lived in over the years.
I was born in Brooklyn and live there now, though I have lived in Manhattan in the past. Other guides live all over New York City.
Between all of us, we have a solid sense of what makes each borough special. Below we tell you what you should see in each of the 5 boroughs!
What is a Borough?
A borough (pronounced burrow) is a formal subdivision of a city. Boroughs are not unique to NYC. London and Montreal also have boroughs.
NYC has five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.
You may find people who think New York City has 7 boroughs because they include nearby Jersey City and Hoboken, cities in the state of New Jersey.
These cities have a very close connection to NYC as tens of thousands of people who live in those two cities commute daily into NYC.
In terms of government, each NYC borough has its own local government but ultimately their power is superseded by NYC laws.
Each borough has a borough president, but New York City has one mayor who governs over all 5 boroughs.
In this post, we describe the five boroughs and go over the top attractions and neighborhoods within them.
Borough vs. Neighborhood
As noted above, boroughs are parts of a city with formal boundaries.
On the other hand, neighborhoods are defined areas within each borough who also have local governments (community boards) though they have little sway.
Just a few well-known formal neighborhoods are SoHo, Midtown Manhattan, Chinatown, Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, and West Village.
But here is the tricky part. There are sub-neighborhoods that are simply small areas within formal neighborhoods,
For example, the Meatpacking District is a sub-neighborhood in the northwest corner of the neighborhood of the West Village!
Our post, New York City Neighborhoods Explained, may help make this clearer!
One final note, Long Island is not part of the 5 boroughs. Long Island is not even part of New York City. It is literally a long island!
Two of NYC's boroughs are geographically on the island, but at some point on the east end of those boroughs there is a border where New York City ends and Long Island's two counties, Suffolk and Norfolk, begin.
The Borough of Manhattan
Manhattan feels like the center of New York City and rightfully so. It is where New York City was settled back in 1624 (then as Dutch New Amsterdam).
Many of its iconic attractions, like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park, are known around the world.
Though geographically small, compared to the other four boroughs, there are over 60 neighborhoods, many of which deserve a visit.
It’s also where most tourists stay since there are hundreds of hotels, with 70 hotels in Times Square alone.
What to See in Manhattan
Known around the world for its New Year's Eve gathering and the ball drop, Times Square is a must-see neighborhood.
There’s nothing quite like its energizing atmosphere.
In addition to seeing Broadway shows, there are lots of things to do in Times Square. Find out here.
Central Park
Central Park is a whopping 6% of Manhattan's land area! It’s so big that it would take you all day and some of the night to see it all!
From its spacious grand lawns to its wooded areas and bodies of water, Central Park is not to be missed.
Be sure to read our Things to Do in Central Park when you plan your outing!
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is the center of NYC. Hundreds of thousands of people work here or pass through this part of Manhattan via Grand Central Terminal on their way to work in other parts of Manhattan.
Midtown is where you will find the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art and much more.
It’s also where the largest concentration of hotels are. See our post on where to stay in NYC with specific listings in Midtown Manhattan.
Lower Manhattan
This part of Manhattan has some great attractions and historic sights.
It’s where you’ll find Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, and One World Observatory with its breathtaking views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond.
It’s also where you catch the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
The Top Neighborhoods in Manhattan to Visit
Of the nearly 60 neighborhoods in Manhattan, these are the ones you should definitely consider checking out.
Chances are you have them on your list of places to see already!
Read more about New York City’s neighborhoods and what there is to do in each of them.
The Borough of Brooklyn
With an estimated population of 2.6 million, Brooklyn is home to the most number of New Yorkers.
If it were its own city, it would be the fourth largest city in the United States.
There are over 70 neighborhoods, and Brooklyn has an enormous diversity of ethnic backgrounds, architectural styles, and great food!
From hipsters and street art to historic neighborhoods and amazing skyline views of Manhattan, Brooklyn has something for everyone.
Things to See and Do in Brooklyn
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is something that tourists and locals love to do.
Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was a feat of engineering at the time.
Though its innovative architecture has been long outdone, the bridge remains one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
The views from the bridge are expansive and include parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Way off in the distance, you can see the Statue of Liberty!
Brooklyn Heights
This stunning neighborhood located next to the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest neighborhoods in NYC and the site of significant moments in American History.
Its charming residential streets are lined with houses of different architectural styles. The oldest house dates back to 1824.
DUMBO
Also located right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO is both artsy and historic.
Some great wall murals are here as well as spacious parks along the waterfront.
If you are looking for great skyline views, DUMBO is for you!
By the way, if you are wondering what DUMBO stands for, read our post What does DUMBO stand for!
Coney Island
Once called America’s Playground, Coney Island is a fun place to visit.
Besides the famous boardwalk and beach, there’s Luna Park, an amusement park with thrilling rides, the New York Aquarium, and the Annual Mermaid Parade every June.
Bushwick Collective
The Bushwick Collective is one of the biggest open-air galleries of street art and murals in the world.
Some of the most famous muralists have been showcased here. Local artists are also featured.
Here are more places to see street art in NYC.
The Borough of Staten Island
With only half a million people, Staten Island is not a big tourist destination.
In fact, many New Yorkers from other boroughs never go there, simply because it is overwhelmingly residential.
It does have some historical sites and lots of green space. There are even some local beaches.
The highlight for visitors is taking the free Staten Island Ferry. Or, you can take the East River Ferry from Midtown Manhattan.
For spectacular views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, hop on the Staten Island Ferry for a free ride into New York Harbor.
You can come right back to Manhattan or explore Staten Island a bit.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden
Opened in 1883 as a home for retired sailors, this botanical garden covers 83 acres and has 20 different gardens.
Historic Richmond Town
Richmond Town is a living history museum that takes visitors back in time to the 1600s when the Dutch settled the island.
There are 15 restored buildings over 100 acres. Guides are dressed in the part and various aspects of colonial life such as craft demonstrations and country fairs are held.
The Borough of the Bronx
Though much of it is residential, the Bronx has some great reasons to visit.
It’s home to the New York Yankees, the Bronx Zooy Arthur Avenue, the Bronx’s answer to Little Italy.
There is lots of green space and the city's third-largest park as well as the Bronx Botanical Gardens.
What to See and Do in the Bronx
The Bronx Zoo is the largest city zoo in the country with more than 7,000 resident animals.
What makes this zoo exceptional is that the animals live in habitats that recreate, as best as possible, their natural habitats.
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium is home to the New York Yankees baseball team. The ‘Bronx Bombers’, as they are affectionately known, have won the World Series 27 times.
It’s a quick subway ride from Manhattan, so if you want to see a baseball game, head to the ‘da Bronx!
Baseball lovers can take a Yankee Stadium Tour!
Arthur Avenue
Located in the Belmont section of the Bronx, Arthur Avenue is what locals say is the “real” Little Italy.
Certainly, that’s true of the population. There are more people with Italian heritage living in Belmont than in Manhattan’s Little Italy.
Food-wise, Arthur Avenue is quite a treat. Shops sell homemade mozzarella and sausages. The bakeries are fantastic. Dine out for some of the best spaghetti and meatballs in NYC.
The Borough of Queens
Many visitors to New York City visit Queens without realizing it! Both John F. Kennedy and Laguardia Airports are in Queens.
But there is much more to Queens than runways!
Flushing is home to one of NYC’s largest parks, Flushing Meadows, and the city’s second-largest Chinatown.
Queens (pop. 2.2 million) is one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world.
With at least 138 languages spoken throughout the borough, one could travel the world just by exploring Queens.
Much of the borough is residential, but that doesn't mean sleepy, quiet streets.
Neighborhoods like Long Island City, Greenpoint, and Astoria, have vibrant art and music scenes.
Things to See and Do in Queens
A popular destination for locals in the summer, this Queens beach is easily reached by subway or the East River Ferry.
Besides swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, there are festivals and family-friendly events.
Citi Field
Home to The Mets, Citi Field is a great alternative to seeing the Yankees in the Bronx.
It’s easy to reach by subway and the stadium is relatively new, having replaced Shea Stadium in 2009.
Throughout the year festivals and major concerts are held here, such as Christmas Lights festivals.
Jackson Heights
This immigrant-dominated neighborhood is a perfect place to take yourself on a self-guided food tour.
You’ll find foods from South and Latin America, China, Thailand, Mexico, India and even Tibet!
Related Posts
