Last updated on February 10, 2022
Though New York City isn’t one of the largest cities in the U.S. by land area, it is the largest city in the U.S. by population. More than 20 million people call New York home, and they are spread across its five boroughs. Here’s what to do and see in each.
Over five million people live in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens combined, over three million people live in Manhattan and the Bronx, and around half a million people live in Staten Island.
When people visit New York, they tend to spend the most time in the borough of Manhattan, because that’s where all of the most popular attractions and famous landmarks are. For example, Madison Square Garden, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Central Park, Broadway, and Times Square are all located in Manhattan. So does this mean that there’s nothing worth visiting in the other four boroughs? Not at all!
The Bronx
Visit The Bronx Zoo
One of the most famous attractions in this borough is the Bronx Zoo. This zoo is one of the most (if not the most) diverse zoos in the entire world, with over 4,000 animals.
New York Botanical Garden
While the Bronx zoo has an amazing collection of fauna, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx has an amazing collection of flora. It is also an international center for research, and a leader in horticulture and gardening education.
Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Bridge
One of the most resilient bridges to ever be built, the Brooklyn Bridge connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. It was the first-ever steel-wire bridge and the longest suspension bridge at the time of its construction in the late 19th Century.
Coney Island
Coney Island contains an amusement park and beach in the NYC borough of Brooklyn. Luna Park is home to the world-famous roller coaster, The Cyclone. There are also several other beaches and the infamous Boardwalk that is over two miles long.
Queens
JFK International
If you’re flying into New York City, chances are you’ll be flying into the John F. Kennedy International Airport if you’re coming from outside of the U.S., or the LaGuardia Airport if you’re flying within the U.S. The JFK International Airport is probably one of the most famous airports in the world, with many hotels and car rental services nearby.
Queens Museum of Art
Now known as the Queens Museum, this museum and educational center showcases a large model of all five NYC boroughs. This and thousands of other pieces are considered permanent exhibits.
Staten Island
Staten Island is one of the lesser-known boroughs, but it has a lot to offer, such as state parks. The Blue Heron Park in Staten Island is more of a wetland, covered with streams and Swamps. High Rock Park is also mostly wetlands, but there are also trails for visitors to walk and see a variety of plant and animal life.
All five boroughs are extremely diverse and have something unique to offer the non-New Yorker. Even though Manhattan may have the most popular attractions, the other four boroughs should not be neglected when visiting The Big Apple. New York City itself is a very diverse city, so there are many places, attractions, and activities to explore when you visit.
Conclusion
New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world. With that being said, keep in mind that it may not be easy to visit every attraction you want to see, even if they’re all within the same borough.
It’s very understandable that you’ll want to see as many famous landmarks and attractions as possible, but each place itself may offer several things to see and activities to do. A trip to New York City is best experienced not once, but as many times as you’re able to go.
