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Last updated: 25 June, 2023

Waves of immigration and economic growth, particularly after the mid-19th century, saw different ethnic groups sticking together and industries forming discrete clusters, packed into the tiny island of Manhattan.

The result was a vivid jigsaw of villages or ‘neighbourhoods’, densely packed together but contrasting sharply within short distances. Some remain original, others have evolved, but all retain fascinating architectural and cultural distinctions.

East Village

New York, United States of America (USA)

East Village

New York’s most vibrant neighbourhood, packed with small, cool bars and independent restaurants offering food from around the world. Vintage and consignment fashion boutiques are dotted between stores selling records, punk accessories and quirky knickknacks. Take the subway to Union Square or 2nd Avenue.

Best for ages 18+

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Meatpacking District

New York, United States of America (USA)

Meatpacking District

A former cluster of meat processing factories that’s evolved into the hottest, swankiest neighbourhood in town. Untypically spacious, with cobbled streets and authentic heritage buildings, it’s home to super-fashionable nightlife and shopping – with all the top designers having stores here – and trendy boutique hotels. A magnet for the uber-cool, sexy and stylish. Most of the action centres around the Standard Hotel. Start there.

Best for ages 18+

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Times Square

New York, United States of America (USA)

Times Square

A tourist trap hated by New Yorkers. See it once for the lights, especially with kids, or dart in to get discount theatre tickets, but otherwise avoid it. The streets are dark, dirty and jammed with honking taxis, bewildered package tourists and hawkers selling tat, all jostling together. The 1, 2, 3, S, N, Q, and R subway lines all stop at Times Square.

Best for ages 18+

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Soho

New York, United States of America (USA)

Soho

One of New York’s prettiest neighbourhoods that charms with its cobbled streets and industrial buildings characterised by lattices of external fire escapes and decorative iron cladding. Now home to designer-label stores from Prada to Patagonia, and restaurants and boutique hotels frequented by celebrities. Take the subway to Spring Street (C, E), Prince Street (N, R) or Broadway Lafayette (B, D, F, M).

Best for ages 18+

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West Village

New York, United States of America (USA)

West Village

A charm-heavy old neighbourhood of winding streets and brownstone town houses. It shelters with a mix of fancy and old-school shops, upscale boutiques and some terrific cutesy eateries, that are a delight to stumble on. Take the subway to 14th Street and walk south.

Best for ages 18+

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York

New York City

SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York
Embark on a walking tour with ExperienceFirst and delve into the most captivating neighborhoods of New York City in one day. Explore the Cast Iron Historic District in SoHo, admiring 19th-century architecture. In Little Italy, uncover the stories of notorious mobster John Gotti at significant mob sites. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of immigration and gang activity in NYC. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll efficiently navigate the city, making the most of your time. The noon start time leaves both the morning and evening open for other plans.

Price: $39

Min age: 4

Rating 4.85 / 5 [1512 ratings]

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High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

New York City

High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour
Explore the High Line, a cherished repurposed railway in Manhattan's west side, and its surrounding neighborhood, Chelsea, with ExperienceFirst's guided tour. Led by local guides, this top-rated experience offers a unique perspective on the area's architecture and art. Delve into the secrets and lesser-known facts of the High Line, gaining insights that even locals might miss. Wander through Chelsea and discover the character of the Meatpacking District. The early morning start lets you make the most of your day.

Price: $39

Min age: 4

Rating 4.93 / 5 [652 ratings]

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Artistic, Alternative Greenwich Village Walking Tour

New York City

Artistic, Alternative Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Experience Greenwich Village's artistic legacy with ExperienceFirst on this top-rated walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, delve into the captivating history of this creative enclave that has been home to artists like Edgar Allan Poe, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. Uncover hidden gems and lesser-known stories that you wouldn't discover on your own. Wander through the winding streets, visit historic Washington Square Park, and immerse yourself in over 200 years of Greenwich Village's rich cultural history. This intriguing and enjoyable tour also explores the neighborhood's role in the birth of the gay rights movement and takes you to famous TV locations, such as the Friends apartment building.

Price: $39

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [520 ratings]

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3 New York Neighborhoods Semi-Private Tour : SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy

New York City

3 New York Neighborhoods Semi-Private Tour : SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy
Embark on a small-group, 2-hour walking tour of three unique Manhattan neighborhoods: SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy. Get to know these distinct NYC communities, each with its own culture and history. Meander through upscale SoHo, hailed for its architecture, art, and high-end shopping; explore Chinatown, home to traditional foods and some of the city’s best bargains; and then spend time perusing Little Italy, famous for its cuisine, festive atmosphere, and European heritage.

Price: $47

Min age: 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [140 ratings]

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Semi-Private Greenwich Village Walking Tour

New York City

Semi-Private Greenwich Village Walking Tour
Experience the bohemian culture of Greenwich Village, one of New York City’s most beautiful and famous neighborhoods, on this 2-hour, small-group walking tour. Visit the spots artists, writers, and radicals called home. Along the way, learn how 'the Village' became a birthplace of the '60s counterculture movement in New York City. Walk the winding streets and visit popular Washington Square Park, reliving more than 200 years of history. This tour is limited to a small amount of parties that are able to book per. Say goodbye to large crowds and not being able to connect with your guide. VIP experience at its best!

Price: $47

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [62 ratings]

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Semi-Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and High Line Walking Tour

New York City

Semi-Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and High Line Walking Tour
Escape from the hustle of Times Square on this guided, 2-hour, small-group walking tour around New York City. Visit the scenic, aerial greenway of the popular High Line, plus the trendy Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan. Soak up the atmosphere and learn about the history and culture of this area of the Big Apple — one of the most drastically changed areas in New York City today. This tour is limited to a small amount of parties that are able to book per. Say goodbye to large crowds and not being able to connect with your guide. VIP experience at its best!

Price: $47

Min age: 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [68 ratings]

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New York City: Brooklyn Bridge & Waterfront Bike Tour (2 Hours)

New York City

New York City: Brooklyn Bridge & Waterfront Bike Tour (2 Hours)
The Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour lets you safely explore the best of Manhattan by bike. Pedal on the new Hudson riverside bike trail, past famous landmarks and over the Brooklyn Bridge - once the largest suspension bridge in the world.

Price: $49

Min age: 7

Rating 4.64 / 5 [168 ratings]

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Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island

New York City

Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island
Hear the stories of the people that have lived there and the histories that made these spots as special as they are. This panoramic tour takes you to a number of iconic landmarks you’ll recognize from film history’s most memorable movies.That’s out on Coney Island. Beyond getting photos that you’ll treasure for years, this is a chance to take a walk off the beaten path and experience the New York that real New Yorkers know. For a tour that takes you behind-the-scenes of some of the most interesting boroughs in New York, book your NYC Boroughs tour today and enjoy with our guided bus tour!

Price: $55

Min age: 0

Rating 4.43 / 5 [1278 ratings]

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NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Contrasts, Color and Character

New York City

NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Contrasts, Color and Character
ExperienceFirst presents a bus tour that spans four of New York City’s boroughs. With a local guide, learn about Harlem’s African-American history at the Apollo Theater. In the Bronx and Brooklyn, witness vibrant graffiti murals and colorful street art. Immerse yourself in downtown Flushing’s Chinatown and explore the culture of Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish community. This tour provides a comprehensive look at the city’s diverse boroughs, suitable for both first-time and returning visitors. Enjoy waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, departing conveniently from Midtown Manhattan.

Price: $79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [1040 ratings]

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Private Tour of Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy

New York City

Private Tour of Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy
Come explore three unique neighborhoods with rich history and see some of the sites these places have to offer. Soho: Known for its architecture, art, and shopping. Chinatown: A bustling neighborhood with traditional cuisine and some of the best bargains in Manhattan. Little Italy: Famous for its food, festive atmosphere, and heritage. Who knows? You may find your new favorite neighborhood.

Price: $85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.6 / 5 [15 ratings]

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Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and The Highline Walking Tour

New York City

Private Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market, and The Highline Walking Tour
Visit one of the most drastically changed areas in New York City today. From an industrial district that fed millions to the pinnacle of the New York art, leisure, foodie and fashion scene, visit one of the most fascinating ever changing historic areas of New York City.

Price: $85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour

New York City

Greenwich Village Walking and Food Tasting Tour
Come explore the coolest neighborhood in NYC.  We make our way through iconic Washington Square Park and its famous arch. Learn about how the park, which movies like 'I Am Legend,' 'Searching For Bobby Fischer' and 'August Rush' were filmed at, and eat our way through town. Learn something, eat something, love everything!

Price: $95

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [1152 ratings]

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The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour

New York City

The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour
The new culinary center of the Big Apple, where food and dining trends are dispersed to the rest of the country, is Brooklyn. And with this half-day tour, you can take a big bite out of it. From old ethnic enclaves to the latest hipster 'hoods, Brooklyn's dining scene is both diverse and cutting edge. Munch pierogies in Polish-dominated Greenpoint and hip farm-to-table fare in Williamsburg. This guided eating tour of New York's coolest and tastiest borough is ideal for foodies and the people who love them.

Price: $149

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [734 ratings]

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Private Guided Walking Tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

New York City

Private Guided Walking Tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO
Explore the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge on this guided, 2.5-hour walking tour from Manhattan to the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. Known as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest in the United States, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River. Learn about it’s history, dating back to 1869, from a local guide. Enjoy a leisurely stroll into DUMBO , known for its high-end boutiques, delicious desserts, pizza shops, art galleries, and scenic waterfront views. This tour is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Time of the tour can depend on conditions on the bridge and quickly the group moves.

Price: $185

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [22 ratings]

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

New York City

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.