The Five Boroughs of New York - A Local Guide
New York City is an iconic and diverse metropolis composed of five distinctive boroughs, each with its own charm and individuality. There is always something new and exciting to discover in the five boroughs of New York. After reading this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the five boroughs of New York, and the question “What are the five boroughs of New York?” will have no secrets.

Manhattan: The Heart and the Most Famous of the Five Boroughs of New York
Manhattan is the most popular and well-known borough in NYC, home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few examples. Manhattan is also recognized for its high-end shopping, world-class museums, and diverse culinary scene.
While in Manhattan, it is essential to explore various neighborhoods, each with its unique character. For example, the Upper West Side is famous for its stunning brownstones and proximity to Central Park. Instead, the Lower East Side is home to some of the city’s best nightlife and street art.
BEST ATTRACTIONS IN MANHATTAN
Some of the best things to do and see in Manhattan include:
- Exploring the beautiful Central Park, which spans over 800 acres of gardens, lakes, and walking paths. Make sure to visit our page dedicated to the best things to do and see in Central Park
- Enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline from the iconic Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock
- Visiting the world-class Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) and the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for a dose of art and culture.
- Learning about the city’s immigrant past by visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Times Square, Greenwich Village, and SoHo to experience the city’s unique vibe.
These are just a few of the top attractions that Manhattan has to offer. With so much to see and do, this borough is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New York City.
The sections below from my BLOG will definitely help you planning your next trip to Manhattan:
BEST TOURS IN MANHATTAN
- EXCLUSIVE 15% DISCOUNT WITH CODE “NY15” – THE CODE DOES NOT EXPIRE BUT DON’T BOOK THE TOUR AT THE LAST MINUTE AS IT’S ALWAYS SOLD-OUT
- FREE CANCELLATION & 100% REFUND UP TO 24H FROM THE START OF YOUR TOUR
- BEST TOUR ON TRIPADVISOR WITH OVER 3800 REVIEWS AND AN AVERAGE RATING OF 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
- ROUND TRIP FROM TIMES SQUARE
- 6 HOURS LONG
- DAILY AT 9 AM OR 10 AM
- MAXIMUM 16 PASSENGERS PER MINIVAN
- VISIT THE BEST OF UPTOWN, MIDTOWN & LOWER MANHATTAN
- THIS IS THE MOST COMPLETE MANHATTAN TOUR ON THE MARKET
- 5 STOPS AROUND THE CITY:
- CENTRAL PARK: JOHN LENNON MEMORIAL, STRAWBERRY FIELDS AND DAKOTA BUILDING
- ROCKEFELLER CENTER, ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL AND 5TH AVENUE
- FLATIRON DISTRICT, MADISON SQUARE PARK AND EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
- 9/11 MEMORIAL AND ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
- BATTERY PARK AND LOWER MANHATTAN
- EACH STOP INCLUDES A LIMITED WALKING TO DISCOVER THE AREA
- THE TOUR INCLUDE A RIDE ON A FERRY TO SEE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND THE SKYLINE OF NEW YORK
- YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH OUR TOUR GUIDE, BOTH ON THE MINIVAN AND DURING EACH STOP
- INCLUDES TIME TO HAVE LUNCH AT ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS FOOD MARKETS IN LOWER MANHATTAN
- SAME EXACT TOUR AS THE OPTION WITH THE LUXURY TRANSPARENT GLASS DECK (SEE ABOVE) BUT WITH A LUXURY MINIVAN
- THE EXCLUSIVE 15% DISCOUNT CODE ALSO WORKS ON THIS TOUR: NY15
Brooklyn: the Hipster Mecca of the Five Boroughs of New York
Brooklyn is the trendiest borough in New York City, renowned for its hipster neighborhoods, artisanal food, and creative scene. It is home to some of the city’s best street art, vintage shops, and trendy cafes.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BROOKLYN
When in Brooklyn, make sure to visit the following areas:
WILLIAMSBURG
One of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, where you can find some of the best restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
PARK SLOPE
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, head to Park Slope, a family-friendly neighborhood known for its beautiful brownstones and green spaces.
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
Brooklyn Heights, a charming residential neighborhood located in the heart of Brooklyn. With its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Heights has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The area boasts a rich cultural history and is home to several historic landmarks. This includes the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the Brooklyn Historical Society, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
DUMBO
DUMBO, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a trendy neighborhood located in Brooklyn. The area is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, industrial architecture, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. DUMBO was once a bustling manufacturing district, but it has since transformed into a vibrant and artistic community. The neighborhood is home to a variety of creative businesses, including art galleries, design studios, and tech startups. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in DUMBO, such as exploring the local street art, dining at trendy restaurants, and shopping at boutique stores. One of the neighborhood’s most iconic landmarks is the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers stunning views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline.
About DUMBO, here below some interesting articles from our BLOG
DYKER HEIGHTS
Dyker Heights is a picturesque residential neighborhood located in southwest Brooklyn. Known for its beautiful Christmas lights displays, Dyker Heights has become a popular destination during the holiday season. The neighborhood is home to a variety of stunning homes and mansions, many of which are decorated with extravagant light displays and festive decorations. This is the most Christmassy area of the Five Boroughs of New York.
Beyond the holiday season, Dyker Heights is a peaceful and quiet community, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area is home to several parks and green spaces, including the expansive Dyker Beach Park, which features a golf course, baseball fields, and a boardwalk. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of local shops and restaurants, including traditional Italian bakeries and pizzerias. Whether you’re looking to experience the holiday magic of Dyker Heights or simply explore a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood, it’s a must-see destination in Brooklyn.
Every year the @MyChristmasinNewYork team (follow us on Instagram) organises a fantastic Holiday Lights Tour of Dyker Heights & DUMBO. You can find lots of videos and reviews of past seasons’ tours on our Instagram profile. With over 4000 customers in 2022, we organise the most successful Dyker Heights tour. Below you will find direct links to our tour, both coach bus and luxury mini van versions. If any questions, send us a message on Instagram @MyChristmasinNewYork.