15 Best Neighborhoods of Manhattan + MAP

Manhattan is NYC’s most popular borough, and it’s relatively sizable, so it aids to recognize some precise Manhattan neighborhoods.

Becoming familiar with the distinct parts of Manhattan will make exploring the city and arranging your day simpler. While wandering aimlessly and finding interesting sites can be fun, it’s better to know where you’re heading, particularly if it’s your initial time here. We’ve gone to NYC multiple times, and I’m still amazed by how different each neighborhood is.

In this guide, I’ll share the 15 best parts of Manhattan and what you can see there. Many of these locations are great spots to lodge in NYC, so I’ll also recommend some hotels. Finally, at the end of this article, you’ll find a Manhattan neighborhoods map so you can easily locate the different places and their proximity to popular attractions.

1. Midtown, the most popular neighborhood in Manhattan

Midtown is located in the core of Manhattan, stretching from 59^th Street to 34^th Street between 3^rd and 8^th Avenues. This region contains numerous iconic landmarks that attract many visitors, including the Empire State Building,Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building,Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The district of Manhattan is among the largest, so you`ll find smaller neighborhoods inside it. For instance, Times Square is a haven for entertainment with Broadway theaters, live performers, and attractions like Madame Tussauds and M&Ms World.

Should the atmospheric conditions be pleasant, explore the expanses of Bryant Park and the bountiful collections within the New York Public Library. For an indoor activity, the Museum of Modern Art offers a splendid assortment of exhibitions, as does the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, two of the can`t-be-missed collections gathered in Manhattan. Strolling the expanse of 5^th Avenue reveals distinguished stores and acclaimed brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci.

Another excellent aspect about this Manhattan district is that you’ll find a dining establishment to satisfy any appetite. That said, I recommend Per Se, The Modern, Marea, or Le Bernardin if you want to try one of the highly rated restaurants in NYC.

The recommended lodging is The Whitby Hotel which provides boutique accommodation and an excellent location near MoMA, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Rockefeller Center. It is viewed as one of the finest hotels in NYC. Over in Times Square’s Theater District, Row NYC provides beautiful rooms and contemporary spaces for you to enjoy, and it is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in NYC, in case you’re watching your funds

2. Chelsea, the best Manhattan neighborhood

Chelsea is one of the coolest neighborhoods in NYC, thanks to its upscale and artistic vibe. If you like to browse art galleries, this is the place for you. You will also find one of the most popular flea markets in New York.

Everything can be found at Chelsea Market, one of the best places to visit in NYC. This food court and shopping complex utilizes an old Nabisco factory, and today patrons can obtain nearly anything. Over 200 vendors offer items ranging from artisanal cheeses and international foods to handicrafts and unique apparel. Chelsea Market is also home to several offices for corporations like Google, along with art galleries.

Another highlight of this Manhattan neighborhood is the High Line, an elevated linear park running from Gansevoort St. in the Meatpacking District northwest to W. 34^th St. near Hudson Yards. These former railway tracks are now converted into a scenic walking route where one can obtain lovely perspectives, take a seat, and view some street art. At the northern end of the High Line, you can see The Vessel at Hudson Yards, a beehive-shaped viewpoint.

Additional fun things to do in Chelsea include attending a concert or basketball game at Madison Square Garden, or taking their famous Madison Square Garden all-access tour, shopping at the flagship store of Macy’s, and admiring the works at the Rubin Art Museum.

• Suggested lodging: The Maritime Hotel is a beautifully themed nautical hotel with a restaurant and gymnasium, and it`s next to the High Line.

3. Lower East Side, a Manhattan neighborhood with lots to do

The Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan provides a variety of experiences for visitors. This area features high-rise buildings, old tenement structures, cultural institutions, live music venues, and various bars, clubs, and dining establishments.

This neighborhood is also excellent for food enthusiasts, so come prepared with an appetite. I suggest Katz’s Delicatessen for a quick snack or Russ & Daughters for a traditional New York bagel. If you cannot choose where to dine, I propose this food and culture walking tour, which stops at four customary cafes and bakeries. It is considered one of the best food tours in NYC and you will have the chance to sample Jewish knishes, Chinese fried dumplings, and other delicious edibles.

Enrich your day near the Lower East Side end through cultural involvement by going to one of the area’s galleries. Check out contemporary artwork at the New Museum or see the most prestigious photographs at the International Center of Photography Museum. The Tenement Museum is a National Historic Landmark made up of two buildings that housed 15,000 immigrants between 1863 and 2011.

To conclude your day, grab drinks at a rooftop bar or speakeasy, like Mr. Purple or Please Don’t Tell, one of my favorite speakeasies in NYC.

• Recommended accommodation: The Ludlow Hotel provides an elegant and welcoming environment with parking for guests, a restaurant, and an outdoor garden where one can relax. It is considered one of the premier hotels in Downtown New York, particularly for those seeking an upscale hotel option in the city.

4. TriBeCa, another trendy neighborhood in Manhattan

TriBeCa is an additional fascinating neighborhood in Manhattan with trendy eateries, boutiques, old industrial buildings, and lofts. Its name derives from its placement, the Triangle Below Canal, and TriBeCa has boundaries of Canal St. to the north, Broadway to the east, Vesey St. to the south, and the Hudson River to the west.

The menu presents variety of seafood, meat and fish such as fish croquettes, sirloin casserole with mushrooms and prawns, and fish soup. You can enhance dishes with selection from the finest La Geria wineries, offering true taste of region’s finest products.

While wandering, keep an eye out for some magnificent landmarks like St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church; the Jenga Building, which resembles a massive game of Jenga; and the Woolworth Building, which has lavish neo-Gothic elements. TriBeCa is also home to the Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8, which was featured as the headquarters in theGhostbusters movies.

Another factor making TriBeCa one of the best parts of Manhattan is its convenient location near other intriguing areas. To the west is Hudson River Park, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Hudson River, while to the south, you’ll find One World Observatory. Chinatown lies to the east, and to the north, another neighborhood called SoHo that I will discuss next can be found.

• Suggested accommodation: The posh Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is akin to a home away from home, with a gym, spa, and restaurant. It’s one of the finest 5-star hotels in NYCand one of the few hotels with an indoor swimming pool in Manhattan.

5. SoHo, the best Manhattan neighborhood for shopping

SoHo is another area that is part of Lower Manhattan located between W. Houston St. and Canal St. from 6^th Avenue to Crosby Street. This district is popular amongst artists and contains numerous shops along with iron-framed buildings. Everyone can enjoy this region, contributing to it being one of the optimum areas in Manhattan to add to your itinerary.

If you enjoy discovering cultural artifacts and histories, a few organizations I would recommend exploring include the Leslie-LohmanMuseum of Art,The Drawing Center, and the New York City Fire Museum. Additionally, the Museumof Chinese in America is one of the premier cultural learning centers in Manhattan. If you’re traveling with young friends or family, the Museum of Ice Cream promises loads of fun.

There are plenty of shopping and dining options here too, many of which are upscale and gourmet. It’s worth grabbing a sweet treat at Dominique Ansel Bakery or a slice of NY-style pizza at Lombardi’s. When daylight fades, SoHo’s nightlife springs to life, so hit one of the clubs or go bar hopping.

You can maximize a brief visit to SoHo with this 2-hour walking tour, which explores SoHo’s Historic Cast-Iron District. You’ll see sites like the E.V. Haughwout Building, the Old Police Station, and the Ravenite Club before ambling through Little Italy and Chinatown.

• Recommended lodging: The luxurious Crosby Street Hotel is perfect for couples and offers delicious breakfast and afternoon tea. If you’re seeking a boutique hotel in NYC, this is an excellent choice.

6. Chinatown, another great Manhattan neighborhood to visit

A visit to NYC isn’t complete without exploring Chinatown. Not only is this one of the premier places in Manhattan, but it’s ideal for foodies. There are lots of Asian eateries here, so whether you’re craving dumplings, hand-drawn noodles, or sushi, you’ll find it in Chinatown.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor has amazing dim sum, while Ping’s specializes in Cantonese cuisine and fresh seafood. If you can’t decide, Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles is always a reliable option.

Additional spots to visit in Chinatown involve the Canal Street Market, straddling the boundary between Chinatown and SoHo. This marketplace offers many vendors selling all kinds of products, making it a must-see if you love searching for bargains. Pearl River Mart is another shopping Mecca in Chinatown where furnishings, clothing, home items, art supplies, and more can be browsed.

Finally, Chinatown is one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Manhattan, and its landmarks clearly demonstrate this fact. For example, the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has been serving delicious ice cream flavors to customers since 1978. You can also visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in NYC.

The once violent “Bloody Angle” at Doyers Street, one of the most renowned streets in New York City`s past, has been featured in various films, but it also has a grim history as the site of many homicides from the early twentieth century until the 1930s. Rest assured because nowadays, it’s a much safer area.

• Proposed lodging: The The Bowery Hotel, a luxury resort known for excellent attention to detail, is considered one of the top high-end hotels in Manhattan.

7. Little Italy, one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for foodies

While exploring Chinatown, cross over Canal Street into Little Italy. This Manhattan district appears like a time capsule of old New York, containing sufficient authentic Italian cuisine to satisfy even the most voracious of appetites.

With its substantial population of Italian Americans and its rich history, Little Italy is a great place to go for delectable cuisine and Italian traditions. You can also learn about the city’s crime family and gang-related past, in a safe way, of course.

If you visit in September, you can be part of the Feast of San Gennaro Festival, which honors the patron saint of Naples, Italy, Saint Januarius. The event includes a Grand Procession, celebratory Mass, games, and of course, food.

You can enjoy magnificent dishes here throughout the year, like pasta, cannoli, and fresh cheese from Alleva Dairy, the oldest cheese shop in the U.S. A NY-style pizza is one of the best foods in NYC, so grab a slice at Manero’s or Lombardi’s.

The cuisine provided at Umberto`s Clam House is also quite pleasing to the palate, though this restaurant is more renowned for being the location where Mafia member Joe Gallo met his demise through violent means in the year 1972. Other notable places to check out include the Italian AmericanMuseum and the Church of the Most Precious Blood, which serves as the cathedral dedicated to San Gennaro.

• Recommended lodging: Again, The Bowery Hotel offers a great choice, and is conveniently found between Little Italy and Chinatown.

8. Upper West Side, the best Manhattan neighborhood for arts and culture

Nestled between the Hudson River and Central Park, the Upper West Side is a delightful residential area in Manhattan. Its prosperous homes mix with brownstone buildings from the early 20th century, creating an iconic image of New York City.

The Upper West Side attracts many intellectuals and art enthusiasts because of its several cultural institutions. For instance, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the top museums in NYC, housing over 34 million artifacts. You can also explore the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the American Folk Art Museum.

If interested in the performing arts, you have many options like shows at the Lincoln Center for thePerforming Arts, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, or the Beacon Theatre.

That said, the Upper West Side is one of the best areas in Manhattan to stroll through and sightsee. To the north is the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, while Riverside Park runs along the western side of the neighborhood. Further south, you can visit the John Lennon Memorial, Strawberry Fields, in Central Park, as well as the Sheep Meadow and the Central Park Carousel.

• Recommended lodging: Hotel Beacon is one of the finest hotels in the city, with elegant rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a convenient location. If you are traveling on a tight budget, then I suggest the West Side YMCA. It’s one of the most affordable places to stay in Manhattan.

9. Upper East Side, one of the richest neighborhoods in Manhattan

Traversing through Central Park will lead you to the Upper East Side, a distinctive region of Manhattan with its own attractions and landmarks. This affluent neighborhood is renowned for its lavish shops and refined restaurants, so it’s the perfect locale if you wish to feel like a New Yorker for a day.

The Upper East Side also proves an excellent Manhattan locale for art aficionados. The section of Fifth Avenue extending from 82^nd to 110^th Street has been nicknamed “Museum Mile” owing to its assemblage of galleries and cultural institutions. Visiting them comprises one of the top activities to engage in on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

This region houses some of the most esteemed museums in the country, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and The Frick Collection. Some other notable museums in this area encompass El Museo del Barrio,The Jewish Museum, and the Museum for African Art.

We toured the Zion National Park in a single day and it was undoubtedly not enough. For myself, the ideal would have been to spend 3 days in Zion National Park, but since we only traveled 10 days to the West Coast, we could not spend more time in Zion.

• Suggested accommodation: The Pierre located along Fifth Avenue nearby Central Park offers nice views, a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and white glove service from its prime locale. It`s among NYC`s most lavish hotels.

10. Harlem, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Manhattan

North of Central Park is Harlem, one of the most distinct neighborhoods in Manhattan. Harlem stretches fairly extensively, from 110^th Street to 155^th Street, bounded by the Harlem River to the east and the Hudson River to the west.

This Upper Manhattan neighborhood stands apart for its rich African American legacy. During the Great Migration of the 1920s, substantial numbers of Black individuals moved north and settled in this area. This sparked the Harlem Renaissance, an artistic and cultural movement placing Black literature, music, and art at the forefront.

To this day, Harlem acts as a hub for jazz, soul food, and theater. One cannot miss the Apollo Theater, which opened in 1913 and featured performers such as Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin. I also recommend visiting Bill’s Place, a jazz club where live music connoisseurs can listen to the finest live music in town. It`s also a speakeasy, though patrons must bring their own bottle.

The night entertainment venues and clubs scattered across Harlem provide plenty of fun, however for a hearty meal, you may want to check out Sylvia’s Restaurant, known since 1962 as the “Queen of Soul Food”. It presents a perfect spot to dine after experiencing a customary Sunday gospel service.

For background information, you could visit locations like the important National Jazz Museum, the Langston Hughes House that honors the writer, or the cultural Studio Museum in Harlem. The kid-friendly Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling and the street art ode Graffiti Hall of Fame in East Harlem are also worthwhile.

• Suggested lodging: Aloft Harlem is an intimate and reasonably priced accommodation near the Apollo Theater.

11. Financial District, another one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan

The Financial District is situated at the southern tip of Manhattan, and it’s well worth venturing down to this area. Of course, this Manhattan district is renowned for its financial institutions, but it’s also home to historic structures, public art, and a lovely waterside park.

First, you must check out Bowling Green, the oldest park in NYC and the original Dutch settlement of the 17^th-century New Amsterdam. Several important landmarks surround the park, such as the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, the International Mercantile Marine Company Building, and the Charging Bull statue.

Traversing the paths of Wall Street is a mandatory activity in the Financial District, and here you’ll view other sights such as the notable New York Stock Exchange, the symbol of female empowerment Fearless Girl statue, historic Federal Hall, and landmark Trinity Church. All these locations can be seen during this insightful Wall Street tour, one of the enlightening walking expeditions in NYC.

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• Recommended accommodation: The Artezen Hotel is centrally located in the Financial District and has an outdoor terrace, a gym, and very helpful staff.

12. Greenwich Village, another Manhattan neighborhood with great food

Greenwich Village is one of the most popular parts of Manhattan, and is a place you must include in your itinerary. It covers the region from the Hudson River to Broadway between the 14^th and Houston Streets, and it’s one of the most iconic locations in NYC.

Back in the 1960s, Greenwich Village was a hub for counterculture communities like hippies and beat poets. Today, the neighborhood still embraces the arts greatly and is full of unusual shops, off-Broadway theaters, and cultural institutes. I recommend visiting the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Comedy Cellar, and Fat Cat Jazz.

Additionally, you may recognize this cool Manhattan neighborhood from television programs. Greenwich Village is home to the apartment from Friends as well as Carrie Bradshaw’s famous stoop from Sex and the City.

Two noteworthy attractions that should not be missed are Stonewall Inn and Washington Square Park. The former was the site of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, while the latter is one of the finest parks in the city. These landmarks and various other attractions can be seen on this Greenwich Village guided tour, considered one of the top excursions in NYC.

Ultimately, Greenwich Village is renowned for its delicious bakeries and cafes, so if you adore sweets, you’ll enjoy this small cupcakes walking tour.

• Suggested lodging: The The Marlton Hotel is located near Washington Square Park and provides restful guest rooms for a good night`s sleep.

13. East Village, a unique neighborhood in Manhattan

Renowned for its lively nightlife scene, the East Village is another Manhattan neighborhood I recommend exploring. It`s situated along the East River, between 14^th and Houston Streets, and serves as home to all kinds of bars, clubs, lounges, and live music venues. Some popular spots include Proletariat,Barcade,Please Don’t Tell, and The ReadyRooftop.

Not only is the area of East Village in Manhattan an excellent spot to grab refreshments, but it’s also an enjoyable location for those interested in paranormal activities. There are many haunted sites throughout this neighborhood, such as McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest bar in NYC. You can see all the creepy attractions on this East Village haunted expedition, one of the top ghost excursions in NYC.

Of course, the East Village is equally enjoyable during the daylight hours, thanks to its thrift establishments, boutiques, and eateries. Check out St. Mark’s Place for all kinds of shopping and dining options, or the iconic Strand BookStore, which was founded in 1927. The Ukrainian Museum and the Museum of the American Gangster are also very interesting sites.

• Suggested lodging: The East Village Hotel is comfortably situated near the most popular attractions in this locale, and it offers fair pricing.

14. Flatiron District, a Manhattan neighborhood with great architecture

The Flatiron District is a more modest Manhattan subregion situated in Midtown, but it merits recognition due to its striking architecture. Undoubtedly, the Flatiron Building represents one of the most renowned New York structures, but that is merely the initiation.

The distinguishing tower draws eyes due to its narrow width reaching only 25 degrees at its narrowest point. While exploring the area, I suggest seeing the New York Life Insurance Building, a neo-Gothic structure crowned with a gilded pyramid. Also worth visiting is the New York State Appellate DivisionCourthouse, an impressive Beaux-Arts design highlighted by Corinthian columns and statues.

The iconic Fifth Avenue also passes through the Flatiron District, so take some time to explore attractions like Madison Square Park, the Museum of Sex, or the National Museum of Mathematics. The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons is another intriguing attraction and serves as the most important lodge for Freemasons in the country, dating back to 1782.

• Recommended lodging: The New York EDITION is a 5-star hotel in the Metropolitan Life Clock Tower, and it’s right next to Madison Square Park.

15. Garment District, the most fashionable neighborhood in Manhattan

Spanning 34th Street to 42nd Street between 6th and 9th Avenues, the Garment District, also called the Fashion District, is a stylish Manhattan neighborhood. If you enjoy fashion or simply want to learn about New York`s trendsetters, this place deserves a visit.

Here, there are showrooms and high-end brand stores like Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, MAC Cosmetics, Levi’s, and Macy’s flagship location at Herald Square. You can also shop at Mood Fabrics, the fabric store that gained fame after appearing on the TV showProject Runway.

I also suggest taking a stroll along the notable alleyway of fashion icons on 7th Avenue, from 35th Street to 41st Street. This path is decorated with commemorative plaques honoring monumental designers like Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, and Bill Blass. You’ll also see two intriguing sculptures, The Garment Worker, and Needle Threading a Button.

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• Suggested accommodations: Stay at the Arlo Midtown, a 4-star hotel providing free bicycle rentals, a gym, a bar, and nicely furnished rooms with balconies.

Manhattan neighborhoods map

I hope you found the learning about some of Manhattan`s most popular neighborhoods enlightening. I want to share this map of Manhattan with all the neighborhoods I mentioned. It`s also worth examining our other NYC tourist maps to see where all the attractions and public transportation routes are located.

With that, I want you an incredible excursion to the Big Apple, and I`d appreciate the opportunity to hear from you on the off chance that you have any inquiries or encounters to offer. Have a great time!