Manhattan measures 22.7 square miles and is home to about two million culturally diverse residents. It’s the most densely populated of New York’s five boroughs.
Did you know that there are many different Manhattan neighbourhoods?
There are, and it’s a good idea to get a basic idea about what each of them are about. Some are great for restaurants, some for bars and some for specific types of food.
Here is an overview:
- Here is a guide to the Manhattan neighbourhoods
- Financial District
- Tribeca
- Chinatown
- Soho
- Little Italy
- Lower East Side
- Greenwich Village
- Meatpacking District
- Chelsea
- Flatiron District
- Gramercy Park
- Murray Hill
- Midtown
- Theater District
- Central Park
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
- Harlem
- Looking for accommodation in one of these Manhattan Neighbourhoods?
Here is a guide to the Manhattan neighbourhoods
Manhattan’s diverse neighborhoods make it a unique place full of contrasts and possibilities. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for great food, you’ll find it here!
Financial District
New York’s financial district, the southern tip of Manhattan and the nation’s economic center. See the skyscrapers of Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange, or enjoy the shopping and dining at the South Street Seaport.
If you’re interested in finance and business, a visit to New York’s Financial District is a must. It is home to some of the world’s largest banks and investment firms, as well as a number of historic landmarks.
One highlight is Wall Street, the heart of American capitalism. Impressive skyscrapers such as One World Trade Center and the Goldman Sachs Tower are not only architectural masterpieces, but also symbols of the city’s success and wealth.
But there is much more to the Financial District than finance. The South Street Seaport offers a picturesque backdrop overlooking the East River, as well as numerous waterfront shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars.
The neighborhood also has a lot to offer culturally: The National Museum of the American Indian features impressive exhibits on Native American history, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum commemorates the tragic events of September 11.
The Financial District may be known as the business center of the city, but it’s well worth the time to explore all of its facets – whether it’s strolling the streets or attending an event at the Battery Park City Park Conservancy!
Tribeca
The Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. The cobblestone streets of TRIangle BElow CAnal St, once lined with 19th century warehouses, are now home to trendy shops, cafes, galleries and bars.
The Tribeca neighborhood is a hotspot for those who love the vibrant life of New York. Creatives and trendsetters from all over the world gather here to party, shop or just stroll the streets.
The old warehouses along TRIangle BElow CAnal St. are particularly impressive. Many have been lovingly restored and now serve as apartments or offices for art, design and technology companies.
But Tribeca isn’t just for architecture buffs. The neighborhood also has a lot to offer in the way of culinary delights: From trendy food trucks to fine dining, you can find everything your heart desires.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, take a stroll along the Hudson River or visit one of the many galleries. Day or night, there is always something new to discover in Tribeca!
Chinatown
The narrow streets and boulevards are lined with markets, restaurants and shops selling everything from jade to bird nests.
It’s a place rich in culture and history, where the Chinese community has lived and worked for more than a century. Everywhere you look, you’ll see colorful signs in Mandarin and Cantonese, while the smell of fried rice and steamed dim sum fills the air.
But Chinatown is not only known for its culinary delights. It is also home to many shops offering traditional Chinese medicine – herbal remedies, acupuncture and massage.
If you want to explore Chinatown, take a walk through Columbus Park. Elderly Chinese people gather here for Tai Chi or to play Mahjongg in the open air.
All in all, Chinatown is a fascinating mix of old charm and modern life amidst the hustle and bustle of New York.
A visit here is sure to be remembered for a long time!
Soho
The trendy district south of Houston Street is characterized by cast-iron buildings, cafes, bistros, trendy bars and hip fashion boutiques.
This is where the city’s artistic and bohemian scene meets to work or just enjoy life. The streets are filled with people strolling in chic outfits and pulling out their cell phones to take selfies in front of the iconic facades.
The atmosphere is both vibrant and inspiring. You can find galleries of contemporary art, theaters and small clubs with live music of all genres. Soho is a place for all the senses – from culinary delights to visual aesthetics.
But despite the hustle and bustle, Soho has retained its charm: there are still hidden corners away from the tourist crowds where you can find a break from the hustle and bustle. Walking through the narrow cobbled streets is like stepping back in time.
Soho may be expensive – both to live and to shop – but it’s worth it! Anyone who comes here quickly realizes that the neighborhood has developed a personality of its own that radiates out to everyone – residents and visitors alike.
All in all, you can say: If you’re looking for a place to be inspired, New York’s Soho is the place to be!
Little Italy
On colorful streets like Mulberry, lovers of Italian cuisine can indulge in pasta and cannolis.
But Little Italy has much more to offer than culinary delights. There are also many small boutiques and shops selling typical Italian products.
Particularly impressive is the annual San Gennaro Festival, which takes place in September. The streets are full of people and the atmosphere is exuberant. There is music, dancing and of course lots of food – a feast for all the senses!
Little Italy also has a lot to offer culturally: The Italian American Museum is an impressive display of the history of Italian Americans in New York City. And if you are interested in architecture, take a look at the beautiful facades of the old buildings.
Little Italy may not be as big as it once was – many immigrants have left the neighborhood – but its charming atmosphere remains.
So if you’re in the mood for a little trip to Italy, you don’t even have to cross the Atlantic – just go to Little Italy!
Lower East Side
In this diverse melting pot, you’ll find kosher pickles, knishes, designer bargains, historic landmarks, and drinks and dinners at hip restaurants.
On the Lower East Side, you can feel the vibrant energy of New York. This is where history meets modernity, tradition meets innovation. The streets are full of life and there is always something new to discover.
Walking through the narrow streets of the Lower East Side is like stepping into another world. There are so many different cultures and nationalities that it is hard to count. But that is exactly what makes this part of the city so colorful and vibrant.
If you like shopping or just want to check out the latest fashion trends, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the many small boutiques on the Lower East Side. Here you can find designer bargains as well as handmade accessories and vintage clothing.
But the neighborhood is not just for shopping: It is also a culinary destination. From kosher food to modern fusion cuisine, the restaurants of the Lower East Side have something for everyone.
And if you’re in the mood for something different after a long day of exploring? Then a visit to one of the many bars is just the thing! From classic cocktails to innovative drinks with exotic ingredients, there is something for everyone.
The Lower East Side may often be overlooked in comparison to other well-known New York neighborhoods such as Manhattan or Brooklyn – but once you have been there, you will understand why it is so appealing: It’s where everything that makes New York City so unique and fascinating comes together.
Greenwich Village
The hip East Village is known for its tattoo parlors, public theater, bars and restaurants.
The West Village is famous for its creative and rebellious residents, artists and chess players in Washington Square Park, as well as its clubs, cafes, shops, bars and restaurants.
The heart of Greenwich Village, however, is historic Bleecker Street, which has been a center for arts and culture since the 1920s. It is home to many legendary venues such as the Blue Note Jazz Club, the Comedy Cellar and Café Wha? where Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix have performed.
But music lovers aren’t the only ones who’ll get their money’s worth: the street is also lined with vintage boutiques, trendy bars and restaurants. Especially recommended are the pizzerias, which are among the best in New York.
Another highlight of the area is Washington Square Park. This public space is used by students to relax between classes or to play chess, but it has much more to offer! Concerts are regularly held here in the summer, and in the winter you can go ice skating.
In short, if you are looking for a place where art, music and culture come together, Greenwich Village is the place to be!
Meatpacking District
Once an industrial district, it is now the epitome of cool with trendy restaurants, bars, boutiques, galleries, dance clubs, furniture and antique stores.
The Meatpacking District is a place that is constantly changing and setting new trends. Here you can find not only the latest fashion trends, but also a variety of culinary delights. From traditional steakhouses to vegan cafes, there is something for everyone.
The nightlife in the Meatpacking District also leaves nothing to be desired. You can party and dance into the wee hours of the morning at the many bars and clubs.
Despite all the hustle and bustle, the district has retained its industrial charm. The old warehouses have been lovingly restored and now serve as apartments or offices for creative people from all over the world.
If you are planning a visit to New York, the Meatpacking District is a must see – it is the beating heart of this exciting metropolis!
Chelsea
A thriving contemporary art scene has breathed new life into the waterfront neighborhood. The streets are lined with galleries and studios where young artists showcase their work.
From abstract paintings to whimsical sculptures, you can find everything your heart desires.
But it’s not just the art scene that makes Chelsea special. The neighborhood also has a lot to offer when it comes to culinary delights. Chelsea’s many restaurants and cafes offer a wide variety of cuisines from around the world.
A stroll along the High Line – a former elevated railway line that now serves as a green oasis in the middle of the city – is highly recommended. It is a great place to stroll and enjoy the breathtaking views of Manhattan.
If you want to go shopping, Chelsea is the place to be. In addition to well-known brand stores, there are many small boutiques with unique offerings.
All in all, Chelsea offers a perfect mix of art, culture and lifestyle – a place to linger and discover!
Flatiron District
Here is the famous 22-story building at 23rd St & Fifth Ave, also known as the Flatiron because of its triangular shape. Highlights include the Union Square Greenmarket, famous restaurants and nightclubs.
The Flatiron Building is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also an important part of New York’s history. Built in 1902, it was one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan at the time. Today, it is still an impressive landmark that attracts millions of visitors each year.
The Union Square Greenmarket offers fresh local produce and attracts locals and tourists alike. Here you can buy fruits and vegetables or simply sample them at the various booths.
The Flatiron District has much more to offer than the Greenmarket. The surrounding streets are home to some of New York City’s best restaurants and nightclubs. From fine dining to trendy bars, there is something for everyone.
If you want to relax after a long day of sightseeing, take a stroll through the neighborhood – past Madison Square Park with its famous Shake Shack or along the Broadway Theater District with its many shows.
The Flatiron District is definitely worth a visit – whether you love architecture, are looking for great food, or just want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city!
Gramercy Park
There are a variety of shops and restaurants in this historic and hip neighborhood with its tree-lined streets.
Gramercy Park itself is a private, gated park that is only accessible to residents. It is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
But it’s not just the idyllic setting that makes this part of the city so special. It also has a lot to offer culturally: The famous National Arts Club is located here, as is the Players Theatre, where greats such as Tennessee Williams have performed.
If you like to walk or jog, you will love the nearby East River with its picturesque waterfront. And if you’re feeling more athletic, you can work out at the Asphalt Green gym or play tennis at Stuyvesant Square.
All in all, Gramercy Park has it all, whether you’re looking to shop, dine out, or just relax in a quiet oasis in the middle of New York City.
Murray Hill
With the Morgan Library & Museum and the Empire State Building as landmarks, this neighborhood also offers excellent dining options. From fine dining to cozy cafes and bars, there is something for everyone. Especially recommended are the many steakhouses, where you can treat yourself to a juicy piece of meat.
But Murray Hill has more to offer than just culinary delights. There is also a lot to discover culturally. The Morgan Library & Museum houses an impressive collection of books, manuscripts and art from the Renaissance to the present.
If you prefer some fresh air, take a stroll through Madison Square Park or enjoy the breathtaking view of New York City from the top of the Empire State Building.
Best of all, despite its central location, Murray Hill is relatively quiet and offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. A perfect place for travelers who want to experience the authentic New York!
Midtown
Attractions include Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Museum of Modern Art, shops and restaurants.
Midtown is a vibrant neighborhood that never sleeps. Here you can meet people from all over the world and shop to your heart’s content. Most impressive are the skyscrapers that rise majestically into the sky, creating a breathtaking skyline.
Grand Central Terminal is not only a train station, but also an architectural masterpiece. The magnificent lobby with its high ceiling and famous starry sky attracts millions of tourists every year.
Rockefeller Center not only houses the offices of major corporations such as NBC and Time Warner, but also offers one of the best vantage points in New York with the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
Carnegie Hall is one of the most famous concert halls in the world and has hosted many famous artists. Anyone who has been here live will never forget the moment!
Radio City Music Hall also offers unforgettable experiences: From the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular to a concert by famous musicians, there is something for everyone.
Art lovers should visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Here you can see works by artists ranging from Picasso to Warhol, as well as rotating exhibitions.
And if you are hungry between meals or just want to grab a drink, Midtown has a wide variety of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes, from quick burgers to gourmet cuisine.
Midtown is definitely worth a visit!
Theater District
The city that never sleeps is at its most vibrant in Times Square. The side streets are lined with restaurants, shops and the famous theaters where Broadway plays and musicals are performed.
The atmosphere in the theater district is unparalleled. The streets are full of life and energy, and the neon lights of the theaters bathe the area in a magical light. There is no other place in the world where you can meet so many different people from all over the world.
The shows on Broadway are world famous and attract millions of visitors every year. From classic musicals like “Cats” or “The Phantom of the Opera” to modern plays like “Hamilton,” there is something for everyone.
But it’s not just the performances that make the theater district so appealing, it’s also the historic buildings. Many of the theaters were built over 100 years ago and still have the charm of days gone by.
Those lucky enough to catch a Broadway show will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. But even without a ticket, a walk through the colorful hustle and bustle of the theater district is worthwhile – this is where the heart of New York beats!
Central Park
This 843-acre oasis is a haven for birds and a playground for people of all ages, with a carousel, zoo, skating rink and boating lake.
But Central Park is not just a place for fun and recreation. It also has a rich history.
Originally, the area that is now the park was swamp and barren land, but over the years, landscape architects transformed it into a beautiful park. The famous Frederick Law Olmsted designed Central Park with wide paths, lakes, and hills – all laid out to give a sense of being in the country.
During the Civil War, Central Park served as a military training ground, and later it was the site of many political demonstrations. In the 1960s, it was the site of many protests against racial discrimination and the Vietnam War.
Today, Central Park is one of the most visited places in New York City – a popular meeting place for a picnic or walk on a sunny day, or just to relax under shady trees on a hot summer day.
It’s always worth a visit!
Upper East Side
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the Frick Collection make up the Museum Mile along affluent Fifth Avenue, while Madison Avenue is lined with exclusive boutiques and galleries.
The Upper East Side is known for its luxury and elegance. The rich and famous live here in magnificent townhouses overlooking Central Park or the East River.
The architecture of the neighborhood reflects the wealth of its residents. The buildings are imposing and majestic, often built of stone and richly decorated.
In addition to museums and galleries, there are numerous restaurants, bars and clubs where you can mingle with high society. But beware: if you’re a bit of a show-off, be prepared to dig deep into your pockets.
Still, the Upper East Side has not lost its charm. There are still small parks like Carl Schurz Park or green spaces along the river, and historic buildings like the famous Dakota Building, where John Lennon lived until his tragic death in 1980.
So if you’re looking for a touch of glamour, or just a taste for exquisite art, it’s worth a visit!
Upper West Side
Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, boutiques, gourmet shops, fine restaurants and trendy bars are among the main attractions of this culturally rich and ethnically diverse neighborhood.
The Upper West Side is a place to feel at home. The streets are lined with majestic buildings and grand homes that exude an air of elegance and wealth.
Lincoln Center hosts some of New York’s finest theater and opera performances. It is also home to the famous Juilliard School of Music and the renowned Metropolitan Opera Company.
At the American Museum of Natural History, you can spend hours wandering through the exhibits and learning about our world’s history and natural sciences. From dinosaurs to human evolution, there are many interesting things to discover.
The Upper West Side’s boutiques have something for everyone – from vintage clothing to designer shoes, you’ll find everything your heart desires. Gourmet shops offer fresh foods from around the world, fine restaurants serve exquisite dishes with fine wines, and bars are the place to end the evening with a relaxing cocktail or beer.
All in all, the Upper West Side offers an experience for all the senses – culture, history, food & drink – all in an environment full of charm & class!
Harlem
The New York neighborhood known for its jazz music, grand architecture and famous churches is experiencing its second renaissance.
After decades of decay and neglect, Harlem has undergone an amazing transformation in recent years. New restaurants, bars and shops have revitalized the neighborhood, while historic buildings have been restored to their original beauty.
Harlem’s art scene is also on the rise. Numerous galleries showcase the work of talented artists from around the world. The Studio Museum in Harlem offers a unique glimpse into the history of African-American art.
But it’s not just the cultural events or culinary experiences that draw people to Harlem – its history also attracts many visitors. From famous jazz clubs to landmarks like the Apollo Theater, there is much to discover.
But more than a tourist destination, Harlem has become a place where people of all ages and backgrounds live and work. It is a growing community committed to equality and social-ecological change.
It seems like everything you need is here: a rich, meaningful history with a vibrant future, coupled with a vibrant nightlife and diverse shopping options, makes for an unforgettable stay!
Looking for accommodation in one of these Manhattan Neighbourhoods?
Check out our New York accommodation guide, or search for apartments on VRBO.
