One of the most important parts of planning a trip to New York City is deciding on where to stay. There are endless accommodation options to choose from and picking the best area to stay in can be an overwhelming task, particularly if it’s your first time visiting.
If you’re struggling to decide on where to stay in New York, I’m here to help! I’ve visited New York 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 places to stay in New York for first-timers. There are also a few additional options for those looking for something a little bit different.
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 where to stay in New York if it’s your first time visiting.
Midtown Manhattan: Empire State Building and Flatiron District (best for all types of travellers)
Good for: good location for many attractions and very well connected.
Bad for: can be noisy and busy.
In my opinion, this area of Midtown is the best place to stay in New York for first-timers. This area is 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 you can still easily escape the crowds.
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: if you can’t walk to where you want to go, you’ll likely find it’s easy to get the subway.
- It captures the culture of New York City: this area has a bit of everything New York is known for. Amazing 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 tends to be less overwhelming than the likes of Times Square.
Cons of staying in Midtown:
- It’s not very local: the area is filled with restaurants, offices and shops so doesn’t exactly offer the most local experience. If this is what you’re looking for, consider areas such as Chelsea or the Upper West Side.
- It’s expensive: this area is one of the most popular places to stay in New York. It’s tricky to find budget accommodation here.
- 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: Pod 39 is a great budget accommodation option in New York. These tiny rooms have everything you need. The American Dream is another budget choice. It’s very basic and has shared bathrooms, but it comes with all the basics.
Midrange: The Lex 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. The Broadway Plaza is another popular and well-rated hotel in Midtown.
Luxury: The Ritz Carlton is one of New York’s most iconic hotels. If you can afford it, a stay here will certainly be one to remember. The Kimpton Eventi is another luxury option (but a bit more affordable).
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 activities.
- Go up the Empire State Building: arguably the most iconic 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 building is one of the most unique in all of New York City. It has a distinctive triangular shape and is surrounded by some 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 (best for those who want to be in the heart of the city)
Good for: being the heart of the chaos.
Bad for: if you’re on a budget and bad for those who want to escape the crowds.
Times Square is likely the first place that springs to mind when deciding where to stay in New York City. This iconic spot is one of the most recognisable places not only in New York City, 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 first visit to New York. While it’s an excellent choice for first-timers, it certainly isn’t my favourite place to stay in the city.
Times Square and the surrounding area is very busy. There are endless crowds and there is a lot of traffic. Honestly, it can be a little overwhelming at times. It’s also very much built for tourists. I don’t think it represents the true culture 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.
Tip: if you want to be close to Times Square, consider looking at Bryant Park. It’s right by the New York Public Library, one of the best free things to do in New York.
Pros of staying in Times Square
- It’s well located. It doesn’t get much better than Times Square when it comes to location. Most Subway lines connect with Times Square.
- It’s close to many Broadway shows. Times Square is right in the heart of the theatre district and home to some of the world’s most iconic 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. Being 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: budget accommodation doesn’t exist in this area, but Pod Times Square would be the best “budget” option.
Midrange: 45 Times Square and Merrion Hotel are both good options for Times Square. I stayed in 45 Times Square for three nights and enjoyed it there.
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.
Where to eat in Times Square
As I said above, Times Square isn’t the best option when it comes to 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 a great 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.
- For the best cookies in New York, try Schmackary’s, a short walk from Times Square.
Things to do in Times Square
- Watch a Broadway show: New York City is renowned around the world for its magnificent theatre shows. From The Lion King to Wicked and Chicago, there is a theatre show out there for everyone.
- Visit Madame Tussauds New York: this famous wax museum is home to hundreds of wax creations of famous stars. Take a selfie with the likes of 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 great 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)
Good for: a quieter experience in an affluent neighbourhood.
Bad for: not that close to some of the main attractions.
The Chelsea and Greenwich village areas are both great areas 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.
Pros of staying in Chelsea and Greenwich
- It’s a trendy neighbourhood: the Meatpacking District and surrounding area is known as one of the trendiest neighbourhoods 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.
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 choose to stay elsewhere.
Where to stay in Chelsea and Greenwich
Budget: there are not many budget options in this area, but The Jane Hotel is a good option. Chelsea Pines Inn is another budget (ish) accommodation option in the Chelsea and Greenwich area.
Midrange: Dream Downtown 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.
Luxury: 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.
Things to do in Chelsea and Greenwich
- Walk the High Line: the High Line is an old elevated railway line which has now been turned into a beautiful park. The High Line 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, a visit to 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 to choose from.
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 different 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)
Good for: having easy access to the park.
Bad for: 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 a giant 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 the streets around Central Park are lined with a selection of hotels.
If you are keen on staying close to the park, I’d recommend looking around 57th Street. This is the bottom of the park and well connected with the rest of Manhattan. You can easily walk to the likes of Times Square when staying here.
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. 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’d suggest sticking to lower Central Park. This way you’ll still be close to everything.
Where to stay near Central Park
Budget: Nap New York is right by Central Park. It’s a good budget choice but doesn’t come with any park views. You’ll still have quick access to the park, however.
Midrange: there are a few midrange budget hotels in the Central Park area. I’d consider looking at the WestHouse Hotel or the Hilton on 57th for affordable options close to the park.
Luxury: there are several luxury hotels close to Central Park. One of the most famous hotels in the area is the Mandarin Oriental, but this is anything but affordable. JW Marriott also has a hotel right by Central Park that’s a little more affordable.
Related read: 22 EPIC Free Things to Do in New York City
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 close to 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 months, consider hiring a canoe on the lake.
Upper West Side (best for those who want to escape the crowds)
Good for: a fantastic neighbourhood with some budget options.
Bad for: a little out of the way of the main attractions.
The Upper West Side is my personal favourite place to stay in New York! This vibrant local neighbourhood is filled with delicious eateries, lively bars and is right by 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, but I disagree. I now nearly always choose to stay in the Upper West Side. It’s a beautiful area of New York and is a great place to immerse yourself in local life away from the hordes of visitors.
Sure, the UWS isn’t in the most convenient of locations. You’ll need to take the subway to get to most places. However, it’s only a short walk from Central Park and Midtown is only a 10/15-minute subway ride away.
If you’re someone who prefers 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’re looking for 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 of the 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 tend to visit the Upper West Side. 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 every day 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 of the 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 the main attractions of New York.
Best places to stay on the Upper West Side
Budget: Hi Hostel has a location on the Upper West Side. It’s one of the best hostels in New York.
Midrange: there are several fantastic midrange hotel options on the Upper West Side. I’ve stayed at the Belleclaire Central Park a few times. It’s in a great location. The Arthouse Hotel is another good option.
Luxury: there aren’t any luxury hotel options on the Upper West Side.
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 is home to 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)
Good for: much quieter and still well connected to other areas.
Bad for: not the liveliest of atmospheres (very business-focused). The evenings and weekends can be very quiet.
Lower Manhattan is another possible area for first-timers to stay in New York. Home to the world-renowned New York Financial District, Lower Manhattan is suitable for those who want to experience a different side of New York City and escape the chaos of Midtown.
It’s also a great spot 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 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
- 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 both well connected with the rest of Manhattan, it can still feel a little isolated.
Where to stay in Lower Manhattan
Budget: there aren’t too many budget places to stay in Lower Manhattan. Consider the FIDI Hotel or Hotel Mulberry.
Midrange: Moxy Downtown is one of my favourite hotels in the area. It’s not the cheapest but your money goes a long way. Hotel Indigo Downtown is another midrange option.
Luxury: the Conrad Downtown is a good hotel for those after a bit of luxury.
Things to do in Lower Manhattan
- Visit Wall Street: the world-famous Wall Street can be found 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 can be found at the bottom tip of Manhattan. This small park boasts incredible views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey.
- 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 can be found 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, if you’re still torn on where to stay in New York, here are some 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 below places are much more affordable.
Brooklyn
Good for: seeing a different but brilliant area of New York City.
Bad for: depending on where you stay, it can be a bit of a trek to get anywhere.
Brooklyn is a great 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 comes with its own unique charm and character.
Depending on where you stay in Brooklyn, it can be a little isolated and remote. However, there are several subway lines connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan.
Queen’s (Astoria)
Good for: some great budget options and you can still be in the city within 20 minutes.
Bad for: might not be the best option for first-timers.
Astoria can be found across the East River in Queen’s. This is where my best friend lives, so I’ve had the opportunity to explore the area. It’s a great way to experience local life in New York.
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
Good for: escaping the chaos of Midtown and experiencing a luxurious side to Manhattan.
Bad for: can be very expensive.
Home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Upper East Side is one of New York’s most affluent neighbourhoods. If you’re after luxury and want to channel your inner Gossip Girl, the Upper East Side is a great option.
Lower East Side
Good for: experiencing different cultures in New York.
Bad for: 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 for seeing the different cultures in New York.
Summary: 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.
Share this guide
