Last Updated on February 23, 2024
The “Big Apple” moniker has been dropped in favor of “World’s Second Home” in New York City. There’s no wonder so many people want to visit this concrete jungle, if not live there, with its luxury high-rise structures and millions of enterprises, retail stores, landmarks, and other attractions. You may wish to stop by the Statue of Liberty while in New York City and take some souvenir photos.
Here’s a list of the best neighborhoods in New York City to stay near tourist attractions if you’re going to go soon.
Bushwick
Bushwick, Brooklyn’s newest hipster neighborhood, is at the top of our list of hottest and most affordable areas. Cheap vintage shops, coffee shops, cocktail bars with artist-run galleries, and cheap vintage clothing stores have enticed young artists and creative types who were priced out of Williamsburg to move east.
The city’s streets are lined with elegant apartment complexes and graffiti-covered walls, and young, fashionable people are everywhere. The neighborhood has a distinct sense of community that residents love.
Long Island
Long Island is a hip area on the southern tip of Manhattan, perfect for those who enjoy city strolls and a more relaxed pace of life. Tourist attractions, fine restaurants, and natural parks abound in the area. Visit the Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, and Prospect Park while you’re here.
Upper East Side
However, even though the Upper East Side, one of the most loved in Manhattan (out of five boroughs of New York) is only a few minutes away from the grubbier parts of town, the neighborhood’s serene air and tree-lined streets make it appear in a whole different city.
Michelin-starred restaurants and swanky cocktail bars rub elbows with burger places and sports bars; well-to-do families, young professionals, and blue-collar workers share sidewalk space; luxury shops face off against national brand stores in this eclectic mix.
East Village
One of New York City’s most energetic and busy areas, the East Village is a must-see for everyone interested in nightlife and discovering the best clubs and pubs in the city. East Village is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with a beautiful blend of old and new, sophisticated and old-school that can be seen wherever from the pavements to the structures and even the entire attitude. Travelers will never be bored because of the abundance of late-night bars and rooftop pubs.
Astoria
When it comes to the history of American cinema, Astoria was largely renowned as the birthplace of many of the country’s early furniture manufacturers and companies. Astoria is still home to some of the most well-known series on television, but the neighborhood is experiencing a resurgence as a place to live, with newly developed condominiums that are quite pricey.
Chinatown
New York City’s Chinatown is unlike any other neighborhood in the city, with bustling streets and sidewalks crammed with fruit-and-veg booths, vendors selling knockoff designer goods, and swarms of people moving in every direction.
With a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from dim sum and hot pot to ice cream and bakeries selling sesame balls, custard tarts, and pork buns, you won’t have to break the bank to eat well in Hong Kong. Many businesses in the area don’t accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash.
SoHo
One of New York City’s busiest shopping districts, Soho, is located south of Houston Street. As a tourist, you’ll find many high-end brands and boutiques. Canal Street, famous for its Chinese discount shops, is just a short walk away from Soho. Visiting SoHo is a great way to see some of the city’s best shopping, art galleries, and architecture. Rising prices have turned Soho from an artist and gallery district into an increasingly popular retail and dining destination.
Dumbo
For those who have crossed the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, DUMBO is the first neighborhood you come to. It can also be reached by ferry from nearby Williamsburg and Wall Street.
For decades, the region was a hot spot for artists. Still, now it’s a hot spot for Instagrammers, thanks to the cobblestone lanes, industrial units, and towering bridge that serve as the perfect backdrop for a photo-worthy Insta snap.
Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood is a hipster haven, home to many industrial-style warehouses-turned-markets, urban art galleries, and start-ups galore. The Brooklyn borough’s riverside neighborhood, known as DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), offers spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline and a distinct sense of place.
Greenpoint
Greenpoint is a charming Brooklyn neighborhood that borders Queens and offers low rent and a wide variety of local cuisines. Beautiful brownstones line the streets, and a thriving nightlife keeps the neighborhood buzzing, while local artist-run galleries contribute to an intimate culture reflected in the district’s unique character.
Forest Hills
There’s something magical about Forest Hills, a peaceful enclave in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, with its distinctive Tudor architecture and stunning vistas of the city skyline.
The Forest Hills Station and Forest Hills Stadium, an outdoor performance venue where the Beatles performed more than 50 years ago, add to that nostalgic feeling.
Forest Hills lives up to the hype when it comes to its moniker. The streets are tree-lined and rustic, giving the neighborhood a distinct atmosphere from the rest of New York City.