A landmark NYC destination, this nabe takes its name from the circular drive and towering Christopher Columbus monument at its center. The circle is filled with mainstream amenities: numerous subway trains, luxury hotels, luxe shopping and dining in the massive glass Time Warner Center, and one of the largest
New York's elite Upper West Side borders the west side of Central Park, and presents itself as a slightly more intellectual, casual alternative to the vibe across the park in the Upper East Side. Stunning performances at Lincoln Center and streets of brownstones dotted with newer luxury condos typify
Harlem, a vibrant Manhattan nabe just north of Central Park, is most famous for its artistic renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. Currently, the nabe's beautiful pre-war brownstones draw a great mix of residents. Harlem hosts iconic jazz clubs, theaters, and restaurants, as well as a born-and-raised group of
Morningside Heights is almost synonymous with Columbia University, though the savvy local will be quick to point out many other landmarks in the neighborhood, like Riverside Church. The behemoth of university life continues to expand (or encroach, depending on who you ask) into neighboring Harlem, making Morningside Heights a
South Street Seaport is centered around the historic area between Fulton Street and the East River. Here converted 19th century mercantile buildings and the floating Pier 17 are home to chain stores found in most American malls, along with Seaport restaurants and exhibition spaces. Visitors (read, “tourists) flock to
Manhattan's Civic Center, a nabe located between TriBeca and the Financial District, is just that: the center of city government. The watchful visitor might recognize a familiar backdrop from an NYC television crime drama. Primarily non residential, the Civic Center is home to City Hall and its park,
Tribeca, also known as the “Triangle Below Canal” is located southwest of SoHo and is one of the most highly-desired nabes in the city. Once an industrial nabe, Tribeca experienced a flux of artsy folk back in the 70s and has since transformed into a hip Manhattan hotspot with
Battery Park City is a planned neighborhood on the southern tip of Manhattan and to the west of the Financial District. Built over filled-in land, the area is known as a suburban oasis because of its expansive greenery, kid-friendly parks, and quieter vibe. The Esplanade, running 1.2 miles
Once renowned as a center for counterculture, Greenwich Village is now dominated by the urbane life of its residents and the ever-developing New York University. Expanding around Washington Square Park and its iconic arch, Greenwich Village provides the pleasant mix of a bustling college campus, historic preservation district, and
Stuyvesant Town is a massive housing development on the east side of Manhattan. Stuy Town, as locals call it, is visually a mix of imposing brick tower blocks and verdant open spaces, replete with amenities usually associated with swankier digs altogether symbolic of its changing place in a changing
The Bowery is sandwiched between the Lower East Side and Soho, and is known for its old-school industrial feel. The nabe is home to several downtown landmarks such as CBGBs and the Bowery Ballroom. Recent changes have brought in a few new, luxury buildings, the New Museum of Contemporary
In recent years, the Lower East Side has absorbed the creative, retail, and nightlife scenes of bordering downtown nabes like the East Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy. Lower East Side locals thrive in this unique nabe and foster a vibrant community filled with trendy restaurants and bars that compete
Just above the West Village and right below Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea is where downtown style and uptown affluence meet. Chelsea's warehouses near the Hudson River host hundreds of cutting-edge, world-renowned art galleries. To the east, Chelsea is more residential, with some of the most sought-after high rises, lofts, and
Sutton Place spans a few blocks on the border between Midtown and the Upper East Side. Perched on the East River, Sutton Place is known as a home to some of New York's most elite residents. The elegant, historic buildings, well-manicured public parks and private grounds of Sutton
The Theatre District, also known as Midtown West, is either the heart of New York or a tourist trap, depending on who you ask. Home to Times Square, the Theatre District is a year-round hot spot for visitors flocking to the area's flagship stores, big Broadway productions, and live
While Wall Street/Financial District used to be a nabe exclusively reserved for 9 to 5 businessmen, in recent years, this nabe has transformed into a desirable residential area for all sorts of New Yorkers as well. Bustling during the day and relatively quiet at night, this nabe is filled
Hell's Kitchen has long recovered from its reputation as a Manhattan slum to become a great residential nabe. Some folks in the area have tried to re-brand this nabe “Clinton,” but locals are holding on to the “Hell's Kitchen” name (it's so much cooler, eh?). The area's apartment blocks
This nabe centers around its namesake pedestrian plaza and park, Union Square. Every day, Union Square Park brings people together from all over the city. Artists set up their crafts and musicians perform next to the huge subway station. Down a few steps is the wonderful Union Square farmers
The Flatiron District was renamed in 1985 after the famously triangular Flatiron Building. The area includes Union Square–where skateboarders, political protesters, and big box stores present a bustling diorama of city life–and Madison Square, the hub of Manhattan's tech start-up scene. Both of these open public spaces provide
Chinatown is one of a handful of Manhattan nabes that retains the historic character for which it is famous. A great place to explore, Chinatown offers hole-in-the-wall restaurants, open air fish markets, and tiny shops. Most of the apartment buildings in Chinatown are tenement-style, and many are over 100
An iconic NYC nabe, Little Italy is composed a few bustling streets packed to the brim with colorful decorations, vendors toting their wares, and tons of authentic restaurants with a slightly kitschy vibe. Little Italy certainly is a little nabe–its borders have been shrinking lately, giving way to Chinatown
Nolita, short for “North of Little Italy,” is a small, downtown nabe that blends relatively seamlessly into neighboring SoHo and the Lower East Side. The nabe is most well known for its designer boutique shopping. While not as touristy and hectic as SoHo, Nolita is still a
Gramercy is a beautiful and quiet nabe centered around Gramercy Park, a well-kept gated square not open to the public. Gramercy's architecture consists of a mix of pre and post-war co-ops and brownstones. Gramercy is a quietly luxurious contrast to the hustle of nearby Flatiron and Midtownnabes. Its
This pocket nabe in the East Village gets its name from the single letter monikers of its avenues. Renowned for being a grittier bohemian enclave in the already super-bohemian East Village, Alphabet City was once home to thousands of struggling artists and musicians. Currently overflowing with trendy bars and