All Articles 6 NYC neighborhoods not to miss

6 NYC neighborhoods not to miss

Locals share their favorite haunts borough by borough.

Bird's-eye view of the High Line, the southernmost entrance of which is in West Village
Chicken tacos at Arriba Arriba in Hell's Kitchen
A small plate and cocktail at Balaboosta in West Village
The patio at Westlight Brooklyn on a blue sky day
Little Island in West Village
From lovely walks to delicious meals, explore NYC's neighborhoods
Image: Tripadvisor/Management; Tripadvisor/Andres C.

There are as many ways to explore New York City as there are tourists—you could visit a thousand times and still only scratch the surface. But to get an authentic experience, just swerve ever so slightly off the beaten path and you’ll suddenly find yourself immersed in one of NYC's most vibrant neighborhoods, places where you can really live like a local.

We brought together six tastemakers and writers to share what makes their neighborhoods must-see destinations, from the West Village to Chinatown—and beyond. They gathered all their favorite haunts and hidden gems, from small restaurants to cool jazz clubs to hotels where you can kick back after a day of exploring.

Harlem

Cocktails at Sugar Monk
Apollo Theater in the evening
Striver's Row in Harlem
Grab a drink at Sugar Monk, see a show at the Apollo, or stroll Striver's Row
Image: Tripadvisor/Ritterstein; Tripadvisor/Management; Tripadvisor/2extreme4U

I once heard Harlem described as a neighborhood with a big personality, which absolutely nails the vibe of the place I’ve called home for the last 16 years. The way the contradictions of storied history, new development, ethnic diversity, fashion, and cultural influence play off each other is not unlike the jazz riffs you might hear at Bill’s Place, a local gem featuring live musical acts.

For more rich history and culture, head to The Schomburg Center, a renowned research library featuring lively exhibits and programming, and a stellar retail shop with books, art, clothing and jewelry by Black artists. Just a short walk north, you can check out the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest house in all of Manhattan, dating back to 1765.

As a freelance writer and local, I consider myself an expert on the coffee shop scene, and Harlem has had a proliferation of them the last several years. One of my favorites is Monkey Cup—good coffee, chill vibe, and a nice mix of locals and tourists (plus the occasional local celebrity sighting). There’s also Ginjan Cafe—the dream and brainchild of two brothers from Guinea who offer coffee and nibbles with West African flair.

When just a coffee and a pasty won’t cut it, and you need a more filling meal, check out Harlem Tavern or BLVD Bistro, right next door, for delicious, easy comfort food and a casual, family-friendly vibe.

Though, what would a trip to Harlem be without soul food? Melba’s and Sylvia’s are local institutions and a must-try. If your tastes skew fancier, three Harlem restaurants have earned Michelin stars. Reverence, for upscale Californian; Clay, with its inventive New American fare; and Vinateria, for Italian-Spanish fusion. (My heavens, the meatballs!)

After dinner, you’ll probably be ready for a cocktail. (Just me?) One of my favorite bars in the whole world is right in my neighborhood. Sugar Monk is a charming speakeasy with a decor as gorgeous and sophisticated as its cocktails. Yes, you have to knock on the somewhat hidden door, which adds to the speakeasy appeal, but no secret password is needed. The swanky bar at Red Rooster, celeb chef Marcus Samuelson’s uptown outpost, is also a great place to have a drink, work meeting, or date.

While it’s nice to have a destination, Harlem is a great neighborhood just to wander around and take in the local color and architecture. Stroll along Strivers Row and behold the stately 19th-century row houses that many luminaries—from Tupac to Bob Dylan—have called home, or travel across 125th Street, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare where you’ll pass the legendary Apollo Theater. - Christine Pride

Where to stay: The new Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel just opened right in the heart of Harlem (125th Street) in the space that once held the iconic Victoria Theatre. It’s perfect to place you right in the center of things. Plus, there’s a fabulous rooftop bar.

Christine Pride is a writer, book editor, and content consultant who lives in Harlem. She is the co-author of We Are Not Like Them and You Were Always Mine. You can see more of her work here or follow her on Instagram.

NYC neighbourhoods

Explore the five boroughs

Hell’s Kitchen

A bloody Mary at Mom's Kitchen & Bar
Pancake burrito at Mom's Kitchen & Bar
Mom's Kitchen & Bar serves up pancake burritos and cocktails for brunch in Hell's Kitchen
Image: Tripadvisor/management

“It’s worse than the hottest part of hell. It’s hell’s kitchen.”

That’s what a police officer allegedly said some 150 years ago about the neighborhood I call home. At least that’s one of the theories on how Hell’s Kitchen got its steamy name.

Much has changed since then. Like most of New York City, Hell’s Kitchen has been gentrifying over the 25 years I’ve lived here, with all the pros and cons that accompany that journey. And yet the neighborhood still maintains a grasp on its grit, alongside the rising glimpses of glamour.

HK (as we call it) spans from 8th Avenue to the Hudson River, and from 34th Street to 59th Street. Start your early morning in the stratosphere: Galaxy Diner has been asking HK residents how they’d like their eggs since 1984. Dilly-dalliers can head to Mom’s for their all-day breakfast, or opt for a spicier option with fresh tamales from El Mil Sabores, a no-frills/all-flavor Mexican bodega.

Work off your meal by strolling through the Hudson River Park, a 550-acre public park along Manhattan’s west side. On your return, stop at Fine & Dandy for vintage fashion finds, Domus for unique home accents curated from around the world, and Delphinium Home (owned by former Broadway folk) for the perfect kitschy gift.

The close proximity to Broadway adds to our theatrical flair. Step beyond the HK boundaries for an immersive journey at the Museum of Broadway, which opened in 2022.

It’s dinner time. Go high brow: Hell’s Kitchen now has two Michelin-starred restaurants with tasting menus by Chef Sungchul Shim: Kochi is inspired by Korean skewered dishes, while Mari elevates Korean handrolls. Go low brow: Rudy’s Bar & Grill serves free hot dogs with your beverage, maintaining one of the city’s first post-prohibition liquor licenses. Go classic HK: Arriba Arriba is a neighborhood gem that’s been shaking up fun with its 27oz. Mama Margarita for 40 years. For classy cocktails, reserve a table at Bar Centrale to mingle with theatrical royalty.

Finally, celebrate our colorful community. Hell’s Kitchen has more than 10 LGBTQ+ bars within a 10-block radius. Pop into 9th Avenue Saloon for a divey drink, catch a drag show at the newly opened Balcon Salon and—for the love of Dolly—stop at Flaming Saddles to watch the bartenders perform country dance breaks atop the bar.- Ivan Quintanilla

Where to stay: I always point visiting friends to Kimpton Hotel Theta where they can unwind away from the chaos of nearby Times Square with modern, quiet rooms and top-notch service. Free daily happy hour is a prime perk; the on-site coffee shop is a great start to the day.

Ivan Quintanilla is an actor and travel writer living in New York City. His articles have been published in the New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, Out Traveler and Passport Magazine, among others. Follow his travels at TravelingIQ.com and on Instagram.

Only in New York

Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences that define New York City.

The West Village

Large glass windows peer into the Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art in the West Village
Image: Tripadvisor/management

The tangle of streets that make up the West Village is where Manhattan’s grid pattern goes haywire, with major thoroughfares like West 4th Street suddenly heading off in unexpected directions. Don’t worry—do like we locals do and just stroll along one of the tree-lined streets until you hit an avenue. Getting lost here is part of the neighborhood’s charm.

Start off the perfect West Village day with breakfast on Gansevoort Street, the upper border of the neighborhood. Head to Pastis—which looks more like a Parisian bistro than anything you’ll find in Paris—for my favorite almond croissants. Across the street is the massive glass-and-steel façade of the Whitney Museum of Art, which moved to this downtown location not quite a decade ago and immediately attracted a cool crowd. It doesn’t hurt that it’s right next to the southernmost entrance to the High Line, a former elevated railway that’s now a long, narrow park with lots of large-scale art installations hidden among the greenery.

Go west to Little Island, which stands in the Hudson River just west of the Whitney. Wait, how does an island stand? It’s perched on 132 cement pillars that the designer intended to resemble tulips but in reality looks like the high-heel shoes on the floor of Carrie Bradshaw’s closet. Follow the trail to the uppermost deck, which has great views over the water. It’s probably way past lunchtime by this point, so head inland. Hudson Street is lined with eateries (including The Lavaux, a Swiss place that’s my new favorite), as is nearby West 4th, where you can almost always snag a last-minute table at sophisticated Café Cluny (try to get a street-side table).

The afternoon is for ducking into little shops like the corner bookshop Three Lives & Co. Its colorful window display always attracts locals looking for the latest releases. It’s across the street from Van Leeuwen, a gourmet ice cream shop. (The honeycomb flavor will change your life.) For dinner, you can’t do better than the grilled octopus with harissa aioli at the Middle Eastern eatery called Ballaboosta. This puts you close to some great nightlife options, including jazz combos at two local favorites, Smalls and the Village Vanguard.-Mark Sullivan

Where to stay: There are very few hotels in the West Village, but luckily it has the Incentra Village House. There are just 12 rooms in this pair of stately rowhouses, and they run the gamut from fabulous to funky. Plus, the location is perfect.

Mark Sullivan is a longtime travel and lifestyle correspondent. He has written dozens of articles and has contributed to more than 200 travel guides.

Eat and drink like a local

Tours, tastings, and beyond

Chinatown

Glass face of Hotel Mulberry
A sandwich with bright purple cabbage at Golden Diner
Pork shumai at Golden Unicorn
Hotel Mulberry, tasty sandwiches at Golden Diner, and pork shumai at Golden Unicorn
Image: Tripadvisor/Tony Y; Tripadvisor/management

Chinatown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in NYC and my family has lived here for generations since the late 19th century. Contemporary Chinatown has expanded beyond the original blocks—Mott, Pell, and Doyers streets—to encompass parts of Little Italy and the Lower East Side. What I love is that it’s got a vibrant food and cultural scene that’s dynamic and constantly changing. But the history is always right there, ready to discover and savor.

For breakfast, try Hong Kong-style eateries like Kong Sihk Tong for soup noodles with a perfectly fried egg on top, or the popular new Mabu on Doyers Street with its bright neon signage and mahjong table decor. For brunch, Golden Diner serves up classic diner fare riffing on classic Asian ingredients. I consistently show up for the chicken katsu club sandwich with its purple cabbage slaw and the succulent Thai tea tres leches cake, which back in the day you had to order at the start of the meal at the risk of it selling out.

For the best dim sum, try House of Joy on Pell Street—so crowded on weekends that patrons wait outside for their numbers to be called—or pivot to Golden Unicorn, the two-story yum cha mainstay around the corner, serving up traditional shumai and long rice noodles. Or jump right to soup dumplings at Noodle Village, which are as good as my favorite spot in Shanghai (the crab and pork xiao long bao is stunning).

Browse the latest titles at Yu & Me Books and watch locals debate the hottest Asian American lit or folks on first dates chatting in intimate corners over a steaming hot coffee or tea. If matcha lattes are your jam, Art Bean uses ceremonial-grade matcha so you don’t even need sweetener. The oldest continuously running store in the neighborhood, Wing On Wo, carries unique porcelain tea sets, vases, and handmade jewelry—the glasses and mask lanyards studded with ceramic beads and semi-precious stones are a top-seller in any season. And to cap off the day, pop over to Think!Chinatown’s gallery to learn more about the neighborhood and listen to residents’ reminiscences of the old days in Tong Yun Gai.-Ava Chin

Where to stay: Whenever family and friends come for a visit, many opt for the clean, cheery, and conveniently located Hotel Mulberry, right across from Columbus Park; always request a high floor for the bright, airy views.

Ava Chin, a native New Yorker, is the author of Mott Street and the award-winning Eating Wildly. She has written for The New York Times ("Urban Forager"), the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, and SPIN and VIBE magazines. You can follow her travels at avachin.com and on Instagram @ava_chin

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Fried rice omelette with chilis and chives on top
The glass front of Moxy Brooklyn
Fried rice omelette at The Llama Inn and the front of Moxy Brooklyn
Image: Tripadvisor/Allison M; Tripadvisor/Management

For many visitors (and New Yorkers, let’s admit), Brooklyn feels worlds away. But the secret’s out on Williamsburg, which is just one stop from Manhattan on the L train, two stops away on the atmospheric East River Ferry (worth it for the views alone), or a quick drive across the Williamsburg Bridge.

Back in the 90s when I first started venturing across the East River to Williamsburg—way before all the hipsters discovered and gentrified it—this was a gritty wasteland of burned-out factories and a couple of trailblazing restaurants. Since then, the neighborhood has gone through several transformations. The artists and musicians moved in, then the families (I was part of that wave). Now there’s a Chanel and an Hermès in the center of all the retail action on N. 6th Street. Those old factories where I used to party have been turned into gazillion-dollar condos. And neighborhood restaurants like The Four Horsemen (from LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy) are getting Michelin stars.

Despite the slick new veneer, there’s still a cool edge to this neighborhood, with places like the Brooklyn Art Library, a non-profit, community-funded library that houses the world’s largest collection of artist’s sketchbooks (you can add to the collection).

The food options in this neighborhood are endless, from Smorgasburg (a riverfront artisanal food market that’s held on Saturdays from April through October) to Diner (a trailblazer that opened in 1999 and is still delivering with ever-changing seasonally inspired menus). And there’s so much more to Williamsburg than the buzzing zone around Bedford Avenue (the main thoroughfare). I love the fact that just beyond my door in East Williamsburg, there are places moving the needle in the New York food world, like Huda, a new Levantine bistro serving a Mediterranean-Middle East mashup. Or Bonnie’s, a chef-owned Cantonese gastropub from Brooklyn-born Calvin Eng. Or Llama Inn, with kick-ass Peruvian-Japanese bites in a funky space tucked right under the BQE highway.- Laura Begley Bloom

Where to stay: The hotels in this neighborhood aren’t just places to stay—they are serious entertainment zones. The new Moxy Hotel has a sound room where you can listen to bands and DJs in an acoustically perfect space. The Hoxton has eye-popping views of the Manhattan skyline and, on its roof, the hot-ticket Israeli-inspired Laser Wolf restaurant. (A tip: Reservations are a bit easier to snag at the just-as-tasty K’Far, set under a massive glass atrium in the Hoxton’s lobby.) At The William Vale, the views of Manhattan are also jaw-dropping, not only from the rooms but from Westlight, the 22nd-floor rooftop bar. It’s where my husband and I take all of our out-of-town guests, and it always delivers.

Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and content strategist who writes for a wide range of magazines and websites and appears regularly on television outlets ranging from the Weather Channel to CNN. Journalism is part of Laura's heritage: Her great-great-grandfather was a Civil War correspondent for the Chicago Tribune.

More to explore

Astoria

The outside of the Museum of the Moving Image
A cocktail with a blood orange garnish at The Bonnie
Grilled vegetable stick plate at SVL Souvlaki Bar
An exhibition of large round white orbs at Noguchi Museum
Soak in the culture at Museum of the Moving Image or Noguchi Museum before grabbing a cocktail at The Bonnie or a bite to eat at SVL
Image: Tripadvisor/songx; Tripadvisor/management; Tripadvisor/Yumi

Hop on the N/W subway headed north, and before you know it, you’ll be in Astoria, Queens, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. I moved to this friendly neighborhood a decade ago and have been singing the praises of trading the hubbub of the city for its charming old-world vibes ever since.

Start your Astoria tour with a stroll of the large-scale rotating art installations at Socrates Sculpture Park. This year-round, free city park features contemporary public art just off the East River with panoramic views of Roosevelt Island and Manhattan. From there, make your way across the street to the inspiring Noguchi Museum, conceived and built by Isamu Noguchi. The two-floor gallery’s abstract stone and light sculptures are captivating. Film and TV buffs should prioritize a trip to The Museum of the Moving Image, where for an insider look into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

While the rest of the city has seen its mom-and-pop shops succumbing to chains, Astoria has managed to hold on to its locally owned and operated outposts. For the most unique shopping finds, head to Lockwood Home and Gifts, overflowing with eclectic gifts and sundries. Step back in time at Rudy’s Hobby & Art, a vintage train and hobby store that has delightfully held its ground against the advancements of technology.

Mention Astoria to other New Yorkers and they’ll likely remark about the neighborhood’s excellent dining scene; they’re not wrong. The streets here are lined with restaurants from the furthest reaches of the world, though the area is best known as a hub of the city’s Greek restaurants. My favorite Greek spots are the quick service at SVL Souvlaki Bar and the full experience of dining at Taverna Kyclades where the grilled octopus, fresh fish, lamb chops, and baklava will transport you to the Mediterranean. For a quick bite, my favorite burger and the best fries in the city can be found at Burger Club. For an excellent all-around dining experience, Thirsty Koala serves fresh Australian fare with the best Shepherd's Pie around.

Carry on with the night with Astoria’s lively bar scene. I always appreciate The Bonnie’s cocktail creations, the upscale neighborhood vibes at Diamond Dogs, and the instant party of the sprawling Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden-Zach Laks

Where to stay: There's only one boutique hotel in Astoria, Sonder The Dutch. It's low-frills and affordable, with apartment-like spaces that are pretty spacious for NYC. It's also close enough to the action of both Astoria and the rest of the city.

Zach Laks is a freelance travel writer and editor who loves theme parks, cruises and resorts. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Lonely Planet, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Departures, CNN, Frommer's, and Fodor's.