Where to stay in New York City

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.

What is the best area to stay in New York City?

NYC is vast, with countless neighborhoods. Here's a quick look at some favorites:

• Meatpacking District: Trendy and fashionable, with cobblestone streets, designer boutiques, chic clubs, and galleries, plus the elevated High Line park.
• Harlem: Rich in culture and history, Harlem offers vibrant street life, soul food restaurants, a local jazz scene, and beautiful brownstones.
• Williamsburg: This Brooklyn hotspot features trendy coffee shops, vintage boutiques, craft breweries, rooftop bars, and stunning Manhattan skyline views.
• Upper East Side: Known for old-money elegance, it has luxurious residences, world-class museums, high-end boutiques, and refined dining options.
• Midtown Manhattan: The heart of NYC, Midtown is filled with iconic landmarks, skyscrapers, Broadway theaters, and endless dining and shopping.
• Long Island City: Evolving rapidly, this Queens neighborhood has waterfront parks, art galleries, diverse food, and great Manhattan views.
• Lower East Side: A cultural melting pot with vintage shops, trendy bars, live music venues, and innovative restaurants.
• The Bronx: Home to Yankee Stadium and diverse communities, featuring the New York Botanical Garden and Arthur Avenue’s Italian enclave.
• Chelsea: An art lover's haven with numerous galleries, eclectic dining, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
• Queens: Celebrates diversity with international cuisine, spacious parks, and cultural attractions like Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Citi Field.

Best area to stay in New York City for first timers: the Meatpacking District

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• Best for a boutique stay: Gansevoort Meatpacking offers rooms at the heart of the Meatpacking District's fashion scene, and gives you access to one of the most stylish rooftop pools and bars in the city.
• For cool stays: The Standard, High Line is the super-hip André Balazs hotel with fabulous views from floor-to-ceiling windows and the High Line running under it.
• For designer stays: Dream Downtown features a roof-top lounge with club overlooking the skyline, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor pool with private cabanas.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in the Meatpacking District at any budget.

For community and soul: Harlem

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• For guesthouse stays: Soul Food (Mount Morris) is an elegant 19th-century brownstone, just across from Marcus Garvey Park, with shared kitchen and freshly baked cakes every day.
• For apartment stays: The Harlem Pearl features small apartments with kitchenettes, in a lovely building, that dates from 1910, in the Sugar Hill neighbourhood.
• For loft stays: Aloft Harlem is the first hotel to open in the neighbourhood since the 1960s. It has a bright, stylish interior and features airy, loft-inspired rooms with platform beds.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Harlem at any budget

Best hip area to stay in NYC: Williamsburg in Brooklyn

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• For five-star stays: The William Vale has a 19m rooftop pool. All rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air balconies and amazing city views.
• For waterfront stays: The Wythe sits on the waterfront in Williamsburg. Designed into a 100-year-old factory building, all rooms feature original timber ceilings, huge windows and heated concrete floors.
• For chic stays: The McCarren is just off the main Williamsburg strip, overlooking McCarren Park. It features a seasonal outdoor pool, rooms are compact and comfortable and the hotel has a rooftop lounge with Manhattan views.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Williamsburg at any budget.

Best for luxury: The Upper East Side

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• For elegant stays: The Sherry-Netherland has been the epitome of absolute luxury since 1927. Its ornate lobby is modelled after the Vatican Library and room service comes from the in-house Harry Cipriani restaurant.
• For independent stays: The Garden ES Suites sits minutes from Lexington and 63rd Street. All suites feature fully equipped kitchens, separate living areas, large windows and modern interior design.
• For family stays: Loews Regency New York offers both rooms and one or two bedroom suites sleeping up to six guests. It sits on Park Avenue and both Central Park and the Rockefeller Centre are a short walk away.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in the Upper East Side at any budget.

Where to stay in New York for a good value: Midtown

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• For quirky stays: Pod 51 hotel features top value “pods” (solo, double, bunk, queen and “double double”), each reminiscent of colourful ship's quarters.
• For eco-luxe stays: 1 Hotel Central Park is an eco-friendly hotel with a three-storey living wall, reclaimed rustic-chic furniture, cardboard clothing hangers and everything organic.
• For iconic stays: The Algonquin, New York’s legendary literary hangout, is where you'll find a resident cat named Hamlet, suites with silly names and a whole lot of style and tradition. Rooms have been refurbished to good effect.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Midtown at any budget.

For and up-and-coming part of town: Long Island

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• For stylish stays: The Modernist Hotel incorporates a roof terrace with fabulous views. Rooms are sleek and elegant and several large doubles feature open-air balconies or private patios.
• For central stays: Sonder The Dutch sits right at the heart of Long Island City. A choice of doubles, king or queen rooms is available and all bedrooms feature their own private terrace.
• For family stays: Sonder Court Square aparthotel offers a range of one-bedroom apartments, studios and suites. All come with fully equipped kitchens and superior suites that sleep up to six guests.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Long Island at any budget

Best area to stay in New York for a bohemian vibe: The Lower East Side

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• For historic stays: The Historical Blue Moon Hotel is a five-story Lower East Side tenement with rooms named after the 1930s and 1940s celebrities. Book 6th to 8th-floor rooms for fabulous city views. Dorm rooms are also available.
• For boutique stays: The Ludlow is a chic boutique hotel with gorgeous terraces, black and cream silk rugs, white-marble tables and round brass chandeliers from Morocco.
• For stylish stays: Sixty LES features a seasonal rooftop pool, beer garden and sushi restaurant. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, slate showers, gourmet snacks and oversize bathrobes.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in the Lower East Side at any budget

Best area to stay in NYC for baseball and more: The Bronx

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.

Best places to stay in this area

• Best for a historic stay: Opera House Hotel. Housed in a beautifully restored theater from 1913, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of history and modern comfort. With elegant rooms, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to Manhattan, it's ideal for culture enthusiasts.
• Best for extended stays: Residence Inn by Marriott The Bronx. This all-suite hotel provides spacious accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for longer visits. Offering free breakfast, a fitness center, and convenient location near Yankee Stadium, it caters to both business and leisure travelers.
• Best for budget-conscious travelers: Wingate by Wyndham Bronx Haven Park. This affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms and essential amenities including free Wi-Fi and breakfast. With its convenient location near public transportation and local attractions, it's ideal for practical travelers exploring the Bronx and greater New York City.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in The Bronx at any budget

Best area to stay in NYC for art and nightlife: Chelsea

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.

Best hotels in this area

• Best for a boutique stay: Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel. This stylish hotel offers a sophisticated urban retreat in the heart of Chelsea. With chic rooms, a rooftop bar boasting panoramic city views, and proximity to the High Line, it's perfect for trendy travelers seeking a luxurious NYC experience.
• Best for convenient location: Holiday Inn Manhattan 6th Ave - Chelsea, an IHG Hotel. Centrally located, this modern hotel provides comfortable accommodations and essential amenities. With easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining options, it's ideal for both business travelers and tourists exploring Manhattan.
• Best for extended stays: TownePlace Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea. This all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for longer visits. With complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and a prime Chelsea location, it caters to travelers seeking home-like comforts in the city.

Or browse hundreds of accommodation in Chelsea at any budget.

Best area to stay in NYC for budget-conscious travellers: Queens

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.

Best hotels in this area

• Best for a boutique stay: The One Boutique Hotel. This stylish, intimate hotel offers a luxurious escape in Flushing, Queens. With modern, well-appointed rooms, attentive service, and a sleek rooftop lounge, it's perfect for travelers seeking a upscale experience outside Manhattan's hustle.
• Best for airport convenience: Marriott New York JFK Airport. Located just minutes from JFK, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and essential amenities for travelers. With a free airport shuttle, on-site dining, and a fitness center, it's ideal for those with early flights or long layovers.
• Best for budget-friendly stays: Flushing Hotel. This practical hotel provides clean, comfortable accommodations in the heart of vibrant Flushing. With its affordable rates, convenient location near public transit, and proximity to diverse Asian cuisine, it's perfect for cost-conscious travelers exploring Queens and beyond.

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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