Neighbourhoods in New York City

THE 10 BEST New York City Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhoods in New York City

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
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35 places sorted by traveller favourites
Showing results 1-30 of 35

What travellers are saying

  • Jen B
    Olathe, KS59 contributions
    I feel like Times Square is something that everyone needs to see at least once. I took my college-aged daughter for a NYC trip and we went once during the day and once at night after a show. Practice your resting bi!tchy face and ignore everyone wanting money. I agree with other reviewers about legalized pot as well. It stinks everywhere. I really don't care if someone chooses to do it but I don't want to smell it at every turn. It is pretty disgusting and almost as bad as cigarette smoke.
    Written 15 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • StephenCross
    Dublin, Ireland17,709 contributions
    Greenwich Village is on the Western side of Braodway which tends to be the trendy side. We were staying on East 13th and felt it was equally good.
    Written 3 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barbara-BrookeMorales-Murphy
    London, UK1,039 contributions
    This is a beautiful and well-kept area in the city. Explore by walking Sohos streets. Lovely architecture, high-end stores, beautiful restaurants, and cafés. Enjoy!
    Written 13 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mich Herondale
    92 contributions
    This is such a gorgeous neighborhood, the architecture is stunning and it's a lot more peaceful than midtown.
    Very nice place to go for a relaxing walk.

    And we went around Halloween and there were a lot of building decorated, which was very cool to see.

    I also visited Cornelia Street, (I had to as a Taylor fan).
    Written 8 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tom J
    London, UK1,462 contributions
    The hidden heart of Nee York City! With plenty to keep you busy for atleast a couple of days it is very easy to lose yourself among the tall buildings in lower Manhattan. Thankfully not as touristy as midtown meaning you can feel a lot more at ease when taking photos that iron man isn’t going to jump in the back of them!

    Between the parks, statues, memorials or even just some truly amazing eateries there is definitely something for everyone!
    Written 21 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
    Los Angeles, CA7,821 contributions
    I finally made my film pilgrimage to Riverside Drive and W 105th to see the hil Madonna ran up (barefoot!) in the film Who's That Girl?. And I was lucky enough to meet some local residents who remembered the filming, so had stories to tell.

    The architecture here is a feast for the eyes, I almost got a sore neck from constantly looking up. The Marion Davies mansion, which featured in the novel The Blue Butterfly, still stands. And water towers aplenty, one of my favorite parts of NYC architecture.

    There are eateries, art centers, and stores, of course, but that's another topic for a different review. Suffice it to say, I really had a wonderful and interesting morning's walk in the neighborhood.
    Written 27 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • StephenCross
    Dublin, Ireland17,709 contributions
    With some may high rise buildings is nice to get a break in the skyline which you find with union square. Lively area and recommended for a visit.
    Written 5 February 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TourQueen55
    8 contributions
    What a great, vibrant area! Walkable or close distance to so many features including Chelsea Market, the Highline, Little Island, Times Square and more! I great place to stay with many things to do, yet not the noice of Times Square.
    Written 29 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brian T
    London, UK6,641 contributions
    If you mention you are going to visit Harlem in Manhattan, you are certain to get the raised eyebrows and the head shaking, usually form people who have never been. It’s probably one of the most maligned, poorly-represented and incorrectly-portrayed areas in New York, yet is is a great part of the city to visit. It’s certainly had its rough decades, but the neighbourhood is experiencing a new renaissance. And like in many parts of the world, this area is as safe, if not safer, than any other neighbourhood if you use the same "street smart" mentality and common sense you would use where you come from.

    Harlem was originally a Dutch village, formally organised in 1658; it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. Harlem's history has been defined by a series of economic boom-and-bust cycles, with significant population shifts accompanying each cycle. Today Harlem is the centre of African American culture in New York City and a vibrant part of the city; it’s a hotbed of black music, art and culture. But Harlem has been home to many races and ethnic groups including the Dutch, Irish, German, Italian, and Jewish, and as well as being a predominantly black neighbourhood, it present a fabulous diversity and thus offers the the visitor a diverse and eclectic area to explore.

    There is lots to see and experience in this neighbourhood. I spent almost a full day walking its streets, taking in its sights, and visiting a couple of cafes and restaurants. I visited with a New Yorker. It was a successful exploration for sure. One of the keys to our success was carefully planning. We had quite a list of local things to see, so mapped out a walking route so that we could see all we wanted to see, and get the feel for this vibrant community city.

    Here’s our four favourite spots:

    Striver’s Row: It’s a delightful historic district located on both sides of West 138th and West 139th Streets between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. The distinct architectural styles with a mix of red brick, yellow brick and brownstone are beautifully maintained, adorned with a tangle of wrought iron. It’s a visual treat.

    The Apollo Theatre: This legendary theatre which opened in 1914, has launched careers and popularised genres through its devotion to showcasing black talent. The likes of James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr, Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill found their starting point here.

    Harlem’s “Walk of Fame”: On W125th Street by the Apollo Theatre, the “Walk of Fame” is an uptown Manhattan take on Hollywood's "Walk of Stars" that commemorates African-American musical icons with plaques embedded into the sidewalk.

    The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine: This massive cathedral has been under construction since 1892, and is not yet finished. One of its chapels contains a bronze three-paneled altar with gold-leaf decoration, designed by Keith Haring just before his death.

    But don’t limit yourself to those. Wander, and take in some wonderful street murals, local markets and businesses, little museums and art galleries, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants. We had coffee at a delightful coffee shop in the Hamilton Grange area, and an excellent lunch at the iconic Harlem restaurant that is Sylvia’s.

    Many streets and avenues in Harlem are co-named for its famous leaders and residents like Lenox Avenue co-named Malcolm X Boulevard., 125th Street co-named Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevaqrd., and Eighth Avenue co-named Frederick Douglass Boulevard.

    It’s a wonderful place to explore; we learnt a lot, and found the locals informative and welcoming. Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy your visit.
    Written 5 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deb W
    Reno, NV2,430 contributions
    This once thriving area is now limited to 1 short street. There are a couple of good murals in this little area. The restaurants seem to be mostly tourist quality. There are a couple of decent bakeries.
    Written 22 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mich Herondale
    92 contributions
    This is an iconic spot, that if you're interested in visiting you really should. It's really cool to be able to see it live.
    Written 8 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • today12
    12 contributions
    Great for celeb spotting. Beautiful area which felt clean and safe. Made my sons day with the celebs. We came across it by chance but will return
    Written 4 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
    Los Angeles, CA7,821 contributions
    Passed through the UES on my way to the Frick and, as always, l loved the wonderful shops and architecture.

    The neighborhood gardens are maintained with care, as they are all over NYC.

    Just a delightful place for a stroll.
    Written 27 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Barbara-BrookeMorales-Murphy
    London, UK1,039 contributions
    Walk through Chinatown, stop in one of the many restaurants, and soak up the atmosphere. There are some open markets and many souvenir shops to see.
    Written 13 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PROS
    • World famous iconic street
    • World famous iconic stores
    • World famous iconic buildings
    • World famous iconic stuff
    * Very exclusive residences

    CONS
    * Long long street
    • Can be crowded with people (including tourists)
    • Wide street to cross- could be treacherous

    “I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
    …. as part of my 28+K step and 18.2 kilometer walk through midtown and central Manhattan. I was here around Grand Central terminal and again in the low 90s of cross streets. My main journey was on Fifth Avenue- from 42nd Street to 93rd Street. I passed and visited all the famous stuff- and enjoyed it.
    Written 1 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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