When visiting a new place, it can be very overwhelming to narrow down your must-try food destinations, cultural museums, historical landmarks, and tourist sights to see. It’s even tougher to do so in New York City, where every block seems to boast a renowned eatery, highly rated café, and plenty of history. If you need some direction, here are several must-see New York City neighborhoods that you should visit.
Little Italy
Though the demographics and vibe of Little Italy have changed greatly over the years, the area still retains some of its classic Italian atmospheres from a bygone era. Mulberry Street is the main thoroughfare that makes up what is left of this historic neighborhood of lower Manhatten. The street is lined with classic Italian-American restaurants, some that have been in business since the early 1900s. Today the neighborhood is an ecliptic blend of old New York City charm and the new vibrancy of the millennial generation. This intricate fusion is what makes Little Italy a place to see. Oh, and don’t forget to stop for a cannoli or any other of your favorite Italian pastries at Ferrara’s bakery, they have been in business in Little Italy since 1882.
Financial District
The Financial District is famous for its many landmarks, like Wall Street is famous for its charging bull statue. The neighborhood sits at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, with beautiful views of Battery Park that are very welcoming to newcomers. The food scene is terrific, as one might imagine since you have some of the world’s deepest pockets working nearby. From classic American eateries to seafood, and oyster bars, if you want a taste of where the high city rollers go to dine and have fun definitely check out the Financial District.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is a cozy and quaint area of Manhattan situated at the northeast section of Central Park. It’s home to Museum Mile! This neighborhood boasts internationally recognized cultural institutions such as the following: the Guggenheim Museum (or as locals call it, the Gugg), the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, the Cooper Hewitt (the Smithsonian’s Design Museum), the Jewish Museum, and even the Museum of the City of New York. The Upper East Side also boasts a lively food scene with Peruvian chicken, Indian fusion, Japanese ramen, and much more. If you want scenery along with delicious eateries, and world-class museums take a walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. When done pop over to a local coffee shop for a nice cup of joe as you people watch and take it all in.
Queens, New York
Queens is one of the five boroughs of New York. Flushing is a neighborhood in Queens that you would never suspect to have some of the best Chinese food in North America. Though there is a Chinatown in Manhattan, Flushing is home to a denser population of Chinese natives. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you can’t go wrong with a stop in Flushing. Furthermore, in the Astoria section of Queens, you’ll find an incredible Greek neighborhood that locals call “Greek Town”. Here you will find some of the best Greek food in the United States along with plenty of authentic Greek memorabilia.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a well-known neighborhood located on the lower west side of Manhattan. It is said to be one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in New York City. Here you will find plenty of art galleries, famous chefs cooking up their delicious specialties, Highline a 1.45-mile elevated park built on top of a former railroad. Also, there is the food mecca of Chelsea Market located along the Hudson River. Chelsea is the perfect place to find something unique for everyone. As you enjoy Chelsea keep an eye out for movie stars and famous models. This is an area of town for star-spotting too.
Metropolitan NY vs. Greater NY
Remember these must-see New York City neighborhoods to visit as you plan your next trip to the Big Apple. Before you go, learn more about the difference between the New York metropolitan area and greater New York. This can help you focus your trip on the urban center and the lush surrounding suburbs of the tri-state area.