Best Neighborhoods to Visit in NYC: 4 Local Favorites in Manhattan & Brooklyn

Everyone goes to NYC to see Times Square, Chinatown, Midtown, and even out to the Statue of Liberty, but few venture out past the hotspots. Since living in Manhattan, I made it my mission to explore as many areas as possible, and I think this list makes up some (not all) of the best neighborhoods to visit in NYC.

I love a good neighborhood wander, don’t you? I don’t have to buy anything, just give me a good peruse, window shop, and people-watch spot.

An explore also shows you how different the vibes are in the city, from neighborhood to neighborhood. The Upper West Side feels different than The West Village, which feels different than Chinatown, and yet, they are all on the same island. 

So, if you’re looking for a taste of New York City outside of the go-to tourist spots, give these neighborhoods a try. 

Why These Are the Best Neighborhoods to Visit in NYC

The four neighborhoods below are some of my favorites in the city. One of which I’ve called home.

You’ll get a feel for a more residential pace with good eats and lots of parks in the Upper West Side. Explore a cute Brooklyn neighborhood filled with local shops in Cobble Hill. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO to Manhattan. Shop all the artsy vibes and thrift shops before grabbing a stunning sunset at Domino Park in Williamsburg.

I mean, yesssss!

Upper West Side (Manhattan)

My beloved neighborhood. If you’re looking for all the best in eats, parks, drinks, shops, and more, check out my recommendations. I lived here for four years, so I’m a little biased when I say that the Upper West Side is the best neighborhood in Manhattan, possibly all of NYC.

As a forever homebody, I love the blend of cozy family vibes with a solid foodie scene, parks, and proximity to water (aka the Hudson River). 

Best Things to Do on the Upper West Side

Looking for the perfect place for a run (Riverside Park) before heading to an old school diner for a quick bite to eat or some homemade ice cream (Old John’s Diner)? Maybe you love a cute artsy shop filled with designs and knick-knacks (Runaway Poppy) or a rainy day used book store (Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc)?

This is why the Upper West Side is one of the best neighborhoods to visit in NYC. Not to mention its access to Central Park and all of the museums, both on the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side.

Cobble Hill (Brooklyn)

Honestly, if I were to leave the Upper West Side, I’d probably live in Cobble Hill (or Brooklyn Heights). It’s just cute, man.

Why Cobble Hill Is One of the Most Charming NYC Neighborhoods

There are so many local shops to wander about, florists, bakeries, and Italian grocers, but my absolute favorite, do-not-miss-out-on is the Brooklyn Farmacy. I just love a nostalgic diner feel.

Plus, the fact that it’s an all-sweet menu? Sign me up! 

I’ve explored this neighborhood in the rain and shine, and it never disappoints.

DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)

Why Combine DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights?

Well, for starters, they’re right next to each other. If you’re already in say, Cobble Hill, get your steps in by heading to Brooklyn Heights next, before venturing down to DUMBO.

If you’re coming in from Manhattan, you can take the 2 line on the subway, right into Brooklyn Heights to kick off your tour.

Best Things to Do in Brooklyn Heights

First and foremost, I just love some of the street names in Brooklyn Heights. Pineapple? Orange? Cranberry? Speaking of Pineapple, one of my favorite little coffee shops is right off it called Vineapple. 

Overall, it’s a really charming little neighborhood perfectly situated between DUMBO, Cobble Hill, and Downtown Brooklyn. Great for an afternoon peruse or a day you want to hit the pavement hard.

Best Things to Do in DUMBO

Once you get to DUMBO, there is so much to do. You can walk over to the carousel for a cool picture of the city alongside the lacquered horses (maybe even take a spin?). Head to the Time Out market for loads of food stalls and different shops (bonus points, there are public restrooms here if you need them).

Grab a pizza, sit near the waterfront, and enjoy the day.

Why DUMBO is One of the Best Neighborhoods in NYC for Photographers

If you’re looking for a great “NYC” shot, head over to Washington St and Water St for that classic shot with the Manhattan Bridge as your backdrop.

Instead of grabbing the subway out of DUMBO, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. Personally, I prefer the views of the city walking towards Manhattan, over the Brooklyn Bridge, versus away.

Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

How do you get to Williamsburg?

It’s that hip and cool place… or that’s what the cool kids say. While I do enjoy a wander around Williamsburg, it’s a bit of a pain to get to from the city.

The main subway connection is only one line, the L, which can make it less convenient to get to and from. That being said, for a cool viewpoint of the city, take the NYC ferry from the Upper East Side of Manhattan to one of the two Williamsburg stops.

Best Things to Do in Williamsburg

There are tons of cool shops, thrift stores (I love 10ft Single), restaurants, and just places to peruse, which is why Williamsburg is one of the best neighborhoods to visit in NYC.

If sitting on a park bench is more of your vibe, head over to Domino Park, where you can do a lot of people-watching and catch a fantastic sunset. Also, stop by Bon Bon and grab a bag of Swedish candy. The chocolate-covered coconut clusters might have trumped the sour candy (which is a rare feat, let me tell you).