New York City: The Five Boroughs

Statue of Liberty
The iconic Statue of Liberty rises proudly from Liberty Island against a backdrop of Manhattan’s skyline. The scene captures the early morning light drifting across a blue sky, reflecting off the glass towers, including the prominent One World Trade Center. From this perspective near Staten Island, the statue stands as both a historic symbol of freedom and a modern gateway to the bustling metropolis behind it. File photo: Igor Link, licensed.

Just west of Long Island lies New York City – one of the most iconic urban destinations in the world, home to over 8 million people and offering an unmatched blend of culture, history, food, and entertainment. Made up of five distinct boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island – the city offers something for every kind of visitor, from world-famous landmarks to hidden local gems.

Whether you’re walking through Central Park, watching a Yankees game in The Bronx, enjoying skyline views from Brooklyn Bridge Park, or exploring global cuisines in Queens, each borough brings its own personality and experiences to discover.

Five Boroughs
This map illustrates the five boroughs of New York City, each highlighted in a different color for clarity: Manhattan (peach) – Shown as a narrow island along the Hudson River, it is the central borough, home to the city’s core financial, cultural, and administrative districts. The Bronx (light purple) – Located to the north of Manhattan, separated by the Harlem River, and bordered by Westchester County. Queens (yellow) – The largest borough by area, situated on the western part of Long Island, and home to John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
Brooklyn (brown) – South of Queens, also on Long Island, with coastlines along the East River and the Atlantic Ocean. Staten Island (green) – Separated from the rest of the city by New York Harbor and the Upper Bay, connected by bridges to New Jersey and Brooklyn.

The Five Boroughs of NYC

  • Manhattan: The heart of the city and its most famous borough, Manhattan is where you’ll find Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway theaters, Central Park, Wall Street, and countless museums, restaurants, and upscale shops. It’s the epicenter of tourism, finance, and culture in New York State.
Empire State Building
A group of students lean against the observation deck railing at the Empire State Building as they take in panoramic views of the city below. The 86th-floor Main Deck, famous for its open-air design and 360-degree vistas, is one of the most visited observation points in the world. From here, visitors can see landmarks like the One World Trade Center, the Hudson River, and the bustling grid of Manhattan. For generations, the Empire State Building has been both an architectural marvel and a quintessential stop on any New York City experience. File photo: HannaTor, licensed.
  • Brooklyn: Known for its creative energy and diverse communities, Brooklyn offers everything from trendy neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO to the iconic Coney Island boardwalk. It’s also home to the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Coney Island, one of New York City’s most iconic seaside destinations. Behind the beach, the Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel and the historic Cyclone roller coaster highlight the amusement district that has drawn visitors for over a century. Known as both a residential neighborhood and a hub for leisure and entertainment, Coney Island offers a unique blend of classic boardwalk attractions, thrill rides, carnival games, and a festive seaside atmosphere.
Coney Island, one of New York City’s most iconic seaside destinations. Behind the beach, the Wonder Wheel Ferris wheel and the historic Cyclone roller coaster highlight the amusement district that has drawn visitors for over a century. Known as both a residential neighborhood and a hub for leisure and entertainment, Coney Island offers a unique blend of classic boardwalk attractions, thrill rides, carnival games, and a festive seaside atmosphere. File photo: Osugi, licensed.
  • Queens: As one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the world, Queens is a global food destination. It’s also home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Citi Field (home of the Mets), the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and two major airports: JFK and LaGuardia.
Citi Field, the state-of-the-art stadium that replaced Shea Stadium in 2009 as the home of the New York Mets. Located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, the ballpark is known for its fan-friendly design, expansive seating, and modern amenities. With a capacity of more than 41,000, Citi Field features wide concourses, interactive fan zones, and a massive high-definition scoreboard that enhances the game-day experience.
Citi Field, the state-of-the-art stadium that replaced Shea Stadium in 2009 as the home of the New York Mets. Located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, the ballpark is known for its fan-friendly design, expansive seating, and modern amenities. With a capacity of more than 41,000, Citi Field features wide concourses, interactive fan zones, and a massive high-definition scoreboard that enhances the game-day experience. File photo: Alan Tan Photography, licensed.
  • The Bronx: The birthplace of hip-hop and home to Yankee Stadium, The Bronx boasts the New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx Zoo, and a vibrant Latin culture. It offers a unique mix of urban grit and green space with historic architecture and strong community pride.
Yankee Stadium, one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States, located in the Bronx. With a seating capacity of over 46,000, it serves as the home field for the legendary New York Yankees, the most successful franchise in Major League Baseball history. Beyond baseball, Yankee Stadium also hosts concerts, soccer matches, and other major events, making it a year-round centerpiece for sports and entertainment in New York City.
Yankee Stadium, one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States, located in the Bronx. With a seating capacity of over 46,000, it serves as the home field for the legendary New York Yankees, the most successful franchise in Major League Baseball history. Beyond baseball, Yankee Stadium also hosts concerts, soccer matches, and other major events, making it a year-round centerpiece for sports and entertainment in New York City. File photo: Domingo Saez, licensed.
  • Staten Island: Often the most overlooked borough, Staten Island offers a quieter, suburban feel with beaches, parks, and nature preserves. Take the free Staten Island Ferry for stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan, or visit the Staten Island Greenbelt for hiking trails and outdoor recreation.
Cyclists make their way out of Brooklyn during the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, passing the borough’s famous Fuhgeddaboudit sign. The 47th annual event brought together 32,000 riders for a 40-mile journey through all five New York City boroughs on car-free streets.
Cyclists make their way out of Brooklyn during the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, passing the borough’s famous ‘Fuhgeddaboudit’ sign. The 47th annual event brought together 32,000 riders for a 40-mile journey through all five New York City boroughs on car-free streets. File photo: Howard Weiss, licensed.

Getting Around the City

New York City is connected by one of the largest public transit systems in the world, including subways, buses, ferries, and commuter trains. The MTA subway system makes it easy to travel between boroughs, and Yellow Cabs, Uber, and Lyft operate citywide. Ferries and bike lanes offer even more ways to explore the waterfronts and parks throughout NYC.

A New York City MTA bus stopped near Central Park. The bus features the system’s bold blue-and-yellow livery accented by the I ♥ NY logo, symbolizing the pride of the city’s transit network. A banner promoting a Broadway show and a nearby bus stop sign add to the urban setting. Reflections of Manhattan’s tall buildings gleam across the bus windows, reminding us that this service links neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
A New York City MTA bus stopped near Central Park. The bus features the system’s bold blue-and-yellow livery accented by the “I ♥ NY” logo, symbolizing the pride of the city’s transit network. A banner promoting a Broadway show and a nearby bus stop sign add to the urban setting. Reflections of Manhattan’s tall buildings gleam across the bus windows, reminding us that this service links neighborhoods across all five boroughs. File photo: Eudaimonic Traveler, licensed.

Things to Do in NYC

  • Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Explore world-class museums like The Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History
  • See a Broadway show in the Theater District
  • Walk the High Line or cross the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Shop along 5th Avenue or visit the open-air markets in Queens and Brooklyn
  • Experience nightlife in the East Village or rooftop views in Midtown
  • Attend sports games, concerts, parades, festivals, and cultural events year-round
New York City: The Five Boroughs
A breathtaking view of Manhattan’s iconic skyline showcases the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and surrounding skyscrapers, with the New York Harbor visible in the distance. This image captures the heart of New York City, one of five distinct boroughs that make up the vibrant and diverse landscape of NYC – each offering its own unique culture, attractions, and experiences. File photo: Marcio.Duarte, licensed.

Where to Stay

New York City offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury hotels in Midtown Manhattan to boutique stays in Brooklyn and Queens. Consider your plans when choosing a borough, those interested in museums and shows might prefer Manhattan, while food lovers may opt for Queens, and families might enjoy the more relaxed pace of Staten Island or outer Brooklyn.

The towering black steel gantries emblazoned with the bold “LONG ISLAND” lettering, a preserved relic of New York’s industrial era. Located at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens, these massive structures were originally built to transfer railcars onto barges for transport across the river. Today, they frame a redeveloped waterfront lined with modern high-rise residential towers and offer sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. File photo: Luciano Mortula – LGM, licensed.

Discover NYC

New York City isn’t just one destination – it’s five experiences in one. Whether you’re visiting from Long Island, arriving through one of the city’s airports, or planning a trip from out of state, the five boroughs offer endless ways to explore, enjoy, and be inspired.