Choosing where to stay in a city is always a big decision, especially if it’s your first visit.
New York City is one of the world’s most popular cities. With iconic landmarks, endless attractions and several notable neighbourhoods, deciding where to stay can be overwhelming.
If you’re struggling to decide where to stay in New York, I’m here to help! I’ve visited The Empire State more times than I can count and have stayed all over the city. I’ve spent hours, if not days, researching all the different options.
In this post, I’ve shared the best areas to stay in New York for first-timers. There are also a few additional options for those looking for something different.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel with skyline views, a cosy boutique spot in Brooklyn, or a budget-friendly option near Times Square, this guide will help you choose the best accommodations to suit your style and budget.
From the neon lights of Midtown Manhattan to the tree-lined streets of Greenwich, each area of New York mentioned below has its own unique charm. Of course, not everywhere will be right for everyone, so it’s important to know the pros and cons of each location.
Here is a list of the best places to stay in New York City.
Best location to stay in New York City
Midtown Manhattan: Empire State Building and Flatiron District (best for all types of travellers)
The good: Great location, close to many attractions, well-connected to the rest of the city
The bad: It can be noisy, touristy and very busy
In my opinion, this part of Midtown is one of the best locations to stay in New York. It’s in a prime location close to many iconic sights, it’s well connected to other areas of New York City, and a little bit quieter than the nearby Times Square.
I’ve stayed in this area several times, and it has the perfect balance of the chaos that sums up New York, but it feels a little bit less overwhelming than Times Square.
This covers quite a big area of New York but generally includes the Flatiron District, the Empire State Building, and the NoMad neighbourhoods.
Pros of staying in Midtown:
- Its central location: Most of New York’s famous attractions are within walking distance.
- Well-connected: The subway is close by if you can’t walk to where you want to go.
- It captures the culture of New York City: This area has a bit of everything New York is known for. Fantastic food, iconic sights, and historic buildings can all be found here.
- It’s busy, but not too busy: This is a bustling area of New York City, but it tends to be less overwhelming than Times Square.
Cons of staying in Midtown:
- It’s not very local. The area is filled with restaurants, offices, and shops, so it doesn’t offer the most local experience. If you’re looking for something more local, consider areas such as Chelsea or the Upper West Side.
- It’s expensive: This part of NYC is one of the most popular places to stay in New York, so it’s tricky to find budget accommodation.
- It can be overwhelming: If you enjoy peace and quiet, you may find this area of New York a bit busy.
Best places to stay in Midtown
Budget / Mid-range
👉 Pod 39 | This is an excellent budget to mid-range accommodation option in New York. These compact rooms are small, but you won’t be spending much time inside.
👉 Hilton Garden Midtown | This was the first hotel I stayed at in NYC. It’s a typical Hilton hotel, but it’s in a great location and is budget-friendly. There are also rooms with a view.
👉 The Lex | This is a fantastic hotel in Midtown. I stayed here for a few nights and loved it. It’s very modern and in the perfect location.
👉 Broadway Plaza | This well-rated hotel is an excellent option for those who want to be close to attractions such as The Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park.
Luxury
The Ritz Carlton | This five-star spot is one of New York’s most iconic hotels. It offers luxurious rooms, exceptional service, and prime access to Manhattan’s top attractions. If you can afford it, a stay here will undoubtedly be one to remember.
The Langham | Another iconic hotel in New York City, and it’s right on the famous Fifth Avenue. With rooms with a view and a Michelin-star restaurant on-site, it doesn’t get much better than this.
The Renaissance | Want a hotel with a view in NYC? The Renaissance might be the answer. Even their simple rooms have epic views of Midtown Manhattan.
The Kimpton Eventi | Kimpton is one of my favourite hotel chains. It offers quality services at fair prices. If you want a taste of luxury, the Kimpton is a little bit cheaper than the other luxury spots mentioned on here so far.
Best things to do in Midtown
There is an endless list of things to do in this area, but here are a few of the top things to see:
- Go up the Empire State Building: Arguably the most recognisable building in New York, no trip to the Big Apple would be complete without visiting the Empire State Building.
- Go shopping in Macy’s: This is one of the world’s most famous department stores. Filled with designer brands, luxury skincare and makeup, you could spend hours walking around this giant shop.
- Admire the Flatiron Building: This unique building is one of the most beautiful in New York City. It has a distinctive triangular shape and is surrounded by great food choices.
Where to eat in Midtown
Here are some of my favourite food spots in Midtown.
- Koreatown: New York’s Koreatown is close to the Flatiron Building. It’s filled with lots of Korean-style restaurants including Korean BBQ.
- Bear Donuts has some of the best donuts I’ve ever had in my life.
- For classic NYC pizza, try Tappo Thin Crust.
- Izakaya Nonono has some of the best Japanese food I’ve had in New York (and it’s reasonably priced).
Midtown Manhattan: Times Square and Bryant Park (best for those who want to be in the heart of the city)
The good: In the heart of the chaos.
The bad: Very expensive, touristy and crowded.
Times Square is likely the first place that springs to mind when deciding where to stay in NYC. This iconic spot is one of the most recognisable places not only in New York, but arguably the world.
Filled with towering skyscrapers, giant digital billboards and dazzling neon lights, Times Square is the beating heart of New York City.
I stayed in Times Square on my second visit to New York. While it’s an okay choice for first-timers, it certainly isn’t my favourite place to stay in the city.
Times Square and the surrounding areas are very busy. There are endless crowds and a lot of traffic, which can be a little overwhelming at times. It’s also very much built for tourists. I don’t think it represents the authentic side of New York; instead, it feels gimmicky.
However, it’s fair to say that staying in Times Square is a dream for many. If you can cope with the crowds and chaos, Times Square is an excellent place to stay in New York City. It’s certainly one for the bucket list.
Another good option in the area is Bryant Park. It tends to be a little quieter than Times Square itself. It’s right by the Public Library, one of the best free things to do in New York.
Pros of staying in Times Square
- It’s well located. When it comes to location, it doesn’t get much better than Times Square. Many attractions are within walking distance, and most of the city’s subway lines connect here.
- It’s close to many Broadway shows. Times Square is in the heart of the theatre district and home to some of the world’s most famous theatre shows.
- It’s iconic. Times Square is the beating heart of New York. When people picture the Big Apple, Times Square is what springs to mind.
Cons of staying in Times Square
- It’s very crowded and loud. Times Square is arguably the most famous spot in New York City. The crowds there can be overwhelming at times.
- It’s expensive. Because Times Square is such an iconic place, the hotels and restaurants in the Times Square area tend to be on the more expensive side.
- The food options aren’t the best. Many of the food options in Times Square are American chain restaurants and honestly, they’re not great! Sure, you can still easily walk to some better options, but it might not always be the most convenient.
- It’s soulless. While Times Square is a famous landmark in New York, it’s built for tourists. I don’t think it necessarily captures the true culture of New York.
The best places to stay in Times Square
Budget / Mid-range
👉 Pod Times Square | Budget accommodation and Times Square don’t really go in the sentence, but Pod is about as close as you’ll get (without sacrificing quality).
👉 Hotel St James | This hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms in a central location near Times Square, perfect for exploring the city.
👉 The Mayfair Hotel | Another simple yet well-rated hotel right in the centre of NYC.
👉 45 Times Square | This stylish yet affordable hotel is a fantastic option for Times Square.
Luxury: if you’re going to splurge anywhere in the world, make it Times Square. The Hard Rock Hotel is an iconic place to stay in New York. For epic views of Times Square, consider the Knickerbocker.
Luxury
👉 Bryant Park Hotel | This is one of my absolute favourite hotels in New York! I was lucky enough to spend two nights here. It’s chic, trendy and in the perfect location.
👉 The Knickerbocker | If you want the celebrity treatment, look no further than the Knickerbocker.
👉 Hotel Edison | This is another iconic hotel in New York, it’s right in the theatre district and perfect those planning to make the most of the Broadway shows.
👉 W Hotel | Consider the wonderful W hotel for a room with a view of Times Square.
Where to eat in Times Square
As I said above, Times Square isn’t the best option for food. While there are endless choices, the restaurants tend to be American chains such as Olive Garden, the Hard Rock Café, and fast-food chains.
Having said that, there are still plenty of delicious food options within walking distance of Times Square. Here are some of the best places to eat in Times Square:
- Hell’s Kitchen: This neighbourhood is a short walk from Times Square and is known for its culinary scene. Some of my favourite restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen include Mom’s Kitchen and Anejo.
- For coffee, Ground Central is an excellent spot, along with Blue Bottle Coffee.
- The Urban Space food hall is a fantastic option for lunch. I highly recommend Bao by Kaya.
- Los Tacos No. 1 is another fantastic place to eat near Times Square.
- Try Schmackary’s, a short walk from Times Square, for the best cookies in New York.
Things to do in Times Square
- Watch a Broadway show: New York City is renowned worldwide for its magnificent theatre shows. From The Lion King to Wicked and Chicago, there is a theatre show for everyone.
- Visit Madame Tussauds in New York. This famous wax museum is home to hundreds of wax creations of famous stars. Take a selfie with Harry Styles or Jennifer Aniston.
- Visit Top of The Rock: the famous Rockefeller Center is a short walk from Times Square. You can visit Top of the Rock for epic skyline views during the day or night. In my opinion, Top of the Rock is the best observation deck in New York City.
- Admire Grand Central: If you’re looking for free things to do in New York, consider visiting the iconic Grand Central Station. You can go inside the station to admire the incredible architecture. There’s also a fantastic food hall underneath the station.
- Visit the Museum of Modern Art: MoMA is one of the most famous museums in New York, if not the entire world. The museum is home to an array of contemporary and unusual art.
Chelsea and Greenwich Village (best for those looking for a trendy area with good nightlife)
The good: A quieter experience in an affluent neighbourhood. Lots of nice bars around.
The bad: Not that close to some of the main attractions.
The Chelsea and Greenwich Village areas are both great places to stay in New York for first-timers. While they’re technically different neighbourhoods, I’d recommend staying in the Meatpacking District, which borders both Greenwich and Chelsea.
This trendy area is known for its art galleries, unique boutiques, historic brownstone houses and tree-lined streets. It also has some fantastic bars and restaurants. If you want a trendy area with lively nightlife, the Greenwich and Chelsea area is the perfect place to stay in New York.
It’s worth noting this area is a little away from the main attractions such as Times Square and Central Park. However, it’s very well connected with several subway lines connecting the area to the city.
You could also consider staying in the Washington Square Park area, a short walk from the Meatpacking district.
Pros of staying in Chelsea and Greenwich
- It’s a trendy neighbourhood: The Meatpacking District and its surrounding area are known as one of the trendiest in New York. The area is filled with lively bars and unique boutiques.
- It’s away from the crowds: Fewer tourists tend to visit the area. While it’s popular with New York locals, it’s generally less crowded (at least compared to Times Square).
Cons of staying in Chelsea and Greenwich
- It’s a little out of the way: There aren’t many attractions within walking distance from the area. You’ll likely need to use the subway most days.
- It won’t be for everyone: This unique neighbourhood has a specific vibe and won’t be for everyone. If you’re not bothered about fancy bars and trendy restaurants, it might be best to stay elsewhere.
Where to stay in Chelsea and Greenwich
Budget & Mid-range
👉 Dream Downtown | This is a popular hotel in the Chelsea area. The hotel even comes with a pool. I stayed here almost ten years ago, so it’s been a while since I was there, but it was amazing at the time.
👉 Washington Square Hotel | This is a basic hotel, but it’s an excellent location, well-rated, and it’s an affordable price (at least for New York standards).
Luxury
👉 The Standard Hotel | While it might not look like much from the outside, the Standard Hotel is one of the trendiest hotels in New York. This was one of the first hotels I ever stayed in when visiting New York for the first time. Keep an eye out for celebs in the lobby and in the fancy rooftop bar.
👉 Gansevoort Meatpacking | This modern and well-located hotel features a rooftop space with a heated outdoor pool, what more could you want?!
Things to do in Chelsea and Greenwich
- Walk the High Line: The High Line is an old elevated railway line that has now been turned into a beautiful park. It connects the Meatpacking District with Midtown Manhattan, specifically Hudson Yards. With stunning views of the Hudson River and Manhattan, it’s one of the best free things to do in New York City.
- Wander the streets of the West Village: The West Village is an affluent area in Greenwich. The area is filled with beautiful brownstone houses and tree-lined streets. You’ll find many wonderful restaurants here.
- Visit Washington Square Park: Washington Square Park is the beating heart of Greenwich Village. Surrounded by NYU buildings, anything goes in this lively spot. With live music, performances, and street art, visiting here is an absolute must while in New York.
- Visit the Whitney Museum of American Art: If you’re interested in art, visiting the Whitney Museum is one of the best things to do in Chelsea. This museum is home to an array of unique modern and contemporary American art.
Where to eat in Chelsea and Greenwich
The culinary scene in Greenwich and Chelsea is one of the best in New York. There are endless restaurants, food markets, and fast-food options.
Here are just a few of my favourites.
- Chelsea Market: The historic Chelsea Market is home to a range of vendors serving up all types of cuisine. It’s the perfect lunch spot! I highly recommend trying Chote Miya.
- Market 57: One of New York’s best food halls is Market 57. This recently opened food hall is home to over a dozen food vendors.
- Faicco’s for literally the BEST sandwich ever.
- NY Dosas for a taste of New York street food. It’s basically like an Indian burrito and it’s DELICIOUS.
Central Park (best for families and those who want quick access to the park)
The good: Easy and quick access to Central Park.
The bad: It’s expensive, and there is often a premium price for rooms with a park view.
Central Park is another iconic landmark in New York City. This charming park is 843 acres and is located right in the heart of the city. Central Park is part of what makes New York so special, and staying right by the park is a dream for many.
It’s worth noting that you can’t stay inside the park itself, but there are several hotels in the area around Central Park.
If you want to stay close to the park, I’d recommend looking around 57th Street. This is the bottom of the park and it’s close to Midtown and attractions like Times Square.
Pros of staying by Central Park
- The location: There’s nothing like waking up and going for a wander through Central Park. It’s a beautiful area.
Cons of staying by Central Park
- Expensive: Many of the hotels in the area are five-star, so it’s not the best option for those on a budget.
- Location: Depending on where you stay, it might be a little out of the way. I suggest sticking to Lower Central Park. This way, you’ll still be close to everything.
Where to stay near Central Park
Budget / mid-range
👉 Nap New York | A fantastic hostel right by Central Park. There are only dorm rooms available.
👉 Hilton Club The Quin | This exceptional hotel is just a couple of blocks away from Central Park and a short walk from Times Square.
👉 Dream Midtown | A reasonably priced hotel in an excellent location. Plus, there’s even a Prosecco hour! What more could you want?!
Luxury
👉 The Mandarin Oriental | This is one of New York’s most iconic hotels. It offers luxury, style and epic views of the East River and Central Park.
👉 JW Marriott | Right on Central Park’s doorstep, this elegant hotel is a fantastic option for those looking to splurge. You can choose a cheaper room without a view or a premium room with a classic Central Park view.
👉 1 Hotel Central Park | A fantastic choice for a modern hotel, with the option to have epic views of Central Park. It’s also a slightly ‘cheaper’ luxury option.
Things to do in Central Park
- Walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir: This is one of my absolute favourite things to do in Central Park. The top of the reservoir boasts incredible skyline views of the city.
- Hire a bike: There are several places to hire a bike near the park. Just be aware that not all the paths are bike-friendly.
- Walk through the Rambles: The Rambles is a wooded area of Central Park. It’s a serene escape from the chaos of the city with some lovely views. Don’t miss a stop at Bow Bridge.
- Go ice skating or hire a canoe: In the winter, ice skating is a popular activity in Central Park. If you visit New York during the summer, consider hiring a canoe on the lake.
Upper West Side (best for those who want to escape the crowds)
Good for: A local experience close to some tasty restaurants
Bad for: It’s quite far from many attractions, and you’ll need to use the Subway
The Upper West Side is my personal favourite place to stay in New York! This is always where I choose to stay whenever I visit the city.
This incredible neighbourhood has a real local feel. It’s filled with delicious eateries and lively bars, and it’s also close to Central Park. It’s known as one of the best neighbourhoods in New York.
Some may argue that the Upper West Side isn’t the best place to stay for first-timers. I have mixed feelings. While it’s not the best place for those who want to be close to everything, it’s still very accessible, accommodation is on the cheaper side, and it’s a great place to experience more local life.
It’s also where you’ll find the historic National Museum of History and it has direct access to the mid-part of Central Park. If you do choose to stay here, it’s only a ten-minute subway ride from the city centre.
If you prefer to escape the chaos and crowds, I highly recommend staying on the Upper West Side.
Pros of staying in the Upper West Side
- Experience local life: The Upper West Side is a great place to stay in New York if you want a more local experience.
- Close to Central Park: If you want to be close to Central Park, the Upper West Side is a great location. Most hotels are within a ten-minute walk of the park’s entrance.
- Fantastic culinary scene: There is no shortage of restaurants and bakeries to try on the UWS.
- Away from the crowds: Not many tourists visit the Upper West Side (Museum aside). This makes it a great spot if you’re looking to escape the Midtown chaos.
- Affordable accommodation: There are some good budget hotel options on the Upper West Side. It’s certainly one of the cheaper places to stay in Manhattan.
Cons of staying in the Upper West Side:
- Not the best location: The Upper West Side is a little bit out of the way. You’ll almost definitely have to get the subway most days while staying here. It’s still connected to the rest of Manhattan by several subway lines, but it’s not as conveniently located as some other places mentioned on this list of where to stay in New York.
- Away from the attractions: Aside from Central Park and the Museum of Natural History, the Upper West Side isn’t exactly close to New York’s main attractions.
Best places to stay on the Upper West Side
Budget / Mid-range
👉 Hi Hostel | This is one of the most popular hostels in New York, and it has a range of dorm rooms to choose from. Just be aware it’s on 104th Street, so it’s quite far from everything.
👉 Hotel Lucerne | The Lucerne is found in a classic Upper West Side building, and it has a range of facilities, including a fitness centre and a restaurant.
👉 Hotel Beacon | Another excellent hotel choice in the heart of the Upper West Side.
Luxury
👉 The Arthouse | I stayed here a few years ago (when it had a different name). It’s had a huge rebrand since I visited, but it’s stylish, comfortable and in the perfect location.
👉 The Wallace | This is one of the highest-rated hotels in the area. The stylish rooms are bigger than the average NYC room, and it’s close to the Natural History Museum.
Things to do on the Upper West Side
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History: One of America’s most famous museums is located on the Upper West Side. This brilliant museum showcases a range of exhibitions including actual dinosaur skeletons.
- Go for brunch: The UWS is known for its selection of food and drink spots. Some great brunch options include Sara Beth’s, Playa Betty’s, and Daily Provisions.
- Visit Riverside Park: Riverside Park is a small green space on the Upper West Side with epic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey. It might not quite be Central Park, but it’s well worth a visit.
- Admire the Lincoln Center: The Lincoln Center is a cultural hub in New York. The impressive construction houses thirty indoor and outdoor facilities, including an opera house, theatres, and dance stages.
Where to eat on the Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is full of delicious food options. Some of my favourites include:
- Playa Betty’s serves up incredible Mexican food at a fair price.
- Osteria Cotta is the perfect spot to satisfy your Italian tastebuds. It has a lovely atmosphere inside.
- For vegetarian and vegan food, Thyme & Tonic is a must.
- For something a little bit different, try Chama Mama for some Georgian cuisine.
Lower Manhattan (best for those looking for a quiet area)
The good: It’s much quieter than other areas and it’s well-connected to the rest of the city
The bad: It has a business focus, and it can be very quiet in the evenings and on weekends (many coffee shops and restaurants close)
Lower Manhattan is another area in New York that is suitable for first-timers. Home to the world-renowned New York Financial District, Lower Manhattan is perfect for those who want to experience a different side of New York City and escape the chaos of Midtown.
It’s also a great area for those who want easy access to the likes of Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.
Lower Manhattan wouldn’t be my personal top choice of where to stay in New York. It can feel a little remote and soulless. However, if you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter that’s still well-connected, it could be a good option for you.
Pros of staying in Lower Manhattan
- Close to Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty: If exploring Brooklyn and seeing the Statue of Liberty is high on your list, then staying in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District is a good option.
Cons of staying in Lower Manhattan
- It can be quiet: The area is filled with life during the day, but once the office workers go home, the streets can feel very quiet.
- Limited food and drink options: Once the offices close, so do most of the cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you want to have easy access to unlimited restaurants, Lower Manhattan isn’t the place.
- It’s remote: While Lower Manhattan and the Financial District are well connected to the rest of Manhattan, they can still feel isolated.
Where to stay in Lower Manhattan
Budget/Mid-range
👉 The Washington | For epic views of Lower Manhattan without breaking the bank, consider the four-star Washington Hotel.
👉 The Artezen | This is another well-priced and well-located hotel, with all of the Financial District’s attractions right on your doorstep.
👉 Placemakr | This gem of a spot has affordable studios with a kitchenette, helping you to save money on food.
Luxury
👉 The Wall Street Hotel | This five-star hotel is one of the area’s most iconic places to stay. Think stylish, modern and luxurious.
👉 The Four Seasons | An excellent choice for those who want the best of the best.
Things to do in Lower Manhattan
- Visit Wall Street: The world-famous Wall Street is located in Lower Manhattan. Home to the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street Bull, a walk down this iconic street is a must!
- Take the Staten Island Ferry: If you’re looking for a free ferry ride in New York, take the Staten Island Ferry! You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the famous NYC skyline.
- Walk around Battery Park: Battery Park is located at the bottom tip of Manhattan. This small park boasts incredible views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and New Jersey. It’s especially nice at sunset.
- Visit the One World Trade Center: One World Trade Center is synonymous with Lower Manhattan. You can admire the building from the outside or head up to the One World Observatory for epic views of Manhattan. You’ll also find the World Trade Memorial site and 9/11 Museum in the area.
- Admire the Oculus: The unique Oculus building is located by the One World Trade Center. Both a shopping centre and a transport hub, this beautiful structure represents the resilience of New York City following the 9/11 attacks.
- Cross the Brooklyn Bridge: The famed Brooklyn Bridge connects the borough of Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan. And it’s fair to say that no trip to New York would be complete without seeing it for yourself.
Where to eat in Lower Manhattan
Lower Manhattan doesn’t have the best options for evening meals, but here are a few good spots to grab lunch.
- Pisillo’s for an epic Italian sandwich.
- Joe’s Pizza is a great place to grab a quick slice of New York pizza (great if you’re on a budget).
- Kuu ramen for takeout Asian food.
Other options for where to stay in New York
The places I’ve mentioned above are all fantastic places to stay for first-timers. However, there are a few other options.
I don’t think these are necessarily the best places to stay in New York for first-timers, but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad choice. Everyone has different needs, and you’ll likely find the places below to be much more affordable.
Brooklyn
The good: You will see a different and trendy side of New York City and experience local life.
The bad: Depending on where you stay, it can be a bit of a trek to get anywhere.
Brooklyn is an excellent option for those who want to see a different side of New York and get away from Manhattan. Brooklyn is a large area, and each neighbourhood has its own unique charm and character.
It can be a little isolated and remote depending on where you stay in Brooklyn. However, there are several subway lines connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan.
Queen’s (Astoria)
The good: There are some great budget options and you can still be in the city within 20 minutes.
The bad: It might not be the best option for first-timers.
Astoria is across the East River in Queen’s. My best friend lives there, so I’ve had the opportunity to explore the area.
Astoria is filled with character, and there’s a great selection of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The area is only a 15-minute subway ride away from Midtown Manhattan.
Upper East Side
The good: Experiencing a luxurious side to Manhattan.
The bad: It can be very expensive.
Home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Upper East Side is one of New York’s most affluent neighbourhoods. The Upper East Side is an excellent option if you’re after luxury and want to channel your inner Gossip Girl.
Lower East Side
The good: For experiencing different cultures in New York.
The bad: It’s a bit out of the way.
The Lower East Side is home to the East Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown. This charming area is as diverse as it gets.
It can feel a little remote here, as it’s away from New York’s main attractions, but it’s a good spot to experience the different cultures of New York.
Some people claim the area is not as safe as other parts of Manhattan, so I wouldn’t recommend it for solo travellers in New York City.
Summary: Where is the best place to stay in New York for first-timers?
Choosing where to stay in New York is no easy task, especially if it’s your first time visiting the Big Apple.
For most people, the Midtown area around the Empire State Building and the Flatiron District is the best option. This area is well connected to the rest of the city, it’s close to many major attractions and it’s a little less chaotic than Times Square.
My personal favourite place to stay in New York is the Upper West Side. This local neighbourhood has a relaxed feel to it, and it’s still easy to get around the city.
One thing to remember is that it’s unlikely you’ll be spending a lot of time in your hotel while in New York. No one goes there to sit inside their hotel room. While choosing the right place to stay for your trip to New York is important, it’s not the be-all and end-all. The city has an extensive subway system, and nothing is ever too far away.
Related read: planning a trip to Chicago? Discover the perfect 4-day Chicago itinerary.
