Where to stay in New York: best areas and neighborhoods

New York is one of those cities you should visit at least once in your life. The skyscrapers, the lights, the thousand things to see and do: you will feel like you are in a movie! Even though it is nicknamed the city that never sleeps because it is busy 24/7, choosing what part to stay in is essential. New York is very vast and includes 5 districts, so it is not limited only to Manhattan, the most visited district and, of course, also the most expensive. But one thing in your favour is the excellent public transport, above all the metro, which will allow you to get anywhere in the city even if you choose to stay further away from the main attractions.

Here is your guide to staying in New York: tips and the best places to stay.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in New York City

Foto di wheresleep.

New York is a very large city, with an area of 783,8 km and more than 8 million inhabitants. It is made up of 5 districts: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and The Bronx.

The best district to stay in is definitely Manhattan, but also the most expensive, because it is home to the main attractions such as the Empire State Building, the Rockefeller Center with Top of The Rock, Times Square and Central Park, not forgetting the many museums, shops and events. Manhattan can be subdivided into many zones and districts, but it is generally split into Uptown, Midtown and Downtown.

In Manhattan there are also cheaper options such as hostels, but you will have to make some compromises. Conversely, if you want a large private room with its own bathroom, we recommend the districts of Brooklyn and Long Island, in Queens. The latter is particularly far from Manhattan so you will need to use the subway every day. Staying in Manhattan, you can stay in Harlem. For those travelling with children, we recommend quieter neighbourhoods, such as the residential areas of Upper West Side and Upper East Side.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in NYC. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Uptown Manhattan / Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Harlem: best for families

• Pros: Quiet, residential, lots of green spaces
• Cons: Can feel far from tourist hubs
• Main attractions: The Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park
• Average prices: From $150,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Uptown Manhattan is the most northern part of Manhattan. Here you will find the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighbourhoods, divided by Central Park, and the neighbourhood of Harlem further north.

It is an area most suited to families and it is also excellent for reaching Central Park quickly, ideal to visit with children thanks to the many activities to do, such as the Central Park Zoo or, in winter, the skating rink. In this area there are also important museums and it is well served by the subway. Thanks to the many stations, located in strategic points and near the main attractions, you can move quickly throughout Manhattan.

The Harlem neighbourhood is suitable if you are on a tight budget. Here it is easier to find slightly larger rooms. Travelling to other areas of Manhattan is very simple thanks to the efficient services of the subway and buses!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $150,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Midtown Manhattan / Times Square, Broadway: the Heart of the City

• Pros: Iconic landmarks, central location, vibrant nightlife
• Cons: Crowded, expensive
• Main attractions: Times Square, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center
• Average prices: From $170,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Midtown Manhattan is the heart of New York. Here you will find Times Square, Broadway, the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, one of the symbols of NYC.

There is no shortage of shops, restaurants and clubs, as well as discos and bars open all night! It is the ideal place to stay if you want to be central and close to everything. Obviously, the prices are slightly higher, but you can also find excellent low cost solutions in hostels, for the most part they are clean and organized, and here there are lots, especially suitable for young people. Before choosing accommodation, we always recommend you to read the reviews left by previous guests. Obviously there is no shortage of super luxurious options either, with incredible views of New York and prices from $650,00 a night!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $170,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Lower Manhattan / Greenwich Village, West Village, Soho, Tribeca: the art district

Pros: Rich history, waterfront vibes
Cons: Limited green spaces
Main attractions: Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center
Average prices: From $160,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Lower Manhattan is the southern part of the district. It is the financial heart of New York, due to the presence of Wall Street and the World Trade Center, the place where the Twin Towers once stood. Today you can visit the 9/11 Memorial here.

This area of Manhattan is also great for choosing accommodation as there is plenty to choose from and the neighbourhoods in this part of the borough are very different from each other. Greenwich Village is ideal for families, Soho and Tribeca are artistic districts full of designer shops and art galleries, more suitable for couples. Soho is a very expensive neighbourhood to live in, so the prices here are very high.

If you are staying in this area, you can easily reach many attractions: the subway will take you to both Midtown and Upper Manhattan. Ferries also depart from here to reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.The subway station to get to the terminal is South Ferry Station.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $160,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

District of Queens / Long Island City: best for low budget

Foto di wheresleep.

Pros: Affordable stays, great skyline views, diverse cuisine
Cons: Further from main attractions
Main attractions: MoMA PS1, Gantry Plaza State Park
Average prices: From $110,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Staying outside of Manhattan is not a great choice, as you risk wasting a lot of precious time traveling by public transport. But if you want to get to know a different area, perhaps quieter but with excellent connections, then we recommend Long Island City. It is located in Queens and is an option because it is much cheaper.

Long Island City is located in the most westerly part of Queens and is bordered by the East River. From its shore you can admire the wonderful New York skyline. Here, the accommodation facilities are numerous, so you will have no problem finding something for your needs. In addition, the links to Manhattan are excellent: you can also get to the opposite bank of the river with the ferry that connects Hunters Point South, Long Island, and East 34th Street, Manhattan. Plus, the purple 4 subway connects Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue Station to Bryant Park Station, a short walk from Times Square.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about $110,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Brooklyn: perfect for everyone

• Pros: Trendy neighborhoods, great food scene, family-friendly vibe
• Cons: Can be far from Manhattan, public transport delays
• Main attractions: Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, DUMBO
• Average prices: from $130,00 per night – find top stays on Booking

Brooklyn is one of New York City’s most diverse and trendy boroughs, offering a unique mix of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. Known for its creative vibe and laid-back atmosphere, Brooklyn boasts iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, and the artistic neighborhood of DUMBO with stunning views of Manhattan.

The borough is perfect for foodies, with some of the best restaurants, cafes, and street food markets in the city. Families will enjoy the peaceful residential areas and green spaces, while those looking for culture can explore its numerous art galleries, music venues, and hip boutiques. Williamsburg and Bushwick are great for nightlife and young creatives, while Park Slope offers a quieter, family-friendly environment.

Brooklyn has accommodations for every budget, from chic boutique hotels to budget-friendly apartments. However, keep in mind that it might take more time to travel to Manhattan’s main attractions, depending on where you stay.

Average prices in Brooklyn start from $130,00 – compare the best accommodation on Booking.

Recommended accommodation

Places to stay near New York

Being a very large city, made up of 5 large districts, staying in neighbouring cities is not recommended, as it would take too long to reach the attractions you intend to visit.

Nor should the cost of public transport to reach Manhattan be underestimated. There are several subscriptions that will save you money, but it is still quite expensive. Also, after a long day walking the streets of New York, it could be quite stressful and tiring to spend more than an hour on public transport to reach your accommodation.

• Jersey City (10 km / 20 min): Affordable accommodations with stunning Manhattan views. Connected to NYC via PATH train. Great for exploring Liberty State Park, Newport Mall, and Exchange Place waterfront. Compare accommodations on Booking.com
• Staten Island (18 km / 35 min): Perfect for those seeking a quieter base. Free ferry to Manhattan offers breathtaking skyline views. Visit Staten Island Greenbelt, Staten Island Zoo, and Staten Island Mall. Compare accommodations on Booking.com
• Westchester County (40 km / 45 min): Peaceful suburban vibe with easy access to NYC by train. Ideal for families or nature lovers. Don’t miss Rockefeller State Park, Lyndhurst Mansion, and Hudson River views. Compare accommodations on Booking.com
• Hoboken (8 km / 15 min): A charming riverside city with excellent dining, lively bars, and breathtaking Manhattan views. Famous for being the hometown of Frank Sinatra. Connected to NYC via PATH train. Compare accommodations on Booking.com
• Yonkers (32 km / 30 min): A suburban city with waterfront parks, historical sites like Philipse Manor Hall, and Ridge Hill shopping center. Easily accessible by Metro-North trains. Compare accommodations on Booking.com
• Long Beach (45 km / 50 min): A beach town with a relaxed vibe, perfect for those who want a mix of city and seaside. Enjoy the boardwalk, surfing, and local eateries. Accessible by LIRR (Long Island Rail Road). Compare accommodations on Booking.com

If you are in New York for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

New York accommodation price map

Booking.com

Guide to the areas of New York City

Foto di wheresleep. As already mentioned, New York, is divided into 5 districts: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and The Bronx. However, we do not recommend staying in Staten Island or The Bronx. In Queens you can opt for Long Island City. In Brooklyn, choose the western part, the one near the famous Brooklyn Bridge.

Manhattan is the best district to stay in, due to its proximity to attractions and, above all, for the wide tourist offer. Moreover, even if it is impossible to visit all of New York on foot, by staying in Manhattan, a lot of the neighbourhoods and some attractions will be within walking distance. There are lots of districts in Manhattan, but they can be grouped into three general areas, each with their own characteristics and accommodation to choose from:

1. Uptown Manhattan: the northernmost part, Upper West Side, Upper East Side and the Harlem neighbourhood. It develops around Central Park going north
2. Midtown Manhattan: the heart of the district, includes attractions such as Times Square, MoMa, the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center
3. Lower Manhattan: the southernmost part, includes neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village, Soho and Tribeca. It is also the heart of the financial district, with Wall Street and the World Trade Center

Not recommended areas: Although New York is a huge city, it is relatively safe. However, there are areas which are better to avoid and are off the tourist trail, so in any case there are limited options. We therefore advise against South Bronx, where it is recommended to move carefully, even during the day, and East Brooklyn (the attractions and main accommodations are concentrated in the western part). In general, it is recommended to remain vigilant in the more peripheral areas at night.

Cool Things to Do in New York

• Free Walking Tour: Explore iconic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or Harlem with a local guide. Visit landmarks like Washington Square Park, the Stonewall Inn, and historic brownstones. More info here.
• Harlem Gospel Tour: this district is mainly famous for its strong afro-american culture, so if you want to discover it you must partecipate to a tour of the district with a gospel mass. More info here.
• Sunset Cruise: Admire the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty as the sun sets. Enjoy champagne, live commentary, and music on board. More info here.
• Visit the Museum of Natural History: visit this important museum that was the setting of "The Night at the Museum". More info here.
• Watch a basket game: this is one of the most american experiences that you can have in New York. You cannot say you went to New York without it! More info here.
• Fly over the city: you can see the city from a different point of view with a stunning helicopter fly over Manhattan. Simply a breathtaking experience. More info here.


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Travel Tips

• Language: English is the primary language, but NYC is a melting pot of cultures, so you'll hear many other languages like Spanish, Mandarin, and Italian.
• WiFi: Free WiFi is widely available in public spaces and parks. Look for "LinkNYC" hotspots or visit cafes and libraries for more reliable connections.
• Transports: Public transport is your best friend. The NYC subway is fast and affordable, and you can also rely on Uber or Lyft for late-night rides. Use ferries to explore areas like Staten Island and Governors Island. Avoid driving in Manhattan due to traffic and parking costs. Consider a MetroCard for unlimited subway and bus rides during your stay.
• Seasons: Summer offers free outdoor movies and concerts, fall is ideal for walking tours with beautiful foliage, winter brings ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and spring blooms in Central Park are unforgettable.