10 Best Places to Stay in New York City (+3 Neighborhoods to Avoid) (2024)

This list of the best places to stay in New York City was written by Antonina Pattiz, a 10-year NYC local and founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps). I’m happy to have you here!

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)

#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.
• co*cktails 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.)

• 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!

• co*cktails 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 co*cktails.

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 NOMAD | 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 of8 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 a Shopping Spree)

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. READ: 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 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (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 co*cktails 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, New York (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 (With Reasons)

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 stay in New York City you won’t really get a break from the action, and you 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)

Where to Stay in NYC (Post Summary)

In sum, these are the best neighborhoods to stay in New York City for a first visit:

1. The Upper West Side
2. West Village
3. Midtown
4. The Upper East Side
5. Chelsea
6. SoHo
7. Brooklyn Heights
8. Williamsburg
9. Greenpoint
10. Long Island City

Map: Best Areas to Get a Hotel in New York City

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“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!