Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas

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Aerial view of a city's skyline at dusk, featuring numerous skyscrapers and buildings with the Empire State Building lit up prominently amidst the urban landscape.

Welcome to the city that never sleeps! New York City, also known as the Big Apple is the top bucket list destination for millions of people. The city is tightly packed, with many neighborhoods that boast a different character. And since the city has so much to offer, you may have a hard time deciding where to stay in New York City.

Well, not to worry! I did all the heavy lifting for you and compared all the New York City neighborhoods. I came up with a definitive list of the 6 best areas to stay in New York, with Midtown Manhattan holding the top spot, with its countless tourist attractions, amazing hotels, and great restaurants.

Besides a short guide on what to see and do in all of the recommended areas, you’ll also find my hand-picked hotel recommendations for each of them. There are a couple of options in each price category, so regardless of your budget, you can still find a nice place to stay in NYC. However, I have to warn you – New York hotels are pricier than in other places!

Seeing as more than 50 million tourists visit New York City each year, accommodations are flying fast. My honest advice is to book as far in advance as possible, as the best hotels out there can be sold out even 7 or 8 months in advance!

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

A vibrant nighttime photo of Times Square in New York City, featuring illuminated billboards, a McDonald's, and yellow taxis in motion.

If you need to make a quick decision and book immediately, here’s a list of the best hotels located in Midtown Manhattan:

NOTE: New York City has a hotel tax of 14.75% of the total price + a flat fee (occupancy tax) of US$3.50 per day. Keep this in mind when calculating your budget for your NYC trip! Most of the hotels I recommend in this article include all these taxes, but it’s always good to double-check afterward.

Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in New York?

New York City is divided into 5 different boroughs:

Map highlighting the five boroughs of New York City, USA: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Each borough is marked with a distinct color.

Manhattan – this is the heart of New York City and where you’ll find all the iconic NYC attractions. Situated on a separate island from the rest of the boroughs, it’s connected to the rest of the city by as many as 21 bridges.
Brooklyn – this borough is the unofficial cultural center of NYC and boasts a mix of modern architecture and older industrial buildings. The Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge connect Brooklyn to Manhattan.
Queens – situated West of Brooklyn, Queens is a more residential borough and, thus, more affordable than Manhattan or Brooklyn. It’s also home to the city’s 2 major airports – LaGuardia and JFK.
The Bronx – the Bronx borough is located Northwest of Manhattan and boasts a rich cultural history. One of the main attractions here is the Yankee Stadium, home to the city’s baseball team, the New York Yankees.
Staten Island – just like Manhattan, Staten Island is a separate island, but it doesn’t have as many connections to the rest of the city. It’s a suburban borough, so it doesn’t have many cool sights or attract many tourists.

Now, these boroughs are divided into several smaller neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm, advantages, and drawbacks.

5 out of the 6 areas I’m recommending in this article are on Manhattan Island, which is (almost) the only relevant part of NYC for tourists, especially for those who are traveling to the city for the first time.

Here’s a map of the 6 New York areas I’m going to talk about in this post:

A colorful map highlighting the best areas to stay in New-York-City with numbered locations and labels for easy navigation

Where to stay in NYC for the first time – Midtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan
Best place in NYC for shopping – Lower Manhattan, the Financial District
Where to stay in NYC on a budget – Harlem / Upper Manhattan, Williamsburg
Top spots for a family stay in NYC – Upper East & West Side, Midtown Manhattan
Where to stay in NYC for nightlife – Lower Manhattan, Williamsburg, Harlem

And to make things even clearer for you, here is a table that will help you choose the perfect neighborhood for you:

Neighborhood	Perfect for	Best hotel recommendation
📍 Midtown	Sightseeing, iconic landmarks, restaurants	The Whitby Hotel
💃🏽 Lower Manhattan	Nightlife, shopping, dining	Crosby Street
🛍️ Financial District	Museum visits, dining, day trips to Ellis and Liberty Island	Casa Cipriani New York
👨‍👧‍👦 Upper East & West Side	Exploring Central Park, museum visits, family-friendly activities	Lowell Hotel
😎 Williamsburg	Nightlife, dining, relaxing walks	Wythe Hotel
🪙 Harlem / Upper Manhattan	Enjoying amazing food and a bustling live music scene	Renaissance New York

1. Midtown – where to stay in New York City for the first time

A bustling intersection in Times Square at night, featuring large illuminated billboards for Broadway shows like Jersey Boys, Wicked, and Phantom of the Opera. Taxis and pedestrians fill the streets.

If you’re interested in sightseeing, then Midtown is THE place to be! Even though NYC has tons of interesting attractions and activities everywhere you look, most of the main ones are located in the Midtown area. This is the heart and soul of the city and a very important spot if you’re interested in culture, art, and, of course, shopping!

Midtown is also a great choice if you prefer walking and want to avoid driving or spending a lot of time using public transportation. Manhattan is organized in a grid system, so it’s extremely easy to orient yourself. The streets are parallel and they start from the North to the South, while the avenues start from the East (1st Avenue) and finish on the West (12th Avenue).

Midtown consists of several smaller neighborhoods, and you can spend days exploring each of them. I’d suggest you start off with Chelsea and tick off the Chelsea Market (map) and Madison Square Garden (map) off your list. While here, spend some time in The High Line (map), a popular park above street level – it’s a truly unique experience.

From Chelsea, head North to Hell’s Kitchen and admire the architecture before you venture straight into the heart of Midtown. Start with probably the most famous NY landmark, Times Square (map), and snap as many photos as you can. And if you’re visiting during the winter holidays, keep in mind that this is one of the popular spots for New Year’s Eve celebrations!

Once you’re done wandering around Times Square, continue exploring the rest of the theater district. Broadway is one of the most well-known theater spots in the world, and if you have the chance, I highly recommend you go and see a Broadway show; tickets can be a little pricey, but the experience is totally worth it!

Aerial view of New York City showing numerous buildings with the Empire State Building prominently in the center and hazy sky in the background.

The Empire State Building (map) is another unmissable NYC landmark, particularly the stunning lights that change colors for important events. Another equally popular spot is the Chrysler Building (map), which used to be the world’s tallest building and is quite close to the Grand Central Terminal (map), one of the most beautiful train stations you’ll ever see!

Yet another must-visit when in New York is the Rockefeller Center (map), especially if you’re in the city for Christmas! There’s a giant Christmas tree in front of the building, as well as an ice rink! Plus, the Top of The Rock observatory is situated on the top of the building and if you decide to go up, you can enjoy stunning views over the city.

Near the Rockefeller Center, you’ll come across The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which besides amazing exhibitions, hosts 2 cafes, a restaurant, and a sculpture garden.

If you need to unwind a little, Bryant Park (map) is a popular place to relax among the locals, and Macy’s (map) is a famous department store if you’re after a classic NY shopping experience. It’s also a good idea to spend a few hours at Madame Tussauds New York and admire the wax figures of famous people!

That being said, should I also mention that Midtown Manhattan is also the most popular and crowded area in the city? That’s the only downside to the best location to stay in New York!

Collage of 3 pics of hotels in Midtown: a front view of a multistory building with flags, a hotel room with a bed and seating area, and an interior of a store with various items on display.

Luxury (US$350 and up)

The Whitby Hotel – an elegant 5-star hotel near Central Park, with individually designed rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the incredible views right from your bed.
The Plaza – this upscale hotel has spacious and luxurious rooms, each with a modern bathroom featuring 24-karat gold fixtures and a rain shower. Here’s a special bonus for you: this is the historic hotel from the “Home Alone” movie!

Mid-range (US$200 – US$350)

3 West Club – each of the rooms at this 3-star hotel is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom with a bathtub. All guests at the hotel get complimentary chocolates and a free newspaper, plus access to the on-site bar and restaurant.
Radio City Apartments – a short walking distance away from the Rockefeller Center, this hotel offers cozy rooms with wooden furnishings, en suite bathrooms, and coffee-making facilities.

Budget (up to US$200)

American Dream Hostel – a hostel offering simple yet comfortable rooms, plus access to shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen. Other benefits of staying here include free Wi-Fi and luggage storage.
Nap York Youth Hostel – this budget-friendly hostel provides accommodation in pods situated in larger dormitory rooms, each with a private bathroom. During your stay, you can also use the shared lounge and get free Wi-Fi access.

2. Lower Manhattan – where to stay in NYC for nightlife

A busy city street in an urban area with people walking on sidewalks, buildings lining both sides, and several cars, including yellow taxis, on the road. Signs and storefronts are visible.

Lower Manhattan, also known as downtown Manhattan, situated just South of Midtown, is a lovely blend of many diverse neighborhoods that offer plenty of cultural experiences, delicious food, and of course, a vibrant nightlife scene. So, if you’re looking for the best place to stay in New York to do some partying, Lower Manhattan is the answer.

The Lower Manhattan area starts just below Union Square (map) and consists of several cool neighborhoods. The Greenwich Village (especially the West Village) is undoubtedly one of the coolest spots in the entire city, home to Washington Square Park (map) and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown, and the East Village are other very vibrant neighborhoods that are definitely worth exploring, each with something new to offer. The Lower East Side (LES) is yet another Lower Manhattan neighborhood that’s fun to explore and it also connects Manhattan to Brooklyn via the Williamsburg Bridge.

People stroll through a park with an ornate arch and tall buildings in the background on a sunny day.

Finally, you can’t leave without exploring the Two Bridges neighborhood, from where you can take the Manhattan Bridge to Dumbo in Brooklyn, or you can take the Brooklyn Bridge if you want to head to Brooklyn Heights. It’s a great idea for a quick half-a-day trip and a great opportunity to escape the Manhattan noise for a while.

But since I told you that this is a great area for nightlife, I can’t let you go without recommending some amazing nightlife spots. First up, Employees Only (map) is a retro-style bar that serves some amazing drinks; then, the Comedy Cellar (map) is a classic comedy club (like those you see in movies) that often hosts famous comedians! Last but most definitely not least, McSorley’s Old Ale House (map) is an old-timey Irish bar serving traditional ale!

Now, let’s take a look at the best places to stay in Lower Manhattan:

Collage of 3 pics of hotels in Lower Manhattan: a cozy hotel bedroom, and an exterior view of a large, historic hotel in a bustling city.

Luxury (US$300 and up)

Crosby Street – this amazing 5-star property awaits with a gorgeous inner courtyard, an on-site terrace restaurant, modern and bright rooms, and many other upscale facilities, such as a 24-hour gym and a private theater showing movies every Sunday.
Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s – this luxurious hotel provides accommodation in art-deco-inspired rooms with high ceilings and marble bathrooms, but it also boasts a private movie theater, an indoor pool, spa facilities, and more.

Mid-range (US$170 – US$300)

Best Western Plus Soho Hotel – a 3-star hotel offering concierge services, a business center, and a snack bar. Each morning, you can choose between a buffet and a continental breakfast, then hit the gym to burn off those calories.

Budget (up to US$170)

Hotel Richland LES – offering small but modern rooms, this budget-friendly hotel is a great location near Little Italy and provides services such as a 24/7 front desk, daily housekeeping, and luggage storage.

3. Financial District – where to stay in New York for luxury

A busy street in a financial district with tall buildings, including a prominent structure adorned with columns and American flags. People are walking and vendors with umbrellas are visible.

The Financial District is technically part of Lower Manhattan, situated on the Southernmost part of Manhattan Island. As you can gather from the name, this is the city’s main business hub, but it’s also quite attractive among luxury seekers; it has some of the most luxurious hotels in the city and some incredible fine dining spots.

FiDi (short for Financial District) is home to Wall Street and the famous New York Stock Exchange (map), one of the most famous (and important) stock exchanges in the world. So don’t be surprised if you see plenty of sharply dressed people hurrying along the streets of the district.

But, I’m assuming you won’t be too interested in business, especially if you’re visiting NYC for leisure. If that’s the case, then you should start exploring some of the landmarks in the area. I suggest you head to the site of the Twin Towers and visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum – a big part of the city’s history.

On a more cheerful note, you can enjoy some great views of the city! Go up to the One World Observatory (map), on the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center, for some great panoramic views of both New York and New Jersey.

Bronze Charging Bull statue located in the Financial District of New York City, standing on cobblestone pavement, with buildings and trees in the background.

I also recommend you seek out the Charging Bull (map) and snap a photo with it, then go and grab a bite to eat. The Fraunces Tavern (map) is a historic landmark and the oldest bar in the entire city that used to host many of the Founding Fathers and the first US president, George Washington.

Delmonico’s (map) is an upscale steakhouse that has been around since the 19th century, so that’s another one-of-a-kind experience. However, if you’re after something more simple and just want a classic NY slice, I’ll direct you to Joe’s Pizza (map).

You can’t leave the Financial District without paying a visit to The Battery (map), a historic park that overlooks Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. This is also the departure point for ferries going to both Ellis Island and Liberty Island – check the schedule here.

Another Battery Park landmark is the Castle Clinton National Monument (map), an old fort that was used as an immigration center during the immigration wave to New York. And let’s not forget about those unbeatable views of Lady Liberty.

Collage of 3 pics of hotels in Financial District: a hotel room with double beds, a lounge area with a fireplace, and an outdoor patio with seating overlooking a river.

Luxury (US$320 and up)

Casa Cipriani New York – this is one of the most luxurious hotels in NYC and it offers the most stunning views of the Manhattan waterfront that can be enjoyed from the hotel terrace.
33 Seaport Hotel New York – a 5-star hotel with bright and tastefully decorated rooms, each equipped with a flat-screen TV where you can watch cable TV and in-room movies, as well as a work desk and a coffee maker.

Mid-range (US$180 – US$320)

Hotel Indigo – situated in the heart of the Financial District and within walking distance of many landmarks, this hotel provides room service, on-site dining, and a 24/7 front desk.
The Wall Street Inn – a landmark hotel with comfortable rooms decorated in early American style, providing free Wi-Fi access, fitness facilities, and a delicious continental breakfast.

Budget (up to US$180)

Hilton Garden Inn – the hotel rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn feature a TV, a coffee maker, and a small safe to protect your valuables. The hotel restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there’s also a 24-hour convenience store on-site.

4. Upper East & West Side – where to stay in New York for families

Aerial view of Central Park surrounded by the dense urban landscape of New York City with buildings, roads, and waterways visible.

The Upper East Side and the Upper West Side of New York are the best neighborhoods to stay in NYC if you want to be close to Central Park. Bordering the park to the East and to the West and Midtown to the North, the Upper East and Upper West Side are a bit more relaxed than other neighborhoods in the city and a great choice if you’re visiting with family.

The Upper East Side is just East of the city’s main green surface, Central Park (map). It’s a posh and upscale neighborhood featured in many TV shows and movies, such as Sex and the City and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

On the Upper East Side, you shouldn’t miss the chance to walk along 5th Ave (map) and visit some of the best art museums situated along the so-called ‘Museum Mile’. Of course, I’m talking about exploring the Guggenheim Museum, the Frick Collection, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), which is actually situated within Central Park.

On the other side of the park, to the West, is the Upper West Side, which is slightly less posh than its counterpart to the East of the park. However, just like the Upper East Side, this neighborhood is home to quite a few museums and cultural institutions.

A busy roundabout near tall buildings, including a central monument surrounded by greenery. Cars and taxis are seen driving, and pedestrian areas are visible. The sky appears overcast.

Possibly the most famous museum in the area is the American Museum of Natural History, which boasts many exhibitions, covering everything from prehistoric times to present day – it’s great fun for kids and adults alike.

If you’re traveling with kids, I’d definitely recommend a visit to the Children’s Museum Of Manhattan and the Central Park Zoo. While you’re in the park, you can have a lovely picnic or go for a relaxing walk, but I also think you should check out some cool landmarks like the Bethesda Terrace (map).

To top it all off, I have a couple of food recommendations, as you’ll definitely be hungry after all that exploring. For breakfast, head to Absolute Bagels (map) and try authentic New York-style bagels, and for lunch or dinner, get a table at Jacob’s Pickles (map) and enjoy their hearty and delicious Southern cuisine.

Collage of 3 pics of hotels in Upper East & West Side: view of Courtyard by Marriott entrance. a lounge area with a pool table and a bedroom with a king-size bed.

Luxury (US$300 and up)

Lowell Hotel – situated in a historic building that dates back to 1927, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with en suite marble bathrooms, a nightly turndown service, and free New York Times newspapers.
The Wallace Hotel – a 5-star hotel with comfortable family rooms, offering baby cots free of charge, luggage storage, and concierge services. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so that’s another big plus if you’re a pet owner.

Mid-range (US$150 – US$300)

Courtyard by Marriott – in a convenient location near many famous attractions, this hotel boasts tastefully decorated rooms, access to a business center, dry cleaning services, and self-service lockers.
The Gardens Sonesta – a design hotel with suites that have a fully equipped kitchen and a living area – perfect for longer stays. Daily tea is provided at the hotel lobby, and guests also get access to a gym and business center.

Budget (up to US$150)

HI NYC Hostel – this is one of the best budget accommodations in NYC; offering beds in dormitory rooms with access to shared bathrooms, a spacious community kitchen, a games room, and housekeeping services.
Riverside Tower Hotel – an affordable hotel with family rooms, a tour desk, and free Wi-FI. Each guest also gets a complimentary map of the New York subway to help them plan their movement around the city.

5. Williamsburg (Brooklyn) – the coolest neighborhood

Brooklyn Bridge with NYC skyscrapers in the background, featuring its stone arches and suspension cables under a cloudy sky. An American flag flies atop one of the towers.

Heading across the bridge to Williamsburg, Brooklyn! The neighborhood is right across the East River from the Lower East Side, connected by Williamsburg Bridge, or just a 10-min drive away. Williamsburg, and Brooklyn in general, is the coolest place in the city, with its laid-back vibe and abundance of music venues.

This neighborhood is a great choice if you don’t want to stay amidst the hustle and bustle and Manhattan but still be close enough to visit the main attractions. It’s also a great spot to stay if you’re visiting NYC with a car, as there’s more parking available compared to Manhattan.

The best way to feel the chill vibes of Williamsburg is by spending some time in Domino Park (map); just sit back and admire the views of the East River and Manhattan. At night, you can head to the Brooklyn Bowl (map), a bowling alley, and a live music venue combined into one, or enjoy a delicious meal at Peter Luger Steak House (map).

Street scene in a city featuring a large mural of a person on a building wall, with a bridge visible in the background and parked cars lining both sides of the road.

Spend the next day at McCarren Park (map), another green surface and a great place to unwind in Williamsburg. Then continue onto East Williamsburg and spend your evening in a cool live music venue like the Brooklyn Steel (map) or Elsewhere (map), which boasts an amazing rooftop terrace.

If you’re looking for more things to do, you can also explore Bushwick, another iconic Brooklyn neighborhood. Originally an industrial area, Bushwick is now home to many hip cafes and bars.

Other Brooklyn neighborhoods you should explore if you have time on your itinerary are Brooklyn Heights, where you can explore the New York Transit Museum, and Dumbo, home of the historic Jane’s Carousel (map) that dates back to 1922!

Staying in Williamsburg has other benefits, too, like the fact that you’ll be close to Queens and the city’s 2 main airports: LaGuardia Airport (map) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (map), great if you’re in the city for a limited time and need to close to the airport.

Collage of 3 pics of hotels in Williamsburg: a colorful dorm-style room, a modern bedroom with a large window, and the exterior of Hotel 42 with its entrance.

Luxury (US$280 and up)

Wythe Hotel – this upscale boutique hotel is situated in an old converted factory on the Brooklyn waterfront and still boasts its original industrial character. The hotel also features a bar and restaurant serving meals from locally sourced ingredients.
Penny Williamsburg – a modern 4-star hotel that provides free bikes for exploring the city, room service, private parking, and free Wi-Fi. The staff is super friendly, and they are more than willing to help you plan your stay in NYC.

Mid-range (US$120- US$280)

42 Hotel – in a central Williamsburg location, this comfortable hotel boasts an on-site coffee shop, a bar, and a gym. Continental breakfast and valet parking are also available at a surcharge.
Pod Brooklyn – spread across 4 buildings connected by bridges, this hotel provides accommodation in small but very functional pods. The hotel also offers concierge services, on-site parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Budget (up to US$120)

NY Moore Hostel – this loft-style hostel is a great choice for travelers on a tight budget. The property awaits with clean rooms, an outdoor courtyard, a cozy common room, and many other great amenities!

6. Harlem / Upper Manhattan – where to stay in NYC on a budget

A busy urban intersection with multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and storefronts. Surrounding buildings display various signs and advertisements. A street sign reads "Amsterdam Ave.

I couldn’t write a guide on the best places to stay in New York without featuring Harlem and Upper Manhattan. Situated North of Central Park, Upper Manhattan is a large area that encompasses the Harlem neighborhood, a place steeped in history. This part of the city is a bit further from the top attractions, has a chill vibe to it, and is more affordable.

Upper Manhattan stretches all the way from Central Park to Inwood, and is home to some notable attractions like The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (map) and The Met Cloisters, a unique art museum situated in a monastery, featuring collections of medieval art.

In the midst of all this lies Harlem, a historically Black neighborhood and the hub of the Harlem Renaissance art movement. Just walking around the streets, you can feel that this is a very artsy area, packed with art studios, jazz clubs, and soul food restaurants.

Street scene with pedestrians crossing a crosswalk near the Apollo Theater in an urban area. Buildings, traffic lights, and cars are visible under a clear sky.

Marcus Garvey Park (map) is the ideal place if you want to be outside, while the Apollo Theater (map) is the best place to spend your indoor time, with its variety of live music shows by both amateurs and renowned artists.

I also mentioned that Harlem is THE spot to get soul food, and for that, I have 2 recommendations – Sylvia’s Restaurant (map) and Amy Ruth’s (map) – you won’t go wrong in choosing either one.

Harlem is the best area to stay in New York to get a sense of the local lifestyle and meet some interesting characters. So if you’re up for an adventure and/or are traveling on a tight budget, check out the ultimate accommodations in Upper Manhattan / Harlem.

NOTE: this part of Manhattan doesn’t have any luxury hotels, which is why it attracts a lot of the budget travelers that visit NYC.

Collage of 3 pics of hotels in Harlem: a traditionally furnished bedroom, a modern bar with checkered flooring and unique lighting, and a bedroom with twin beds, oriental decor, and a red patterned rug.

Mid-range (US$150 – US$280)

Renaissance New York – a 3-star hotel featuring a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant, and offering services such as luggage storage, room service, and daily bike rentals for an added fee.
Soul Food ‘Mont Morris’ – this recently renovated guest house offers rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Each room also has a work desk, a fridge, and a coffee maker.

Budget (up to US$150)

The Gallery House – this affordable accommodation has air-conditioned suites with a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries.
The Harlem Getaway – staying at this apartment complex means you’ll benefit from express check-in and check-out, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Some of the units have a separate entrance to ensure absolute privacy.