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Next year is going to be a huge year for events in New York, with the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to town, plus the usual Broadway show line-up, cultural happenings at MoMA and the Guggenheim, and a host of live music and performances. But you can’t just see a small piece of New York – you have to get the whole picture.
Each borough in New York City has its own unique character. You can’t get a true sense of the diversity, culture, and history of the city without taking a trek to all five of its famous boroughs.
Manhattan
Ever wondered what drove New York’s obsession with soaring city buildings and how it became an urban jungle? Visit The Skyscraper Museum in Battery Park City and learn about the historical forces and big personalities that made NYC one of the world’s first vertical cities.
Most visitors know the importance that Central Park holds for many New Yorkers – as a place to detox and get back to nature. Explore an intimate section of The Mall, home to the Literary Walk, where you can wander past statues of famous writers and poets like Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and William Shakespeare.
Hike across New York’s oldest standing bridge, the High Bridge, from Manhattan to The Bronx. The bridge has been turned into a greenway with pedestrian and bike access, and you can also learn about the history of this major landmark.
The Bronx
Once over in The Bronx, head to the beautiful New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG), where you can experience some wild habitats in the city. Making its home in the greenest of NYC’s boroughs for over 130 years, the NYBG spans 250 acres of immersive botanical experiences as well as special arts and music performances, including a complete garden-wide takeover by artist KAWS set for 2026.
A vibrant, family-friendly community hub, Arthur Avenue is known as the “Real Little Italy.” Visit the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, eat at classic Italian joints like Mario’s Restaurant, and soak in the incredible, authentic atmosphere.
Founded in 1863, the Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy is the resting place of musical greats like Duke Ellington and Miles Davis, Moby Dick author Herman Melville, and famous retailer J.C. Penney. Take a stroll through one of America’s most historic and unique cemeteries.
Queens
This musical borough is home to the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Here, in the jazz legend’s former home, you can explore where Armstrong lived and gain access to his incredible archives, historic photographs, and live performances honoring one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Socrates Sculpture Park was once an abandoned riverside landfill site but is now a thriving community arts hub. Across five waterfront acres, Socrates is now an outdoor museum with a wide range of permanent and pop-up exhibitions – a great way to see the new wave of New York artists.
Uncover Queens’ urban beauty at the Jackson Heights Historic District, which has preserved historic “garden homes” and is considered one of the most diverse areas in New York.
Brooklyn
Take the kids to explore the enduring allure of the New York Transit Museum. This unique mass transit system has been featured in many films and has a personality all its own. Kids can ride on vintage subway cars and learn what goes into keeping NYC moving.
The historic Riegelmann Boardwalk at Coney Island never fails to get a smile from visitors, transporting them back to historic summer fun while also offering modern amusements. Visit the New York Aquarium, the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink, or stroll along the sandy beaches.
For one of the most comprehensive museums, check out the Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights, featuring Egyptian antiquities and modern art.
Staten Island
The Staten Island Ferry running from St George to Manhattan is not only free, and it offers unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty. Make like the locals and avoid peak hours by taking an early evening ferry so you get to experience sunset on the water.
Located in the heart of Staten Island, the Greenbelt is over 3,000 acres of pristine parkland where New Yorkers can hike, cycle, and explore forests, wetlands, ponds, and streams. On the periphery of the park, visitors can also play golf at La Tourette or have a hit at a game of tennis.
Staten Island’s food scene has been exploding of late, celebrating its Italian-American roots while embracing the influx of new cultures and flavours. For a classic retro slice, head to Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, a place that has been serving thin-crust pizza since 1960.
Discover New York City
This feature was originally published in Issue 10 of Dream by Luxury Escapes. Photography: Julienne Schaer, Tagger Yancey IV, Jen Davis / NYC Tourism + Conventions.
