Figuring out where to stay in New York City can seem impossible. There’s an endless amount of hotels in all the different NYC neighborhoods. Not to mention the prices for hotels in Manhattan can range from somewhat budget-friendly to budget-busting and everything in between!
After living in NYC for 20+ years and helping countless family, friends, and now, blog readers plan their New York City trips, I can sort through the endless lists of places to stay in New York City, use my local insider knowledge of the area, and help you choose the best hotel in NYC for your travel plans.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in New York City, the standout hotels in each one, neighborhood highlights, and which NYC subways are closest.
Where to Stay in New York City
Before getting to each neighborhood and specific hotels, let’s take a quick second to get the lay of the land, so to speak. New York City is made up of 5 boroughs.
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- the Bronx
- Staten Island
The vast majority of New York City visitors stay on the island of Manhattan, while parts of Brooklyn and Queens have also become trendy and, in some cases, more affordable.
Except for Lower Manhattan, New York’s streets are set up in a grid pattern. If you’ve read my planning a trip to New York City guide, you’ll remember the comparison of the grid to a tic-tac-toe board with 5th Avenue as the dividing line between the west and east sides of Manhattan.
Streets run east and west, crosstown as NYers say. Avenues run north and south, which you’ll hear as heading uptown or downtown.
The distance from street to street (42nd St., 43rd St., etc.) is much shorter than the distance from avenue to avenue (8th Ave., 9th Ave., etc.). So you can begin to calculate what this means for actual walking distance, think of 20 “street” blocks as 1 mile compared with 3-ish “avenue” blocks as 1/2 a mile.
When looking at hotels on a map and their distance from other places and subway stations, you’d much rather be 2 “street” blocks away than 2 “avenue” blocks away.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, the best location to stay in New York is near a subway station. The New York City subway can get you anywhere you want to go in NYC, not to mention help you bypass the clogged city streets and maximize your time.
Finally, readers always ask me for my best NYC travel tips including, where would you stay if you were visiting? It’s such a tough question because everyone has different trip goals and travel styles.
But, if it was me, I’d try to stay on the west side of Manhattan, within 5 street blocks or 1 avenue of a subway station (preferably with more than 1 train line). The best places to stay in New York City are just enough out of the main action to get a feel for the city but still feel conveniently located with places to eat nearby. This would include areas like:
- Chelsea,
- the Upper West Side,
- Greenwich Village,
- and even though it’s a bit further east, Union Square.
And even though I live here, I have stayed in several hotels around the city as part of media stays, family or friend trips, and even for a few staycations. So, if you’re still figuring out where to stay in Manhattan, consider these TGT-tested options below.
Best Place to Stay in New York City
Without question, many people planning a visit to New York City look to stay in Midtown (east or west) because of its central location and the numerous subway lines that connect the area to nearly all other parts of New York City.
Staying in Midtown Manhattan makes it easy to walk to many of New York City’s most popular attractions from Central Park at 59th Street to the Empire State Building at 34th Street.
This part of the city is also always busy, which can be a positive or a negative depending on the type of trip you’re planning and what you prefer as a traveler. From the moment you step outside your hotel lobby door, you’ll be in the thick of the action of Midtown.
For the most part, the one thing you won’t find when you stay in Midtown is a neighborhood-y feel. Aside from being the most touristy part of the city, it’s also a business hub with many office buildings lining the city streets.
This combination results in fewer local places to eat. So, if you’re hoping to return to your hotel after a day of sightseeing and sit down at a quaint cafe or chic city restaurant, just know they’re a bit harder to find in this part of the city.
Let’s look more specifically at both parts of Midtown, as well as other New York City neighborhoods you might consider for your trip.
Midtown West: Best Area to Stay in New York for First-Time Visitors
Midtown West makes up Times Square, the Broadway Theater District, and all the way west to the Hudson River between 30th Street and Columbus Circle at 59th Street.
First-time visitors will be in walking distance to all the main sights in Midtown Manhattan and have plenty of transportation options. Numerous subway lines converge at Times Square making it easy to get or connect to the train you need.
There are also many chain restaurants in Times Square (one of my NYC don’ts!). I strongly encourage NYC first-timers to skip these tourist traps and, if wanting to eat in the Midtown area, head a bit further west to 9th Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen area for restaurants and bars more typical of what you’d find in New York.
Midtown West Highlights:
Midtown West Pros:
Midtown West makes where to stay in New York City for the first time easy. It’s also perfect for travelers doing a lot of sightseeing or those who are trying to pack in a lot in only a couple of days. Many sights are within walking distance and, when a place isn’t, there’s a subway line nearby to get you there.
Many hotels in Midtown West are also within the NYC Theater District. If you’re planning a New York City itinerary with a focus on Broadway, you won’t find a more convenient area to stay with all of these NYC hotels near Broadway theaters.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Midtown West is also great for people who want to be in the action with street performers, bright lights, and just steps away from countless attractions and famous sights. The city that never sleeps nickname absolutely stems from the constant pulse of Midtown.
Midtown West Cons:
Hotels in Midtown NYC are surrounded by busy streets, always congested with foot and street traffic. If you’re concerned about noise and/or are a light sleeper, think about staying in a different neighborhood. Similarly, if you don’t think you’ll do well with a continuous hum of activity from the moment you step outside, there will be other neighborhoods close to Midtown that might be better.
Also, keep in mind that hotels directly in Times Square can be really bright from all the lit-up billboards outside.
Lastly, it’s important to stress that Midtown is the most touristy area in the city. So if you were hoping to get more of a local experience from your NYC trip, this isn’t the neighborhood for you.
Midtown West Subway:
Many subway lines converge in Times Square making it easy to get to and from many parts of the city and to different boroughs like Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. Subway lines include the N,Q,R,S,W,1,2,3,7.
Top Ranked Hotels in Midtown West:
Midtown East: Best Area to Stay in New York for Sightseeing
Midtown East is a concentrated tourism zone, but also a corporate hub with towering skyscrapers and workers keeping busy 40, 50, 60+ stories high and an increasingly residential vibe the farther east you head. The area covers the same streets as Midtown West, (30th-59th streets) but on the opposite side of 5th Avenue to the East River.
Along with its west-side counterpart, Midtown East is another great option if you’re planning your first trip to New York City. This is especially true with hotels close to 5th, Madison, Park, and Lexington Avenues.
The closer you are to 5th Avenue, the closer you are to sights like Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building.
Midtown East Highlights:
Midtown East Pros:
Midtown East has tons to see and do. It’s perfect if you’re spending just 2-3 days in NYC and want to do a lot of sightseeing. You could easily plan a 2-day itinerary in New York City with just the highlights from Midtown.
Midtown West (a.k.a. Times Square and the Theater District) are in easy walking distance. Once you walk from 5th Avenue to 6th Avenue in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center, you’ll begin to see the marquis of Broadway theaters further west.
This area also comes with the advantage of being centrally located but with avenues like Madison and Park being quieter than their westside counterparts. This is important to consider from a noise standpoint, as well as if you’d prefer to have a hotel with less-crowded sidewalks out front.
Midtown East Cons:
With so many things to do in New York City, there’s always a lot of foot and car traffic. While parts of Midtown East are certainly less crowded than staying right in Times Square, the neighborhood is still busy.
Particularly during Christmas in New York, Midtown East can be wall-to-wall people because of how close it is to Rockefeller Center and the department stores along 5th Avenue.
Midtown East can also be an expensive area for hotels and food. And similarly to Midtown West, there are fewer restaurants compared to other parts of Manhattan. And the restaurants that are around tend to cater to a workday crowd.
Lastly, Park Avenue can be very quiet at night because the Midtown area along this avenue is lined with office buildings.
Midtown East Subway:
Rockefeller Center is served by the B,D,F, and M lines. The F and E lines meet at 53rd Street and 5th Avenue. The E train can help you connect to points further west.
Along 5th Avenue near The Plaza Hotel and Central Park, you can access the N,R, and W trains. Along Lexington Avenue, you can take 4, 5, and 6 trains up and down the east side of Manhattan. The Shuttle train and the 7 line connect with the 4,5, and 6 trains at Grand Central Terminal.
The further east your hotel is (2nd Ave, 1st Ave, and beyond) the longer you will have to walk to a subway or possibly even connect with a city bus first. There are no Midtown East subway lines that run further east than Lexington Avenue.
Top Ranked Hotels in Midtown East:
Lower Manhattan: Best Area to Stay in New York for Light Sleepers
Lower Manhattan, also known as the Financial District, is at Manhattan’s southernmost tip.
Dutch settlers established the colony of New Amsterdam right here because of its prime business location for sailing goods in and out of the harbor. Clearly, they were onto something. Lower Manhattan is arguably the financial capital of the world and it’s busiest during the week when corporate America is hard at work.
The hotels in the area tend to be more expensive during the week as they cater to business travelers. Weekend visitors, however, could get lucky with a surprise hotel deal.
All of this being said, the Financial District has been growing in popularity even with resident New Yorkers. This influx has brought more people to the area helping to keep it somewhat active even after business hours.
Lower Manhattan Highlights:
Lower Manhattan Pros:
Away from the hustle of Midtown, you’ll have quieter nights and weekends, particularly once the work crowd heads home. Hotels in this part of the city don’t have the same noise issues as those in Times Square or along Broadway in the Theater District.
The less hectic pace also lets you take a breath and appreciate the tiny winding streets that make their way toward New York Harbor.
If you’re interested in uncovering more of New York City’s colonial history, the Financial District is the place to stay. With a little digging, history buffs can walk in the footsteps of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and many other historical figures.
Fraunces Tavern is where General Washington thanked his Revolutionary military officers over dinner. Federal Hall was where he was first inaugurated. In Trinity Cemetery, you can visit the grave of Alexander Hamilton.
Lower Manhattan Cons:
It’s busy on weekdays with locals going to work in the Financial District. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is also a crowded area during the day.
As this is still a growing residential neighborhood, some restaurants and delis are only open during office hours. You’ll also find less variety for dinners but this is certainly changing as more people choose to live here.
The Financial District is also below the city’s main grid pattern of streets. Meaning, it’s easier to feel confused about where to go since the streets don’t run in a systematic pattern. That being said, many of the smaller streets offer a much different vibe than the wider streets further north.
Particularly on local trains making every stop (versus express trains), it can take 15-20 minutes to reach Midtown.
Lower Manhattan Subway:
There’s no shortage of subway trains that head south to Lower Manhattan. Because the island narrows at the southern tip, it’s easy to reach a variety of train lines. These include the A,C,E,R,W,J,Z,1,2,3,4,5, and 6 trains. Also given how far south you are, you can reach Brooklyn by subway in just a couple of stops.
Top Ranked Hotels in Lower Manhattan:
Upper West Side: Best Area to Stay in New York for Families
The Upper West Side (UWS) of Manhattan goes hand in hand with Central Park and the arts. The neighborhood runs from W.59th Street up to W. 110th Street between Central Park and the Hudson River.
Locals love how easy it is to be shopping on bustling Broadway one moment and walking on the leafy paths within the neighborhood’s parks the next moment. The neighborhood is blessed with Central Park to the east and Riverside Park and the Hudson River Greenway to the west.
Lincoln Center, located in the heart of the Upper West Side is home to the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. The quiet, brownstone-lined streets leading to museums and family-friendly restaurants are perfect if you’re visiting NYC with kids.
The Upper West Side also ranks as a safest place to stay in New York when compared to other neighborhoods.
Upper West Side Highlights:
Upper West Side Pros:
There are lots of green spaces with Central Park and Riverside Park placed perfectly on either side of the neighborhood. It has a great local feel with famous markets, local favorite restaurants, and shops.
Staying on the Upper West Side gives you the best of many worlds, especially if you’re traveling as a family. You’re conveniently located with quick access to Midtown. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in a true NYC neighborhood. And if you’re traveling with little ones, there are plenty of places for them to run and play before or after a day of sightseeing.
If you’re staying close to Central Park, it’s easy to walk through the Park to reach the Upper East Side and places in Midtown in as little as 20 minutes. Looking for a hotel near Lincoln Center? The Upper West Side is where you want to be.
At the end of the day, enjoy a dinner at one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. Along Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, especially, you’ll find lots of great options to satisfy a wide variety of tastebuds.
If your visit lines up with fall in NYC and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit the Upper West Side (near the Museum of Natural History) to see the big balloons get inflated the day before. Then, pop into a local restaurant or pub to join in the pre-Thanksgiving festivities.
Upper West Side Cons:
The Upper West Side’s more residential vibe comes with a trade-off. If you’re looking for nightlife, this isn’t the neighborhood for you. That being said, you will find some bars along Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.
While not unsafe, Central Park West, West End Avenue, and Riverside Drive on either side of the neighborhood are very quiet at night.
Upper West Side Subway:
The neighborhood is serviced by the 1,2, and 3 trains. It’s a quick and easy ride to Midtown West and the Broadway Theater District. You can connect at Times Square to access numerous other subway lines.
For the quickest connection to Midtown, take the 2 or 3 express trains from W.72nd or W.96th Streets. From these points on the express trains, you’re only 1 or 2 stops from Times Square, respectively.
Also, running along Central Park, you’ll have access to the A,C,B, and D trains which give you access to points north and south of Upper West Side, as well as the opportunity to connect to other train lines.
Top Ranked Upper West Side Hotels:
Upper East Side: Best Area to Stay in New York for Museums
The Upper East Side (UES) is a residential area on the opposite side of Central Park from the Upper West Side. It’s one of Manhattan’s ritziest neighborhoods with grand apartment buildings and expensive private schools. Officially, the neighborhood runs from E.59th Street to E.96th Street between 5th Avenue and the FDR Highway which runs parallel to the East River.
Manhattan’s Museum Mile runs along 5th Avenue between E.82nd St. and E.105th St. Visitors could spend a week just going to one museum after another and still not see everything!
Shoppers looking for high-end shops will rejoice all the way from Bloomingdale’s to the swanky shops along Madison Avenue.
Upper East Side Highlights:
Upper East Side Pros:
You’ll feel right at home on the Upper East Side if you’re looking for a posh vibe, upscale dining, and lots of museums. Tucked into the neighborhood’s street are restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in a variety of cuisines. In the E.60s and along 2nd Avenue, especially, you’ll find clusters of places where you can dine out.
The Upper East Side is also super residential making it another one of the best places to stay in New York City for families. As you venture out for a day in New York City, you’re bound to come across local families heading to school or out for some family time.
Hotels closer to 5th Avenue will be just a few steps from Central Park. As with places to stay on the Upper West Side near Central Park West, this can be a fantastic perk. Once inside the park, you can walk to the west side of Manhattan, as well as Midtown in as little as 20 minutes or so.
Upper East Side Cons:
Because it’s a residential neighborhood, the Upper East Side can be very quiet at night. Madison Avenue’s shops close. Park Avenue is mainly apartment buildings and points closer to 1st and York Avenues can make you feel like you’re a million miles away from the sights of Midtown or Lower Manhattan.
Speaking of which, 1st, York, and East End Avenues are a very long walk from Central Park at 5th Avenue, as well as the subway lines that run along Lexington Avenue.
If you’re attracted to the Upper East Side for its quieter vibe, be aware that there is a pocket along 2nd Avenue in the E.80s with more than a few bars. Although not unsafe, the area tends to be more active at night than other parts of the neighborhood.
Upper East Side Subway:
The 4,5,6 trains run along Lexington Avenue and can connect you with Grand Central Terminal in Midtown and areas further south like Chinatown and the Financial District.
The 2nd Avenue subway, known as the Q train, makes stops at E.96th, E.86th, and E.72nd Streets. If your hotel is on the far eastern end of the Upper East Side, try to stay within easy access to one of these subway lines to avoid longer walks to the 4,5, and 6 trains on Lexington Avenue.
Top Ranked Hotels on the Upper East Side:
Chelsea, Union Square, Flatiron: Best Area to Stay in New York for Foodies
Chelsea is on Manhattan’s west side and is one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods with great shopping, dining, and nightlife. The neighborhood is situated between W. 34th Street and W.14th Street from 6th Avenue over to the Hudson River.
The Flatiron and Union Square are a bit to the east but all relatively within a similar 28th-14th Street range and roughly between 6th Avenue and Park Avenue South.
Visitors will love the cobblestone streets with boutiques and cafes, the green market in Union Square, and the overall chich modern urban vibe in these areas of Manhattan. It’s here where you can truly find a sweet spot of local New York City life while still feeling the pulse of the city and its attractions around you.
Chelsea, Union Square, Flatiron Highlights:
Chelsea, Union Square, Flatiron Pros:
Chelsea is just south of Midtown West, making it one of the best neighborhoods to stay in New York based on location alone. It’s a great compromise for visitors who want to be close to midtown but not directly in the action of midtown. Similarly, the Flatiron District and Union Square area are directly south of the Empire State Building.
The neighborhood’s access to the High Line and terrific Chelsea Market are among New York City’s top places to experience. And the art galleries scattered throughout the area are some of the most famous in the city.
Union Square hosts the Greenmarket every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. During the holiday season, Union Square transforms into one of NYC’s most popular Christmas Markets.
The Flatiron Building is one of the most iconic in all of Manhattan. And although you can’t visit the inside, it’s one of the most photographed spots anywhere in Manhattan.
Chelsea, Union Square, Flatiron Cons:
The far western side of Manhattan in Chelsea is transforming from its industrial past. However, these points farthest west (in the W.20s and W30s) can still feel a little less populated at night.
In southernmost Chelsea (or northern Greenwich Village depending on your point of view), where the High Line ends, is a small area known as the Meatpacking District. There’s a concentration of nightlife here, including bars, clubs, and swanky lounges.
The area is trendy and fun for a night out but if you’re looking to be away from a scene like this, it’s better to stay in other areas of Chelsea, Union Square, or the Flatiron instead.
Chelsea, Union Square, Flatiron Subway:
Chelsea and Union Square are served well by several subway lines taking people to and from midtown. Subway lines include the A,C,E,B,D,F,M,L,1,2,3, and 7 trains. The eastern side of the Flatiron District is also reached by the 6 train at E. 23rd Street.
Top Ranked Hotels in Chelsea, the Flatiron, and Union Square:
Soho & Tribeca: Best Place to Stay in Manhattan for Shopping
SoHo (South of Houston St.) is south of Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and north of Tribeca (triangle below Canal St.) and Chinatown. Tribeca is just north of the Financial District in Lower Manhattan.
SoHo is famous for its cast iron architecture while Tribeca is where you’ll find industrial buildings that have been repurposed into gorgeous loft spaces.
Both neighborhoods, SoHo and Tribeca have trendy boutiques and classy restaurants that draw visitors and locals alike. Think cobblestone streets with cafes and outdoor dining (in season) and stores for larger name brands (Uniqlo, Sephora…) to smaller more exclusive shops you might only find in New York City.
Soho is also where to find upscale art galleries and street vendors selling original art and trinkets. Every spring, Tribeca hosts the annual Tribeca Film Festival which features new independent films, Q&A sessions with the directors and casts, music events, and more.
SoHo & Tribeca Highlights:
SoHo & Tribeca Pros:
Soho is a shopper’s paradise! If you’re looking for a place to shop and stroll along chic city streets, look no further! The neighborhood’s cast iron architecture is a sight to see. This iconic style of building was short-lived once the era of skyscrapers took root. As a result, much of the neighborhood is part of a historical district recognized by the city.
Tribeca has an exclusive feel and is among one of Manhattan’s most expensive neighborhoods. While this might not be a positive for most of us, it does give you a concentrated area to do some celebrity spotting.
Both neighborhoods have terrific restaurants. From trendy and chic to quaint and local, you’ll find a restaurant or cafe to satisfy all your visions of eating out in New York City.
SoHo is within walking distance of Chinatown and the Lower East Side. From Tribeca, you can easily reach the Financial District and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on foot.
SoHo & Tribeca Cons:
This is not the place to look for cheap accommodation in New York. Hotel prices in Soho and Tribeca are among the highest in Manhattan.
The areas along Tribeca’s farthest western side are more industrial than other parts of the neighborhood. Think warehouse-type buildings where businesses like UPS have hubs and vehicle parking intermixed with residential buildings before reaching the Hudson River.
SoHo & Tribeca Subway:
The R,W,C,E,B,D,F,M,1, and 6 subway lines make stops in Soho at places like Prince and Spring Streets, as well as Broadway-Lafayette. The 1 train makes stops at Canal and Franklin Streets, which make good access points to Tribeca.
Top Ranked Hotels in Soho and Tribeca:
Greenwich Village: Best Area to Stay in NYC for Nightlife
Greenwich Village, the Village for short, is south of Chelsea on Manhattan’s west side. It’s here where the city’s rigid, predictable grid pattern relaxes and is reminiscent of Manhattan long ago with curving lanes and house-lined streets.
Greenwich Village and the West Village are among the best neighborhoods for restaurants, nightlife, and a fantastic local slice of NYC life. You’ll find everything from grab-and-go bites to romantic cafes tucked away on tiny streets. Around Washington Square Park, there’s a concentration of bars and cabaret bars.
The vibe of the area is young (NYU students) and attracts actors, artists, and the like without the edginess of the Lower East Side. It’s here also where you’ll find a classic, old-school New York vibe with tree-lined brownstone streets which creates an air of romance popularized in my movies and TV shows filmed in New York City.
Greenwich Village Highlights:
Greenwich Village Pros:
Greenwich Village just might be the most picturesque neighborhood in all of New York City. It’s perfect for strolling and getting lost within its small meandering lanes.
The neighborhood doesn’t have big glitzy sights like Midtown. Instead, Greenwich Village is the sight! It’s to be experienced by dining at the neighborhood’s fantastic restaurants and soaking up the charm of its architecture and culture.
Along Bleecker Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, you’ll find a cluster of pizza places all within walking distance from one another. Combine slices from Bleecker Street Pizza and Joe’s Pizza, with a pie from John’s of Bleecker for your very own DIY pizza crawl.
Greenwich Village is also home to numerous small theaters from the the Cherry Lane Theater to the Minetta Lane Theater. These theaters give you an intimate look at New York’s theater scene away from the glamour of Broadway.
Look no further for nightlife! From Beer Gardens to bars and swanky clubs, you can enjoy a night out on the town in Greenwich Village.
Greenwich Village Cons:
With so many fantastic bars, comedy clubs, live music spaces, clubs, and restaurants, the area gets congested and loud on nights and weekends. It’s not the area to stay if you’re hoping for peace and quiet at night.
Greenwich Village Subway:
The Village is easy to get to and from, particularly from midtown and Chelsea. The 1 train makes a stop at Christopher St. and the A,B,C,D,E,F,M lines stop at W. 4th St. You can also take the 2 or 3 express trains to W.14th Street the northernmost area of the neighborhood.
Top Ranked Hotels in Greenwich Village:
Lower East Side: Best Area to Stay in New York for Hipsters
The Lower East Side (LES) is everything hip and creative. As you explore the neighborhood, you can’t help but notice the bohemian energy that flows through the shops, music venues, and restaurants.
While trendy (pricier) shops have moved into the neighborhood, the Lower East Side is still the place to find vintage shops and hidden-entrance speakeasies with artisan cocktails.
The diversity in the neighborhood has also created a foodie’s dream with all kinds of ethnic cuisines and creative food options for some of the hottest restaurants in the city. At night, especially, the neighborhood’s bars and restaurants attract a young, trendsetting crowd.
The Lower East Side is also steeped in turn-of-the-century immigrant history. The remains of which can be seen in the tenement building architecture and old-world tailor and fabric shops that still remain. What’s more, the immigrant neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little Italy are within walking distance.
Lower East Side Highlights:
Lower East Side Pros:
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Manhattan that has an authentic, yet edgy vibe, the Lower East Side is for you. Spend your time shopping for gems in any of the vintage shops throughout the neighborhood. Admire the countless street art murals. Pop into a coffee shop to sit among artists, students, and hipsters. Then later, head out for a vibrant food and music scene.
The Lower East Side is also great for anyone looking for a relatively cheap stay in New York. Compared to other areas of the city, the Lower East Side has budget-friendlier options, at least by New York standards.
History lovers, too, will love uncovering the many stories of the Lower East Side. The Tenement Museum takes a totally different spin on the museum experience. Every visit is guided and tells the story of a particular group of immigrants who lived and worked in the neighborhood. Yet, only blocks away, the upper-class version of life is on display at the Merchant House Museum for an eye-opening contrast to life in New York back in the late 1800s.
Lower East Side Cons:
The Lower East Side isn’t the easiest neighborhood to get to and from, even with the subway. In fact, if there was one neighborhood where first-time visitors shouldn’t stay, it would be the Lower East Side particularly because of where it is and the subway lines that connect it.
Likewise, anyone with limited time in NYC who wants to sightsee will probably want to stay in a more convenient neighborhood closer to midtown to maximize their time instead of going to and from the Lower East Side.
And although the Lower East Side is much safer today with the trendier set having taken root in the neighborhood, there’s still a gritty, grungy element to the area that could make someone not familiar with New York City feel unsure at night.
Lower East Side Subway:
The F,J,M,Z make Lower East Side stops, as well as stops in the areas of Chinatown and Little Italy nearby. It’s slightly misleading, however, because the F and M trains run from other points in Manhattan, while the J and Z lines go to and from Brooklyn.
Top Ranked Hotels on the Lower East Side:
Long Island City, Queens: Best Area to Stay in New York on a Budget
Long Island City (LIC) is an industrial neighborhood in Queens transforming bit by bit into a reinvigorated neighborhood ready to capitalize on its prime position along the East River with wide-open Manhattan city views. Tall high-rises, especially close to the waterfront, have replaced warehouse and factory spaces and ushered in a population of young white-collar workers.
The neighborhood’s growth has given rise to art galleries, museums, and performance venues. And Long Island City’s waterfront has grown in popularity because of the fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline.
While still up and coming, there is steady and solid growth. Visitors have taken note as well. They love the more affordable hotel prices and the easy access to midtown Manhattan via the subway.
Long Island City Highlights:
Long Island City Pros:
The undeniable advantage to staying in Long Island City is the cheaper hotel options when compared to those in Manhattan. Combined with the relatively quick subway ride into Manhattan, hotels in Long Island City become attractive to anyone on a budget, but especially to those with some prior city knowledge.
Long Island City is also a strategic location for anyone looking to split their time between sightseeing in both Manhattan and Queens. The subway lines serving the area not only head into Manhattan, but also to points further east throughout the borough of Queens.
Lastly, from Long Island City, you could explore one of the more off-the-beaten-path spots in the city, Roosevelt Island. The F Shuttle at Queensbridge takes you to the island in 1 stop.
Long Island City Cons:
Long Island City is still up and coming and doesn’t yet have the number of shops and restaurants as compared to neighborhoods in Manhattan or Brooklyn. The restaurants and bars in the neighborhood tend to cluster in specific areas and along the waterfront, leaving other parts of the neighborhood without many options.
At night, parts of the neighborhood that still retain their industrial element are desolate.
Parts of Long Island City have roads that lead to the 59th Street/Queensboro Bridge sometimes resulting in incredible gridlock traffic. And while you shouldn’t have a car for your trip to New York City, the loud honking this traffic creates is not pleasant if you’re trying to sleep in.
Long Island City Subway:
The area has a good number of trains including the E,F,R,N,W, and 7. Not every train will be at every station, though, so know which subway line your hotel is near.
Consider though that a train like the 7 stops at Queensboro Plaza and in only a few stops arrives at Grand Central Terminal, Bryant Park, and Times Square. While the N and W trains take you from Long Island City to 5th Avenue and E.59th Street next to Central Park and the Plaza Hotel in just 2 stops.
Subways run all night so if you’re considering a cost-friendly hotel in Long Island City, there’s no worrying about missing the last train back.
Do be aware that weekend service changes due to work in the subway could affect which train you can take to the neighborhood. And while this can happen anywhere throughout the city, it could mean walking longer distances to get to and from your hotel.
Top Ranked Hotels in Long Island City, Queens:
Brooklyn: Best Places to Stay Outside of NYC (Manhattan)
Brooklyn is also a fantastic option for travelers looking to save on hotel costs. Popular neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, and Dumbo are on or near the Brooklyn waterfront and have become trendier than parts of Manhattan.
These neighborhoods have been revitalized from their industrial pasts into a cultural, sports, and food scene. Warehouse spaces are now art galleries, coffee shops, artist spaces, restaurants, beer gardens, street art, and apartments. And the Barclays Center in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn plays host to the Brooklyn Nets and countless big-name musical acts.
Regardless of which of these neighborhoods you look to stay in, remember, how close your hotel is to the subway matters. You don’t want a long walk to your hotel after a day of sightseeing.
Brooklyn Highlights:
Brooklyn Pros:
Most hotels in Brooklyn will be more affordable than those in Manhattan although it’s always smart to compare pricing. And if you choose to stay in a Brooklyn neighborhood closer to the water, the subway ride to Lower Manhattan is relatively quick.
Brooklyn’s neighborhoods have delicious food choices, whether it’s from an ethnic restaurant, a trendy food truck, or a classic slice of NYC pizza. Compared to Long Island City, Brooklyn’s once-industrial neighborhoods like Dumbo and Williamsburg are well-beyond up and coming! They are full of places to eat, shops, and daily life activity.
Brooklyn Cons:
As convenient as the subway is, staying outside of Manhattan means needing public transportation every day. If your New York City itinerary focuses on the NYC sights and museums in Midtown and on the Upper East and West Sides, it can be a long trip from Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Subway:
With the biggest population of all the boroughs, many parts of Brooklyn have great subway access. Nearly every train line makes stops somewhere in Brooklyn. That being said, it’s important to make sure your hotel is within walking distance of a subway station. There are areas where it can be quite a walk to the nearest subway.
Also, keep in mind that the J and Z trains make limited stops in Manhattan and the G train doesn’t make stops in Manhattan at all, although connections to other train lines are available.
Top Ranked Hotels in Brooklyn:
Bottom Line: Where to Stay in New York City
New York City is an absolute bucket list trip! Finding places to stay in Manhattan for the right price is a big piece of the planning puzzle. Luckily, NYC is such an amazing place that by using this guide to help sort through the best NYC neighborhoods to stay and the best NYC hotels, you’re sure to make a great choice for your trip. 🙂
Where would you like to stay for your NYC trip?
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