For those who have never been to New York City before, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out how and where to start exploring the area. With five boroughs and plenty of neighborhoods to choose from, the diversity of this city is unmatched by any other. There are so many things to do and see, but it can be overwhelming as well.
NYC has five boroughs and all of them offer something unique and full of culture. How can you experience the most of these boroughs without feeling exhausted and worn out? Luckily, we’re here to break down the best of boroughs for you!
Brooklyn
For centuries, Brooklyn has been a place for artists to experiment, taking on new roles and pushing boundaries. But the borough is more than just the birthplace of hipster culture — there’s an abundance of things to see and do.
The Brooklyn Museum alone has around 1.5 million items of art collection. There are plenty of other museums and art galleries, but parks could be a good place to stop by to break the monotony. Prospect Park is one of the largest parks in Brooklyn that has ball fields, a lake, and ice-skating rinks. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden consists of both man-made gardens and natural woodlands.
If amusement parks are your thing, Coney Island is the place to go. Besides having rides, games, and snacks, it’s home to a few of New York’s oldest roller coasters. The Coney Island Cyclone is arguably the best — it’s been in operation since 1927 and has survived multiple fires, hurricanes, and storms.
Looking to get a taste of old Brooklyn? Atlantic Avenue is one of the borough’s oldest streets, running parallel with the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. It may not be on the same scale as the Las Vegas strip, but it’s worth checking out if you want to explore some of Brooklyn’s historic architecture.
Make Brooklyn your base when exploring the boroughs because it’s less expensive than Manhattan and the hub of a thriving culture. It won’t be hard to find a boutique hotel at a reasonable rent.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City and is one of the world’s major business, cultural, and entertainment centers. The city is home to so many attractions and activities that it can be hard to choose just a few! Broadway theaters, vast Central Park, the New York Public Library — these are just a few things you should check out when you’re in town.
Once you arrive at the island, your first stop should be Times Square — NYC’s iconic hub of theaters, entertainment venues, shops, fine dining restaurants and so much more!
For a day trip, go to the Hudson River Park. Located on the West Side of Manhattan, the park offers unparalleled views of the New York Harbor. You can take in panoramic views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge just by sitting on one of the benches that line its walkways. Bring a picnic basket for a romantic lunch on the shore, or rent a bike to cruise along the park’s pathways.
Some other places that you should not miss out on are the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Ellis Island, and Top of The Rock observation deck.
The Bronx
Located in the northwest corner of the city, the borough is rich with history, culture, and art, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience something new.
To get started, head to its famous Yankee Stadium for some tailgating before catching a game. Afterward, take some time to explore its many historical sites or visit its beautiful nature parks. The area has many local historic sites that are home to important events or people in history. These remarkable destinations range from battlefields during the Revolutionary War to places displaying outdoor artwork.
Don’t forget to stop at the Bronx Zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in the United States. It features over 4,000 animals that call it home, including many endangered species. It regularly hosts special events and fundraisers, so be sure to check its calendar in advance if you intend to visit.
Queens
Queens is the largest of the five boroughs in New York City. This diverse borough has so much to offer — from world-class restaurants to incredible parks. Queens is home to many attractions that are perfect for any family or individual looking to have a fun-filled day in the sun.
The Queens Museum, still located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, has exhibitions all year long that are worth checking out. Only twenty minutes away from Manhattan’s Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo offers the same experience. Through its eighteen acres, you can find hundreds of animals representing over 75 species.
Tourists who wish to visit New York City‘s most iconic site need look no further than Citi Field in Queens’ Flushing neighborhood, home of the Mets. This museum is an integral part of America’s sports history and offers visitors a chance to see the Mets’ championship trophies.
If you want to enjoy a day of great sightings and food, you must visit the multicultural Flushing neighborhood. It has some of the most fascinating buildings, such as the renowned Louis Armstrong House Museum. With its shopping district, live music venues, and fantastic restaurants, this area has everything from fine dining to casual cafés.
The Staten Island
The island of Staten Island has plenty to offer for the weekend getaway. With beaches, parks, and historic sites, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this borough.
Start your day at Fort Wadsworth by watching the changing of the guards or get some fresh air at the sunny beaches or public parks. Stop at Walker Park or Conference House Park for a nice stroll over the water. These parks have breathtaking views of the Upper Bay as well as nature trails with gorgeous gardens. It’s a great place to see local wildlife, including birds and butterflies, as well as historic monuments.
Visit the Historic Richmond Town and spend all day learning about Staten Island history. This living history museum will keep visitors entertained with tours, exhibits, and reenactments that depict life from the 1700s to the 1900s. Another historic site is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden that is filled with beautiful 19th-century buildings. Take in the stunning architecture of this historic site, which was built by immigrants as a retirement home for sailors (and is now a museum and art center).
If you rather like shopping, go to the St. George neighborhood. The shopping centers here are filled with some of the latest stores around, including Gap, Express, Lululemon, and more. The area also has theaters, memorials, museums, and other entertainment options.
