With more than 8.5 million people from all over the world calling it home and a skyline that is easily recognizable, New York City is an exceptional tourist destination. The city has 5 boroughs and each of them has its own distinctive flavor, with each neighborhood in a borough sporting its own identity. Whether it’s your first or hundredth visit, you will always find something new to do and see; and to help you, here is a quick guide to all of NYC & the 5 boroughs.
The Bronx
This is a popular inspirational destination for artists and musicians and it is currently experiencing an art and culture explosion. A walk through Woodlawn, Fordham, and Belmont and Arthur Avenue neighborhoods will introduce you to art lined streets, as well as the most unusual of places. The Bronx is the home of the New York Yankees, as well as the Bronx Zoo, the Bronx Museum of Arts, NY Botanical Garden and Wave Hill.
If you are looking for somewhere to put up, there is the historic Opera House Hotel right next to the Yankee stadium. When it comes to culinary options, there is the seafood in City Island and Italian food at Arthur Avenue.
Brooklyn
You’ve probably heard that Brooklyn is an up and coming county in NYC, and it’s true. This NYC borough is fast gaining a positive reputation due to young adults and families that care and creatively shore up Brooklyn’s image. There you will find trendy neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Bushwick that have a welcoming vibe.
Take part in outdoor activities by visiting Prospect Park, where you can take part in various sports ranging from horseback riding to pedal boats. Do not forget about taking a trip down to Coney Island while in Brooklyn. The legendary parks in this borough are filled with corndogs, games, rides, and more.
Manhattan
Your first stop once you get to NYC will definitely be Manhattan. The talent on stage in Broadway, the crowds and bright lights of Times Square, and the magnificent beauty that is St. Patrick’s Cathedral is only the icing on the cake of what Manhattan has to offer you. The Manhattan borough of NYC goes further than Midtown, Times Square and Central Park.
While you have to see Manhattan staples like the Rockefeller Center and Broadway, make time for The High Line. This attraction features a beautiful park built on an abandoned railway on top of busy sidewalks. This gem gives you some of the best NYC sightseeing opportunities.
Queens
Once you are done with the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan, it’s time to go to Queens. The borough has diverse neighborhoods full of the tantalizing aromas of international cuisines that you have to sample during your tour of NYC’s boroughs. Queens is a culturally diverse location that the Nets and Citi Field, Kaufman Astoria Studios and the Museum of Moving Image call home.
Staten Island
Do you know that Staten Island is basically considered to be the most suburban area in New York City? Once you visit this borough, you’ll feel like you have left the Big Apple entirely. Like other boroughs in the city, there is a host of places to visit and things to do in Staten Island.
Visit the largest forest preserve in NYC, the Staten Island Greenbelt, and experience Willowbrook and High Rock parks. Plus, make sure you take a spin on the Carousel in Willowbrook Park or visit the Nature Center for some unforgettable New York memories. If you are exploring with your kids, visit the Staten Island Children’s Museum or check out the historic Richmond Town for a living history and museum experience.
