I’ve been to New York City more times than I can count, and each trip feels completely different depending on where I stay. One time I was in Midtown, walking to Times Square at night and catching Broadway shows just a few blocks from my hotel. Another visit had me tucked into Greenwich Village, sipping coffee near Washington Square Park and soaking up the bohemian vibe that still lingers in its brownstone streets. I’ve also stayed across the river in Williamsburg, where the views of the Manhattan skyline at sunset honestly rival anything I’ve seen in the city itself.
That’s the magic of NYC…it’s not just one city but dozens of distinct worlds stacked together. Whether you want the bright lights and non-stop energy of Broadway, the cool creative edge of Brooklyn, or the historic charm of the Upper West Side, there’s a neighborhood that fits your trip perfectly.
Where to Stay in New York City at a Glance
Planning a trip to NYC and not sure where to stay? Here’s a quick breakdown of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and coolest corners, organized by vibe and travel style. Pick your base and let the Big Apple do the rest!
- Best for First-Timers: Manhattan
- Coolest Local Energy: Brooklyn
- Top Multicultural Flavor: Queens
- Best Urban History Mix: The Bronx
- Most Relaxing Borough: Staten Island
- Richest Cultural Vibe: Harlem
- Top Hipster Hangout: Williamsburg
- Best Waterfront Views: DUMBO
- Most Elegant Downtown Stay: Tribeca
- Best for Chic Shopping: SoHo
- Most Central & Convenient: Midtown Manhattan
- Best Neighborhood Feel: Greenwich Village
Here’s how I’d do it: spend your first night in Midtown or Manhattan for easy access to all the big sights, wander the artsy streets of SoHo and Williamsburg, then unwind in Greenwich Village or DUMBO for that cozy, local vibe. NYC’s magic is in its neighborhoods…go explore!
1. Manhattan
Manhattan is basically where most first-timers think they need to stay, and honestly, they’re not wrong. I’ve stayed all over this borough and it’s definitely the most convenient if you want to hit all the major tourist spots without spending half your day on the subway. You’re talking about walking distance to Times Square, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and pretty much every museum you’ve heard of.
The hotel situation in 2025 is actually better than it’s been in years. You can find decent rooms starting around $250-300 per night if you book ahead, with some budget options like Pod Hotels offering smaller but smart rooms from around $140. I always tell people to avoid the super touristy spots right in Times Square unless you really want the full chaos experience – the hotels one or two blocks away are way quieter and often cheaper. Midtown East near Grand Central is my sweet spot for convenience without the madness.
What’s cool about staying in Manhattan is that you can walk to different neighborhoods and get completely different vibes. I spent a morning in the Upper West Side near Lincoln Center and it felt like a totally different city than when I was down in the Financial District the same afternoon. The subway connections are incredible too – you can get anywhere in the city from here in under 30 minutes.
2. Brooklyn
Brooklyn has seriously become the coolest place to stay in NYC, and I’m not just saying that because it’s trendy. The vibe here is way more relaxed than Manhattan, but you’re still just one subway stop away from everything. I stayed in Williamsburg last year and couldn’t believe how much I loved it – the views of Manhattan from the waterfront are actually better than what you get from Manhattan itself.
The hotel scene in Brooklyn has exploded. The William Vale in Williamsburg has this massive rooftop pool that’s open year-round now, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO literally has the best Instagram backdrop in the entire city. Prices are generally $50-100 less per night than comparable Manhattan hotels, so you’re looking at $200-350 for really nice places.
What I love most about Brooklyn is the food scene. Smorgasburg food market happens on weekends in DUMBO and it’s honestly better than any restaurant I’ve been to in Manhattan. The neighborhoods each have their own personality too – Park Slope feels like a small town, Williamsburg is hipster central, and Brooklyn Heights has these gorgeous brownstones that make you feel like you’re in a movie. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is perfect for morning runs, and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan never gets old.
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3. Queens
Queens is New York’s best-kept secret, and I’m probably going to regret telling you about it because it’s going to get more crowded. But seriously, if you want authentic NYC without the tourist markup, this is your spot. Astoria is where I always send people who want great food and real New York experiences.
The hotel options in Queens are way more affordable – you can get really nice places for $150-250 per night. Long Island City has some newer hotels with Manhattan skyline views that are honestly better than what you’d pay double for in Manhattan. The Paper Factory Hotel and several Marriott properties have opened up in the last couple years, and they’re all clean, modern, and about a 15-minute subway ride to Times Square.
What makes Queens special is the food diversity. I’ve had the best Greek food of my life in Astoria, amazing Korean BBQ in Flushing, and Colombian arepas in Jackson Heights that made me question why I ever eat anywhere else. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is huge and way less crowded than Central Park, plus you can catch a Mets game at Citi Field. The subway connections are solid – the 7 train gets you to Times Square in about 25 minutes from most parts of Queens.
4. The Bronx
The Bronx gets a bad rap, but staying here is actually pretty smart if you’re a baseball fan or want to save serious money while still being in the real NYC. I stayed near Yankee Stadium during the World Series last year and had an absolute blast – the energy in that neighborhood on game days is electric.
Hotel options are limited but way cheaper than anywhere else in the city. You’ve got a couple decent spots like Hotel 365 and Umbrella Hotel right near the stadium for under $200 per night. The Concourse Plaza Multiplex area has some budget chains that are clean and safe. If you’re willing to stay a bit further out, you can find some really good deals in the $100-150 range.
The Bronx Zoo is honestly one of the best zoos in the world, and New York Botanical Garden is gorgeous, especially in spring. Arthur Avenue is the real Little Italy (not the tourist trap in Manhattan), and the food there is incredible. I had the best cannoli of my life at Mike’s Deli. The 4, 5, and 6 trains get you to Manhattan in about 30-40 minutes, and the Yankee Stadium area is totally safe during the day and evening. Just don’t wander around aimlessly at night if you don’t know the area.
5. Staten Island
Staten Island is like NYC’s suburbs, and staying here only makes sense if you’re visiting family or really want to save money. The Staten Island Ferry ride gives you amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline for free, which is pretty cool, but that’s about a 45-minute journey each way.
Hotel options are super limited – you’re mainly looking at a few chain hotels near the ferry terminal or St. George. Prices are definitely the cheapest in the five boroughs, usually under $150 per night, but you’ll spend a lot of time commuting. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center is actually really nice if you’re into gardens and art, and there are some decent beaches on the island.
I stayed here once when everything else was booked during New Year’s Eve, and while it worked out fine, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a specific reason. The ferry stops running overnight, so you can get stuck if you stay out late in Manhattan. If you do stay here, rent a car – public transportation on the island itself is pretty limited.
6. Harlem
Harlem has this amazing energy that you just can’t find anywhere else in the city. The music history, the food, the architecture – it’s all incredible. I’ve stayed here a few times and always leave wanting to come back. The neighborhood has really cleaned up over the past decade while keeping its authentic character.
Hotel options include some really cool boutique spots and more modern stays. The Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel near near Columbia University and has some of the nicest views of the city. Prices in Harlem are reasonable for Manhattan – usually $180-280 per night for nice places. There are also some great B&Bs in converted brownstones that give you a more local experience.
The food scene is phenomenal. Red Rooster is touristy but still really good, and Sylvia’s has the best soul food brunch in the city. Apollo Theater still hosts amazing shows, and walking down 125th Street feels like being in the heart of African-American culture. The 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 trains all run through Harlem, so getting anywhere else is super easy. Marcus Garvey Park and Morningside Park are great for morning walks, and the brownstone architecture is stunning.
7. Williamsburg
Williamsburg is where all the cool kids moved after Manhattan got too expensive, and now it’s kind of expensive too, but still way more fun than most of Manhattan. I love staying here because it feels like a real neighborhood but with amazing restaurants and bars. The waterfront views of Manhattan are honestly better than anything you’ll get from Manhattan itself.
The William Vale is the big fancy option with that massive rooftop pool and bar that everyone Instagrams. Wythe Hotel has more character in a converted factory building, and The Hoxton brings that London boutique vibe to Brooklyn. Prices range from $250-450 per night for the nice places, which is actually reasonable considering the quality and location.
Smorgasburg happens on weekends and has the best food vendors in the city. Peter Luger Steak House is a legendary steakhouse that’s been here forever, and L’industrie Pizzeria has pizza that’s honestly better than most places in Italy. The East River Ferry is a fun way to get around, and the L train connects you to Manhattan in about 15 minutes. McCarren Park hosts outdoor concerts in summer, and Domino Park has those cool playground structures with Manhattan views.
8. DUMBO
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is probably the most photogenic neighborhood in all of NYC. The cobblestone streets, the converted warehouses, the bridges overhead – it’s like someone designed it specifically for Instagram. I’ve brought every visitor here at least once because the views are just incredible.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is the main luxury option and it’s spectacular – rooftop pool, spa, and sustainability focus. The views from their rooms are insane. You’re looking at $300-500 per night for nice places, but the location and views are worth it.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is right outside your door and has everything – playgrounds, sports fields, waterfront walks, and those famous views. Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s are both here claiming to have the best pizza (honestly, they’re both great). St. Ann’s Warehouse has really unique theater performances, and Jane’s Carousel is this beautiful restored 1920s merry-go-round in a glass pavilion. The A and C trains connect you to Manhattan, and you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to downtown Manhattan in about 20 minutes.
9. Tribeca
Tribeca is where you stay when you want to feel like a celebrity without actually being one. It’s expensive, exclusive, and absolutely gorgeous with those cobblestone streets and converted warehouses. I stayed here during Fashion Week once and felt very fancy, even though I was just wearing jeans.
The Greenwich Hotel is the most famous spot where actual celebrities stay, and The Beekman has this incredible atrium that’s been in a million movies. You’re looking at $400-800 per night for the good places, so this is definitely a splurge neighborhood. The Smyth is a bit more reasonable and still really nice.
The restaurant scene is world-class – Locanda Verde, Nobu, and Bouley are all here. Washington Market Park is perfect for families with kids, and the Hudson River Park waterfront is great for jogging or just walking. You’re close to the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory, plus easy subway access to anywhere else. The whole neighborhood feels like a movie set, especially at night when the cobblestones are lit up.
10. SoHo
SoHo is shopping heaven with those famous cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets. If you want to be in the middle of the fashion and art scene, this is your spot. I always end up spending way too much money when I stay here because there are incredible stores literally everywhere.
Hotel options include The Crosby Street Hotel with its English countryside vibe, The Mercer for modern luxury, and 11 Howard for something more boutique. Prices are Manhattan-expensive – $350-600 per night for nice places. The Nolitan is a bit more affordable and still really well-located.
The shopping is obviously incredible – Broadway, Spring Street, and Prince Street have everything from Prada to vintage thrift stores. Balthazar is the famous French bistro that’s always packed, and Jack’s Wife Freda has the best brunch in the neighborhood. You’re walking distance to Little Italy, Chinatown, and the Financial District. The N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, and 6 trains all stop here, so transportation is super convenient.
11. Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is like the business center of the universe – everything important seems to happen here. It’s not the most charming neighborhood, but if you want convenience and easy access to everything touristy, you can’t beat it. I stay here whenever I have business meetings because everything is so central.
Hotel options are endless but vary wildly in quality and price. The New Yorker is classic and well-located for $200-350 per night. Pod Times Square and Pod 39 offer smaller but smart rooms for $140-250. The Plaza and The St. Regis are the luxury options if money’s no object. Kimpton Hotel Theta is newer and really nice for $300-450.
You’re walking distance to Times Square, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Grand Central Terminal. Bryant Park has free outdoor movies in summer and ice skating in winter. The restaurant scene is touristy but convenient – Koreatown has amazing Korean BBQ and karaoke. Every subway line seems to run through here, so you can get anywhere in the city in under 30 minutes.
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12. Greenwich Village
The Village feels like a completely different city from the rest of Manhattan – tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and this bohemian vibe that’s somehow survived all the gentrification. I love staying here because it actually feels like a neighborhood where people live, not just a tourist destination.
The Marlton Hotel has this old-world charm that fits perfectly with the neighborhood vibe. The Washington Square Hotel is right on the park and has character. Hotel Hugo is more modern but still local-feeling. Prices range from $250-450 per night, which is reasonable for the location and charm.
Washington Square Park is the heart of everything – street performers, chess players, and NYU students hanging out. Joe’s Pizza has some of the best slices in the city, and Mamoun’s Falafel is a late-night institution. The jazz clubs like Blue Note and Village Vanguard are legendary. You’re walking distance to SoHo, NoLita, and the Meatpacking District. The 4, 5, 6, A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains all stop nearby, making it super convenient to get anywhere.
FAQs about the best places to stay in NYC
Looking for more content on where to stay in NYC? Here are some popular questions from travelers like you:
Which area of New York is best to stay in?
New York City is a vast metropolis with a neighborhood for every type of traveler. If you’re wondering where to go in New York City, here are some top areas to consider for your stay:
- Midtown Manhattan: Central and convenient, it’s close to major attractions and transport hubs.
- SoHo: A blend of chic boutiques, historic charm, and a vibrant arts scene.
- Greenwich Village: Offers a neighborhood feel with parks, historic brownstones, and a bohemian spirit.
- Williamsburg: A trendy Brooklyn neighborhood with a mix of modern vibes and historic settings.
- Tribeca: Known for its elegance, cobblestone streets, and proximity to the Hudson River.
What area should I stay in New York for the first time?
For first-time visitors, staying in Midtown Manhattan is a great choice. As one of the best areas to stay in New York City for the first time, it’s centrally located. This makes it easy to explore iconic landmarks like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.
Is it better to stay in Midtown or Times Square?
While both areas have their merits, Midtown offers a broader range of accommodations and is slightly less hectic than Times Square. However, if you want to be in the heart of NYC’s entertainment district and don’t mind the hustle and bustle, Times Square is the place to be.
Is it a good idea to stay in Times Square?
Staying in Times Square can be a thrilling experience, especially if you love being in the center of the action. It’s one of the best places to stay in New York City for nightlife and entertainment. However, it can be crowded and noisy, so if you prefer a quieter environment, you might want to consider other neighborhoods.
Which areas not to stay in New York?
While New York City is generally safe for tourists, it’s always good to be informed. Some areas to approach with caution, especially late at night, include:
- Parts of the Bronx, such as Hunts Point.
- Certain areas in Brooklyn, like Brownsville and East New York.
- Some parts of Queens, like Jamaica.
- It’s always a good idea to check recent safety reports and reviews before booking accommodations.
Is 3 nights in New York enough?
Three nights in New York City can give you a taste of what the city has to offer, especially if you plan your itinerary well. However, considering the vast number of attractions, museums, parks, and New York City’s best neighborhoods, a longer stay would allow a more in-depth exploration.
What time of year are hotels cheapest in New York?
Typically, hotel prices in New York City drop during the winter months of January and February, post-holiday season. It’s a great time to find deals, especially if you don’t mind the colder weather. But for the best possible experience, I always recommend fall in NYC…it’s magical!
