Where to Stay in NYC

My Favorite Hotels in Manhattan

ꞏ Five-star: Mandarin
β€’ 4-star: Andra β€’ The State
β€’ 3-The 3-star citizenM and the Sheraton β€’ For families: Lowell β€’ AKA
β€’ For couples: Library β€’ Crosby
β€’ Times Square: Marriott
β€’

Map of Las Vegas hotels: Las Vegas Hotel Map

β€’ ā€’ The superior hotel in the 17th arrondissement is the Le Tsuba Hotel located at this link. β€’ Library: Library
β€’ Empire State Bldg: Langham
β€’ Centrally located near Central Park: Pierre
β€’ Locale for Business Travel: The Beekman

a series of photos showing different types of food 1. The Mandarin Oriental β€’ 2. The Pierre β€’ 3. Lowell β€’ 4. citizenM β€’ 5. Sheraton β€’ 6. Marriott β€’ 7. Pendry β€’ 8. Renaissance β€’ 9. Archer β€’ 10. Langham β€’ 11. Library β€’ 12. Crosby St. β€’ 13. Beekmana city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Best Areas to Stay in New York City

On my first few visits to New York I consistently stayed close to Times Square and the Theater District. And this is what I suggest for most visitors (whether first-time or return). Pretty much any hotel in Midtown will put you within walking distance of Times Square, Broadway performances, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue shopping, the Museum of Modern Art, and Central Park.

For those wishing to explore outside the main tourist areas, there are now satisfactory (though not necessarily more affordable) hotels in nearly every district of Manhattan, as well as over in Brooklyn and Queens.

people walking down the street with umbrellas

Good hotels in Midtown, close to Times Square:

Midtown Manhattan Hotel β€’ Times Square Hotel β€’ Margaritaville Hotel β€’ Boutique Hotel β€’ Central Times Square Hotel β€’ Plaza Hotel β€’ Times Square Hotel β€’ Times Square Hotel β€’ Plaza Hotel β€’ Times Square Hotel β€’ Times Square Hotel β€’ 5th Avenue Hotel

NYC Neighborhoods

New York City is split into five boroughs, though for many visitors β€œNew York” is synonymous with just one: Manhattan.

The vibrant heart of New York City, Midtown Manhattan, is renowned for iconic landmarks such as Broadway and Times Square, along with many of the city’s tallest skyscrapers and premier hotels. While it stands as a pivotal hub for business and finance, it is important to note that Midtown may lack the unique charm found in the city’s more residential areas. However, it is well served by subway and packed with top-tier tourist attractions, making it an exceptionally central and convenient location for first-time visitors.

North of Midtown Manhattan lies Central Park, flanked by the upscale residential districts of the Upper West Side and Upper East Side (which contains Museum Mile). Harlem is located north of Central Park, with Washington Heights and Inwood being the primary neighborhoods at the northern tip of the island.

Downtown Manhattan accommodates the financial district and some major sights such as the 9/11 memorial and wall street. In between here and midtown lie some of Manhattan’s most fascinating neighborhoods, primarily residential areas but with trendy nightlife and diverse culinary scenes: the east and west villages,soho,chelsea, the lower east side,chinatown, and tribeca.

Outside of Manhattan, the other boroughs of New York City can also make great places to stay: Brooklyn is a sizable city in its own right, with neighborhoods like Park Slope, Fort Greene, Williamsburg, and Carroll Gardens filled with varied attractions, eateries, and bars. Queens is similarly diverse, home to attractions such as the Noguchi Museum along with an incredible assortment of multi-cultural restaurants. The Bronx is best known for Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Botanical Garden, while the sleepier Staten Island is the most suburban New York borough, easily avoided by first-time visitors (though the free Staten Island Ferry is worth taking for the views alone).

The Best Places to Stay in NYC

a living room filled with furniture and a kitchena neatly made bed in a bedrooma hotel room with two beds and two lampsa bedroom with a bed, a desk and a window

Note that truly low-cost hotels and hostels have now become uncommon in New York City due to various factors, like the rise of Airbnb and apartment rentals, which present competitive challenges. Furthermore, several of these establishments have been redesigned by city authorities to serve a greater social purpose, offering lodging for international migrants and those without homes.

Best Neighborhoods in NYC for…

  • Best NYC Neighborhood for First-Time Visitors: Theater District (Midtown)
    Yes, it’s crowded, but there is no more convenient home base than the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan, roughly 42nd Street to 50th Street west of Sixth Avenue. This is the New York of popular imagination, with canyons of skyscrapers and the greatest variety of lodging choices – and it’s an easy walk to Fifth Avenue, Times Square, and the theaters. The great central location eliminates the need to fight crowds for transportation after a Broadway show, and it’s not far to major attractions like MoMA, the Museum of Broadway, Empire State Building, New York Public Library, and Rockefeller Center. Another plus: The 42nd Street Broadway subway stop is served by many lines, making it easy to visit other parts of the city. Dining options around here aren’t the best in the city, but there’s a huge amount of choice and plenty of budget options.

a large building with a clock on the front of ita city street filled with lots of tall buildings

  • Best NYC Neighborhood for Sightseeing: Midtown
    The area with arguably the highest concentration of attractions is undoubtedly Midtown. This neighborhood is not solely the epicenter of New York shopping and theater, but it also houses some of the city’s most iconic structures: The United Nations, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the newly developed Hudson Yards district and soaring Vanderbilt Tower. Other attractions involve the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Spyscape (the contemporary spy-themed museum), Madame Tussauds, the Museum of Broadway, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Carnegie Hall, and the Morgan Library & Museum. Midtown also possesses the largest stock of hotel accommodations and represents an ideal central location for exploring the remainder of the city
  • Leading NYC Locales for Food Enthusiasts: East Village & Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
    Downtown Manhattan – especially the East and West Villages, Tribeca, SoHo, and the Lower East Side, tends to contain the most diverse, cutting-edge restaurants in the city, from vegan burgers sold from a hole-in-the-wall to celebrity chefs and Chinatown staples. Overall, we like the East Village most, where there’s an incredibly diverse dining scene at reasonable prices. It’s packed with old-school favorites like Ukrainian diner Veselka and historic Italian cafΓ© Veniero’s, the wildly popular veggie burgers at Superiority Burger, Tex-Mex at Yellow Rose, and David Chang’s noodles and pork buns at Momofuku Noodle Bar (his two-Michelin starred flagship Momofuku Ko is best for a splurge). Andrew Carmellini’s Lafayette is an elegant spot for brunch, while Motorino serves some of the best pizzas in the city.In Brooklyn, Williamsburg tends to have the most exciting dining scene; Italian restaurant Lilia, old-school Bamonte’s,The Four Horsemen, and Sushi on Me are just a few of the highlights, while Michelin-starred Aska (new Scandinavian) and nearby classic Peter Luger Steak House epitomize new and old New York. In the summer it’s worth checking out Smorgasburg, New York’s best open-air snack and food market.
  • Best NYC Neighborhood for Families: Upper West Side
    Bordered by parks and playgrounds and boasting both the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the iconic dinosaurs of the American Museum of Natural History, the Upper West Side is an excellent neighborhood for families. Several hotels here offer family-friendly accommodations, and the area is served by two subway lines and several buses, making it easy to get around.

a large crowd of people watching a basketball game

    • Nolita in Manhattan is thought of as the Trendiest Neighborhood: Within this area, The quickly developing Nolita (North of Little Italy) district south of Houston Street between SoHo and the Lower East Side’s Bowery is home to the cutting-edge New Museum of Contemporary Art, sleek art galleries (like Westwood and Sperone Westwater), trendy boutiques (like Supreme skate shop and Tombolo), and an expanding list of fashionable new hotels (like the hip Moxy Lower East Side) and restaurants. There are still rough aspects here but there’s no better place to experience the vibes of change in New York. The citizenM Bowery is an excellent choice for an overnight stay
    • Best Place to stay in NYC for Christmas/New Year’s Eve: Midtown
      Midtown Manhattan is where the Christmas action takes place, especially along Fifth Avenue: huge street decorations, the ice-skating rink and soaring Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, and famously elaborate window displays in department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Though it’s cold at this time of year, the weather is generally dry and sunny, but note that the streets are often jam-packed with visitors and locals alike (especially on Fifth Avenue and around Rockefeller Center), who come out to enjoy the festivities. Christmas Day itself tends to be quieter, with most shops and attractions closed, though plenty of restaurants remain open.The focus at New Year’s Eve is on Times Square, where there’s a massive party and the β€œball-drop” at midnight – you’ll need to arrive early in the afternoon to secure a good spot (the roads around Times Square are usually locked down by late afternoon). Outside of Manhattan, the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights is so famous for its crazy, over-the-top holioday decorations, it has its own guided tours (easily arranged from your hotel in Midtown).
    • Queens is considered the best area for travelers on a tight budget.

Costs can be reduced by considering lodging outside Manhattan; hotels and rental properties (Airbnb or VRBO) in Queens in particular. Accommodations across the East River and in Jersey City on the opposite side of the Hudson can be approximately 50% cheaper than similar quality options near Times Square. In most cases, these locations will involve a short subway (Queens) or bus (Jersey City) ride to central Manhattan. Both neighborhoods are closer to Manhattan than they may initially appear.

    • Williamsburg (Brooklyn) is an excellent area for young adults to stay.

Williamsburg, located one subway stop from Manhattan, is regarded as one of New York`s grooviest communities; inhabited by youthful professionals, students, and an artistic, unconventional crowd. Appreciate chic boutique hotels, some of the top restaurants in the city, and a lively nightlife. Local standbys like the Brooklyn Brewery and Pete`s Candy Store (bar) have been joined by Schimanski nightclub, live music venue (and bowling alley) Brooklyn Bowl, and the Music Hall of Williamsburg. On summer weekends the Smorgasburg open-air food market occupies the waterfront and locals flock to McCarren Park to picnic and sunbathe. (The McCarren Park Pool is regarded as one of the city’s best and largest public swimming pools).

  • Best Place to Stay for the Weekend: Greenwich Village (West Village) The most beautiful neighborhood in Manhattan, the West Village is ideal for a fun weekend trip away. It’s one of the epicenters of New York brunch culture, with highly popular spots such as Jack’s Wife Freda,Joseph Leonard, and Jeffrey’s Grocery merely scratching the surface. Washington Square Park is akin to a massive open-air marketplace and entertainment hub rolled into one on weekends; packed with sunbathers, picnic-goers, chess-players, street artists and musicians. Meanwhile over on the Hudson River, the Hudson River Greenway is a breezy promenade dotted with cafes and gardens. In the evening, hit some of the city’s most renowned nightspots: the Comedy Cellar,Blue Note Jazz Club,Village Vanguard,Cafe Wha?,Minetta Lane and Cherry Lane theaters, plus fabled LGBT venues like The Stonewall Inn and The Monster

people walking down a street next to tall buildingsmotorcycles parked in front of a building

    • Best area for local vibe: Greenpoint (Brooklyn)

Located between the East River and Brooklyn’s northern border adjoining Queens, Greenpoint maintains much of its local uniqueness, despite gradual gentrification over the past decade or so. (And the popularity of the television program Girls, which featured local coffee shop CafΓ© Grumpy). It is home to the largest Polish community in New York, most evident along the primary strip, Manhattan Avenue, lined with Polish restaurants and bakeries (like Polka Dot and Pierozek). It is also home to some of the borough’s finest hotels: the Henry Norman, the Box House Hotel and the Franklin Guesthouse.

  • Midtown or SoHo are considered the Best Places for Shopping: In these districts, Midtown Manhattan contains the most shops, specifically the higher-end strip along Fifth Avenue (Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co, and Cartier), and the chains around Herald Square, dominated by Macy’s department store. However, SoHo is a better hub for luxury boutiques, trendy designers, and niche brands. Here you’ll find Prada, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Burton snowboards, Louis Vuitton, Rag & Bone, Kate Spade, Muji, Levi’s, Rudy’s Music guitars, and 2nd Street SoHo vintage fashion.
  • Most Romantic Destination: Upper East Side or Greenwich Village (West Village)
    Manhattan`s Midtown blends many quintessential New York images and experiences (and romantic hotels like The Plaza), though the Upper East Side presents as a more thoughtful pick. Upscale and residential in nature, the hotels here exude vintage New York charm, always near Central Park and Museum Mile.There aren’t many lodging options in Greenwich Village (also called West Village), but it too has charm. Its narrow paths are lined with historic row houses, independent boutiques, and some top restaurants in the city. The Hudson River promenade makes a sentimental spot for sunset strolling, and jazz clubs, cocktail lounges, and historic pubs provide entertainment at night.
  • Best NYC Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Meatpacking District, Lower East Side & Williamsburg
    It continues to attract many night owls, though the Meatpacking District`s luster has faded somewhat over time. Young revelers pack the sidewalks until late hours in this lively area, home to numerous acclaimed cafes and dance venues. Around The Standard High Line hotel you have Top of The Standard,Brass Monkey,Standard Biergarten, and Le Bain nightclub, while the nearby Gansevoort Hotel houses a stylish rooftop bar. We also like The Tippler and Corkbuzz inside Chelsea Market, and the nearby Discolo (inside Al Coro restaurant).But New York nightlife isn’t confined to one neighborhood. The Lower East Side remains a hub for more cutting-edge bars and clubs, with Daphne,Loosies (inside the Bowery Grand Hotel), Outer Heaven, and Virgo popular clubs; and Bar Valentina,Verlaine,Mercury Lounge, and Fools Gold top of a very lengthy bar list. A lot is also happening across the East River in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, where old favorites like the Brooklyn Brewery and Pete’s Candy Store have been joined by Ciao Ciao Disco,The Water Tower Bar,Westlight,320 Club,Barcade, and Cafe Balearica.Chelsea is the city’s LGBTQ nightlife hub, and more clubs, both straight and gay, are found in β€œHell’s Kitchen,” a neighborhood in the 40s west of 9th Avenue. For jazz bars and clubs, check out Greenwich Village.
  • Best Neighborhoods Without a Car: West Village & Lower East Side (including Nolita, Chinatown, and Little Italy)
    The most walkable neighborhoods in Manhattan tend to be below 14th Street, where traffic is generally lighter, roads narrower, and the street grid is less rigid or disappears entirely, as is the case in Greenwich Village. The West Village boasts incredibly charming streets that are best appreciated on foot, such as Bedford Street, West 4th Street, and Bleecker Street which feature beautiful townhouses, indie boutiques, and intimate restaurants. Washington Square Park is one of the city`s most lively green spaces, particularly on weekends. The Lower East Side sees a bit more traffic but the key neighborhoods here – Little Italy, Chinatown, Nolita – are very close together and best explored by walking. In Chinatown, food stalls loaded with fruits, vegetables, and snacks line the sidewalks, while small bars and restaurants are spread throughout the Lower East Side.

a market filled with lots of fruits and vegetables

    • Best Outer Neighborhoods for easy access to Manhattan: Fulton Ferry District (Brooklyn) or Long Island City (Queens)
      The tiny Fulton Ferry District, located between the East River, Brooklyn Heights, and Dumbo, provides excellent linkages to Lower Manhattan, home to a collection of glittering skyscrapers situated just across the waterway. While the nearest underground station (High Street – Brooklyn Bridge) involves a brief walk inland, it`s feasible to traverse the Brooklyn Bridge on foot from here or utilize one of the convenient (and affordable) NYC Ferry services to Wall Street. The Fulton Ferry District is also where Brooklyn`s top hotel, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, is situated. Further northward, Long Island City (Queensboro Plaza/Court Square-23 St/Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av) requires just a single subway ride to Midtown and the Upper East Side (you can also take ferries across from the Hunters Point South and Long Island City docks). Aloft Long Island City,Hyatt Place Long Island City,LIC Hotel, and The Local NY represent great places to reside over in this area
    • The safest locales in NYC encompass Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Lincoln Center.

What I appreciated about this location was its absolute tranquility and close proximity to nature. Even with the difficulty accessing and leaving, seeing the breathtaking Grand Canyon landscapes was undoubtedly one of my most memorable life experiences. For a successful trip, make reservations well in advance and prepare accordingly, as reaching the ranch requires at minimum an 8-mile journey from the South Rim and 14 miles from the North Rim, with a significant elevation gain of at least 4,460 ft on the return.

The 10 Best Neighborhoods in NYC for Tourists

1. Midtown

a street sign with a cartoon character on it

The brightly lit Times Square, the theaters of the Broadway Theater District, high-end shopping along Fifth Avenue, the iconic architecture of Rockefeller Center, the towering Empire State Building, the grand St. Patrick`s Cathedral, the distinctive Chrysler Building, the main branch of the New York Public Library, the acclaimed Museum of Modern Art, the headquarters of the United Nations, and a diversity of eateries ranging from economical to upscale are all within this region, at the very core of Manhattan.

In terms of towering views, the steadfast Empire State and Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) now have fresh competition in the form of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Edge, an awe-inspiring open-air platform in Hudson Yards, one of the city’s newest clusters of skyscrapers. The huge copper-colored β€œVessel” installation by Thomas Heatherwick is also here, and the development forms the northern end of the High Line (an elevated train line converted into a park). There’s also the brand-new Museum of Broadway, spy-themed Spyscape, and more traditional attractions such as Madame Tussauds New York and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, a decommissioned aircraft carrier over on the Hudson River which contains the retired space shuttle Enterprise.

Midtown is a must for visitors and has the city’s largest concentration of lodging.

Note that the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York is expected to stay closed until late 2024 or 2025 for significant renovations. The Four Seasons Midtown hotel is also temporarily closed for β€œsubstantial infrastructure and maintenance work” keeping it shut until fall 2024.

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Library Hotel Β· Hotel phone: +1 (212) 983-4500
The LUMA Times Square hotel can be reached at +1 (212) 730-0099 The Pendry Manhattan West hotel located in New York City can be found at https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/pendry-manhattan-west.html?aid=346426&label=nyc-places. Their phone number is +1 (212) 933-7000.
The Peninsula β€’ Hotel phone: +1 (212) 956-2888
Midtown Renaissance β€’ Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 239-0014
Ritz-Carlton in Central Park – Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 308-9100
Whitby Hotel Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 586-5656

2. Upper West Side & Central Park

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From the luxury buildings bordering Central Park West to side streets lined with classic Manhattan townhouses, this area is a premier Manhattan residential location and home to some important attractions. Lincoln Center, the city`s cultural hub where the Met Opera, New York Philharmonic, and the New York City Ballet are situated, and the American Museum of Natural History (known for its dinosaurs, butterfly greenhouse, and Rose Center for Earth and Space) are both here, as well as the insightful New-York Historical Society. Further north, Morningside Heights includes the central campus of Ivy League-affiliated Columbia University, the massive Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, and General Grant National Memorial, better known as Grant`s Tomb (resting place of Union general and 18th president of the United States).

Similar to its East Side equivalent, the Upper West Side is bordered by parks, Central Park to the east and scenic Riverside Park west along the Hudson River. Central Park itself contains ample greenery along with monuments, lakes, and attractions that are worthwhile exploring. Notable features involve the Central Park Zoo, Strawberry Fields (a tribute to John Lennon, who was shot nearby), the Wollman Rink, the iconic Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and the cast-iron-and-wood Bridge over The Lake. The complimentary Shakespeare in the Park summer performances take place at the Delacorte Theater while Conservatory Water pond is framed by notable statues to Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen.

A calmer neighborhood setting as well as proximity to Central Park make the Upper West Side a good option for those preferring a more subdued locale.

3. Upper East Side

people walking in front of a large buildinga collage of photos showing a street sign

Some of Manhattan`s most expensive homes can be found in this tranquil region roughly spanning the streets of 59th and 96th, east of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. It is home to β€œMuseum Mile,” comprising several excellent art institutions along Fifth Avenue, like the globally renowned Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Collection (based at the Frick Madison in the Breuer Building until at least the end of 2023), and the iconic Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Other highlights include the Neue Galerie, dedicated to early 20th-century art from Austria and Germany (which owns the renowned “Woman in Gold”, aka Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer), the absorbing Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, and the huge Jewish Museum, containing the largest collection of Judaica outside Israel. The neighborhood is bordered by two green spaces, Central Park to the west and Carl Schurz Park to the east, which features a promenade along the East River and Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor of New York City since 1942.

A variety of dining establishments are found in the Upper East Side, ranging from local eateries to upscale dining, but hotels generally charge high rates in the area.

4. Tribeca and SoHo

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Named based on their layout (β€œTriangular Below Canal”, and β€œSouth of Houston”), these former storage neighborhoods have witnessed a revival in recent times. Thanks largely to resident Robert DeNiro, Tribeca is home to the well-known film festival with the same name, and its spacious, expensive loft apartments and fine dining attract the wealthy and famous. Soho’s loft spaces first drew artists and galleries, but increasing rents have changed the area into a trendy shopping and dining district. Most people come here to shop, drink or eat, but there are a few attractions to check out, as well.

One of Tribeca`s tallest structures, 56 Leonard, stands out significantly, nicknamed the “Jenga Building” owing to its cantilevered glass box design. Just across Canal Street is the recently opened Jackie Robinson Museum, commemorating the renowned African American baseball player. A bit further north lies the New York City Fire Museum, dedicated to the New York Fire Department since its 19th century founding, while the nearby Color Factory is one of the city’s burgeoning β€œInstagram” museums, packed with sensory and immersive experiences (over in SoHo itself there’s also the Museum of Ice Cream, with the world’s largest β€œSprinkle Pool”.) Fans of sweet treats should join the line outside Dominique Ansel Bakery to sample the still wildly popular cronut (the donut/croissant hybrid).

a large building with a clock on the side of it

5. East Village

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This neighborhood, once known as a haven for hippies located between Houston Street and 14th Street east of Third Avenue, still offers many affordable dining establishments but new developments near Houston Street and the neighboring Bowery have introduced avant-garde art galleries, higher-end eateries, and stylish hotels. It remains one of the city`s hippest areas, flooded with diners and a diverse crowd celebrating on weekends, particularly students attending New York University (many residing here). Head to Tompkins Square Park on a summer afternoon to soak up the atmosphere, grab a beer at McSorley’s Old Ale House (America`s oldest pub), or take in a poetry performance at Nuyorican Poets Cafe. New York’s Ukrainian community is represented by St George Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Ukrainian Museum, and restaurants like Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen and neighborhood staple Veselka.

6. Greenwich Village (aka West Village) and the Meatpacking District

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There was no organized city planning here, just a crazy complex of leafy narrow paths lined with charming homes from the 19th century, many formerly housing renowned artists, writers, and musicians. The cafes, clubs and coffee shops of the “village” as locals refer to it, have long attracted a young crowd. This group involves students at a prestigious nearby institution, New York University, which covers multiple blocks surrounding the lively Washington Square Park. This park is recognized as one of New York City’s most vibrant and active green spaces; its Washington Memorial Arch, constructed in 1892 by Stanford White, is constantly bustling on weekends.

Small groups of interested fans still gather at the intersection of Bedford and Grove Streets to see the exterior of the apartment from the popular 1990s television show Friends, and “Carrie Bradshaw`s Apartment” at 66 Perry Street (featured inSex and the City). The iconic LGBT establishment The Stonewall Inn is America`s first National Monument dedicated to the LGBTQ-rights movement (which was sparked by protests that took place here in 1969), and will eventually feature a visitors` center – the Gay Liberation Monument and new NY City AIDS Memorial are nearby.

Otherwise, West Village is mainly about eating, drinking, and live entertainment: a caffe latte at historic Caffe Reggio; toasted sandwiches at Murray’s Cheese Shop; cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery; beers at the White Horse Tavern, where Dylan Thomas had his last drink; live jazz at the Village Vanguard; and laugh-out-loud jokes at the Comedy Cellar.

Similar to the East Village, this is a great area to explore, but with few lodging choices.

a tall brick building with a clock tower

    • Some top hotels in Greenwich Village (West Village) and the Meatpacking District include:

The luxury hotel ” The Marlton Hotel” is located in New York City, USA. For reservations or questions, contact +1 (212) 321-0100
The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village may be contacted at +1 (212) 375-1300
Washington Square Hotel – Hotel phone: +1 (212) 777-9515
The BarriΓ¨re Fouquet’s New York contact number is +1 (917) 965-2600

7. Chelsea

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Further north, from 22nd to 28th streets, the old warehouses of Chelsea now house dozens of art galleries. The area has blossomed in recent years, with swanky new hotels since the opening of the High Line, an elevated pedestrian park on a former rail line running from 13th to 34th streets. The Standard High Line Hotel is situated directly above the High Line.

Nearby, jutting into the Hudson River, Little Island public park represents one of the city’s newer attractions, its innovative design featuring β€œtulip pot” concrete pillars. Other highlights in the area encompass Chelsea Market, with its assortment of food outlets and restaurants, the Rubin Museum of Art, specializing in paintings, sculptures, and textiles from Nepal and Tibet. Google has its New York headquarters here, with a large retail store nearby Chelsea Market).

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  • Best Hotels in Chelsea
    The Hotel Chelsea can be reached at +1 (212) 483-1010
    The ModernHaus SoHo hotel in New York City can be found here. Its contact phone number is +1 (212) 465-2000.
    The Moore – Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 255-5400
    Motto Chelsea Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 668-8624
    The strongly emphasized ” The High Line Hotel” hotel`s contact number is +1 (212) 929-3888
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
    Cambria Chelsea Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 244-4477
    The Leo House Hotel contact number: +1 (212) 929-1010
  • Best Hostel
    Chelsea International β€’ Hotel phone: +1 (212) 647-0010

8. Lower Manhattan and the Financial District

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Its twisting alleyways provide evidence that this area is the oldest section of the city, though in current times Wall Street and its environs are home to a dense forest of sky-high towers that dwarf the few historic sites remaining from long ago. With the completion of the novel One World Trade Center (which features an observation deck situated remarkably high) and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, this location is booming with travelers and new shops, lodgings, and eateries.

You can learn about the lives of enslaved Africans in colonial New York at the African Burial Ground Memorial, eat outside at the restaurants along historic Stone Street, shop under Santiago Calatrava’s unusual, dinosaur skeleton-like Oculus, see Alexander Hamilton’s final resting place at Trinity Church, or immerse yourself in history at St Paul’s Chapel, Manhattan’s oldest house of worship. The legendaryCharging Bull statue, iconic symbol of Wall Street, is commonly overwhelmed by sightseer groups (it truly stands on Broadway, just north of Bowling Green), while the Fearless Girl statue now eyes the front of the New York Stock Exchange on Broad Street.

Bowling Green is home to Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, while nearby Battery Park is a launching point for ferries to the Statue of Libertyand Ellis Island.Onthe north side of the park, the Museum of Jewish Heritage is a poignant memorial to the Holocaust.

Along the East River, the 1820s row homes of the Seaport District and old sailing vessels of the South Street Seaport Museum have been joined by revamped shopping complex Pier 17 and the Tin Building, a lavish food marketplace led by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Newly opened in 2022, the Hall des Lumières serves as a spectacular immersive exhibit center on the edge of the Financial District (near City Hall and the gingerbread Manhattan Municipal Building), with themes ranging from Gustav Klimt to space exploration.

The only way to access Liberty, Ellis or Governors islands is by ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan (Battery Park). This is also where you catch the free Staten Island Ferry. Many hotels in the Financial District have good rates on weekends when business travelers return home, otherwise lodging tends to be expensive down here.

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9. Lower East Side (including Nolita, Chinatown, and Little Italy)

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The old ethnic neighborhoods of the city have been experiencing change. Crowded and ever-fascinating, Chinatown has expanded greatly, taking over all but one street of what was once Little Italy and rapidly absorbing much of the Jewish Lower East Side. However, on Orchard Street and blocks closer to Houston bordering the East Village, the area has been rediscovered by a new generation, and cool shops, clubs, and restaurants are flourishing. The Tenement Museum best shows what used to exist, and some Jewish culinary landmarks remain on Houston Street; legendary Katz’s Deli,Russ & Daughters, and knish-maker Yonah Schimmel. What remains of Little Italy clusters along Mulberry Street, mostly red sauce restaurants and bakeries, though the Italian American Museum provides a good place to learn about the history of the area.

The areas surrounding St Patrick’s Old Cathedral are known as Nolita (β€œNorth of Little Italy”), one of the trendiest parts of the city, home to fashion boutiques and hip restaurants, as well as the stylish New Museum of Contemporary Art situated over on the Bowery. You can learn about the history of Chinese Americans at the Museum of Chinese in America before exploring Mott Street in Chinatown, the main avenue crammed with restaurants, gift stalls, Chinese bakeries, and tea shops. The Museum at Eldridge Street, a fully restored, active synagogue, offers a glimpse of the Jewish Lower East Side during its prime, while the future is represented by Essex Crossing, a huge mixed-use development at the intersection of Delancey and Essex streets that includes Essex Market,The Market Line mall, and the International Center of Photography museum.

10. Brooklyn

a collage of photos showing a street sign

For myself, I sometimes rent a second camera for constructing Northern Lights time-lapses and video when I’m on one of my Iceland Northern Lights Photo Tours. I always rent through Lensrentals. They operate within the US., and their rental expenses are affordable and straightforward to process. Besides, if you hire your equipment through this linkand use the Lensrental voucher codeATLAS15, you will get a 15% reduction.

 

This just briefly examines the area; further south lay trendy Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens (collectively called “BoCoCa”), and the historic waterfront district of Red Hook, while further inland (encompassing the borough`s highest elevation) is affluent Park Slope and the green expanse of Prospect Park – major attractions such as the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are situated here. The northern portion of Brooklyn includes Williamsburg and Greenpoint, somewhat separated from the rest of the borough but dynamic cultural and nightlife centers themselves. Williamsburg is home to the acclaimed Brooklyn Brewery (which provides free tours), and Smorgasburg summer food marketplace, as well some of the best boutique hotels in New York (with spectacular views of Manhattan).

Far to the south facing the Atlantic Ocean lies Coney Island, New York`s beloved vintage seaside resort. The beach remains a vast expanse of golden sand that`s usually packed in summer, and the famous wooden boardwalk buzzes with activity, anchored by Nathan`s Famous hot dogs, the iconic Luna Park amusements (such as the Coney Island Cyclone), and Deno`s Wonder Wheel.

a yellow taxi cab parked in front of a tall building

More New York City Neighborhoods

We have discussed our favorite neighborhoods to visit and stay in more detail above, but these other districts are also worth checking out with more time:

Getting Into and Around New York

The highly recommended things to do, very good hotels in NYC, and excellent family hotels are scattered around Manhattan and Brooklyn, but no matter where you lodge, it’s simple to get around provided your accommodations are near a subway station (or even a bus stop). Grasping the transportation system is not challenging since much of central Manhattan is arranged in a grid pattern with cross streets clearly numbered.

  • If numbers increase, they point north or uptown, decreasing numbers head south or downtown. Most of the avenues allow one-way traffic only, so buses normally travel heading in a single direction; important two-way thoroughfares like 14th, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets have buses proceeding in both directions. (Route maps are posted at every stop).
  • Subway routes are identified as going either uptown or downtown to indicate the bearing of the trains on that track. “Crosstown” literally indicates traveling across the city from east to west. Fifth Avenue serves as the division between what New Yorkers term the “east side” and “west side” in Manhattan. A subway shuttle train crosses the city on 42nd Street from Grand Central Terminal to Times Square.
  • To calculate distances, roughly 20 city blocks in Manhattan equates to one mile. For example, the area of Midtown between 34th and 59th streets, where many renowned attractions can be found, spans less than 1.5 miles and is comfortably walkable. The winding alleyways in the older parts of the city are also quite passable on foot, but in these regions, street maps or mobile phone maps are advised to guide your way.

people walking down a city street

Lodging located within steps of NYC subway stations: Sheraton Times Square – citizenM Times Square – Smyth Tribeca – The New Yorker – Courtyard Times Square – The Knickerbocker – Mandarin Oriental – The Sherry Netherland – Equinox – Hotel Indigo Financial District

Getting into Manhattan from the Airport

Don’t lease a car. It’s not a good idea to drive in New York at all, either in your own car or in a rental. Roadways are often congested, and parking is ludicrously expensive. Many of the tunnels and bridges into Manhattan have hefty tolls.

Public transportation (subway, buses) is inexpensive and efficient in New York, and it’s surprisingly easy to simply walk between major attractions. Taxis and Uber/Lyft vehicles are also readily available. Taxis remain the best option for those with lots of luggage or arriving very early/late. Look for the yellow β€œtaxi” signs exiting the terminal and follow the official lines – disregard the touts, as they are likely to overcharge. Uber and Lyft offer slightly cheaper rates than regular taxis from the airports, though the pickup areas are different – look for signs or ask an official.

If arriving on the eve of a major public holiday, or very late at night, securing transportation in advance (like booking a pick up service like Welcome Pickups) can help save time, but there are usually plenty of yellow taxis and rideshare vehicles available 24 hours a day.

How to get to Manhattan from Newark Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport lies across the Hudson River in New Jersey, approximately 14 miles to the southwest of Times Square.

β€’ Newark Airport Express runs to Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal and Bryant Park (one block east of Times Square) every 20 to 45 minutes daily between 4am and 1am. The journey takes around 50 minutes depending on traffic flow. The one-way fare is $18.70.

Go Airport Shuttle runs shared transportation services to lodgings in Manhattan (beginning at around $45 to Midtown), but this must be scheduled ahead of time and times must be adaptable

β€’ By rail: All the Newark Airport terminals are connected by the AirTrain to the nearby Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station. Once at the station you can take frequent NJ Transit trains heading into Manhattan (30 minutes to Penn Station) for $15.50. The AirTrain runs continuously (every 3–15 minutes) and costs $8, but this is included when buying a NJ Transit ticket from machines in the AirTrain terminals or at the main station – there’s no need to pay separately for the AirTrain. Don’t get off at Newark Penn Station, the first stop after the airport!

Transportation by taxi from the airport in Newark into Manhattan normally involves fares around $55 to $75 based on the meter, plus additional costs of $1.25 for airport access (only for pick-ups), round-trip tolls on bridges and tunnels, and a gratuity. Drivers can be asked to avoid taking toll roads in New Jersey, but to reach Manhattan the cab will need to use either the Lincoln or Holland toll tunnels. Plan on expenses ranging from around $85–100 to most hotels in the busy Midtown Manhattan area, allowing 45 to 60 minutes for the journey.

How to get to Manhattan from JFK

JFK International Airport is located in Queens, roughly 9 miles southeast of Times Square in the borough of Manhattan.

β€’ Airport Transportation Services offers shared van rides direct to hotels (around $46 to Midtown Manhattan), but these must be reserved in advance with some flexibility of times.

– By train/subway: The most cost-effective way into the city. Take the AirTrain from the terminal to the Jamaica or Howard Beach stations in Queens. An $8 fee is payable when exiting the AirTrain. From either place it`s just $2.75 into Manhattan on the subway lines E, J, or Z from Jamaica, and A from Howard Beach. Travel time to Manhattan is usually around one hour. There is also the faster LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) option from Jamaica to Penn Station ($7.75 off-peak, $10.75 peak; 19–21 minutes); tickets should be purchased at Jamaica station, as fares are much higher if bought onboard the train.

– Cabs charge a fixed rate of $70 to anywhere in Manhattan from JFK (plus a 50-cent MTA state surcharge, a $1 improvement surcharge, a $5 rush-hour surcharge 4 to 8pm weekdays except legal holidays, a New York State Congestion Surcharge of $2.50, bridge and tunnel tolls, and a tip of 10–20 percent). Tolls are added costs, but there are no mandatory tolls between JFK and Manhattan – the bridges across the East River are free. However, charges are payable using the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, which can sometimes be faster to Midtown hotels. If time is not an issue, insist that the driver takes a β€œfree” bridge to avoid the toll (the same goes for Uber/Lyft drivers).

How to get to Manhattan from LaGuardia

LaGuardia Airport is in northern Queens, around 8 miles northeast of Times Square.

β€’ Go Airport Shuttle provides shared transportation to hotels in midtown Manhattan from around $40, but reservations are necessary.

– City bus: LaGuardia is not connected to the subway system, so the most cost-effective way into the city is to take a local bus. The complimentary Q70 LaGuardia Link runs every 10 minutes (24 hours) to subway stations at Woodside (#7 plus LIRR services) and Jackson Heights (#7, E, F, M, R) in Queens, while the M60 bus runs into northern Manhattan (every 7–30 minutes, 24 hours), along 125th Street (for the #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, A,B, C, D subway lines) and down Broadway to West 106th Street.

β€’ Taxis from LaGuardia use the meter and are usually good value; expect to pay $35–45 into Manhattan plus tip and additional charges (Mon–Fri 4–8pm $1 or daily 8pm–6am 50 cents; NY State tax of 50 cents added to all trips; $1.25 Airport Access Fee for pick-ups only; 50 cent MTA state surcharge, plus a 30 cent improvement surcharge). Tolls are also extra, but it’s possible to avoid the Midtown Tunnel (see above).

New York Airport Hotels

There is little usefulness in lingering at the airports, but if you do need to remain there (for an especially early flight, as an example), the best hotel at JFK is the conveniently situated (and remarkably atmospheric) TWA Hotel, within walking distance of the terminals, while the Residence Inn provides the best value of the hotels just outside the airport. For LaGuardia, Aloft is a stable choice, while The Marriott is the sole hotel inside Newark Airport. You’ll find all the typical chain motels and hotels just outside the airport on the highway, though nothing really stands out.

NYC Travel Tips

  • New York City is serviced by John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), both located in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the neighboring state of New Jersey. LaGuardia mainly caters to domestic destinations as well as some Canadian cities. Taking local public buses, trains, or subways from the airports is the most cost-effective way into Manhattan, but this is not advised for those with heavy luggage or first-time visitors. See β€œGetting Into and Around New York,” below.
  • There exist a dizzying quantity of discount cards accessible for New York City, however they are solely worthwhile investments if one intends to visit a lot of sights. Typically the longer the pass is legitimate for, the more you`ll commonly gain from it, however the solely method to be sure is to scrutinize every one and do the math. The principle cards are: New York CityPASS,Go City New York Explorer Pass,The New York Pass, The New York Sightseeing Pass, and New York C3 by CityPASS.
  • Free wi-fi is available at all 3 New York airports, and at cafΓ©s and museums throughout the city itself.
  • Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in New York, with most streets enhanced with bike paths, and dedicated cycle routes running along the waterfront and in most parks. New York’s official bike share program is Citi Bike. A credit card is required to access the bicycles at docking stations throughout the city – check the website for full particulars. Though cycling along the Hudson River and around Central Park can be great fun, we don’t advise visitors new to the area to navigate the city streets by bike – traffic can be heavy and challenging to handle for inexperienced riders.

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about me

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

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