There’s no shortage of New York City travel guides, and we were torn on how to approach our own, if we should approach it at all. The city we call home is a massive, snarling-yet-lovable beast. How could we even begin to parse all the incredible choices we have at our disposal?

For now, we decided to get personal, parsing the specific areas we know best: our own neighborhoods. They also happen to be some of the best neighborhoods in New York, not that we’re biased.

Prospect Heights by Ally Betker, Editorial Director

“If there was a competition for the Perfect New York Neighborhood, I think Prospect Heights would give everyone else a run for their money. There are brownstones, there are bars, there are world-class restaurants. There’s Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Public Library, The Brooklyn Museum! I mean, c’mon!” 

Crown Heights by Emma Glassman-Hughes, Print Editor

“Amidst all the babies in strollers, dogs on leashes, and landmarked brownstones with drool-worthy stoops is a neighborhood with a lot of heart that often gets passed over in favor of nearby Park Slope or Bed-Stuy.” 

Upper East Side by Annie Werner, Digital Editor

“Most tourists filter in and out of Museum Mile and never see much else of the neighborhood, but there’s plenty of unexpected and delightful UES finds—from wurst sausage stands to divey piano bars—if you want to make the most of this iconic New York City neighborhood.”  

Bushwick by Tiana Attride, Editorial Assistant

“As a former shopaholic (who admittedly relapses from time to time), Bushwick’s vintage shopping scene is a dream come true.”

Carroll Gardens by Chloe Scheffe, Editorial Designer

“Carroll Gardens is the neighborhood grown ups in New York aspire to. With its quiet tree-lined streets and effortless brownstones, it’s one of the most idyllic ‘hoods in Brooklyn. But beyond its picturesque qualities, there’s a trove of culture and dining to explore here.”