If you want ethnic food outside of Manhattan then the borough of Queens is where you should go. I'd recommend specifically Astoria, Queens. It's diverse, safe, a relatively short train ride from Manhattan and has many Greek restaurants. http://www.astoria.org

Brooklyn is very trendy now. The areas closest to Manhattan are full of young hipsters, especially Williamsburg, but also Fort Greene and Brooklyn Heights. Those places are safe, but depending on where you stay, it can be just as busy as Manhattan on weekends. On the plus side, Williamsburg has an overabundance of cool shops, bars, restaurants, music venues and a beautiful view of lower Manhattan. http://www.timeout.com/ne...hood-guide

As for ethnic food, perhaps take a walk to nearby Greenpoint for everything Polish. http://www.newyork.com/ny...greenpoint/

Edit: added some more neighborhoods

[Edited 10/30/15 9:42am]

I agree with Sexton. I stay in Astoria and love it - its accessible and diverse. 15 minutes on the train to all the action.

lust said:

I'm thinking of heading over from New Zealand with my wife to NY for 8 nights in late May. Just to hang out. We'll probably get an Airbnb so we can get a better feel for it and not be always with tourists. What's a good vibrant neighbourhood to be looking for? Important to us. Easy to public transport A good range of restaurants and bars. Fairly central Diverse Safe. Lots of ethnic food. Not sure if Manhattan is the best place to be? Maybe Brooklyn? Any tips, greatly appreciated.

Have a safe journey