What are the 5 boroughs of New York?
New York is divided into 5 major boroughs. These large districts are comparable to arrondissements. Here's the list.
In New York, you’ll encounter the term “borough” (pronounced “boro”). A borough is similar to a large neighborhood or district. New York has 5 boroughs:
1/ Manhattan
- Manhattan is New York’s most famous borough. Most of the city’s major landmarks and attractions are located here. Manhattan is home to the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building, Wall Street, and Times Square. You’ll also find well-known neighborhoods like Little Italy and Harlem.
- You’ll naturally spend most of your time in Manhattan. To make the most of it, consider staying at a hotel here. You’ll be in the heart of the action. See our guide to hotels in New York.
- Despite its prominence, Manhattan is not the most densely populated borough. The latest census recorded about 1.6 million residents.
2/ Brooklyn
- Brooklyn rivals Manhattan in popularity. Every visitor to New York should cross the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. This borough feels less touristy than Manhattan, giving you a chance to explore beyond the usual tourist routes.
- Don’t miss Bushwick, a hub for street art. If you have time, visit Williamsburg as well. You can see the highlights of Brooklyn in half a day by exploring these neighborhoods on your own.
- Brooklyn extends to the Atlantic Ocean, so head to the waterfront. Visit Coney Island to enjoy the boardwalk. In summer, you can even swim.
- Brooklyn is New York’s most populous borough, with over 2.5 million residents.
3/ Queens
- Queens is less famous than Manhattan and Brooklyn, but it shows you a different side of New York. A visit to Queens Chinatown is highly recommended.
- Queens rivals Brooklyn in population, with nearly 2.3 million residents according to the latest census.
4/ The Bronx
- North of Manhattan, the Bronx is often overlooked by tourists. That’s a shame, because this borough of 1.4 million residents offers genuine authenticity. Visit Little Italy in the Bronx, a traditional Italian neighborhood.
- You’ll also find yourself in the Bronx if you want to catch a New York Yankees baseball game. Yankee Stadium is located in this borough.
5/ Staten Island
- Staten Island is New York’s fifth and final borough. Unlike the others, Staten Island is an island at the edge of New York Harbor. With fewer than 500,000 residents, it offers a peaceful atmosphere.
- Staten Island is absolutely worth a visit for its views of New York. Take the Staten Island Ferry, which runs between Manhattan and northern Staten Island. Ride it as much as you like—the ferry is free.
