Guides · 123 guides
Neighborhoods
My Neighborhoods guides, with my verdict on each.
Start with these
What I’d read first in NeighborhoodsInside Neighborhoods
31 topics- Brunch10
- Coffee10
- Restaurants by neighborhood10
- Bars by neighborhood9
- Happy hour8
- Bakeries8
- Pizza5
- Bagels4
- Brooklyn3
- Museums2
- Rooftop bars2
- Upper West Side1
- Tribeca1
- East Village1
- Landmarks and history1
- Beer, pubs and breweries1
- By cuisine1
- Greenpoint1
- Chelsea1
- Lower East Side1
- Christmas1
- Pools and beaches1
- Cocktail bars and speakeasies1
- Financial District1
- Things to do with kids1
- Flatiron1
- Desserts1
- Chinatown1
- Parks1
- DUMBO1
- More33
The Best of New York
Every list- The best things to do on the Upper West Side
- The best things to do in Tribeca
- The best things to do in the East Village
- The best things to do in Times Square
- The best brunch on the Upper East Side
- The best brunch on the Lower East Side
- The best brunch in Chelsea
- The best breweries in Brooklyn
- The best sushi in the West Village
- The best happy hours on the Upper West Side
- The best coffee in the Financial District
- The best bars on the Upper West Side
What readers asked about Neighborhoods
Ask meI was visiting Time Square last week - purchased Arabian Perfume Oil from a nice gentleman selling from a booth. Does anyone know the name of this vendor. I need to buy more!! The scent is amazing.
Things to Do in Times SquareDavid’s cafe was apparently closed
That's one of my favorites too! Thanks for sharing.
Brunch Spots in the East VillageThanks Antonina, Just now seeing this. Thank you so much! We really appreciate it!
So glad you enjoyed this! Thanks for stopping by.
Coffee Shops in DUMBOEvery guide in Neighborhoods
123, by topicBrunch 10
- Upper East Side Brunch SpotsAs a local, I’ve practically spent my life’s savings in search of the best brunch on the Upper East Side. From catching up with friends over mimosas…9 places, 9 worth it
- Lower East Side Brunch RestaurantsThe Lower East Side is my go-to neighborhood whenever I feel restless and need a bit of inspiration. After countless meals across the five boroughs,…8 places, 7 worth it
- Brunch Joints in ChelseaAuthors Note. If there's an amazing Chelsea brunch spot that you feel like is missing from this list please drop me a comment below and I'll check it…7 places, 7 worth it
- Tribeca Brunch RestaurantsNew York’s bohemian alcove, Tribeca is a hot-spot for stylish locals who want to see and be seen come the weekend. Home to some of the city’s. From…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch Spots in WilliamsburgI know the internet has about a thousand lists for Brunch Spots in Williamsburg. This one’s different. I’ve personally eaten at every single place on…13 places, 12 worth it
- Brunch Spots in the Financial DistrictWhen friends visit and ask me where to find great brunch spots in Financial District, I always have a list ready. These aren’t random picks from the…10 places, 9 worth it
- West Village Brunch SpotsIf you’re looking for the best brunch in the West Village, you’re in the right place, there’s no shortage of charming brunch spots to choose from.9 places, 9 worth it
- Upper West Side Brunch SpotsAs a local with an insatiable appetite for pancakes and mimosas, I know a thing or two about the best brunch on the Upper West Side (UWS). Whether…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch Spots in the East VillageI used to think brunch was overrated. Two hours for eggs and an $18 mimosa? Pass. Then I found the places on this list and everything changed. These…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brunch Spots in BrooklynAll rules go out the window and who doesn’t like to let their hair down every once in a while?10 places, 9 worth it
Coffee 10
- Coffee Shops in the Financial DistrictI’ll be straight with you, not every coffee shop in Financial District lives up to the hype. I’ve had my share of letdowns. But the spots on this…9 places, 9 worth it
- Tribeca Coffee Shops That Locals LoveI’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit exploring every corner of Tribeca in search of the best Tribeca coffee shops. After years of living in…7 places, 6 worth it
- Coffee Shops in ChelseaI’m convinced the most important part of exploring a new neighborhood is starting with that choice cup of coffee and with a neighborhood as lively…13 places, 13 worth it
- Here’s the Best Coffee on the Upper West Side9 places, 9 worth it
- Coffee Shops in The East VillageKnown for incredible restaurants and relaxing vibes, I find the East Village irresistible and visit every chance I get. Finding great coffee shops in…10 places, 10 worth it
- Cafes on the Upper East SideIn search of the best coffee on the Upper East Side? As a local with a passion for all things caffeine, I’ve scoured this posh neighborhood to bring…8 places, 8 worth it
- Coffee Shops in DUMBOAcross the East River from Manhattan, there’s an adorable Brooklyn neighborhood with a silly little name that New Yorkers can’t help but love. I can…7 places, 7 worth it
- Lower East Side Coffee Shops Locals LoveYou might have 99 problems, but finding a good coffee shop in the Lower East Side (LES) isn’t one of them. As a New Yorker who takes Lower East Side…10 places, 10 worth it
- Brooklyn Coffee Shops Locals LoveNew York City has long been admired for its creativity and innovation, and the great coffee shops in Brooklyn are a testament to that. Coffee in New…11 places, 11 worth it
- Coffee Shops in WilliamsburgVisiting New York City? If you haven't decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best…15 places, 15 worth it
Restaurants by neighborhood 10
- East Village RestaurantsThe East Village has the lion’s share of incredible restaurants, from on-the-go options to Michelin-starred gems.The biggest challenge? Weeding…14 places, 14 worth it
- Restaurants in the Lower East SideThe Lower East Side (LES) is a colorful, exuberant neighborhood full of culture, charm and flavors. It’s my favorite neighborhood in NYC to grab a…13 places, 13 worth it
- West Village Restaurants Worth the WaitLongtime readers know the West Village is my favorite neighborhood in New York City. Full of endearing corner cafes, cozy eateries and cute local…11 places, 11 worth it
- Restaurants in the Financial DistrictI spent three years working near Wall Street, which meant eating lunch in the Financial District five days a week. I tried everything from the sad…11 places, 10 worth it
- Restaurants on the Upper East SideOn the hunt for a great Upper East Side restaurant? As a resident local, I can help with that.15 places, 15 worth it
- Toothsome Upper West Side RestaurantsI’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit exploring every corner of Upper West Side in search of the best Upper West Side restaurants. After years…10 places, 10 worth it
- Where to Eat Before a Broadway MatineeMy husband and I have a rule about Broadway matinees. We eat first, we eat close, and we are in our seats before the ushers give us that look. I…11 places, 8 worth it
- Restaurants in DUMBODUMBO (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) isn’t just about cobblestone streets and stunning skyline views, it’s also home to…12 places, 12 worth it
- Restaurants in TribecaLook I don’t make the rules, I just play by them. I moved to New York City a few years ago and quickly found a magnetic pull to the trendy…16 places, 16 worth it
- Tantalizing Restaurants in Chelsea New York CityIn a neighborhood known for its colorful art exhibits and galleries, the best restaurants in Chelsea use plates as canvas’ and ingredients as paint.14 places, 14 worth it
Bars by neighborhood 9
- Bars on the Upper West SideAs a long time resident of the Upper West Side, I’m not immune from the constant criticism the neighborhood receives for being a food (and bar)…10 places, 10 worth it
- Bars in the Financial District You Can’t MissSpeaking from first-hand experience, the bars in the Financial District are some of the best in New York. When it comes to bars in the Financial…12 places, 11 worth it
- East Village Bars for Every OccasionThe East Village has more bars per block than any neighborhood has a right to. I know because I’ve tested this theory extensively. Some of these…10 places, 10 worth it
- Bars in DUMBONew Yorkers consider DUMBO to be Brooklyn’s most beautiful neighborhood, thanks to its stunning surroundings, charming cobblestone streets, and…6 places, 6 worth it
- Bars in the Lower East SideThe sheer amount of unforgettable bars in the Lower East Side makes it clear, this is NYC’s nightlife epicenter. As a matter of fact, the #1 ranked…15 places, 15 worth it
- Bustling Bars in WilliamsburgThe reason I could never live in Williamsburg is the same reason I visit so often; the nightlife knows no limits. It very might well be the liveliest…15 places, 15 worth it
- Bars on the Upper East SideIf there’s one thing the Upper East Side Bar (UES) isn’t lacking, it’s first-rate bars. And if you’re not one of the trust fund babies this…15 places, 15 worth it
- Tasty Tribeca BarsLooking for the top bars in Tribeca? While I won’t claim expertise in drinking (let’s avoid that label), I do enjoy a casual cocktail exploration in…12 places, 12 worth it
- Chelsea BarsFamous for its art galleries and markets, the deceptively peaceful neighborhood conceals a lively secret – Chelsea has some extraordinary bars.…10 places, 10 worth it
Happy hour 8
- Rewarding Happy Hours on the Upper West SideI’m probably not the first to tell you that living in New York City is expensive. So let’s talk about the one thing every New Yorker knows well, the…8 places, 8 worth it
- Happy Hour Spots on the Upper East SideOne of my lifelong best friends has lived in the Upper East Side (UES) for the past ten years, so I’ve made quite the dent in the best happy hours on…9 places, 9 worth it
- Choice Chelsea Happy Hours Perfect for Every OccasionHaving lived in New York City for a while now, I think Chelsea happy hour restaurants fly under the radar. The neighborhood has a ton of great…10 places, 10 worth it
- Financial District Happy Hour SpotsWhen it comes to happy hour, few neighborhoods deliver like the Financial District. From sleek rooftop lounges to historic establishments dating back…10 places, 10 worth it
- West Village Happy Hour DealsLiving in NYC has many perks, chief among them is having daily access to world-class cocktail bars. As a New Yorker who takes. But with average…9 places, 9 worth it
- East Village Happy Hour SpotsThe East Village is the ideal neighborhood for endearing dive bars, swanky cocktails (some of the best in the city) and charming pubs. Most weekdays,…11 places, 9 worth it
- Refreshing Happy Hours in the Lower East Side To UnwindI still remember the first time I stumbled upon a truly great happy hour in Lower East Side. Since then, I’ve made it my personal mission to find…14 places, 14 worth it
- Happy Hours in Times SquareTimes Square sees an average of more than 350,000 pedestrians daily, and plenty of bars and restaurants are eager to host the crowds. However, many…9 places, 8 worth it
Bakeries 8
- Toothsome Chelsea BakeriesWhether you’re craving a quiet afternoon or planning a Chelsea bakeries crawl with friends, Chelsea has you covered. I’ve put together this guide…8 places, 8 worth it
- Bakeries in Williamsburg, BrooklynYou don’t need me to tell you that NYC has great food. But finding genuinely good 14 Wonderful. Some of them will blow your mind. That takes some…14 places, 13 worth it
- Brooklyn Bakeries Locals LoveAnybody that considers carbs a love language will be spoiled for choice by the bakeries in Brooklyn. From local gems helmed by Michelin-starred…10 places, 10 worth it
- Delicious Upper West Side BakeriesIf you’re anything like me, your insatiable sweet-tooth is always on the hunt for something new. I currently live in the neighborhood and find myself…11 places, 11 worth it
- East Village BakeriesWith a reputation for late nights, sultry cocktails bars (some of the best in NYC) and scores of dive bars, it’s easy to overlook the great bakeries…10 places, 8 worth it
- Tantalizing Tribeca BakeriesTribeca is one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods which means the shops, restaurants and bakeries all have high standards to uphold. Even…9 places, 8 worth it
- Bakeries in the Lower East SideFrom Portuguese pastries to croissant/muffin hybrids, there are bakeries in the Lower East Side (LES) to satiate every craving.9 places, 9 worth it
- Delicious Upper East Side BakeriesAs a long-time local, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the best bakeries on the Upper East Side. Excelling at most things, this upscale…8 places, 8 worth it
Pizza 5
- Pizza Spots on the Upper East SideThe Upper East Side might be known for its museums and old-money brownstones, but I’ve always thought the pizza up here is wildly underrated. I lived…10 places, 9 worth it
- Pizza Joints in BrooklynNarrowing down Brooklyn’s best pizza is a fool’s errand bound to cause an argument. The borough has the lion’s share of detour-worthy pies so if…11 places, 11 worth it
- Upper West Side Pizza JointsWhether you’re looking for a quick slice or planning a picnic in Central Park, it’s good to know about the best pizza on the Upper West Side. As a…7 places, 7 worth it
- Williamsburg Pizza JointsIf you asked most New Yorkers where to find the best in NYC, they’d probably shrug. The good news is, the neighborhood keeps getting better. But I’ve…9 places, 9 worth it
- The Best Pizza in Greenwich VillageI hold views on pizza that have cost me friendships. Not real ones. But you learn quickly that the fastest way to start a fight in Greenwich Village…7 places, 7 worth it
Bagels 4
- Bagels on the Upper West SideI moved to the Upper West Side and immediately set out to answer the only question that mattered. Where are the best bagels? Three years and an…6 places, 6 worth it
- Bagels in BrooklynBoiled and baked, a proper New York bagel is like the city itself. a bit tough on the outside, but it will invariably keep you coming back for more.…9 places, 9 worth it
- Tasty Upper East Side BagelsWhen friends visit and ask me where to find great Upper East Side bagels in Upper East Side, I always have a list ready. These aren’t random picks…9 places, 9 worth it
- The Best Bagels in MidtownHere is a thing nobody warns you about Midtown. The bagel is easy. The line is not. My husband and I lived in New York for six years, and for a good…5 places, 5 worth it
Brooklyn 3
- Brooklyn NeighborhoodsThere’s no shortage of charming areas to explore in Brooklyn, the only challenge is knowing where to start. Home to a population of nearly 2.6…10 places, 10 worth it
- Things to Do in Industry City, BrooklynIndustry City gets a bad rap. Some locals don’t think it’s worth the detour, while others have nothing but good things to say. I’ve visited Industry…9 places, 7 worth it
- Things to Do in BrooklynAs a local, Brooklyn has a hold on me. What I love most about Brooklyn is how different each neighborhood feels.17 places, 15 worth it
Museums 2
- The 10 Best Museums in BrooklynBrooklyn is home to some of the most fascinating museums in New York City.9 places, 9 worth it
- Is the Tenement Museum Worth It? A Local’s Honest Take on All 5 ToursI have lived in New York for six years, and I have taken visiting family to the Tenement Museum three separate times. Three. Different in-laws,…5 places, 2 worth it
Rooftop bars 2
- Lower East Side Rooftop BarsVisiting a rooftop bar is a must-do in New York City. Whenever friends come to town, they always ask me for rooftop bar recommendations (yes, I’m the…5 places, 5 worth it
- Rooftop Bars in BrooklynA city of iconic skyscrapers, there’s no shortage of incredible bars for a scenic drink in New York City. As any local will tell you, Brooklyn has…8 places, 8 worth it
Upper West Side 1
Tribeca 1
East Village 1
Landmarks and history 1
Beer, pubs and breweries 1
By cuisine 1
Greenpoint 1
Chelsea 1
Lower East Side 1
Christmas 1
Pools and beaches 1
Cocktail bars and speakeasies 1
Financial District 1
Things to do with kids 1
Flatiron 1
Desserts 1
Chinatown 1
Parks 1
DUMBO 1
More 33
- Things to Do in ChinatownChinatown in New York City (one of the oldest Chinatowns in the country) is home to the largest Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere. The…
- Fun Things to Do on the Upper East SideThe Upper East Side gets a reputation as stuffy and expensive, and honestly, parts of it are. But it's also home to the best museum mile in the…
- West Village Bakeries Worth Getting Excited AboutAs a longtime local, I've embarked on a personal mission to track down the best bakeries in the West Village. Whether you're craving cookies and…
- Upper East Side Food GuideThe Upper East Side has a reputation. Rich people, museums, old money restaurants where the waiters look at you like you wandered in from the subway…
- Greenpoint Brooklyn GuideI will say the controversial thing right up front. I like Greenpoint better than Williamsburg, and it is not close.
- A Walk Through Greenwich VillageA self-guided walking route through Greenwich Village, from Washington Square Park to the Hudson River. The best stops, streets, and food along the…
- Upper East Side vs Upper West SideI have spent meaningful time on both sides of Central Park, which gives me standing to say what I am about to say. The Upper East Side and the Upper…
- The Parts of Central Park Worth Your TimeI walk through Central Park almost every day. Not the whole thing (it's 843 acres, that would be insane on a Tuesday) but sections of it, over and…
- Where to Find Alexander Hamilton’s Grave in NYCIf you're planning to explore where to find alexander hamilton's grave NYC, you're in for something special. I first fell in love with Find Alexander…
- Interesting Facts About the Brooklyn BridgeThe Brooklyn Bridge adorns New York City's epic skyline and stands as an iconic symbol for the Big Apple. But how many interesting facts about the…
- Visiting the Chelsea Market Guide: Everything You Need to KnowThe Chelsea Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, drawing in more than 6 million visitors annually. Home to more…
- The Spookiest Halloween Decorations on the Upper West SideNew Yorkers strive to be the best in everything they do and the epic Halloween decorations on the Upper West Side (UWS) are proof that. I currently…
- The Spookiest Halloween Decorations on the Upper East SideThe Halloween Decorations on the Upper East Side (UES) are often considered some of the best in New York City. After seeing them for myself, I can…
- Is the Vessel Worth It Now That It’s Reopened?Having lived in New York for six years, I have a complicated relationship with the Vessel. My husband and I watched it go up back in 2019, this giant…
- Things to Do in Midtown, ManhattanMidtown Manhattan is the bustling core of New York City, known for iconic skyscrapers, the bright lights of Times Square and world-class theaters…Updated Oct 20
- Prospect Park Guide: Brooklyn’s Best Kept Not-So-Secret
- Hell’s Kitchen Guide: The Neighborhood That Refuses to Be Boring
- DUMBO Guide: The Best Part of Brooklyn Nobody Tells You AboutThings to do in DUMBO Brooklyn, from the famous photo spot to the best pizza and where to actually spend your time in this tiny waterfront…
- West Village Coffee Shops Locals LoveI have a coffee problem. Not the drinking-too-much kind (okay, maybe that too) but the I-need-to-try-every-new-shop kind. The West Village is my…
- Things to Do Williamsburg, BrooklynA local covers the best things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
- Guide to Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times SquareImage Courtesy Time Square Celebrating New Years Eve in Times Square is a bucket-list item for folks all around the globe, and for good reason.…
- Things to Do in Carroll Gardens, BrooklynCarroll Gardens is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that offers timeless elegance. Rows of historic brownstones, quaint corner cafes and local boutiques…
- Delicious Bakeries in DUMBO, BrooklynLet's talk about the best bakeries in DUMBO. Whether you need a cake for a special occasion or mid-day treat, you're sure to find something to your…
- The Charming West Village in AutumnI recently took a stroll through my favorite neighborhood during my favorite time of year, the charming West Village in autumn. There's never a…
- Where to Eat Near the 9/11 Memorial and One World TradeEating near the 9/11 Memorial is a strange assignment, so let me be straight about it. You are going to be hungry, you are probably going to be a…
- Where to Eat at the US OpenAs a food writer who has lived in New York for six years, I have a confession. I love the US Open, and I resent the US Open, in roughly equal…
- One Day in Brooklyn: The Itinerary I Give Every Visiting FriendI have given this exact itinerary out loud so many times that I can recite it by heart. A friend flies into JFK, texts me "we only have one full day,…
- Where to Eat Near the High LineAs a New Yorker who lived in the city for six years, I have walked the High Line more times than I can count. With out-of-town friends. On dates with…
- Where to Eat Near the American Museum of Natural History
- Where to Eat Near Central ParkI live near Central Park and I eat near it almost every day. After years of trial and error and more mediocre overpriced meals near tourist landmarks…
- The NYC Walks I Never Get Tired Of
- The Honest Guide to NYC NeighborhoodsI've lived in three different NYC neighborhoods since I moved here, and I've spent serious time in at least a dozen more. Every neighborhood in this…
- Things to Do in Union SquareLooking for some fun ways to stay busy while visiting Union Square? You've come to the right place. Home to the fourth busiest subway station in NYC,…
























































































































