Are you trying to figure out where to stay in New York City? You’re in good hands. I’ve hosted a ton of family and friends over the years, giving me invaluable first-hand knowledge of where to stay in NYC for first time visitors.
In fact, this is the exact list I share with my own family and friends when they visit NYC. Longtime readers know I’m not a big fan of small talk, let’s get to it!
The Layout of New York City
New York City is comprised of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Most first-time visitors spend the majority of time exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn. So in this guide, I’ll mostly focus on where to stay in Manhattan and Brooklyn (to minimize commute times).
There are more than 50 neighborhoods in New York City, and unless you’re somewhat oriented it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t worry, I won’t let that happen to you. Here’s a quick roundup of the main areas worth knowing about.
Where I recommend staying in New York City:
Manhattan is split into Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown. Each area has its own vibe:
- Uptown: Quiet and calm residential areas (here’s the best hotel | budget option)
- Midtown: Tons of attractions, super busy but offers great deals on hotels (here’s my favorite hotel)
- Downtown: The vibe varies greatly by neighborhood, from charming quiet areas like Greenwich Village (great hotel) to skyscrapers and office buildings in the Financial District (an area I’d avoid, I’ll tell you why shortly).
Brooklyn is a great place to stay if you don’t want to be in the constant rush and noise of Manhattan. The best areas to stay in Brooklyn are Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint & Williamsburg. I’ll explain each area in further detail below.
Where to Stay in New York City (Best Places to Stay in Manhattan)
(Table of Contents)
Table of Contents: Where to Stay in New York City
- Where to Stay in New York City (Best Places to Stay in Manhattan)
- #1. Midtown (Heart of the Action, Great Hotel Deals)
- #2. Greenwich Village (Most Charming Neighborhood in NYC, Bar None)
- #3. The Upper West Side (Best Neighborhood for Families)
- #4. The Upper East Side (Splurge-Worthy, Ideal for Romantic Getaway)
- #5. Chelsea (Best Place to Stay in NYC for Nightlife)
- #6. SoHo (Best Place to Stay in NYC for Shopping Sprees)
- Where to Stay in Brooklyn for First Time Visitors
- 3 Areas to Avoid Staying in NYC (& Why)
- Best Areas to Stay in NYC (FAQ)
- Where to Stay in NYC (Post Summary)
- Map: Best Areas to Get a Hotel in New York City
#1. Midtown (Heart of the Action, Great Hotel Deals)
When most folks think of New York City, they think of Midtown Manhattan. Whether you’re into arts, culture, or just soaking up the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, Midtown is the perfect base to explore and experience the magic of the Big Apple.
Better still, this New York City neighborhood offers the best bang for your buck, in terms of attractions and value. Located in the heart of the action, staying in Midtown is a double-edge sword.
It’s great because you’ll be within walking distance from iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza and Grand Central Terminal. But the downside is the constant commotion and crowds. So many crowds! So picking a good spot in Midtown is paramount (here’s the ideal location).
If you’re considering Midtown while looking for where to stay in New York City, you have this local’s stamp of approval. You’ll be spoiled for choice with hotels. In fact, Midtown has the highest concentration of hotels, which means good deals are easier to come by.
Best Hotels in Midtown: My top pick for budget travelers, great mid-range option & my favorite hotel in Midtown.
Fun Things to Do in Midtown:
- Visit the New York Public Library: Nothing short of stunning, the New York Public Library (NYPL) was the largest marble building in the country when it opened to the public. Everyone should see the NYPL at least once in their life.
- Stroll 5th Avenue: The most expensive shopping street in the world, Fifth Avenue is full of luxury stores and the flagship locations of world-renowned retailers like Nike, Uniqlo and Adidas.
- Pop into Grand Central Terminal: Opened in 1913, this Beaux-Arts transportation hub spans an impressive 48 acres and has 44 platforms (the most of any train station in the world). Attracting 750,000 visitors daily, this is one of the most iconic buildings in NYC and you won’t want to miss it.
Local’s Advice: Avoid staying too close to Times Square (on 42nd Street) because that area is way too busy. I can’t imagine having to manage those crowds while trying to get to my hotel, it’d be such a headache!
#2. Greenwich Village (Most Charming Neighborhood in NYC, Bar None)
The Greenwich Village (sometimes called West Village) is my favorite neighborhood in New York City. There’s something special about the impeccable brownstones (some that sell for $30million or more!), quaint tree-lined streets and charming cafes on practically every corner. If budget isn’t a concern, this is (easily) one of the best areas to stay in NYC for first time visitors.
Offering laid-back vibes inspired by the bohemian culture of the area, Greenwich Village is a perfect escape from the bustle of NYC. The area is home to the city’s best restaurants, bars and jazz clubs — all with impossibly long wait-lists, so book early for anything that catches your eye.
Greenwich Village is also rich in history and culture, with landmarks like the Stonewall Inn (birthplace of LGBTQ+ rights in the USA) and the Whitney Museum of American Art. All told, I consider this one of the best places to stay in New York City for anyone looking to soak up the charm of NYC. Daily life feels like being on a movie set, which is why this area is my top recommendation if budget isn’t a concern.
Best Hotels in the West Village: The Jane (Budget) | Mid-Range: The Marlton Hotel & Walker Hotel | Luxury: Greenwich Hotel & The Mercer
Great Things to Do in Greenwich Village
- Take photos in front of iconic TV locations. Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex and the City and the exterior of the Friends building where Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Joey lived are the two most popular spots.
- Go people watching at Washington Square Park. Best known for the grand marble arch that commemorates the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration, the park is home to an entertaining crowd. Artsy vendors, street performers and chatty students. Fair warning though, there’s a 100% chance you’ll smell marijuana while visiting.
- Cocktails at Dante: Dante was rated the best bar in the world in 2019 and appeared on the list again in 2020, and after having one of their drinks you’ll understand why. They have two locations in the Greenwich Village, both are equally charming.
Further Reading: 22 Exciting Things to Do in the Charming West Village
#3. The Upper West Side (Best Neighborhood for Families)
Bordering Central Park to the west, the Upper West Side (UWS) is one of the best places to stay in New York City for families. The tree-lined streets are peppered with gorgeous brownstones, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, parks, children’s playgrounds and stores.
The area is mostly residential and doesn’t see a lot of tourists, which makes it feel really calm. Better still, it’s well-connected to the subway, so traveling all over the city is a breeze. There’s two subway lines that serve the neighborhood: 1,2,3 (local’s tip: 2/3 lines are express, which is awesome because it saves you so much time!) and the A/C/B/D trains.
In a city that never sleeps, the Upper West Side is one of the best places to stay in New York City with kids because it’s quiet, calm and safe. You’ll find yourself rubbing elbows families (parents with strollers) and young couples while walking over to a local cafe for morning coffee.
Staying in the UWS gives you a unique chance to experience what daily life in NYC looks, which is pretty cool.
Best Hotels on the Upper West Side: Here’s my go-to hotel on the UWS & Luxury Option (hard to beat)
Best Things to Do on the Upper West Side
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History: Arguably the best museum in NYC for kids. This incredible science museum is home to 33 million specimens, yet only 3% are on display (and even that amount is a lot to take in!).
- Enjoy a performance at the Lincoln Center: The Lincoln Center is home to the Metropolitan Opera House, New York Philharmonic, New York City Opera, New York City Ballet, the School of American Ballet, Julliard School of Music, the Chamber Music Society and the Film Society. There’s always an interesting performance to attend, so check out the schedule before your visit.
Further Reading: The 20 BEST Things to Do in the Upper West Side (Written by a Local)
#4. The Upper East Side (Splurge-Worthy, Ideal for Romantic Getaway)
The Upper East Side is one of the wealthiest areas in NYC. Opulent, safe and clean, this area is home to millionaires and celebrities, if you’re looking to live out your Gossip Girl fantasy, the Upper East Side is one of the best places to stay in New York City.
There’s so many great restaurants and bars in this area, most offering seductive decor that makes it ideal for a romantic date night on the town. Heck, simply strolling the streets is a joy (the white brownstones are incredible!). Wander the blocks between 59th and 80th street for some of the most beautiful homes in NYC.
The best part? If you’re staying in the Upper East Side, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the 5th largest musuem in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) and Central Park. The list of perks goes on forever but any way you slice it, the Upper East Side is one of the best places to stay in New York City for romantic getaways or anyone keen to splurge while visiting NYC.
Best Hotels on the Upper East Side: Option A (stay where celebrities do!), Option B (my personal favorite) & Option C.
Best Things to Do on the Upper East Side
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the MET is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world. It’s remarkable, but you’ll need a solid game plan (here’s what you can’t afford to miss at the MET.)
- Pop into Albertine Bookstore. This gem of a NYC bookstore is devoted specifically to French literature but carries some English titles as well. The remarkable hand-painted celestial ceiling on the second floor is worth a visit alone!
- Cocktails at Bemelman’s Bar: Bemelman’s Bar is one of the best bars in New York City and the UES is lucky to have them. The bar is as classy as they come, with custom hand-drawn wallpaper and a pianist serenading patrons while they sip away on phenomenal cocktails.
Further Reading: 15 Great Things to Do on the Upper East Side
#5. Chelsea (Best Place to Stay in NYC for Nightlife)
The Chelsea neighborhood offers a unique blend of arts, culture and cool urban vibes. The neighborhood has seen quite a transformation over the last two decades. Lively into the late evening hours, Chelsea has become the epicenter for art galleries, nightlife and clubs.
There’s a ton of fun stuff to do, like visiting the Chelsea Market (a must-visit for first time visitors) and walking the High Line (a park made from an abandoned elevated train railway). Art enthusiasts will adore the array of galleries showcasing contemporary art.
There’s also a great mix of cute cafes, top-notch bars, and great restaurants, ensuring you’ll never go hungry or thirsty during your stay.
The neighborhood’s central location makes it super convenient to hop around other parts of the city. Chelsea’s lively and approachable atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for those looking to experience the diverse and dynamic spirit of New York City!
Best Hotels in Chelsea: INNSIDE New York | Luxury: The High Line Hotel
Things to Do in Chelsea
- Walk the High Line. The elevated tracks this NYC park was built on were originally used by freight trains delivering cargo to the city. The elevated promenade stretches 1.5 miles and receives an average of 8 million visitors annually.
- Hang out at Little Island. Little Island is one of the most unique parks in New York City. It’s a redesigned pier that extends over the Hudson River with a beautiful architecture meant to be an oasis in the concrete jungle.
#6. SoHo (Best Place to Stay in NYC for Shopping Sprees)
SoHo (South of Houston Street) is a shopper’s paradise. The cast iron buildings in the area were used as warehouses and commercial buildings for ages, before being converted into expensive lofts and condos. These striking buildings are very different from the brownstones and skyscrapers you’ll find elsewhere in NYC.
If you’re keen to do some shopping while staying in New York City, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better location. You’ll find quite the mishmash of high-end luxury designers, unique boutiques and clothing stores this area.
If you decide on SoHo as the best place to stay in New York City (hey, you know yourself best) pack an extra suitcase in case you get carried away.
You might enjoy reading: 30 Spree-Worthy Stores in SoHo (for my personal recommendations).
Best Hotels in SoHo: Affordable: ModernHaus SoHo | Mid-Range: SoHo Grand Hotel | Luxury: The Mercer & Crosby Street Hotel
Where to Stay in Brooklyn for First Time Visitors
By and large, Brooklyn feels more residential than Manhattan. The most popular areas visitors explore tend to be void of skyscrapers, and the overall pace of this lively borough feels calmer in the best way possible.
In fact, when Manhattan overwhelms me, I tend to spend a weekend day tucked into a safe cafe on a charming corner of a Brooklyn neighborhood. As such, if you need an escape from the bright lights and noise, Brooklyn might just me one of the best places to stay in NYC during a first visit.
#7. Brooklyn Heights (Picturesque Brooklyn Neighborhood)
If you’re looking for a trendy place to stay in New York City you need not look further than Brooklyn Heights. Offering epic views of NYC, this Brooklyn neighborhood is full of charm and calm, residential vibes.
Between the cobblestone streets and beautiful brownstones, you’ll see why this is one of the best places to stay in New York City. And since it’s directly across the East River from lower Manhattan, you”ll have easy access to the most popular attractions in New York City.
There aren’t too many hotel options in Brooklyn Heights, so you’ll need to fork over a pretty penny in order to stay in this part of New York City. My favorite hotel in the area is the this stunning Brooklyn hotel (it’s amazing!).
#9. Williamsburg & Greenpoint (Best Brooklyn Neighborhoods for Nightlife)
Williamsburg & Greenpoint are two of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in Brooklyn. Located right next to each other on the East River, the cities have similar vibes and epic views of NYC.
These neighborhoods are considered hipster, thanks to its expansive art scene and the easy-going locals. Over the past decade or so, Williamsburg has seen a massive uptick in tourism and new residents, causing prices to skyrocket. Greenpoint is following suit, but hasn’t hit the radar as hard yet (you can score better hotel deals in Greenpoint).
Williamsburg has an epic nightlife scene but it’s much quieter than Manhattan. However with the abundance of things to do, relaxed ambience and easy access to Manhattan it’s worth consideration for anyone looking for recommendations on the best places to stay in Brooklyn.
Best Hotels in Brooklyn: Mid-Range: Hotel Indigo & Luxury: William Vale
Best Things to Do in Williamsburg & Greenpoint
- Hang out at Domino Park. Domino Park is one of the most underrated parks in New York City. The views of Manhattan are unrivaled and being by the water is pure bliss, especially at sunrise & sunset. Read: 18 Wonderful Things to Do in Williamsburg.
- Take in the epic views at Bar Blondeau. The skyline views are remarkable! The cocktails are strong and the light bites are satisfying. Read: 15 Great Things to Do in Greenpoint (Local’s Guide)
#10. Where to Stay in Queens (Long Island City)
I have a friend that lives in Long Island City (LIC) and he claims the area is too calm and quiet for his liking. He moved to the area for a job opportunity but feels too removed from the city, which makes this one of the best areas to stay in NYC for a relaxed trip.
Just a stone’s throw from Manhattan (across the East River), Long Island City is well connected by subway and ferry, but the area doesn’t get a lot of out-of-town visitors, making it ideal for anyone that wants to explore NYC at a comfortable pace.
Word to the wise: If someone in your group is “not a city person” then I suggest booking a hotel in Greenpoint. Stunning views, laid-back vibes and close proximity to top attractions, it’s no wonder the area is attractive to folks keen to enjoy the tranquil side of New York life.
Read: 12 Unique Things to Do in Long Island City
Where to Stay in Long Island City: Great budget option & my preferred hotel in the area
3 Areas to Avoid Staying in NYC (& Why)
Staying too close to Times Square isn’t a good idea
So, why wouldn’t I recommend Times Square for first time visitors looking for a place to stay in New York City? Simply put, it’s far too touristy and busy. Granted, Midtown (where Times Square is located) is a great location, but avoid staying too close to the heart of Times Square (42nd street).
I made the mistake of suggesting an aunt stay near Times Square during her first visit to NYC and ended up getting some honest feedback: she was overstimulated by how busy everything felt. Coffee runs in the morning should feel peaceful, instead she found herself in crowds of people the second she left the hotel.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to be among the city’s top attractions (Times Square, Broadway and Rockefeller Center.) However between the flashing lights of Times Square and the constant noise of the busy streets, this neighborhood can get overwhelming.
All told, if this is where you choose to stay in New York City, you won’t get a break from the action and might not experience some of the charm that makes NYC so endearing.
The Financial District
Home to the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial District is NYC’s business hub. Full of skyscapers and office buildings, it’s one of my favorite places to take out-of-town visitors, but it’s not one of the best places to stay in New York City.
The reason is simple: The area isn’t very lively (especially after hours) and there’s limited food options. Most restaurants in this area are chains that serve employees eager to grab a quick lunch, so local restaurants are hard to come by.
Read: 15 Fun Things to Do in the Financial District (like have brews at the pub where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops after being sworn in as President).
Hell’s Kitchen
Why I don’t recommend Hell’s Kitchen for people visiting NYC for the first time: to be frank, the homeless population is very high and walking around the neighborhood in the evening hours doesn’t feel safe (and therefore, enjoyable).
New York City, by and large, is a safe place, especially in the top tourists attraction areas of Manhattan, like Midtown (which neighbors Hell’s Kitchen). Just stick to using basic street-smarts (like using the main roads at night) and you’ll be completely fine.
To be clear: I don’t want to discourage folks from visiting Hell’s Kitchen by any means. If there’s a restaurant or business you’re keen to see, by all means go! You can visit any time of day and have a blast, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best place to stay in New York City.
Tips on the Best Places to Stay in New York City
- Decide what type of experience you’re after. Some folks visit simply with the intention of being tourists whereas other want to live like New Yorkers. Where you stay in New York City will change that experience. If you’d like to feel like a local, stick to Uptown. Tourist? Midtown all the way.
- Prioritize your top attractions. Whether it’s your first or fifth time in NYC, there will be things you want to see. After prioritizing your list of attractions, map them out and pick a neighborhood that has the highest cluster of attractions. At which point you can decide if that’s where you want to stay in New York City, to avoid commuting too much during your visit.
- Determine your budget & book in advance. I can’t stress this enough, making a game plan is imperative for a successful trip to NYC. After all, this is the 6th most expensive city in the world and you don’t want your whole budget going towards a hotel you’re only going to sleep in.
Best Areas to Stay in NYC (FAQ)
(FAQ)
The best part of NYC to stay in would be Midtown, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side and the West Village (Greenwich Village). Hopefully the pros and cons we discussed for each area help you make the right decision for your trip, you can’t go wrong with any of these neighborhoods though! It just depends on the vibe you’re after.
For first time visitors, I’d suggest staying in Midtown because of the neighborhood’s central location. You’ll be in the heart of the action (most of the city’s top attractions are in Midtown), and will only be a short walk (or subway ride) to Central Park. However, it’s important to consider the disadvantages we discussed too!
For first time visitors, I suggest staying in Manhattan to avoid long commutes. Brooklyn is a great choice for return visitors though because the area is way more relaxed (and less touristy), but it’s not near the top attractions most first-time visitors are keen to see. If helpful, I live in Manhattan and love having access to all the action. Hope that helps!
Where to Stay in NYC (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best neighborhoods to stay in New York City for a first visit:
- The Upper West Side
- West Village
- Midtown
- The Upper East Side
- Chelsea
- SoHo
- Brooklyn Heights
- Williamsburg
- Greenpoint
- Long Island City
Map: Best Areas to Get a Hotel in New York City
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10 FREE New York City Museums (That Don’t Suck)
15 Boozy Cocktail Bars in New York City (Worth The Wait)
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15 Best New York City Cafes (Serving Top-Notch Coffee in NYC)
10 New York City Travel Safety Tips: Advice from a Local
“Quite simply, I was in love with New York. I do not mean ‘love’ in any colloquial way, I mean that I was in love with the city, the way you love the first person who ever touches you and you never love anyone quite that way again.”
— Joan Didion
Hope you found this guide helpful in deciding where to stay in New York City!
Cheers!
Antonina
Simply,pun intended, the best recommendations and opinions about nyc. Absolutely love this site. I was born in NY. And have spent most of adult life in Brooklyn. And this site still brings new adventures to the plate. Absolutely love it. Thank you.
Erik, thank you so much for the kind words! Means the world to us, glad to hear a lifelong local agrees with these recommendations. 🙂
How about7 And 8 aves in Park Slope? And the Park, library and Bklyn Museums? And ethnic Flatbush, restored movie theaters, brownstones and cafes? Jane B. , from Boston (32 yrs) to NYC — every borough via about every neighborhood , for 27 yrs and just as many apartments and jobs!
Hi,
I am so glad that I found your site and this article! There are tons of articles about NYC but none of them explains NYC in such a clear and insightful way. Thank you!
My daughter will attending summer camp for a month in NYC this summer. Our family of four is researching where to stay. For 4+ weeks would you recommend a furnished apartment or Airbnb? In terms of location, a friend recommended Williamsburg or Long Island City. What would you recommend?
Hi Bill,
I’d recommend getting a furnished apartment because Airbnb’s aren’t legal in NYC (unless the landlord/building owner is staying in the building as well). As such, I think your daughter might be more comfortable subleasing a furnished apartment. Both Williamsburg and long Island City are great options! If she’s a city gal, go with Williamsburg because Long City is a bit quiet (not as much going on, the area is pretty but quieter). If you think your daughter will get overwhelmed by the constant bustle of the city, Long Island City is a great option!
My daughter, daughter in love, and I will be travelling to NY for a weekend at Christmas this season. We are staying out near JFK and intend to travel over to the island and spend the days sight seeing and shopping. I’m extremely intimidated, as I never travel, and very much looking for insight as to where to visit, where to eat, where to shop, etc. I am SO thankful I found your site to give us the advice we’ll need to navigate to truly have a memorable experience. I hope this creates a desire to visit, annually! Thank you!!!
Hi Jen, thank you so much for the kind comment. We’re so excited for you to visit! Keep your eyes peeled for our holiday content that will be going live soon!
Hi , we are looking to surprise a New York trip to our 14 years old and 16 years old son ( Christmas trip)
This is our first time to plan to come to New York and my travel agent has recommended to stay in double tree time square ( is that good ) . Both boys would like to visit Brooklyn and other places too . Please advise .
We can’t speak on the hotel, but Times Square is home to a major subway hub that will make getting to Brooklyn easy.
Hi, been to New York like decades ago but I’m going back to visit with my family this time. So I was hoping you can talk about the most iconic places like Statue of Liberty, Empire State, Central Park and the likes. Hopefully, we can go to this places in our 4 days stay.
Hi Marlowe, you might find our guide on How to Spend 4 Days in New York City helpful! It covers all the places you mentioned on your list. 🙂
Thank you for this page! My husband and I are going to NYC for a short 4 day trip and we’ve tentatively booked a hotel in Hell’s Kitchen. We thought it would be convenient as we plan to see 2 of the Broadway shows. Now I’m having second thoughts after reading this page. The hotel is located on a busy street in Hell’s Kitchen with lots of restaurants so not sure if that’s safer? Our second choice would be Greenwich Village, but then it would be hard to get around to do the touristy stuff from there wouldn’t it?
Hi Mimi! Greenwich Village is one of our personal favorite neighborhoods in NYC. The subway is a great way to get around (just use Google maps or Apple Maps). Both apps will tell you exactly which subway to get on and if any transfers are needed. Hopefully this helps, New York City is excited to have you visit!
@Mimi, we have just returned from New York. I would highly recommend The Kixby hotel it’s ideally located and we had the most amazing view of the Empire State Building. The hotel offers a continental breakfast and boast a restaurant (Black tap) and two other bars (one rooftop) the tube is a good way to get around and will take you to main attractions, Trump towers, World Trade Center, etc. subways are on every block and really cheap, convenient and reliable (unlike our public transport) you just tap your debit card and enter the turnstile.
Completely agree about Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen! I stayed in Times sq the first few times I visited NY and honestly, super sketchy at night and there was absolutely nothing to do. I always stay in SoHo or near Greenwich village now 🙂 (plus, the food there is way better)
Couldn’t agree more! I love both of those areas (SoHo & Greenwich Village), cheers!
Hi
I’m planning a trip to New York. Is the weather nice in August or is it to hot to be out?
Also, what is like getting round by taxi?
Alot of the hotel I am findis near Rockerfella Centre, is that a good distance away from Time square?
Hi Shu, the weather in NYC in August is very hot and muggy, but you can still explore! You’ll just need to move at a slower pace and expect to sweat (a lot). If your schedule is flexible, try visiting in October for better (milder/cooler) weather!
As for taxis, I recommend taking the subway 9/10 times, or using uber in a pinch. Rockefeller Center is far enough from Times Square, yes. It’s still busy but the area is so cool!
@Shu, Good evening, we have just returned from New York. I would suggest using the tube to get around. Subways are on every block, you just tap your card and go through the turnstile. They are reliable and will certainly save money on cabs (which aren’t cheap) avoid the musical carts at all costs! they charge by the minute, we spoke to a few tourists who regretted the experience. The buses are overpriced too. We used goggle maps, however our hotel provided us with a map. It’s around 5 blocks to rockerfella from time square. We walked the majority of the time, good way to get in those steps!
Glad I find this website. It was all I needed. Clear, reasoned and well-written. It goes straight to the point, without being overbearing. Will be coming back for sure.
Thanks so much for your kind words Didio, we love sharing everything we know about NYC!
I so enjoyed your post about the NYC neighborhoods and where to stay. My daughter will be graduating college this summer and is moving to NYC with 2 friends. We have been actively looking at the neighborhoods trying to find a good fit for them. Thanks for this.
Hi Janice, thank you so much for the kind words and huge congratulations to you on your daughter’s graduation from college! New York City is magic and it will help her experience the world in a whole new light (so exciting!). I’m so happy you found this list helpful, don’t hesitate to reach out with question!
Incredible informative thank you
My wife have a goal to live in New York for 3 to 6 months and experience and live like New Yorkers we are in our mid 50 and early 60 love walking living life like locals enjoy cafes quaint streets, food markets,parks theatre and enjoy walking and exploring streets neighbourhoods enjoy using public transportation
Question what suburbs should we look at to rent in ?
Hey Stan, I’d recommend renting in Brooklyn Heights or Greenwich Village. Looks like those two neighborhoods will fit the bill! Admittidely, they’re some of the most expensive neighborhoods in NYC, so another great option is the East Village (which is just as cool but a bit more grungy, I love the area).
Planning to visit NY for the first time soon and I found this a really comprehensive guide. I especially liked the 4 day itinerary which will definitely use. My only concern is staying in Times square as it was one of the places you recommended not to stay for a first time visit but I’m sure it will be fine.
Hey Rose, we’re so happy we were able to help. Enjoy New York!
Going down a rabbit hole on this website, love the info. Completely agree with your advice on staying in midtown. It’s a good area for attractions but way too busy, I try to avoid it at all costs. Budget permitting, I think the west village is hard to beat!
Thanks for adding your two cents, Matt! I bet other readers will find this helpful. 🙂
How can I find the guide to NY in 4 days?
Hi Kris! Here is the link to our 4 days in New York City guide. Hope this helps!
Hi! What a great website for visiting New York. My sister & I plan to attend the Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade this year. It is our first trip to NYC. Can you please recommend an area to stay in?
Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
Tina Brinker
Thanks you for such a detailed description. I read the beginning of the page and booked Arlo Midtown, I reached the end and found Hell’s kitchen is sketchy..Now I am concerned
Hi Preeti!
That’s great. The Arlo is actually in a great area right between Times Square and Hudson Yards. I’m sure you will enjoy it!
Let me know if you have any questions etc.
Best,
Antonina
Hello!
New York is so overwhelming! I want to find a hotel that is close to walking distance to many attractions as I am unsure I want to tackle the subway system. What do you think about Westgate New York Grand Central for a Hotel?
Hi Tammy!
New York can be overwhelming but the right trip planning can make it a lot more manageable. I personally don’t know much about the Westgate but my rule of thumb is try to find a place in your budget that’s rated at least 4 stars or higher by customers on Google. Here’s the “budget option” hotel I recommend in Midtown. The city’s hotels have gotten so expensive! Let me know if that’s helpful and if you have any other thoughts/questions for your upcoming trip to the city!
Best,
Antonina
I’m so glad I found your site! I just purchased the 4 day holiday itinerary. What are your thoughts on The Graduate? We are going the week of Thanksgiving and looking for something nice and affordable. It looks like it’d be a quick subway ride, but do you think it would be too inconvenient staying that far away from midtown? We will be traveling with kids ages 17, 15 and 13 .
Hi Amy, thank you for the kind words!! Looks like the Graduate is on Roosevelt Island, which will be a nice break from the hustle of midtown. I’ve personally never stayed on Roosevelt Island, but I don’t enjoy staying in Midtown because it’s so busy (especially during the holidays). You should have a blast!!
Thank very much of your very informative messages.I noticed that you mentioned that air BNB is not legal in New York so, therefore , non-existing. We are thinking of BNB because, we are group of seniors( 70 yrs old). Anyway, which hotel do you recommend for a group of 10 seniors, celebrating our university reunion, considering reasonable hotel costs. Thank you very much. I love your column.
Hi Ernesto!
Thanks so much for the kind words. Sounds like such a fun trip! When are you visiting? Yes, airbnb is illegal in NYC for stays less than 30 days. And unfortunately hotel prices are getting quite high lately.
This is the top hotel I recommend for your group. It’s not cheap but a great value for the price and in such a fun neighborhood (SoHo).
If that one doesn’t work here’s a hotel recommendation for Midtown which will put you in the heart of it all and here’s a hotel recommendation for the Upper West Side near Central Park and the Natural History Museum which is less crowded and more relaxed.
If none of these work for you I’m happy to provide some more. Let me know if you have any other questions etc and have a lovely trip!
Cheers,
Antonina