10 New York City Neighborhoods That Make You Feel Like You're Traveling Around the World
About 29% of New York's population are immigrants. It is truly incredible how each area can represent different nationalities and seem to transport both visitors and locals to a completely new place in the blink of an eye. For those who want to travel without leaving the city, these 10 districts are definitely suitable:
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Bensonhurst (Italy)
Deep in Brooklyn is a neighborhood called Bensonhurst. In the 80s and 90s there was a large influx of Italian immigrants, which led to the emergence of "Little Italy" in Brooklyn. While travelers may not feel completely transported to Rome or Florence, they can see plenty of signs written in Italian, pork shops and Sicilian bakeries, and hear many locals speaking Italian.
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Ukrainian Village (Ukraine)
In Manhattan's East Village, a small section of the area is dedicated to "Little Ukraine," home to about a third of the 80000 Ukrainian Americans living in New York City. There are a lot of places where you can try traditional dishes such as borscht, dumplings, cabbage rolls and much more. There is a Ukrainian festival held annually, and there is also a Ukraine Museum located at 222 East 6th St.
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K-town (Korea)
Just a few blocks (mostly 32nd Street) in Manhattan is occupied by K-Town, a small area dedicated exclusively to all things Korean. Karaoke bars and restaurants are open until the early morning, and some are even open 24 hours. Despite its small size, K-Town provides an insight into Korean culture. With many restaurants to choose from, Woorjipmay be the best option.
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Brighton Beach (Russia)
Despite the influence of Eastern Europe in general, Brighton Beach is known to be a Russian area. The Russian language can be heard both on the streets and in most establishments. In fact, less than 25% of Brighton Beach residents were born in the United States, meaning English proficiency levels are significantly lower than the city average. The area is home to Brighton Ballet Theatre, the famous Russian ballet school, as well as places like Tatyana's and Varenichnaya's for classic dishes.
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Newark (Portugal)
The nearby Portuguese neighborhood of Newark, home to a major international airport and New York City hub, can convince even the most reluctant New Yorkers to cross state lines. While it still feels very New Jersey, everything else about the area is Portuguese: the food, the people, the language, even the banks.
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Washington Heights (Dominican Republic)
New York City has a large Dominican migrant population, and most of them can be found in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, better known as the "Little Dominican Republic." After the fall of the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic, many decided or were forced to flee, and New York became their home. The influence of the large Dominican population is felt everywhere, from delicious dishes to salons such as Miss Rizos.
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Le Petit Senegal In Harlem (Senegal)
For travelers in New York City looking to visit West Africa without the hassle of a long flight, W 116 St in Manhattan is a quick way to get there. Head to Africa Kine, a staple Senegalese restaurant in the heart of the area, and try the national dish, thiéboudienne. This dish consists of fish cooked in a spicy, vibrant tomato sauce, often accompanied by vegetables such as cassava and pumpkin, and is best served with jollof rice. The area gets its name from the large influx of Senegalese immigrants, and although Senegal's national language is French, which is widely heard in this part of Harlem, other West African languages such as Wolof are also spoken here.
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Flushing (Taiwan)
Although Flushing is a mixture of many Asian cultures such as Korean, Chinese and Indian, the representation of Taiwanese culture cannot be ignored. There are so many restaurants here it's hard to choose just one, and they're all truly top-notch. Not only is the food classic Taiwanese, but the lively street vendors on the street really echo the chaotic atmosphere of the streets. It's also a great place to get a top-notch manicure.
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Greenpoint (Poland)
Also known as "Little Poland", Greenpoint is a neighborhood in northern Brooklyn, just above the super-popular Williamsburg neighborhood. It does an excellent job of transporting visitors straight to the streets of Krakow or Warsaw. Although the area has become a bit more gentrified in recent years, the Polish influence remains strong. For traditional dishes, head to Karczma Restaurant, where waitresses wear traditional dresses and classical Polish music plays.
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Jackson Heights (India)
Just off the 7th Line in Queens is an area with some of the best food and atmosphere in all of New York City: Jackson Heights. The area is a mix of cultures, from Latin Americans to Filipinos, Tibetans and Nepalese, but there is a separate area dedicated solely to India. At Roosevelt Ave you are sure to find dishes so authentic that you will feel like you are in Delhi.
