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written by
Stephen Keeling
updated 28.08.2024
How do you decide where to stay in New York? This massive city is dynamic and a global leader in art, architecture, music and food. It's crammed with iconic sights, too, from the raised torch of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to Coney Island. That said, accommodation in NYC is sure to eat up the lion’s share of most of your budgets, deciding where to stay may be your most important choice. Here's our guide to choosing the best area to stay in New York City, to make the most of your trip.
NYC is vast, with countless neighborhoods. Here's a quick look at some favorites:
These days the Meatpacking District is the domain of late-night clubs, wine bars and fashion designers. Here the boutiques of Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang and friends line the cobblestone streets. While here, visit the Whitney Museum of American Art, which relocated to this neighborhood in 2015, and offers a stunning collection of 20th and 21st-century American art in a striking Renzo Piano-designed building.
After, don't miss the chance to dine at Pastis, a beloved French bistro that reopened in 2019, offering classic Parisian fare in a bustling atmosphere.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in the Meatpacking District at any budget.
Harlem, a historic neighbourhood in New York City, is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, rich history, and influential contributions to art, music, and literature. Harlem has not been spared New York City’s rapid gentrification, but it remains a bastion of NYC culture.
This is where to stay in New York for vibrant street life, fabulous West African and soul food restaurants, a dynamic local jazz scene and some of the city's prettiest streets. Make sure to visit the iconic Apollo Theater, a historic music hall that has launched the careers of countless African-American performers.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Harlem at any budget
A once-gritty Brooklyn community, Williamsburg is a dynamic neighborhood. It is known for its hipster culture, trendy shops, eclectic eateries, and thriving art scene. This is a fantastic choice for those travelling to the Big Apple alone.
Check out Bedford Avenue at the heart of Williamsburg's rapidly expanding zone of coffee shops, boutiques and bars where you'll find everything from the taproom at the Brooklyn Brewery to venerable Pete’s Candy Store. It's also home to some of the city’s swankiest rooftop cocktail lounges, beer gardens and cool places to stay.
For a unique dining experience, check out Lilia, an acclaimed Italian restaurant housed in a former auto body shop, known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired seafood.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Williamsburg at any budget.
The Upper East Side has been home to dynasties such as the Rockefellers, Whitneys and Astors since the 1890s. It's an indulgent area famous for its luxurious residences, prestigious museums, elegant boutiques, and refined dining options.
Aptly portrayed in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sex and the City and Gossip Girl, this is where to stay in New York if you're searching for the plushest hotels, and the swankiest shops. Looking for somewhere more affordable? See our guide to the cheapest places to travel.
Art enthusiasts should not miss The Frick Collection, a museum housed in the former mansion of Henry Clay Frick, featuring European paintings and decorative arts.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in the Upper East Side at any budget.
Midtown Manhattan is the most obvious area to stay in New York. It’s where most of the city’s accommodation is located, nearly all within walking distance of key attractions such as Times Square, MoMA and Central Park. You’ll be sharing the sidewalk with plenty of other tourists but the proliferation of hotels means there are lots of bargains to be had (in New York terms, anyway).
For a breathtaking view of the city, head to Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, offering 360-degree vistas of the Manhattan skyline.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Midtown at any budget.
This up-and-coming neighbourhood in Queens lies just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan (effectively a short subway ride away). Long Island City itself boasts one of the city’s best flea markets, as well as the highly rated MoMA PS1 gallery and Silvercup Studios.
While here visit the Socrates Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum and public park that showcases large-scale sculptures and multimedia installations with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Long Island at any budget
New York may not be the most beautiful city in the world, but it is thrilling. And today, one of the most exciting areas in Manhattan is the Lower East Side. Historically the epitome of multiculturalism, this is the neighbourhood for the city’s best vintage-clothing stores, restaurants and especially happening spots for drinking, dancing and live music.
For a taste of local history and delicious Jewish cuisine, stop by Katz's Delicatessen, a New York institution famous for its hand-carved pastrami sandwiches since 1888.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in the Lower East Side at any budget
The Bronx, New York City's northernmost borough, offers visitors a rich tapestry of cultural diversity and authentic local experiences. This vibrant area is home to iconic attractions such as Yankee Stadium, the legendary home of the New York Yankees, and the world-renowned Bronx Zoo, one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the United States. The borough's cultural significance is further highlighted by the New York Botanical Garden, a sprawling 250-acre site featuring diverse plant collections and stunning seasonal displays.
Unlike the more touristy areas of NYC, the Bronx offers a genuine slice of New York life. For a true Bronx experience, head to Arthur Avenue in Belmont for some of the best Italian food in the city.
Make sure to read our article on how to get off the tourist trail in New York City.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in The Bronx at any budget
When you're in Chelsea, you’re in Manhattan's vibrant west side hotspot that's perfect for art lovers and night owls. This lively neighborhood is packed with some of New York's coolest attractions, like the elevated High Line park and the always-bustling Chelsea Market. By day, you'll find gallery hoppers, shoppers checking out unique boutiques, and locals relaxing in cozy cafes. At night, the streets buzz with a mix of art aficionados, fashionistas, and partygoers.
For craft cocktails, head to Bathtub Gin, a speakeasy hidden behind a coffee shop facade.
Whether you're admiring sculptures on the High Line, sipping cocktails in a trendy bar, or discovering the next big artist in a local gallery, Chelsea offers a constantly stimulating experience that captures the essence of New York City.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Chelsea at any budget.
Queens, particularly the areas near Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Citi Field, offers an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers visiting New York City. This part of Queens offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and allows you to experience a different side of New York City life.
Queens is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, and this area doesn't disappoint. Here you can try authentic international cuisines without breaking the bank. The nearby neighbourhoods of Flushing and Jackson Heights offer some of the best Asian and South Asian food in the city. For a unique dining experience, try the dumplings at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in Flushing or enjoy Colombian fare at Arepa Lady in Jackson Heights.
Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Queens at any budget.
Ready for a trip to New York City? Check out the Rough Guide to New York City or the Rough Guide to The USA.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to New York City without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
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written by
Stephen Keeling
updated 28.08.2024
Stephen Keeling grew up in England and graduated from Jesus College, Oxford in 1992 with a degree in history. After working as a financial journalist in Eastern Europe and East Asia, he moved to New York City in 2006. Since then he has authored and updated numerous Rough Guides, Insight Guides, Frommer's guides and DK travel books in addition to writing for Google, Zagat, the Independent, Budget Travel and other publications.
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