9 NYC Neighborhoods That’ll Make You Feel Like a True New Yorker

Headed to the Big Apple and not sure what to see or do? You’ll definitely want to check out these nine New York neighborhoods on your next trip to New York City!

This article is part of my Wander Like a Local series, where guest writers reveal the best-kept secrets, must-see spots, and unique experiences that only locals know. Discover hidden gems and authentic tips from those who call it home.

Times Square in New York City.Photo byAndreas NiendorfonUnsplash

Bowery

Bowery is located in the Lower East Side and is known for its great nightlife, music scene, food, and so much more! It’s the perfect place for a date night or a night out with your friends!

• Enjoy live music at The Bowery Ballroom, Webster Hall, and The Bowery Electric.
• Dig into delicious eats at Szechuan Spicy Moon, known for its dan dan noodles, kung pao, and cocktails.
• Head to Bar Primi Bowery, a modern Italian restaurant known for its ricotta agnolotti and ricotta crostini.
• Enjoy a drink at The Wren, The Cabin NYC, and the bar in The Bowery Hotel.

Williamsburg neighborhood.Photo byDepositphotos.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a popular neighborhood that has become a hot spot in Brooklyn. It’s known for its amazing view of Manhattan, great shopping, good nightlife, trendy restaurants, and community atmosphere.

• On Saturdays, visit Smorgasburg, a food vendor marketplace with amazing local food and drinks.
• Head to Bedford Avenue, where you can find tons of boutiques and stores, such as Brooklyn Woke Vintage, The Mini Mall, and Amarcord Vintage Fashion.
• Relax with a drink at Skinny Dennis, a fun saloon country bar serving beer alongside bar games and live country music!

Upper West Side

The museums in the Upper West Side are a major attraction. It’s the perfect neighborhood to admire history and art. Famous museums include the American Museum of Natural History, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, and the Hayden Planetarium. Spend the day exploring these museums as a cultural day for your trip!

• Choose from a fantastic variety of restaurants with cuisines like Italian, Mediterranean, French, Latin American, American, and so much more!
• On Saturdays, check out the 79th Street Greenmarket, a year-round farmer’s market where you can get local food.

Apollo Theater in Harlem.Photo byDepositphotos.

Harlem

This neighborhood is special for its culture, food, bars, and sense of community. There’s so much to do here that you can’t go wrong taking a day and exploring the neighborhood.

• Harlem is a great place for bar hopping. Don't miss Harlem Hopps (beer hall), Musette Wine Bar, and The Craftsman.
• Enjoy an amazing mix of restaurants with Latin America, Ethiopian, Soul Food, Caribbean, Italian, and so many other cuisines like Amy Ruths, Sottocasa, Awash, and The Jerk House.
• Don't miss the Apollo Theater, a multi-use theater known for its black American performers and has been on numerous TV shows like “Showtime at the Apollo.”

Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is a vibrant neighborhood known for its LGBT community, lively bars, and outdoor activities like Hudson Yards and Pier 97 at Hudson River Park. It’s such a fun neighborhood to get a drink and enjoy the views by the water!

• Explore delicious restaurants like Tulcingo, Greek Kitchen, and Norma.
• Hell’s Kitchen has a great bar scene, including Rudy’s, Mickey Spillane’s, and Dutch Fred’s.
• Admire beautiful views of the water, New Jersey skyline, Manhattan, and the piers in Hell’s Kitchen.

A bridge in Central Park in fall.Photo byMarta Wave via Pexels.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is known for the iconic 5th Avenue, Central Park, Museum Mile, Gossip Girl, and being an affluent neighborhood. There’s so much to do here and tons of tourists love to visit this iconic neighborhood!

• Museum Mile is known for its famous museums including The MET, the Guggenheim, The Jewish Museum, El Museu del Barrio, and Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
• Stroll through Central Park, people-watching and enjoying nature in America's biggest city.
• Head towards 5th Avenue and enjoy the iconic shops such as Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co. Spend the day shopping (or window shopping) and enjoy!

Bushwick

Bushwick is an artsy neighborhood in NYC known for its nightlife, street art, and bars. It’s perfect for young people looking for a good time and offers a much more affordable cost of living.

• Head towards Troutman St for The Bushwick Collective to enjoy the art galleries and stroll along the neighboring streets to enjoy the free art.
• Enjoy a night of music at House of Yes, Elsewhere, and Mood Ring.
• Before you head out to the club to dance the night away, grab a drink at Doublé, Birdy’s, and 101 Wilson.

A street in Soho.Photo byDepositphotos.

Soho

Soho is famous for its shopping, amazing restaurants, and bar scene. It's a great NYC neighborhood to find cute clothes, eat great food, and have a nice drink! Beware, you might find someone filming a TikTok in this area.

• Don't miss shops like MuJI SOHO, Artizia, Uniqglo, and Bloomingdale’s.
• After you finish your shopping, grab a bite at Odd Sister, Boqueria Soho, and Sartiano’s.
• Cap off your day with a drink at Mother’s Ruin, Milano’s, and The Crosby Bar.

Forest Hills

Forest Hills is a residential neighborhood in Queens known for its live music, large park, and great restaurants.

• Catch a concert or another event at the Forest Hills Stadium. This well-known music venue is home to concerts, the US Open Tennis Championships, and music festivals.
• Enjoy an array of Latin, American, Asian, Seafood, Irish, and Greek restaurants including favorites like Mojo, Bamboo Ya, and Agora Taverna.
• End the night at one of the great bars in this neighborhood including Forest Hill Station House, Cobblestone Pub & Biergarten, and Queens Bully.

Visiting The Best New York City Neighborhoods

No matter which New York City neighborhood you visit, you’re going to have a fun time! Definitely check out these nine amazing options.

Read the full article published at Everyday Wanderer for more information to help you plan your trip to New York.