Where is the best area to stay in New York City?
By Nicolette Degrassi. December 20, 2022
There is no wonder New Yorkers take such pride in their city. With over 8 million residents from different lifestyles and backgrounds, there is a distinct energy that buzzes throughout New York City. Between its diverse culture, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, New York City has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the greatest cities in the world. Its iconic landmarks, impressive skyscrapers, and high-end shopping districts make it one of the most desired cities to visit. Before the pandemic, New York City was known to attract over 60 million visitors each year. Everyone wants to experience the magic of the city that never sleeps.
New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Each neighborhood of New York City has its own distinct characteristics that can cater to any visitor. No matter what you’re looking for, there is something for everyone. But one of the most exciting areas of New York City is the infamous Times Square in midtown Manhattan. Known for its flashing neon lights and dazzling billboards, Times Square is the cultural heart of New York City. It is home to various attractions, family-friendly restaurants, and is the hub for the Broadway Theater District. It is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting New York City for the first time.If you are interested in where to stay in New York, you may also be interested in where to stay in Niagara Falls, where to stay in The Hamptons, where to stay in Washington DC and where to stay in Boston.
Times Square, the best area to stay in New York City
First-Time Visitors / Sightseeing / Dining
Times Square is located in Midtown West at the intersection of 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue, and Broadway. This is a fantastic area to explore as a first-time visitor to New York City. No matter the time of day, you’ll find that the streets of Time Square are bustling with pedestrians. This area of Manhattan is centrally located and one of the best places to soak up the incredible energy of the city.
There are so many exciting things to do in Times Square. Grab a seat on the red TKTS steps, and people watch or buy tickets to a Broadway show. Times Square has many great rooftop bars and lounges to enjoy the bustling city scene while sipping on cocktails. You can also reserve a table at one of the many dining establishments on Restaurant Row. Night owls can also appreciate Times Square. Every night just before midnight, the billboards of Times Square display a synchronized digital art exhibition.
Other areas to stay in Manhattan
The five boroughs of New York City each have their own distinctive personalities that can appeal to any type of traveler. However, Manhattan is the most well-known by tourists. Manhattan is comprised of many neighborhoods that offer a variety of attractions and hotels for every budget. While Times Square is regarded as the most popular area in Manhattan for first-time visitors, the other neighborhoods of Manhattan also have plenty to offer. It’s important to consider what activities appeal most to you so you can choose the neighborhood that is geared most toward your interests. Regardless of where you stay in Manhattan, you are guaranteed an exceptional experience.
Central Park
Luxury / Nature Lovers / Safe
New York City may be known for its spectacular skyscrapers, but nothing compares to the beauty of Central Park. Central Park covers roughly 843 acres of land and is regarded as a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Central Park features scenic walking trails, sculptures, and playgrounds and serves as a welcome break from the bustling city streets that lie outside its borders. This area is very safe and preferred by luxury travelers.
Nature lovers will marvel at Central Park’s rolling hills and gorgeous greenery. Plus, the park is stunning no matter the time of year. During the Fall, the park is covered in colorful fall foliage. Winter transforms the space into a white oasis. In Spring you’ll see pockets of cherry blossoms bloom, and in Summer, the park glows different hues of green. Since it borders nine other city neighborhoods, it also provides easy access to upper part of Midtown and is close to many renowned museums.
Fifth Avenue
Shopping / Art and Culture
The legendary Fifth Avenue is where all the high-end retailers are located in Manhattan. If you love shopping, Fifth Avenue is the place for you. From Cartier to Bergdorf Goodman to Versace, Fifth Avenue has every luxury brand you can imagine. Shoppers can spend days exploring the multi-level stores on this street. Fifth Avenue is worth taking a stroll along, even if you are just window shopping. The flagship stores on this street are beautifully curated, especially during the holiday season.
Each year, Saks Fifth Avenue puts on a holiday light show with over 600,000 lights paired with music. It is truly a spectacular sight to see. As you walk further up Fifth Avenue, the street becomes more residential. The northmost part of Fifth Avenue is known as Museum Mile. It features six famous museums, including the infamous Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Broadway Theater District
First-Time Visitors / Art and Culture
For decades, New York City’s Broadway Theater District has brought captivating musicals to locals and visitors alike. The Broadway Theater District is a must-visit neighborhood for those visiting New York for the first time or those who appreciate theater arts. The Theater District spans from West 41st to West 54th Street in Manhattan, with Times Square in the center of it. If you’re looking to be in the neighborhood at the center of all the excitement, this is the place to be.
Tourists travel from all over the world to grab dinner and see one of Broadway’s many shows. The Theater District has an equal mix of national chain restaurants and swanky eateries, depending on what you’re looking for. Nothing is more stimulating than the Broadway Theater District, which offers world-class entertainment and high-energy no matter the time of day.
Hotels in Broadway Theater District
Midtown West
First-Time Visitors / Arts and Culture / Sightseeing / Foodies
While Times Square and Broadway might be two of the more popular destinations in Midtown West, this part of the city has many other wonderful things to offer. This neighborhood offers entertainment, culture, and eclectic restaurants to its visitors. Midtown West, also known as Clinton or Hell’s Kitchen, is known for its trendy restaurants and energetic bars. Hell’s Kitchen brings an incredible range of cuisines from every corner of the globe. Foodies will appreciate the diverse food options in this neighborhood.
Midtown West is centrally located and offers easy access to different areas of the city via the subway. It is also within walking distance to other famous tourist attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and Rockefeller Center. While Midtown West tends to be more crowded and noisier than other neighborhoods, is a great place to stay for first-time visitors looking to check off a plethora of bucket-list items.
Midtown East
Great for Families / First-Time Visitors / Shopping
Midtown East is a neighborhood conveniently located in the center of Manhattan that provides a myriad of cultural attractions and easy access to any area in New York City. Here you will find some iconic skyscrapers like Rockefeller Center and the Chrysler Building. Fashion fanatics can make their way down to the infamous Fifth Avenue for some of the best shopping in the city. Every corner of this neighborhood is picture worthy, from its historical landmarks to stunning skyscrapers.
Midtown East is a great place to stay if you’re visiting New York for the first time since there is so much to explore here. If you’re traveling with children, you can bring them to Madam Tussauds wax museum or Madison Square Garden to see a sporting event or concert. During Christmas time, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree becomes one of the most highly trafficked areas of the city.
Garment District
Shopping
The Garment District is a neighborhood located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is an ideal location for fashion and design enthusiasts. Once the epicenter of the fashion industry in New York City, many fashion design and fashion manufacturing companies are still based here. The Garment District is packed with excellent shopping, textile shops, and occasional sample sales. Many of the stores in this area of the city are crammed with inventory you would not normally see. One thing to note is that prices tend to be more expensive in this neighborhood.
Since the Garment District is located directly next to Times Square, it’s a busy area. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, Bryant Park and the New York Public Library are within walking distance of this neighborhood. Midtown borders the Garment District on the north, Chelsea on the south, Murray Hill on the east, and Hell’s Kitchen on the west.
Murray Hill
Nightlife / On a Budget / Younger Crowd
In the early 1900s, Murray Hill was considered an upscale neighborhood with posh brownstones and old New York City charm. Since then, the neighborhood has attracted a younger, more energetic crowd. During the day, this neighborhood is quiet and offers a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe. In the evenings, the nightlife is exactly what you’d expect in a neighborhood of young professionals. With its collection of sports bars, no-frills pubs, and chain restaurants, Murray Hill is a great destination for affordable nightlife. There is no shortage of places to grab a drink for happy hour in this area of town.
Murray Hill also offers a variety of diverse food. A well-known area in this neighborhood affectionately called “Curry Hill” specializes in Indian fare. Further west is an area known for its Korean food. Murray Hill offers plenty of options for those interested in a more affordable dining and nightlife scene.
Chelsea
Foodies / Nightlife / Art and Culture / Trendy
Chelsea is an excellent neighborhood for visitors looking for a wealth of activities. During the day, visitors can walk along the High Line, a raised park made from an abandoned railroad track that attracts millions of walkers each year. Here you can also find Chelsea Market, which is an iconic culinary destination featuring a collection of diverse food vendors. This neighborhood has also become a haven for artists.
Currently, Chelsea boasts more than 300 art galleries. Over the last two decades, Chelsea has become the epicenter of nightlife in New York City. This neighborhood is perfect for night owls as it is packed with lively bars, trendy restaurants, and plenty of clubs. Chelsea is centrally located and within walking distance to the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden. If you want to stay in the heart of all the action, Chelsea is the place to be.
NoMad
Foodies / Luxury Hotels
NoMad is an up-and-coming district in Manhattan filled with many posh hotels, bars, and restaurants. Situated just north of Madison Square Park, as its name suggests, this emerging neighborhood is frequented by young professionals and cool creatives. NoMad is great for foodies who enjoy a spirited nightlife. The dining scene in this neighborhood is excellent and features several high-profile restaurants made for any occasion. NoMad is also great for business travelers since its centrally located and offers a variety of luxury boutique hotels. Being close to many subway stations, NoMad makes it easy to venture to other parts of the city.
Of course, it would be a shame to visit NoMad without stopping at its namesake - Madison Square Park. This urban park, located next to the incredible Flatiron Building, is a great place to enjoy quiet relaxation or participate in people watching.
SoHo
Shopping / Foodies
SoHo (South of Houston Street) is another popular area in Manhattan known for its unique architecture and extensive shopping options. Whether you are shopping on a budget or looking for luxury brands, SoHo has you covered. You can find stylish boutiques, contemporary art and design shops, and many restaurants here. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to this neighborhood as it is Manhattan’s shopping hub.
Like the Lower East Side, SoHo is primarily a residential neighborhood, but it offers an incredibly diverse street scene. Even the lodging in this area is noteworthy. From minimalist and modern to lavish and plush, the hotel architecture in this neighborhood is one of a kind. If you’ve already explored the major sites of New York City and want to experience life like a true New Yorker, SoHo is definitely the place to visit.
Tribeca
Business / Architecture / Luxury
If you’re looking to visit the “it” scene of New York City, you should consider staying in Tribeca. Once home to industrial warehouses, it has more recently transformed into one of the most expensive and desired neighborhoods to live in in New York City. From its cobblestone streets to stunning cast-iron buildings, this area was made for architecture buffs. You’ll find it hard to resist snapping a photo of the Staple Street Skybridge or the 60-story Jenga Building.
Tribeca is ideal for business travelers who want to be centrally located but further away from tourists. It offers incredible views of the Hudson River, luxury hotels, and many trendy restaurants. It is also home to many celebrity-owned lofts and the annual Tribeca Film Festival. If you’re looking to visit one of the hippest neighborhoods in all of Manhattan, Tribeca is a must-see destination.
Lower East Side
Shopping / Foodies / Nightlife
The Lower East Side (also known as LES) is one of Manhattan’s oldest neighborhoods, rich in history. Many European immigrants settled in this neighborhood in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Recent gentrification of this melting-pot neighborhood has transformed the Lower East Side into one of Manhattan’s go-to spots for dining and nightlife. However, the neighborhood’s true character and Jewish heritage can still be explored through places like the iconic Katz Deli and the Tenement Museum.
The Lower East Side is comprised of East Village, Chinatown, Little Italy, Bowery, Alphabet City, and NoLIta. It is a vibrant neighborhood where old and new meet. During the day, this area is a great place to walk around, visit its chic boutiques, and absorb its eclectic vibe. Nighttime draws a younger, hip crowd to the area’s ethnic restaurants, trendy bars, and energetic music venues. The Lower East Side is a great neighborhood for those who like to stay out late.
Chinatown
Foodies / Nightlife
Chinatown is a pocket of downtown Manhattan known for its rich culture and eclectic food markets. This is the place to stay if you are looking for an immersive cultural experience and a dynamic dining scene. Visitors can stop by one of Chinatown’s food markets and shop for items such as lychee, dragon fruit, and other Chinese delicacies. The neighborhood is filled with hole-in-the-wall restaurants that offer authentic Asian cuisine. At night, Chinatown becomes a fun destination for eccentric nightlife. This neighborhood is a hidden gem for night owls with its specialty cocktail bars and wild karaoke bars.
This neighborhood has one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. The residents are passionate about preserving their cultural traditions. Visitors are guaranteed a rich cultural experience in Chinatown. Moreover, its central location makes it accessible to many other neighborhoods in Manhattan, including Tribeca, SoHo, and the Lower East Side.
Financial District
Business / Foodies / Sightseeing
Located in the southern tip of Manhattan lies the business heart of New York City, otherwise known as the Financial District. This area of the city is home to hundreds of major financial institutions and the infamous Wall Street. This neighborhood is an ideal location for business travelers. However, the Financial District boasts more than just skyscrapers and suited professionals. This area of New York City features stunning sea views, incredible architecture, and a vibrant restaurant scene.
The Financial District is home to some of the most exquisite architecture in New York City. You can find the Freedom Tower, The World Trade memorials, and the Oculus here. On Wall Street, you can also find the Charging Bull statue. Visitors can take a stroll through Battery Park and absorb the beautiful waterfront views of the Hudson River. At night, choose from various fantastic restaurants - some of which offer seating along the water.
Upper West Side
Great for Families / Art and Culture / Safe
The Upper West side is a quiet, residential neighborhood that is an excellent place for families to stay. Its manicured streets are lined with beautiful brownstones and playgrounds, and it is conveniently located on the western border of Central Park. The American Museum of Natural History also resides in this neighborhood, and it is arguably one of the best museums in New York City for children. If you’re looking for a calm and safe place to stay with kids in tow, this is one of the best places to visit in the city.
The Upper West Side is also ideal for travelers who appreciate the arts and culture. Here you can find Lincoln Center, which is home to the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet. Or you can grab dinner and catch a show at the Beacon Theatre. Both the acoustics and roster of famous performers are outstanding.
Brooklyn, a great option for repeat visitors
Trendy / Foodies / Repeat Visitors
While first-time visitors should explore the many attractions of Manhattan, Brooklyn is a great option for repeat visitors. There are several diverse neighborhoods within Brooklyn that offer a variety of social activities for tourists. For instance, if you’re looking for a trendy, artsy neighborhood with great bars and fun food options, consider Williamsburg. Williamsburg is located on the west side of Brooklyn and can be accessed by the Williamsburg Bridge or L train from Manhattan. The scene in Williamsburg is very vibrant. Here you can find trendy boutique shops, buzzing bars, and a thriving music scene. Foodies will particularly enjoy Williamsburg as this neighborhood offers a variety of diverse culinary options.
Another noteworthy neighborhood of Brooklyn is DUMBO. DUMBO is a charming neighborhood adorned with cobblestone streets and industrial-chic buildings. Visitors can appreciate the amazing views and overall beautiful aesthetic of this neighborhood. Attractions worth visiting in this area include the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Jane’s Carousel.
Queens, if you’re looking to travel on a budget
On a Budget / Safe / Foodies
Queens might be the place for you if you’re looking to travel on a budget. Queens is only a 25-minute subway ride to Manhattan and offers much more affordable lodging options as compared to Manhattan. Visitors will get a lot more value for their money if they choose to stay here. Queens is known for its ethnic restaurant scene and can satisfy nearly any palette. Foodies can choose from food options ranging from Indian to Colombian to Greek to Lebanese. The possibilities are endless. Staying near the Queensboro Bridge in Queens is also a great option since it offers a beautiful panoramic view of the New York City skyline.
During the Summer, visitors can head to Rockaway Beach for swimming, sunbathing, and a stroll along the 5-mile boardwalk. In recent years, this beach has become a popular place for locals and tourists alike to soak up some rays and escape the bustle of the city.
Bronx, a more affordable option
On a Budget / Culture
On the northeast border of Manhattan lies another borough of New York City called the Bronx. Like Queens, the Bronx is a more affordable option for visitors. The Bronx is rich in local culture and home to several major attractions fit for every kind of visitor. Most notably, the Bronx is known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team. Sports fans would be remiss not to attend a baseball game at this famous venue.
Nature lovers can soak up the beauty of the New York Botanical Garden or venture to the Bronx Zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in the United States. Beer lovers can grab a pint at one of the many local breweries, and foodies can pop over to “the real Little Italy” and grab a slice of their favorite pizza. There is plenty to do in the Bronx and at a lower price point than most of Manhattan.
Staten Island, the safest borough in New York City
On a Budget / Repeat Visitors / Safe
Staten Island is the southernmost of New York City’s five boroughs. While this borough is the least visited of the five, it’s still worth a day trip, especially if you’re a returning visitor. Staten Island is quieter and has more of a suburban feel, but there are several hidden gems worth exploring here. It is most known for its natural spaces, historical sites, and museums. For instance, history buffs can enjoy Fort Wadsworth, which is a fort built by the Dutch in the seventeenth century. It is one of the oldest military installations in the United States. The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is a beautiful outdoor museum that features Greek revival buildings, botanical gardens, and several acres of wetlands.
Lodging in Staten Island is budget-friendly and more affordable than most neighborhoods in Manhattan. It is also considered to be the safest borough in New York City.
Our recommended hotels in New York City
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in New York CityNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
