While it may be famous for the epic Empire State Building, dazzling Times Square and leafy Central Park, that's only just scratching the surface of what this incredible city has to offer.
NYC is made up of five boroughs, and within each borough there are dozens of smaller neighbourhoods, each offering a unique flavour and perspective of New York life. A wander through one of these neighbourhoods will take you on a journey of culture and history, where you'll discover some hidden gems that will make your next trip to New York even more special.
Manhattan
Home to the most recognisable skyline in the world, Manhattan is where you'll find New York's most iconic landmarks and famous streets that feel like movie scenes.
And within Manhattan itself, you've got a whole whost of smaller neighbourhoods to explore. Depending on your interests, knowing about each area can help you to pick the perfect location to stay whilst your here...
Brooklyn
Head across the bridge to Brooklyn and you'll find some of New York's best hidden gems. Think stylish boutiques, trendy late night bars, live music and charming little independent eateries.
Top things to do in Brooklyn:
Queens is the largest neighbourhood in NYC, and the most culturally diverse. A day in Queens can take you to China, Korea, India, Greece and Colombia in one day! You'll also find world-class sports venues and excellent museums.
Top things to do in Queens:
As the birthplace of hip-hop (and J.Lo), the home of the oldest golf club in the US, not to mention THE place to go for authentic Italian food, The Bronx's is a vibrant neighbourhood with rich culture and history that's begging to be explored.
Top things to do in The Bronx:
With more natural greenery than any other borough, in Staten Island you'll find lush parks, chilled beaches and architectural landmarks - plus the famous Staten Island Ferry is a thrilling attraction in its own right, and a fabulous way to see the NYC skyline.
Top things to do in Staten Island:
New York City is made up of a kaleidescope of different cultures, religions, traditions and languages.
Thanks to the millions of Europeans, Asians and Latin Americans that made New York their home early in the 20th century, the city today is a real celebration of global cultures, many of which are reflected in the dozens of ethnic enclaves scattered throughout the city.
Take a walk around these micro-neighbourhoods and you'll not only find the very best and authentic grub, but you'll also get a real flavour for New York's immigrant history and what it means to be a true New Yorker today.
Around 60% of Jackson Heights residents were born outside of the US, making it the perfect place to experience different cultures without going very far. Here, Little India, Little Colombia and Little Tibet run parallel to each other, so you can easily pick up spicy samosas, tasty tacos and yummy momos in just a few steps.
Wind your way round tiny streets and you'll find gem after gem. A Buddhist temple, a department store where you can pick up chopsticks and sake cups, a yummy noodle bar, a mysterious speakeasy, even a cat cafe!
Pull up a chair at one of the many street ristorantes where the Mafia use to hold their meetings and order a bowl of Mamma's canneloni followed by an espresso. Head to the free Italian American Museum for insight into the life of Italian Americans over the years.
K-Town may look small on the map, but you'll find much more if you look up (and climb a few stairs). Sizzling Korean BBQ, delectable desserts, 24/7 nightlife, cult K-Beauty buys, karaoke! It's no wonder Koreatown is popular with tourists and New Yorkers alike.
Most known as the creative hub of NYC and its African American heritage, you'll find art galleries dedicated to African American, Caribbean and Latino art, mouthwatering soul food like waffles and barbecue ribs, as well as vibey jazz clubs and boutiques that have dressed the likes of Jay-Z and Notorious BIG.
Formed by the Guyanese in the 1970s and 80s, Little Guyana in Richmond Hill today attracts Trinidadians, Chinese, and Indians alike, culminating in a vibrant Asian-Caribbean fusion. Come here to try the roti shops and Trinidadian bakeries, and peruse the stunning sari boutiques.
Astoria, known as "Greektown" by locals, has the second largest Greek community outside of Greece and has been named one of Time Out's top 50 coolest neighbourhoods. Here you'll find a Greek Orthodox church, a Greek school, Greek grocers and small locally-run tavernas serving delicious tzatziki and souvlaki.
Tompkinsville, known locally as Little Sri Lanka, has one of the largest Sri Lankan communities outside of Sri Lanka itself. It's a small neighbourhood with a big culinary reputation. If you make it to Staten Island, head here for authentic roti and spicy sambol.
Ready to explore New York City?
