Guide to Manhattan Neighborhoods Part 3
If you’re thinking of moving to Manhattan, or simply taking a vacation to Manhattan, you need a guide to Manhattan’s many multifaceted neighborhoods. New York City, and especially Manhattan, comprises many tiny neighborhoods stacked on top of one another, and each has its own unique identity, feel, energy, and personality. Let’s explore which you should place on your own NYC bucket list!
Midtown East
Midtown East is bustling with businessmen and women scurrying to and from work, as well as those who commute in and out of Manhattan, using the iconic Grand Central Terminal, or the NYC Ferry. You’ll find a delightful array of bars and restaurants to eat at, most catering towards those who work in the neighborhood. Take a moment to explore historic gems such as Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, and the New York World building. Also, stroll up and down Fifth Avenue. Midtown Fifth Avenue is known as the shopping epicenter of the world, and is also home to Rockefeller Center, and the grand St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Columbus Circle
Many locals might not call Columbus Circle a neighborhood, per se, but we at Welcome to Times Square believe it deserves its own shout out. This is where Central Park begins, marked by the regal USS Maine memorial. This is also where you’ll find Turnstyle, a unique underground market in the subway system, perfect for grabbing a bite on a cold day. The Shops at Columbus Circles offer fine shopping as well as seasonal entertainment. They also boast 2 of the 3 most expensive restaurants in NYC, Bar Masa and Per Se. The centerpiece of Columbus Circle is a giant statue of Christopher Columbus, placed there in 1892 to celebrate Italian contributions to American culture. Perhaps through the lens of 2025 Italians would have chosen a different hero, but nonetheless it remains an iconic part of New York City.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is known for being the glittering homes of Gilded Age millionaires and billionaires. It’s where “old money” goes to see and be seen. If you’ve watched Gossip Girl, you know the scene. Don’t let the Upper East Side intimidate you. It’s home to several beautiful churches and synagogues, a performing arts center known as the Park Avenue Armory, and some of the most chic shopping in the the entire city. If you search hard enough, you may even find some affordable places to dine!
Upper West Side
The legend has it that JP Morgan and his friends did not want to welcome new money into their society. The New Money said, “That’s o.k., we’ll make our own neighborhood,” and thus, the Upper West was born. To this day, the Upper West Side is where you’ll find the homes of celebrities and music stars. It all started with a building known as The Dakota. The Dakota was home to John Lennon, and also the location where he was fatally shot. The Dakota was the first luxury apartment building on the Upper West Side, and to this day, is home to many of New York’s rich and famous. The Upper West Side also has a very family-friendly feel. There are family-friendly restaurants such as Alice’s Teacup and Serendipity, amongst the more upscale dining options. If you’re seeking high culture, check out Lincoln Center. On any given night you can enter Lincoln Center and see a Broadway play, an opera, a ballet, hear a symphony, and more. During the summer they always have fun, free, outdoor events, from silent disco, to reggae performances.
Every New York City neighborhood has tons of photo opportunities. Take a stunning photo from your favorite neighborhood, and share it with the world on the Welcome to Times Square billboard. How much does a Times Square Billboard cost? $150 a day with Welcome to Times Square. Businesses can advertise on a Times Square billboard for as low as $250 a day with Welcome to Times Square. Let us make you a star!