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 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.
With the exception of lower Manhattan, New York’s streets are set up in a grid pattern. If you’ve read my first time in New York 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, cross-town 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.
Best Place to Stay in New York City
Midtown West: Best Area to Stay in New York for First-Time Visitors
This area 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 the main sights in Midtown East and have plenty of transportation options. There are also familiar restaurants in Times Square but I strongly encourage NYC first-timers to skip these tourist traps and head a bit further west to 9th Avenue for restaurants and bars more typical of what you’d find in New York.
Highlights:
Times Square, Broadway Theaters, Columbus Circle, Macy’s, Restaurant Row, TKTS discount theater ticket booth, Bryant Park, Intrepid, Cruise Ship Terminal, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Javits Center
Pros:
Midtown West makes where to stay in New York City for the first time easy. It’s perfect for travelers doing a lot of sightseeing. Hotels in the NYC Theater District make it super easy to see Broadway shows. It’s also great for people who want to be in the action with street performers, bright lights, and just steps away from countless restaurants and bars.
Cons:
Hotels in Midtown NYC are surrounded by busy streets, always congested with foot and street traffic. Hotels in Times Square can be really bright from all the lit-up billboards outside. If you’re concerned about noise and/or are a light sleeper, think about a different neighborhood. It’s also super touristy so if you were hoping to get local on your NYC trip, this isn’t the neighborhood for you.
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 and Queens. Subway lines include the N,Q,R,S,W,1,2,3,7.
Top Ranked Hotels in Midtown West:
Check the latest prices for more Midtown West hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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. Covering the same streets as midtown west, (30th-59th streets) but on the opposite side of 5th Avenue to the East River. You could easily grab a New York CityPASS fill a weekend just with the sights to see in Midtown East!
Highlights:
Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, MoMA, New York Public Library, 5th Avenue, Top of the Rock, Saks Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall, United Nations
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. Midtown West (a.k.a the Times Square and the Theater District) are in walking distance. The neighborhood is also great for discovering lesser-known ethnic pockets like Koreantown (great food and karaoke) and Little Brazil.
Cons:
With so many NYC things to see and do, there’s always a lot of foot and car traffic. Particularly during the Christmas holiday season, Midtown East can be wall-to-wall people. Midtown East can also be an expensive area for hotels and food, not to mention the selection of eateries is less than in other Manhattan neighborhoods.
Subway:
Lexington Avenue is the farthest in Midtown East served by a nearby subway line. These trains include the B,D,F,E,M,N,R,W,Q,S,6,7. 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.
Top Ranked Hotels in Midtown East:
Check the latest prices for more Midtown East hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
Lower Manhattan: Best area to stay in New York for Tourists who are 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. It’s busiest during the week when corporate America is hard at work. The hotels in the area are more expensive during the week as they cater to business travelers. Weekend visitors, however, could get lucky with a surprise hotel deal.
Highlights:
One World Observatory, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Wall St. Battery Park, Statue of Liberty departure piers, Ferries to Staten Island & Governor’s Island* (*seasonal), Trinity Church, Federal Hall, Stock Exchange
Pros:
You’ll have quiet nights and weekends once the work crowd heads home. 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.
Cons:
It’s busy on weekdays with locals going to work in the Financial District. Some restaurants and delis are only open during office hours. It’s a 15-20-ish minute subway ride up to midtown if things run smoothly.
Subway:
There’s no shortage of trains that head south to Lower Manhattan. These include the A,C,E,R,W,J,Z,1,2,3,4,5,6. Some trains may run a little less frequently on weekends. This area also has easy train access to Brooklyn.
Top Ranked Hotels in Lower Manhattan:
Check the latest prices of more Financial District Hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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. 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. Lincoln Center 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.
Highlights:
Lincoln Center, Central Park, Riverside Park, American Museum of Natural History, New York Historical Society, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, St. John the Divine, Hudson River Bike/Walking Path, Levain Bakery, lots of classic prewar apartment buildings and tree-lined brownstone streets
Pros:
There’s lots of green space 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. 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.
Cons:
More residential means less nightlife. The UWS isn’t as diverse in the cuisine department as other neighborhoods in NYC.
Subway:
The neighborhood is serviced by the 1,2,3 trains. It’s a quick and easy ride to Midtown West and the Broadway theaters. You can connect at Times Square to access numerous other subway lines.
Top Ranked Hotels on the Upper West Side:
Check the latest prices of more Upper West Side Hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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. 5th Avenue between 82nd St. and 105th St. is known as Museum Mile. Visitors could spend a week just going to one museum after another and still not see everything! Shoppers will rejoice all the way from Bloomingdale’s to the swanky shops along Madison Avenue.
Highlights:
Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Collection, The Guggenheim, The Cooper-Hewitt, The Asia Society, high-end shopping
Pros:
You’ll feel right at home on the UES if you’re looking for a posh vibe, upscale dining, and lots of museums. It’s also super residential making it another one of the best places to stay in New York City for families. Hotels closer to 5th Avenue will be just a few steps from Central Park.
Cons:
Because it’s a residential neighborhood, it’s very quiet at night and points farthest east (1st Ave, York Ave) are a very long walk from Central Park at 5th Avenue.
Subway:
The 4,5,6 trains run along Lexington Avenue. The newly opened 2nd Avenue subway makes stops at 96, 86, and 72nd Streets. Try to stay within easy access to one of these subway lines to avoid long walks.
Top Ranked Hotels on the Upper East Side:
Check the latest prices of more Upper East Side hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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 Flatiron and Union Square are a bit to the east but all relatively within the same 28th-14th Street range. Visitors will love the cobblestone streets with boutiques and cafes, the green market in Union Square and the overall modern urban chic vibe in these areas of Manhattan.
Highlights:
Chelsea Market, Union Square market, Rubin Museum of Art, Eataly, Flatiron Building, the Highline, Chelsea Piers, antique and vintage flea markets
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. 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.
Cons:
Points farthest west can still feel industrial and quiet at night.
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 trains.
Top Ranked Hotels in Chelsea, the Flatiron, and Union Square:
Check the latest prices of more Chelsea, Union Square, & Flatiron hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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 Tribeca (triangle below Canal St.) is a bit further downtown, south of Soho. Both neighborhoods have trendy boutiques and classy restaurants that draw visitors and locals alike. Soho is also where to find upscale art galleries and street vendors selling local/original art and trinkets. Every spring, Tribeca hosts the annual Tribeca Film Festival which features up and coming films, Q&A sessions with the directors and casts, music events, and more.
Highlights:
Shops & more shops, Dominique Ansel Bakery (Home of the famous Cronut), Fanelli’s Cafe, street art, cobblestone streets, art galleries, cast-iron architecture, a great restaurant scene
Pros:
Soho is a shopper’s paradise! Tribeca has terrific restaurants and is close to the Lower East Side which can be tricky to get to from other parts of the city.
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.
Subway:
The R,W,C,E,B,D,F,M,6 subway lines make stops in Soho at places like Prince and Spring Streets, as well as Broadway-Lafayette. It’s also possible to take a subway to Canal St. and walk north for Soho or south for Tribeca.
Top Ranked Hotels in Soho and Tribeca:
Check the latest prices of more Soho and Tribeca Hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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. 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 is one of the best neighborhoods for restaurants. You’ll find everything from grab and go bites to romantic cafes tucked away on tiny streets. The vibe of the area is young (NYU students), classic, and attracts actors, artists and the like without the edginess of the Lower East Side.
Highlights:
Washington Square Park, Chumley’s, Bleecker Street, IFC Center for independent films, Grove Court, Friend’s Apartment, multiple Sex and the City filming locations, brunch spots, celebrity sightings, classic Federalist style row houses, former home to countless artists, writers, and musicians, Whitney Museum of American Art, Meatpacking District (nightlife central!)
Pros:
Greenwich Village has an authentic, cool New York City vibe, with great tucked-away local favorite restaurants, the best cluster of NYC pizza places all within walking distance from one another (start at Bleecker St. & 7th Ave and walk SE on Bleecker up to MacDougal. Don’t miss the artichoke slice at Artichoke Pizza). Look no further for nightlife! From Beer Gardens to swanky clubs to dance the night away, the Meatpacking District has you covered.
Cons:
With so many fantastic bars, comedy clubs, live music spaces, clubs, and restaurants, the area gets congested and loud on nights and weekends.
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.
Top Ranked Hotels in Greenwich Village:
Check the latest prices of more Greenwich Village hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
Lower East Side: Best Area to Stay in New York for Hipsters
The Lower East Side (LES) is everything artsy and creative. While trendy (pricier) shops have moved into the neighborhood, the LES is still the place to find vintage shops and hidden-entrance speakeasies with artisan cocktails. The diversity in the neighborhood has also created a foodies dream with all kinds of ethnic cuisines and creative food options for some of the hottest restaurants in the city.
Highlights:
Tenement Museum, Merchant House Museum, Eldridge Street Synagogue, the New Museum, walking distance to Little Italy & Chinatown
Pros:
Wondering where to stay in Manhattan that has an authentic, yet edgy New York City Vibe? Look no further than the LES. The Lower East Side is also great for anyone looking for a relatively cheap stay in New York.
Cons:
The Lower East Side isn’t the easiest neighborhood to get to and from, even with the subway. Sightseers with limited time in NYC will probably want to stay in a more convenient neighborhood closer to midtown to maximize their stay.
Subway:
The F,J,M,Z make LES 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 only come from Brooklyn.
Top Ranked Hotels on the Lower East Side:
Check the latest prices of more Lower East Side hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
Long Island City, Queens: Best Area to Stay in New York on a Budget
Long Island City (LIC) is an industrial neighborhood 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. The area is still up and coming but with steady and solid growth. NYC on a budget can be tricky but it’s not impossible. Visitors love the more affordable hotel prices and the easy access to midtown Manhattan via the subway.
Highlights:
Incredible city views from the waterfront parks and promenade, Noguchi Museum, MoMA PS1
Pros:
You’ll find cheap hotel options (at least for NYC) and you’ll love the quick subway ride into Manhattan.
Cons:
LIC is still up and coming and doesn’t yet have the number of shops and restaurants as compared to neighborhoods in Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Subway:
The area has a good number of trains including the E,M,R,N,W,F,7. Not every train will be at every station, though, so know which subway line your hotel is near. Subways run all night so if you’re considering a cost-friendly hotel in LIC, there’s no worrying about missing the last train back. Check the MTA website for weekend subway work that could affect service.
Top Ranked Hotels in Long Island City, Queens:
Check the latest prices of more Long Island City Hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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. These neighborhoods have been revitalized from their industrial pasts into a trendy, bohemian scene. Warehouse spaces are now art galleries, coffee shops, artist spaces, restaurants, beer gardens, and apartments. Regardless of which of these neighborhoods you look to stay, remember it’s less about the neighborhood and more about how close your hotel is to the subway.
Highlights:
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Barclays Center, fantastic Manhattan views, trendy eats, Smorgasburg, street art, flea markets, vintage & artisan shopping, Coney Island, Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Pros:
Most hotels will be more affordable than those in Manhattan. Delicious food choices, whether it’s from an ethnic specialty restaurant, a trendy food truck, or a classic slice of NYC pizza.
Cons:
As convenient as the subway is, staying outside of Manhattan means needing public transportation or a taxi to get to NYC’s top sights.
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. Use Google Maps to know which subway station is closest to the hotel you’re considering. As with Long Island City, check the MTA website for weekend subway work that could affect service.
Important: The L train which makes stops in Williamsburg is closing in April 2019 for 15 months. It will also be shut down for several weekends leading up to this closure. I don’t recommend staying in a place where you’ll need the L train unless you’re a seasoned NYC visitor who’s comfortable with public transportation. So even though I know how trendy Williamsburg and other neighborhoods are, for now, my hotel suggestions below avoid areas served by the L Train.
Top Ranked Hotels in Brooklyn:
Check the latest prices of more Brooklyn Hotels or book now with Booking or Expedia.
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 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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Staten Island is the coolest place I stayed. Thanks a lot.
Thanks for reading, Lizzy. Glad you had a nice stay in Staten Island.
Great information!!!
Thanks for reading, Anthony. 🙂
Thank you for such an informative post! I’m currently planning a trip to New York right now, and I can tell you I will be coming back here for help on basically everything!!
Thanks so much for reading and for your kind words, Molly. Glad the guide is helpful for planning your NYC trip. 🙂
Great information, planning first time trip to NY at the end of May, totally confused by some of the information on other sites, this article was very helpful, thank you.
Thanks for reading, Joe. And, I’m so glad the guide was helpful. Enjoy NYC! 🙂
Thanks a mil for sharing this information. I will be traveling to NYC for the first time in June and I was struggling to decide on where to stay. It helped a lot
Thanks for reading, Fátima. I’m glad the guide was helpful for planning your NYC trip.
I’ll travel to NY for first time on July. I am a little concerned about transportation in general, especially from JFK to Chelsea area and from there to Newark Airport. I read on your article that Chelsea neighborhood is a good choice, so I feel lucky I chose a good place to stay through Airbnb. What can you tell me about transportation (best recommendation) from this area to major attractions in Manhattan?
Thanks for reading, Lissette. Chelsea has access to the 1,2,3 subway trains, as well as several other lines like the A,C,E lines and is not far from the N or R trains a bit further east. All of this means, you can get nearly anywhere you’ll want to go in Manhattan. The 1,2,3 trains, especially, can get you from Lower Manhattan (South Street Seaport, Battery Park) all the way north to Central Park and Harlem. I’m sure you’ll have a fun and convenient stay in NYC. 🙂
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for the awesome information in your article…
This is our 2nd trip to NY but first time around we only stayed for 2 days.. so never got to do much – double decker tour bus.. eat at Flatbush ext restaurants etc.. Stayed in Brooklyn.
This time we have a car rented and plan on driving around the extern of NY and going to take the subway etc, (but I’m scared lol) so… just wondering, if we stayed in Jersey or Brooklyn are there any “PARK N RIDE” parking lots where we could drive somewhat close to Manhattan ..park the car.. and hop on a shuttle or transit bus to Empire State or 9/11 Memorial ? Thanks so much in advance… New York Newbie here 🙂
Thanks for reading, Peggy Sue. Glad to hear you’re making a return trip to NYC. 🙂 Brooklyn will be tough for parking unless you stay at a hotel which has a lot for guests. There are parking lots in many NJ suburban towns, but these tend to be the lots for commuters taking a train or bus into Manhattan. The closest NJ towns of Hoboken and Jersey City don’t offer these types of lots, although you may be able to find public parking garages where you pay an hourly or day rate. Street parking in Hoboken and Jersey City requires a resident permit unless you’re parking for less than 4 hours. Again, though, hotels in these towns might also offer parking amenities for guests. Both cities are along the waterfront and have the PATH train, buses, and ferries into Manhattan. The subway is the best way to get around NYC. It’s quick and beats all the traffic. Not to mention, there are always people on the train. Download a pdf of the subway map or an app so you can see a map when you need and you’ll be all set! Enjoy NYC.
Love your articles! Feels like a friend sharing travel tips. NYC in mid August is our summer trip (with our kids, 14 & 16 yrs). We’ll definitely be referencing your site!
What shows do you recommend for teens?
Hi Laura!
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I love that you’re coming to my stomping grounds of NYC.
So many good shows on Broadway!
Wicked
Hamilton
Mean Girls
Beetlejuice
Dear Evan Hansen – a little heavier BUT amazing. It’s listed as 12 and up
These are a little younger but still very fun!
Aladdin
Lion King
Frozen
Harry Potter
Either way, you’ll have a great time!
Great info, thank you. We will be in NY City end of September then want to drive through the Catskills on the way to Niagara Falls. I am thinking of staying in Mid town east or west. I do not want to drive in NYC. What area can we rent the car that is north and can reach it by subway from Midtown?
Thank you so much!
Lori
Thanks for reading, Lori. That will be such a great New York trip! So, it may seem illogical at first, but to go to the Catskills and the Niagara falls, you actually cross briefly into New Jersey. Northern New Jersey has roads that will lead back into New York State. In fact, this is the way my GPS takes me from NYC when I want to ski up there in the winter. So I’d actually suggest taking the PATH train from Manhattan to either Hoboken or Jersey City. They both have car rental companies there and are right across the Hudson River from Manhattan. There’s a PATH train to Hoboken and a PATH train to Jersey City depending on where you rent a car. The PATH train connects with several NYC subway lines. From midtown, you can get the PATH at 33rd st. and 6th Ave (Near Macy’s and Herald Square). The B,D,F,M,N,Q,R,W subway lines stop at 34th St. Herald Square and have an underground tunnel that directly connects to the PATH trains. These subways lines are accessible from many places in the city from midtown and elsewhere. Hope that helps and you have a great trip. 🙂
My manager is going to a meeting at 100 5th Ave., New York. Would like less expensive hotels near there, like Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, but I’m so unfamiliar with the area that I can’t figure out where to put him. Maps online not very user friendly. Would 237 W. 54th St., be close? Any guidance would be great.
Thanks for reading, Ann. 100 5th Ave isn’t far from Union Square. W. 54 Street isn’t far but it’s not in the same area. There are subways that could get someone there in a short amount of time. If you’re looking for walking distance, though, look for hotels in the Union Square area. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi there. Thanks for all of the tips! My family (2 adults, 2 children) are traveling to NYC in late December. I think we want to stay in the Central Park South area (walking distance to museums and theater district). Where would you recommend?
Thanks for reading, Erika. Central Park South is a very central location. You also can’t go wrong in Midtown West, Midtown East (not past Lexington Ave.), or northern Chelsea. All of these areas are within walking distance to many sights, museums, and the theater district. There’s also a ton of subway access, too. Enjoy the Christmas season in NYC! 🙂
Thanks for the info! I have looked at the Concorde (which is a bit more east than south, I think). Any thoughts?
Hi Erika,
The Concorde is about as far east as I would go if you want the theater district to be in comfortable walking distance. For reference, number blocks (north/south) are much shorter than avenue blocks (east/west). Hope that helps you decide! 🙂
Jackie
Hi,
We are looking to come NYC 11/1/19-11/04/19. After booking the tickets ( coming in EWR) we found out the NY marathon is sunday! We are looking for recommendations on where to stay outside of the city and come into the city.( we are a family of 4. 2 kids ages 5,10) We would like to hit all the major highlights, Statue of Liberty, 9/11, Brooklyn Bridge, Sea glasss carousel, Battery park, Times square, Coney Island,Empire building…… and eat some pizza along the way!! This will be our first trip to NYC
Ive been looking online possibly jersey city, edgewater? Looking for some input and how to schedule our days and any other advice.
Also one more thing the best way to get from NYC to Boston ( train, bus, driving)
Thank you in advance for any input!!!
Thanks for reading, Cathy. Staying outside NYC is a smart way to save money and is a great option. I would recommend Jersey City or Hoboken as better options than Edgewater. Both cities have access to the PATH train, which is like a subway train that goes into Manhattan and in some places connects with the NYC subway. Look for hotels or Airbnbs near a PATH Train. Both cities also have ferries and buses into the city as well. The ferry is really quick, too…like less than 10 minutes across the Hudson River. The PATH Train runs directly to the World Trade Center so it’s easy to get to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (Check minimum age limits for the museum.), the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, and the subway to Coney Island. I have more info on NYC planning for subscribers. If you go to this NYC post and download the cheat sheet, after the initial welcome, you’ll get NYC planning tips. 🙂 As for getting from NYC to Boston, there are cheap bus routes if you want the least possible cost. The train can be pricey and honestly, I’d opt for a quick flight because it’s about the same as the train ticket but taking much less time. Driving could work, too. And, it’ll allow you to make your own stops if there’s anything you’d like to see on the way. Rent your car in Jersey City or Hoboken if that’s where you end up staying and drive from there to avoid driving directly into Manhattan. 🙂
I’m a teacher as well. Taking our FIRST TRIP EVER to NYC with my 2 daughters, irst weekend in December and we’re so excited!!!!! What about the Tribeca area for a hotel?
Thanks for reading, Debbie. So exciting to be taking your 1st NYC trip!! December is a great time to visit. It’s so festive. Tribeca is in lower Manhattan and as long as you are near a subway, you’ll be able to get around easily. The neighborhood has restaurants and shopping (it’s close to Soho), but it’s also home to some of the most expensive real estate and art galleries in the city. It’s a really charming neighborhood with an urban-chic vibe. 🙂
Hello! Would you be able to share your thoughts on the Sanctuary hotel? My husband and I are visiting NYC for our anniversary so would like something a little nicer but not overly expensive and maybe somewhere that has rooftop bars or some places to have a cocktail at night without going too far. I appreciate your help!
Thanks for reading, Dana. Unfortunately, I don’t have any firsthand experience with the Sanctuary Hotel. However, I know exactly where it is and the location can’t be beaten in terms of subway access, Broadway Theaters, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and more. 🙂
I’m so glad I found your blog! We are coming this summer and planning to visit The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9-11 Museum, Chinatown, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and hopefully a Broadway Show. Would it be best for us to stay in New Jersey or the Brooklyn area? We have three kids who do a pretty good job of walking! I’m comparing prices between hotels and AirBnB. Thanks so much!
Thanks for reading, Jamie. Sounds like you have a great trip planned for this summer! You honestly can’t go wrong with Brooklyn or New Jersey (Jersey City/Hoboken). They’re both great areas to stay outside the city. What matters most of all (besides budget, of course) is how close you are to the subway or PATH train. You want to be within easy walking distance to the subway or PATH trains. Jersey City/Hoboken also have buses and ferries. The ferries are fast but pricier than the trains. Buses are typically the cheapest option but can take a while depending on traffic. Good luck and reach back out if you need any more NYC tips! 🙂
I ran across your blog and wow! what detailed information you have written on NYC! I thank you!! Having been so scared to even attempt to visit NYC over the years, your travel blog has made me feel more at ease and with more knowledge of the areas. My family of four is coming to visit this summer for about a week. We have one graduating college and one kid graduating high school, so it’s a great celebration and hopefully, a nice trip of fun memories! I got so much helpful information from your write-up and I’m so excited now! But do have a question, if we are leaning toward staying in the Midtown East area, how do you recommend we go from JFK to MTE? Thank you in advance for your reply!
Thanks so much for reading the blog, Deborah. I’m glad it’s helpful for you. It sounds like you’re planning a great graduation celebration trip. I have this guide on how to get from JFK to Manhattan. Give it a look and then if you have questions, let me know. 🙂
I really enjoyed reading your informative post this morning. My wife and I will be in New York mid-December and have reservations at two Hampton Inns (one near The Empire State Building and other a couple blocks west of Grand Central Station close to the UN). We got great deals on both, but the Grand Central one is cheaper and based on the reviews may be in a quieter area. The one near ESB is more central though to all the parts of the city we want to explore. We will have to decide which one to cancel a few days before the trip. Any recommendations for a first time visitor to NYC?
Thanks for reading, Jason. I got your comment edit as well. Without a doubt, I’d book the one near the ESB. The other Hampton Inn is east of Grand Central near 2nd Ave. The only option for public transportation in this area will be the bus that runs along 42nd St. The subway at Grand Central is also helpful but it’s roughly a 10-minute walk. It would be close to 1 mile on foot to Times Square. The ESB location is within easy walking distance to many things but also has several subway options within a couple of blocks from the hotel. Hope that helps and you enjoy your NYC trip! 🙂
Hey Jackie, this is a cry for help! Our Family had a place all secured to rent in Queens. Now they say it is unavailable! we are scrambling to find a place for 8 adults, 3 children and 2 babies. I have peeked at VBRO, Air BnB etc. financially they are out of our reach. I understand this is not what you usually do,( I was hoping you have contacts/connections) but if you know of someone who is willing rent out their place. 4 bedrooms, furnished, all ready kitchen etc. We plan to go into the city once for sure, maybe twice. Otherwise it is family time and explore where our rental is.
Another issue is cost. We are on extremely limited funds. $225.00 per night at the most.
Dates are Dec. 24 -30th.Grandparents, 3 couples, children: 5, 3, 2, 11 mo and 4 mo.
Thank you for anything you can come up with Jackie!
Sincerely, Sonya Merz
Thanks for reading the blog, Sonya. I’m so sorry to read about your situation! That’s terrible. I wish I could be of more help but I don’t know anyone with a place for rent. I wish I did so I could help out. My fingers are crossed for you! Best of luck!
Thank you so much for the New Yorker insider information. Our family (2 adults, 4 kids) are coming next month for the first time. We are so excited! I love how you lay out the different areas of the city. This is so helpful. I’m finding it a challenge to book a hotel room for all 6 of us. I checked out some of your recommended hotels but the rooms are too small. We have a room at The Manhattan at Times Square. It seems alright? Just wondering if you have any suggestions for family friendly suites.
Thank you! (And I too am a fellow teacher. 7th Grade health!!)
Thanks for reading, Stephanie! Always nice to meet fellow teachers and so exciting about your trip to NYC. Finding larger family rooms is tricky in NYC. Here are a few suggestions. Hotels like the Fairfield Inn in Midtown, Hyatt Place in midtown, the Residence Inn in midtown, even the Doubletree in Jersey City (10 mins to Lower Manhattan) if you’re looking to stay just outside of Manhattan will have suite rooms that have 2 double or queen beds plus a sofa sleeper bed. I hope that helps and you can find something that works! Good luc and enjoy NYC!