So what’s a “borough” anyway? It’s like a smaller city within our massive metropolis. NYC has five of them—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island—each with dozens of neighborhoods lending their own local flavor. Here’s a quick tour to help you decide where to head next.
What do home-run heroes, hip-hop history and hand-pulled mozzarella have in common? You can find them all in the Bronx—that is, when you’re not wandering hundreds of acres of parkland, touring historic homes or strolling along New York City’s answer to the Champs-Élysées.
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Hipsters and history buffs agree: Brooklyn is everyone’s style. The most populous borough has no one defining draw—people come for live music, eclectic eats, pro sports, immigrant history and world-class culture. Of course, you’ll cross paths with all kinds on the majestic span of the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Manhattan truly feels like the heart of it all. Broadway and Times Square sit at its electric center, but famous landmarks and household-name attractions can be found all over the island. Beyond the iconic are countless neighborhoods promising great rewards to those who explore.
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Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world. Many get their fill from the food scene alone, which ranges from exquisite Greek souvlaki to the best hot pot outside of Sichuan. The borough is also a major destination for sports fans, nature lovers and modern-art aficionados.
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Easily accessible by a scenic ride on the Staten Island Ferry, the greenest borough feels like a getaway within the City. Beyond a charming North Shore rich with maritime history, Staten Island is best known for its beaches, vast parkland and even a fully preserved colonial village.
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