New York City, arguably the world's most vibrant and sprawling metropolis, occupies five boroughs, each with its own distinct identity. After all, before the historic 1898 consolidation, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island were each independent municipalities.
Manhattan
Manhattan, home to the most recognizable sites, dominates popular perception of New York City. Its most famous districts are listed below:
Wall Street & the Financial District
New York's first district remains its most historic.
Harlem
Long the national epicenter of African-American culture,
Greenwich Village
At the turn of the 20th Century,
East Village
Artists, students and young professionals have gone a long way towards gentrifying the long poor and multi-ethnic neighborhood. Even today, the artistic spirit that initially brought about change remains, evident in such vibrant cultural establishments as
Soho & Tribeca
Once home to massive factories, artists moved in and transformed the area into a bustling urban mecca. Galleries, designer shops, sophisticated restaurants and trendy bars followed soon after. Among many others in the area,
Lower East Side
This area once housed some of the city's worst slums, well-chronicled by the
Chinatown
Asian restaurants, grocery stores and trinket shops line the ever-crowded streets of
Little Italy
Frank Sinatra, Italian restaurants and kitsch draw tourists to the lively neighborhood of
Gramercy & Flatiron
The majestic
Chelsea
Once a working class community, Chelsea has also become a posh address. As rents in Greenwich Village rose, the vibrant gay community moved upwards to occupy Chelsea's many brownstones and loft spaces. Others followed, and today it reflects all of New York's ethnic and cultural diversity. West Chelsea is home to many art galleries, and there are a number of great restaurants, such as
Midtown
As the name implies, Midtown is smack in the middle of everything. Nobody is really sure where Midtown begins (most would say somewhere at the 30-block), but most agree it stops around
Times Square & Hell's Kitchen
Some New Yorkers miss the former seediness of Times Square, as the
Upper East Side
Park, Fifth and Madison have always been posh avenues. Whether in the gilded manors of yesterday, like
Upper West Side
When the co-ops of the East Side were freer to restrict residents, the Upper West Side became home to new money. Then, as "modernist" Eastsiders tore down their pre-war palaces, Upper West Side residents kept their old buildings, such as the famous
Brooklyn
This massive borough stretches from festive
Queens
From Flushing to Astoria, Queens is experiencing a quiet renaissance, as refugees from Manhattan's high rents continue to discover what this working-class borough offers its residents. Inexpensive ethnic restaurants pepper the borough. Queens is also home to the
The Bronx
This borough boasts the
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Despite all its diversity, New York City social life revolves around a single ritual—dining out. Whether it be a power broker paying hundreds for a meal at Asia de Cuba or a slacker scraping together some money for a pizza at Lombardi's, each experiences the city's unique culinary fusion. Add lively conversation with friends, and voilá!—you've found the real New York City. With the sheer number of ethnic influences, talented chefs making a name for themselves, hot spots, hidden gems, delis and diners—New York offers something for everyone's palate.
Diners enjoy gastronomic delights across the five boroughs, but the following districts are particularly noteworthy:
Midtown
Old money dines at prestigious and elegant classics like 21 Club. Meanwhile, cell phones ring and young turks wheel and deal at hip locales like the China Grill. Superstar Jean-Georges Vongerichten reinvents fine dining at his eponymous Jean-Georges. For something completely different (but quintessentially Big Apple), true New Yorkers stop by the famous Carnegie Deli for a massive sandwich.
Hell's Kitchen
A few steps west of the Times Square tourist trap lies this former slum now transformed into an enclave of eclectic eateries, many ideal for pre- and post-theater dining. From the spicy and romantic Puttanesca to the family-run Chez Napoleon, there's something for everyone. You can also grab a bite at Five Napkin Burger. After, or even instead of the meal, the Cupcake Cafe supplies some of the best desserts in town.
Gramercy & Union Square
This notable area of fine dining boasts top-rated, understated establishments like the Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe. A neighborhood rich in history, the landmark Pete's Tavern still draws a relaxing pint and serves up old-fashioned pub grub after over a century in the business.
West Village
World-class restaurants like the favorite Gotham Bar & Grill and the stunningly romantic One if by Land, Two if by Sea work their magic in the brownstones of this historic neighborhood. If you're craving delicious Italian food, try famous chef Mario Batali's restaurant and enoteca, Babbo. Other options in this neighborhood include some of the city's best falafel at Taim, and great brunch and coffee at the small French cafe, Tartine.
East Village
Funky, inexpensive ethnic restaurants and hip bars draw people here from all over the city. Well-known bargains like the Life Cafe are usually filled with local hipsters and students as well as visitors. Meanwhile, traces of old New York can still be found at the Lanza Restaurant.
Soho
Where the art world congregates, trendy dining establishments follow. The Mercer Kitchen serves some of the city's most innovative cuisine as the world's most fabulous people vie for tables there (not to mention a couple of blocks over at Balthazar). Elsewhere amongst the galleries and posh shops, black-clad sophisticates socialize at oh-so-very-Soho classics, Raoul's and Boom.
Tribeca
Among Tribeca's spectacular loft spaces, masterful restaurateur Drew Nieporant has created a mini-kingdom for himself, along with friend and investor Robert DeNiro. Nieporant offers diners amazing Japanese food at Nobu and New American cuisine at Tribeca Grill. For something outside Nieporant's empire, try the flashy Odeon or just sip champagne at the Bubble Lounge.
Little Italy
That's amore! Along bustling Mulberry Street, old-country restaurants blare Frank Sinatra into the street while barkers summon the crowds. For those who love red sauces with their pasta or veal, choices abound. From Pellegrino's to Casa Bella, it's difficult to go wrong. For pizza, Lombardi's serves some of the best pies in the city.
Chinatown
Like a trip to Asia but without leaving Manhattan, the scores of restaurants on Chinatown's dynamic streets offer every variety of Asian cuisine (often at bargain prices). For those in search of quality dumplings, Joe's Shanghai Restaurant is the place. Seeking Chinese-style barbecue? Big Wong King fits the bill; and if one craves noodles at three in the morning, New York Noodle Town always hits the mark.
Elsewhere
What? Where's my Peter Luger, you say? Or what about the River Cafe with its glorious views? New York City's selection of amazing places to feast and imbibe is ever growing, ever changing and always exciting.
This is a city with a countless number of things to see and do. From the bright lights of Times Square to the subdued opulence of the Guggenheim, it is the country's biggest city, and arguably its most fascinating and appealing place.
Times Square
Times Square holds an overwhelming array of shops, restaurants and attractions. The Paramount Building, Madame Tussauds New York and Ed Sullivan Theater are all located in this area. When you've finished exploring, grab a bite at the nearby Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the trademark of the city; going to the top and taking some great pictures is a must. The Chrysler Building is an equally impressive piece of architecture not far from here. Have a bite to eat at Papaya Dog. The magnificent Rockefeller Center and the stunning MoMA — Museum of Modern Art are not far away.
Guggenheim
Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim is a mammoth spiral structure that inspires as much debate as the art it houses. It permanently displays works by Chagall, Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee, Van Gogh and many others. Walk along Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Built in 1870, it houses numerous collections that rank among the finest in the world. Dine at Goodman's, then stop into the nearby Whitney Museum of American Art, which has a small number of permanent exhibits, with a focus on temporary shows.
Madison Square Garden
Tour Madison Square Garden and the historic Grand Central Terminal. Browse the stores located in Herald Square and stop into the Museum of Television and Radio to learn more about America's entertainment history. Then take the NBC Studio Tour, where you can go behind the scenes of the networks most famous shows. Dine at the popular Stage Deli afterwards.
Washington Square Park
The Greenwich Village area is known for its bohemian atmosphere. Washington Square Park is surrounded by New York University buildings, and is heavily populated with students. This urbane area embodies its East Village neighborhood, a vigorous mix of people within the larger melting pot of New York City. Browse the collection at the Grey Art Gallery, then grab a bite at the extremely popular 24-hour Ukranian restaurant, Veselka.
If you're looking for a tour of New York City that is a little bit off the beaten path, take a peak at the Little Bookroom guidebooks Historic New York Tours. These beautifully detailed books provide travelers with the necessary information to discover some of the not so often talked about establishments in the city that give visitors an inside look into the Big Apple. The city has many tour companies that will help guests plan their visits successfully.
Walking Tours
Big Onion Walking Tours ( +1 212 439 1090/ http://www.bigonion.com/ )
Joyce Gold History Tours of New York ( +1 212 242 5762/ http://www.nyctours.com/ )
NBC Studio Tour ( +1 212 664 7174/ http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/ )
Times Square Free Tour ( +1 212 869 1890/ http://www.timessquarenyc.org/ )
Harlem Spirituals ( +1 212 391 0900/ http://www.harlemspirituals.com/ )
92nd Street Y Tours ( +1 212 415 5500/ http://www.92ndsty.org/ )
Jewish Hassidic Walking Tours ( +1 718 953 5244/ http://www.jewishtours.com/ )
Municipal Art Society Tours ( +1 212 935 3960/ http://www.mas.org/ )
Shop Gotham ( +1 201 795 4200/ http://www.shopgotham.com/ )
Bus Tours
Kramer's Reality Tour (+1 212 268 5525/ http://www.kennykramer.com/ )
On Location Tours ( +1 212 209 3370 / +1 212 683 2027/ http://www.screentours.com/ )
Harlem Spirituals ( +1 212 391 0900/ http://www.harlemspirituals.com/ )
Gray Line New York Sightseeing ( +1 212 445 0848 / +1 800 669 0051/ http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/ )
Starr Tours Show Bus ( +1 800 314 8411/ http://www.starrtours.com/ )
Helicopter Tours
Liberty Helicopter Tours ( +1 212 967 6464 / +1 800 542 9933/ http://www.libertyhelicopters.com/ )
Boat Tours
World Yacht Cruises ( +1 212 630 8100 / +1 800 498 4270/ http://www.worldyacht.com/ )
Circle Line ( +1 212 563 3200/ http://www.circleline42.com/ )
New York Splash Tours ( +1 877 527 4691/ http://newyorksplashtours.com/ )
NYC Rockin' the River Cruises ( +1 212 630 8888/ http://www.rtrcruises.com/ )
New York Waterways Sightseeing Cruises ( +1 800 533 3779 )
New York Splash Tours ( +1 877 527 4691/ http://newyorksplashtours.com )
Spirit of New York Cruises ( +1 866 211 3812/ http://www.spiritofnewyork.com/ny/index.jsp )
Studio Tours
NBC Studio Tour ( +1 212 664 7174/ http://www.nbcuniversalstore.com/ )
Culinary Tours
Savory Sojourns ( +1 212 691 7314 / +1 888 972 8679/ http://www.savorysojourns.com )
A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour ( +1 212 209 3370/ http://bknypizza.com/ )
Adventure Tours
Outdoor Bound ( +1 212 579 4568/ http://www.outdoorbound.com/ )
Sports Tours
Big League Tours ( +1 866 619 1748 / +1 317 534 2475/ http://www.bigleaguetours.com/ )
New York offers a dizzying array of entertainment options. So much so that the enormous number of choices often overwhelms even the most jaded New Yorker.
Cinema
Walking down Fifth Avenue or St. Marks Place (two streets as different as they can be) entertains New Yorkers far more than most Hollywood movies. If the outdoor entertainment is not enough, catch a movie at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX or Cinema Classics. Art films from all over the world play at the Film Forum, while the historic Ziegfeld Theater mesmerizes moviegoers no matter what it shows.
Galleries & Museums
Whatever the month, art museums and galleries put on shows and street performers entertain in the parks. Year round, most museums offer a day of free admission during the week. Many other galleries and museums are free all the time. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is technically free, although they do push you for an optional donation. Other nearby museums include the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Other interesting museums in the city include the American Folk Art Museum, the ever popular American Museum of Natural History and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.
Music
Those without means will find summertime particularly rich with options. From concerts by the New York Philharmonic to Shakespeare in Central Park, free culture is everywhere. Catch all types of performances at Symphony Space.
Downtown, with its traditionally youthful edge, offers numerous free choices. The Sidewalk Cafe is a great venue overflowing with every kind of band trying to make it in this big, bad city. Some are better than others. See well-known bands up close at the Bowery Ballroom.
Frank Sinatra was wise when he sang, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere..." The world's best performers know that without success in the Big Apple, they aren't really successful, and a good measure of achievement is the chance to perform at Madison Square Garden. From the latest diva at the Metropolitan Opera House to Irving Plaza's hottest band, the best of the best make it all look easy.
Nightclubs
New York is the very last word in club culture, with places in every corner of the city blasting music all night long. S.O.B.'s showcases world music, while the Knitting Factory provides a mixed bag of music, spoken word and art. If you're looking for a trendy, upscale establishment, Tenjune fits the bill; for the hipsters there's Niagara.
Attractions
Even without a concert, from Belvedere Castle to Sheep's Meadow, Central Park itself provides numerous amusements for its visitors.
Bowling at Bowlmor Lanes and spending a day at the Bronx Zoo are longstanding New York City pastimes.
For some local and national history, take a trip on the Circle Line and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and its immigration museum, both important landmarks for the melting pot that is America.
Theater
Many days, visitors may choose between a pricey Broadway extravaganza or one of the city's numerous free parades. Adventurous theatergoers eschew Broadway for off- and off-off-Broadway while those seeking to express themselves haunt the city's many nightclubs. Meanwhile, divas and drag queens prove nightly that cabaret is not a thing of the past.
De La Guarda and Blue Man Group are totally funky yet accessible ongoing off-Broadway shows.
In addition to being a museum, the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is a performance and cinema mecca.
See world-class comedians perform at Dangerfield's and Carolines on Broadway. The Metropolitan Opera and The New York City Ballet dazzle at Lincoln Center.
Sports
Ice-skating at Wollman Rink is a great way to see Central Park. Watch the Rangers and the Knicks defeat their rivals at Madison Square Garden.
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