New York City is made up of five different boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island) that bring nearly endless options of entertainment and activities for the entire family.
Each borough has its own personality that derives from hundreds of small communities whose cultures take over the environment. So, each one of them has its own vibe, culture and culinary scene.
We hope that the next time you visit New York you take the time to discover each of the boroughs and enjoy the vibe. In fact, a NYC Contrasts Tour is an excellent option for it, since you will be able to meet the most representative areas of each borough accompanied by an expert guide throughout the tour.
Each of these districts has its own vibe, culture, culinary scene, and entertainment. The next time you visit the Big Apple, take the time to discover The five boroughs of New York.
The 5 boroughs or boroughs of New York City are:
- Bronx.
- Brooklyn.
- Manhattan.
- Queens.
- Staten Island.
¡Join us in this adventure and let’s start this journey!
1. The Bronx
We know that The Bronx has had a bad fame, provided by movies and TV series. So maybe the name may sound like a red flag to you, but don’t worry, the Bronx is a huge borough with all kinds of neighborhoods and cultures that have been changing through the years.
It is located in the northernmost borough of New York City, and it is the only one of the 5 that is not an island. In fact, it is a highly residential district, home to 1.4 million people, that makes it the fifth most populous county in the state and the 26th most populous in the country.
The borough borders Manhattan to the south, Yonkers to the west, and New Rochelle to its northeast. It has a land area of 42.4 square miles and is bordered by the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and the Harlem River.
The Bronx was named for Jonas Bronck, a 17th century Dutch immigrant. Who, in 1641, bought 500 acres of land at the northeast of Manhattan. By the time the area became part of New York City, people said they were “going to the Broncks.”
Cradle of hip hop and rich culture
Nowadays, since The Bronx was the cradle of hip hop, it is also currently experiencing an explosion of culture and art everywhere, so when you walk through the Fordham, Arthur Avenue, Belmont or Woodlawn neighborhoods, you will witness the works of art, most of them graffitis, that line the streets and some places that you would never imagine.
It is known for being the home of the New York Yankees. But It is also home to some popular venues such as the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and Wave Hill. We can say that the neighborhoods are full of hidden gems and attractions.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Bronx, check out the Opera House Hotel. This historic place is close to Yankee Stadium, the subway, and was once the popular Bronx Opera House.
On the other side, we can’t ignore the Bronx culinary scene. From Italian food on Arthur Avenue to seafood on City Island, the Bronx has its fair share of dining options. For exceptional Italian food, try Tra Di Noi on East 187th St. Arthur Avenue is a little Italy after all.
2. Brooklyn
Brooklyn, also known as Kings County, is a borough with 2.5 million residents, almost 30.7% of the city’s total population. Brooklyn’s 71 square miles are home to a diverse and growing retail, entertainment and residential market.
You may have heard that Brooklyn is the up and coming area of New York, which is completely true. This New York City district is gaining a resounding reputation from the creative and caring young adults and families who call Brooklyn as their home. Neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick have quickly gained popularity for the modern art-filled vibe.
Head to Brooklyn by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll spy views of the Statue of Liberty and the stunning Manhattan skyline, one of the main spots on a Night Tour in NYC.
Brooklyn is home to one of the most progressive arts communities in the city, as well as trendy restaurants. Actually, in DUMBO, a neighborhood whose name is not a tribute to a flying elephant but an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, you will find a complete variety of places to enjoy.
At Brooklyn you could also:
- Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Walk the Celebrity Trail named after famous Brooklynites like Barbara Streisand.
- Visit the Brooklyn Academy of Music that rivals the best of Manhattan performance venues.
- Visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the oldest children’s museum in the country that keeps kids smiling.
- Take a look at the sea lion show at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island which is worth the price of admission
- Take a trip to Coney Island, the legendary amusement parks in this section of Brooklyn are filled with rides, games, catalogs, and more.
- If you travel with children, or you are one of those who love outdoor activities, you must visit Prospect Park, where you can do everything from pedal boats to horseback riding.
3. Manhattan
When people think of New York City, Manhattan is the first place that comes to mind. It’s no wonder the borough is home to top attractions like Central Park, the Empire State Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the High Line, One World Observatory, world-class museums, restaurants, concert halls, the bright lights of Times Square and Broadway. Nevertheless, there is more to discover in Manhattan beyond the popular sights, the borough has many green spaces hidden in fabulous neighborhoods, where you can also go to the best fashion boutiques and classic bars.
Even if you think you know Manhattan, with its world-class museums, great restaurants, and unforgettable sights, it always has something new and exciting to do.
Manhattan is the smallest borough in New York City, based on land area. It covers 10,890 acres (only 7.1% of NYC), of which 24.9% are open space and 37.5% are under residential use. Home to 1.6 million people, or one-fifth of the population of New York City, the district is the 19th most populous county in the US and the 5th most populous in New York State.
With its high population density, the majority of real estate in the municipality is residential, predominantly in the form of multi-family units rather than single-family homes. Manhattan is the largest county-level economy in the state, employing 61.6% of the City’s workers, with a high concentration in the Services, Finance, Insurance and Commerce sectors.
4. Queens
Queens is one of the most culturally diverse boroughs in New York, it is the location of the Citi Field and the Mets, the Museum of Image and Motion, and Kaufman Astoria Studios (where the famous series Orange is the New Black and Sesame Street are filmed).
Due to the city’s location and eclectic neighborhoods, Queens is becoming the ideal place for young professionals and their families. This population increase has attracted creative restaurants, breweries, businesses and more to put down roots in the borough.
Whether you prefer a day at the beach or have a craft beer with friends, Queens has it all. With international cuisine, incredible parks and world-class sporting events, Queens offers attractions to suit just about everyone.
Here are some of the main activities that you could enjoy on Queens:
- When visiting Astoria, be sure to visit the Bohemian Hall and the Beer Garden. The century-old beer garden is one of New York’s largest open-air drinking spots.
- Sports enthusiasts can watch the New York Mets play a game of baseball at Citi Field
- Watch the United States Open where the best tennis players in the world participate.
Largest borough of New York
Queens covers 35% of the city’s total area with 109 square miles of land, being the largest of the 5 boroughs of New York. It’s vast space allows for one of the busiest industrial areas within the five boroughs.
Queens has a diverse economy with major industries including services, commerce, manufacturing, and construction. Every day can be an event, whether you’re tasting delicious Greek food in Astoria or authentic Chinese food in Flushing.
5. Staten Island
Take a free ride and escape to the island filled with historic architecture, where you’ll enjoy stunning views, gardens, and many family-friendly attractions.
At more than 30,734 acres, Staten Island is the third largest district in the city. It has a fifth of the city’s coastline, and half of it was designed for industrial use. There are more than 170 parks covering more than 12,300 acres, with 4,000 acres on the coast.
The city’s economy is locally oriented, with large concentrations in healthcare and social assistance, as well as retail.
Staten Island is renowned for its museums, historic sites, beaches, and parks, including the city’s largest forest preserve in the Staten Island Green Space. As in other counties, there is no shortage of things to do and places to see on Staten Island. In fact, there you could:
- See NYC’s southernmost borough on a free ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry, an attraction in itself.
- Enjoy the game of baseball at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark
- Learn a part of colonial life in Historic Richmond Town
- Visit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, with exhibits that pay tribute to the local maritime heritage.
- Visit the Staten Island Greenbelt which is the largest forest preserve in the entire city and features High Rock Park and Willowbrook Park. Don’t forget to visit the Nature Center or take a ride on the Carousel at Willowbrook Park for unforgettable memories of New York City.
- If you’re exploring New York with kids, be sure to make time to visit the Staten Island Children’s Museum.
- History enthusiasts should visit historic Richmond Town and immerse themselves in this 100-acre living history and museum complex.
- Sports fans, who do not have the opportunity to participate in a Major League game while in New York City, can watch the Staten Island Yankees for nine great innings.
Come and visit with us The Five Boroughs of New York and know everything about New York. We also invite you to have a Contrasts Tour in New York City to enjoy and discover a new side of the city.
