Where to stay in New York, the city known as the Big Apple? Neighborhood by neighborhood, discover our guide to finding the best place to stay in New York!
New York, the city that never sleeps, is a melting pot of cultures and unique neighborhoods. Choosing where to sleep in New York can be a real headache, as the offer is so vast and varied. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to determine the ideal neighborhood for your trip, whether you’re looking for culture, shopping, gastronomy or tranquility.
Our aim is to help you enjoy an authentic and memorable New York experience, by suggesting neighborhoods to suit your desires and your budget. From the dynamism of Manhattan to the charm of Brooklyn and the accessibility of Queens, follow our advice and discover where to stay in New York for an unforgettable stay.
| Neighborhood | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ Midtown | Major tourist attractions & All types of travellers |
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| 👪 Upper West Side | Quiet neighborhood & Families | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🌳 Upper East Side | Affluent travelers & Museums and parks | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🎨 Tribeca & SoHo | Trendsetters & Shopping and Gastronomy |
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| 🔍 East Village & Bowery | Young & curious of urban evolution |
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| 🍸 Greenwich Village & Chelsea | Nightlife & culture | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 💼 Lower Manhattan & Financial District | Tourists & Business travelers | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 🍜 Lower East Side, Chinatown, & Little Italy |
Curious & Lovers of cultural diversity |
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| 🎸 Williamsburg (Brooklyn) | Young & Creative | See hotels See Airbnb |
| 💰 Long Island City (Queens) | Small budgets | See hotels See Airbnb |
Midtown: at the heart of the action
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Staying in Midtown is a smart choice for travelers who want to be at the center of New York’s hustle and bustle. This neighborhood is the heart of Manhattan, home to iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building and the Museum of Modern Art. You’ll find a multitude of dining options, from inexpensive eateries to gourmet establishments.
Midtown also offers the largest concentration of hotels in the city, to suit all budgets. After a busy day exploring the boutiques of Fifth Avenue or the theaters of Broadway, you can relax in one of the neighborhood’s many bars and clubs. In Midtown, you’ll quickly realize that proximity to tourist attractions and public transportation will make your stay a whole lot easier!
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Upper West Side: the ideal neighborhood for families
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If you’re looking for a place to stay in New York City, theUpper West Side is the perfect choice for families in search of tranquility and cultural activities. This peaceful neighborhood, bordered by Central Park and the Hudson River, is dotted with magnificent brownstones, numerous parks and playgrounds, as well as family-friendly restaurants and boutiques.
The neighborhood is home to iconic cultural institutions such as Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theater and the American Museum of Natural History. For a great family meal, head to Daily Provisions for a hearty brunch or Gray’s Papaya for a hot dog break. In the evening, Asset is an intimate restaurant offering a delicious menu and assorted cocktails. When it comes to public transport, the Upper West Side is well served by subway lines 1,2,3 and A/C/B/D, making it easy to get around the city.
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Upper East Side: for families and those who love luxury
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The Upper East Side, located between 59th and 96th Streets, is an upscale and elegant neighborhood, ideal for families and those who love luxury. The neighborhood is famous for its Museum Mile, which runs along 5th Avenue and Central Park, and is home to some of New York’s finest museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Frick Collection. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants to suit all budgets, from neighborhood diners to high-end establishments. If you’re touring the Upper East Side, don’t miss the designer boutiques on Madison Avenue!
The neighborhood is very pleasant to walk around, with Central Park and Carl Schurz Park nearby, offering pleasant corners of nature. On the other hand, it’s hard to find cheap accommodation here! Indeed, the Upper East Side is perfect for those seeking NYC’s finest luxury hotels. Midtown can be reached by subway or bus in about twenty minutes.
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SoHo and Tribeca: for lovers of fashion and gastronomy
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SoHo and Tribeca are two of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods! Whether you’re a fashionista or a gourmet, you’ll love staying here. Renowned for their lofts and art galleries, these neighborhoods plunge you into the heart of New York’s fashion and culinary worlds. SoHo is particularly prized for its designer boutiques, cobblestone streets and upscale restaurants. Not to be missed are Laudurée pastry shop and Dominique Ansel pizzeria. You can also stroll the lively streets of Tribeca, famous for its film festival, luxury apartments and lively nightlife.
These two residential neighborhoods are close to Little Italy, the West Village and other Manhattan attractions. By staying in SoHo and Tribeca, you can stroll the streets, discover vintage boutiques and maybe even catch a glimpse of celebrities.
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East Village & Bowery: for partygoers and a cultural mix
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In New York City, theEast Village & Bowery is the ideal neighborhood for memorable nights out! Located between Houston and 14th Streets, east of Third Avenue, this neighborhood is in the midst of a major transformation! It offers a unique atmosphere with its blend of modernity and New York tradition. You’ll find plenty of affordable restaurants and avant-garde cultural sites such as the New Museum and the Sperone Westwater Gallery.
Staying in the East Village also gives you access to the best places to go out and have fun. Nightlife in this neighborhood is lively, with a multitude of rooftops and clubs open until the wee hours. Don’t miss a visit to McSorley’s Old Ale House, a historic pub on East 7th Street. With so many places to see and experience, you’ll never get bored in the East Village & Bowery!
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Greenwich Village & Chelsea: for an authentic New York experience
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In New York, staying in GreenwichVillage and Chelsea offers an authentic, lively New York experience, far removed from the more traditional tourist areas. Ideal for those who have already explored the main tourist spots or want to immerse themselves in standard New York life! The Flatiron Building, Chelsea Piers, Union Square Market and Chelsea Market are just some of the spots we recommend you visit. On the other hand, you’ll need to use public transport to visit Midtown’s iconic sites, such as Times Square.
Greenwich Village, the arts district, and Chelsea are bursting with life, and you’ll come across all kinds of street entertainment. Spend some time in Washington Square listening to street musicians and watching passers-by. Explore the narrow, winding streets lined with charming sandstone houses, and enjoy an all-American meal in one of the many quaint restaurants. Don’t miss the jazz and comedy clubs of the Village, as well as the trendy clubs of the Meatpacking District.
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Financial District: for business travelers and history buffs alike
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The Financial District, located in lower Manhattan, is the place to be for business travelers and history buffs alike. It offers a unique blend of modern, industrial architecture and 19th-century cobblestone streets. Hotels often offer bargain rates on weekends, when businessmen return home. The World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial are also located here. These two famous landmarks are well worth a visit for their impressive history!
From the Financial District is also ideal: you’ll have plenty of time to see that New York harbor is a very interesting and hectic place! And as an added bonus, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The lively Lower East Side bar scene is easy to reach by subway. Head to Pier 17 for a drink while watching the ferries come and go. Finally, the neighborhood is close to the famous Brooklyn Bridge, which links Manhattan to Brooklyn over the Hudson River.
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Lower East Side, Chinatown & Little Italy: for curious gourmets
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Are you an epicurean in search of gourmet experiences? Then look no further than the Lower East Side, Chinatown and Little Italy! This neighborhood is undergoing a major transformation, with many trendy boutiques, restaurants and clubs setting up shop on the lively streets. Stroll the streets of Orchard Street, visit the Tenement Museum to learn about the history of the neighborhood and sample culinary delights in the renowned establishments on Houston Street.
The Lower East Side is a residential area close to the main attractions of downtown (about 20-25 minutes by public transport, which isn’t much in New York) and within walking distance of Little Italy and Chinatown. Take advantage of this proximity to explore these neighborhoods on foot, unearth gourmet addresses and discover independent and vintage boutiques. Staying in this part of New York will give you an authentic local experience and a taste of the city’s cultural diversity, which is particularly striking in New York.
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Williamsburg (Brooklyn): for trendy, creative travelers
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If you’re wondering where to stay in New York City, Brooklyn’s Williamsburg is a must-see neighborhood for hip, creative travelers. Located just across the street from Manhattan’s East Village, this hipster and artistic neighborhood is a breeding ground for little spots to discover! There’s a plethora of international restaurants, boutiques, rooftops and music venues. Check out the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Domino Park and the Williamsburg Bridge. To keep your straws taut, we recommend Qahwah House for authentic Yemeni coffee or Misi for homemade pasta.
Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere than Manhattan while remaining close to the main attractions thanks to public transport. Times Square can be reached in just 30 minutes. Williamsburg is also ideal for exploring the boutiques and vintage treasures on Main Street, Bedford Avenue. Williamsburg is the place to stay in New York for a unique, local experience!
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Long Island City (Queens): for budget travelers
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If you’re wondering where to stay in New York without breaking the bank, Long Island City (LIC) in Queens may be the place for you. This quiet, sub-coastal neighborhood is just 15 minutes from Times Square by public transportation, allowing you to enjoy the sights without the exorbitant costs of downtown hotels. You’ll discover a residential atmosphere enhanced by art galleries, concert halls and waterfront breweries offering breathtaking views of the skyline. Don’t forget to visit the LIC Flea Market for vintage treasures and world cuisine, as the area is one of the most culinarily diverse.
Travelers looking for affordable accommodations will be delighted to discover the many options available in Long Island City. The neighborhood is well served by several subway lines and even a ferry, offering a pleasant alternative for crossing the East River. If you’re a food lover, Long Island City is a real goldmine, with many ethnic restaurants to discover. On the other hand, note that nightlife is rather limited and that public transport is necessary to reach the main party venues.
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FAQ – The best neighborhoods for your accommodation in New York City
What are the best neighborhoods to visit in New York?
The best neighborhoods to visit in New York are the Theater District for live entertainment, Midtown for iconic sites and shopping, and Greenwich Village for bars and jazz clubs.
What are the safest neighborhoods to stay in New York?
The safest neighborhoods to stay in New York City are the Upper East Side, Upper West Side and Lincoln Center.
Where’s the best place to stay for less in New York?
The best place to stay cheap in New York is Long Island City, located in Queens, offering affordable accommodations and easy access to downtown.
Where to stay in New York for the first time?
The Theater District is ideal for first-time visitors to New York, thanks to its proximity to Times Square, theaters and public transportation.
Where to stay in New York for just one night?
If you’re only staying for one night, you’ll want to stay in Midtown, close to major attractions and public transport to make it easier to get around.
Where to stay in New York with your family?
The Upper West Side is an excellent choice for families, with its parks, children’s museums and proximity to the American Museum of Natural History.
Where to sleep in New York for two?
For a romantic getaway, choose accommodations in Tribeca or SoHo, where you’ll find plenty of gourmet restaurants and a romantic atmosphere.
Where to stay in New York for the nightlife?
The Meatpacking District is ideal for nightlife, with its many bars, cafés and clubs. Other options include Hell’s Kitchen and Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
Hotel or Airbnb in New York?
Choosing between a hotel and an Airbnb in New York depends on your preferences and budget. Hotels offer services and a central location, while Airbnb can offer more space and a local experience.
Where to stay in New York for a week or more?
If you’re staying in New York for a week or more, choose residential neighborhoods like the Upper West Side or Upper East Side for a more comfortable, authentic stay.
When is the best time to visit New York?
The best time to visit New York is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds fewer.
Map of hotels and accommodations – New York,us