Psst, FYI – this post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at absolutely no extra cost to you). Thanks for supporting the free content on this site (and for sponsoring more doggy treats for little Albus!)
Deciding on where to stay in New York can be pretty stressful as there are just so many choices. The main sights are also all spread out across the island, so you may find yourself torn deciding on which area to stay in. No matter what your preference is, there’s sure to be something to fit every travel style and budget. Here I’ve narrowed down and summarized the best neighborhoods for you to choose from.
Best Neighborhoods in New York City
I had the biggest dilemma deciding where to stay when I visited New York, but luckily there isn’t really a “bad” neighborhood in New York City, so no matter where you choose to stay, there’ll be something exciting right up your street. Of course, New York City is the city that never sleeps, so city noise is to be expected. So keep this in mind when deciding to stay in downtown New York. Here I have summarised a quick neighborhood guide of the best neighborhoods in New York City:
Here’s a quick overview of the best hotels in each neighborhood of New York.
| Neighborhood | Known For | Recommended Hotel |
| Midtown | Sightseeing | Martinique New York |
| Times Square/Theatre District | Broadway, Shopping, Noisy! | citizenM New York Times Square |
| West Village | Quaint, Nightlife, Trendy | Gansevoort Meatpacking |
| SoHo | Shopping, Bars, Restaurants | Arlo SoHo |
| Tribeca | Restaurants, Trendy | Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel |
| Meatpacking District | Nightlife, Shopping | The Standard |
| Hell’s Kitchen | Real New York, Budget-friendly | Pod Times Square |
| Upper West Side | Family-friendly, Museums, Central Park | Empire Hotel |
| Upper East Side | Shopping, Family-friendly | The Mark |
| Bowery/East Village | Trendy, Art galleries | CitizenM New York Bowery |
| Chelsea | Nightlife, High end | Hyatt House |
Where to Stay in New York City
Best Luxury Hotels in New York City
Best Boutique Hotels in New York City
Best Budget Hotels in New York City
Travel Inn – Midtown Manhattan
Best Neighborhood for Sightseeing: Midtown
If you’ve got limited time in New York, Midtown may be your best bet to see everything you need to see. Midtown is where you’ll find the most notable sights in New York such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Broadway and Time Square. It’s also a great option if you want to start your day early at these sights and avoid the crowds!
There’s plenty of shopping and food options around the area too with Central Park just a short walk away. The downside is how busy this area gets, so brace yourself for the crowds!
Recommended hotels in Midtown:
Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Meatpacking District
If you’re looking for the best nightlife in New York City, the Meatpacking District is where it’s at! Dance the night away in some of the most popular dance clubs and then shop til you drop in the day!
Recommended hotels in Meatpacking District:
Best Neighborhood for First-Timers: Times Square | Midtown
Okay, I couldn’t really pick one, cause it really depends on individual preferences, but both Times Square and Midtown are great to soak in the NYC atmosphere while having all the main sights within walking distance. The only downside is that this area gets really busy!
During my first visit to New York City, I stayed on the south end of Midtown, which was relatively quieter, yet still a great distance to the major sights.
TIP: Look out for accommodations with subway stations close by, then you won’t really need to worry about where you are since public transportation is super convenient!
Recommended hotels in Times Square:
citizenM New York Times Square
Recommended hotels in Midtown:
Best Neighborhood for Foodies: SoHo | Tribeca
If you’re always on the hunt for the best gastronomic experiences in a city, base yourself in New York City’s very own kitchen. Here you’ll find the highest rated dining places in dining guides, so you’ll be spoilt for choice for every meal.
Recommended hotels in SoHo:
Recommended hotels in Tribeca:
Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel
Best Neighborhood for Families: Upper East Side | Upper West Side
With the American Museum of Natural History (read: dinosaurs!!!) and Central Park located uptown, this is the best place to entertain the little ones. Playgrounds, parks, and museums line this part of town, so most family-friendly accommodations are found here. Access is convenient as well as there are subway and bus lines all around.
Recommended hotels in Upper East Side:
Recommended hotels in Upper West Side:
Empire Hotel (if you want to live like a Gossip Girl!)
La Quinta Inn & Suites Central Park
Read more: 12 ‘Gossip Girl’ Locations in NYC Every Fan Must Visit!
Best Neighborhood for Shopping: SoHo
Calling all shopaholics! If shopping is the only form of exercise you’re gonna get while on holiday, then you’ll be burning a heck load of calories in SoHo. With indie boutiques, upscale retailers and specialty stores, you’ll probably be maxing out those credit cards here. It’s also one of the hippest neighborhoods in New York City, so if you’re done with all the touristy sights, then consider SoHo where you can live like a local!
Recommended hotels in SoHo:
Best Neighborhood for Budget Travelers: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Accommodation in New York City can be pretty expensive, so looking for where to stay in New York for cheap can be a problem. Fret not! Williamsburg is one of the trendiest neighborhoods for travelers on a budget. Here you’ll find chic boutiques, trendy cafes, buzzy restaurants, street art and stunning views of Manhattan’s skylines!–all for the fraction of the price of staying in Manhattan, so looking for a place to stay in New York on a budget is no longer a feat.
Recommended hotels in Williamsburg:
So which is your favorite neighborhood in New York? Let me know which one you end up choosing in the comments below!
Read more:
- 4 Days in New York: A Non-FOMO Itinerary for First Timers
- 12 ‘Gossip Girl’ Locations in NYC Every Fan Must Visit!
Visiting New York Checklist
⇢ Compare flight prices to New York
⇢ Compare accommodation options and prices on Booking.com | HotelsCombined.com | Agoda | Airbnb
⇢ Buy Broadway tickets in advance on Tickpick.com
⇢ Don’t forget travel insurance! Travel insurance is the most overlooked purchase when traveling, but one of the most essential. Anything can happen when you’re on holiday and you’d want to be covered in the case of travel mishaps such as flight delays, personal accidents or theft. Choose World Nomads Travel Insurance, designed by travelers for travelers.
Liked this? Pin it!
1 comment
This article was incredible! I appreciate the time and dedication you showed to include all of the details. I never thought about where I would stay based on style, I always look for things in my budget or closest to what I want to do. But I like this way much better! I don’t know if you’ve heard of them but I wanted to recommend a party bus service that I used called Safe Rides. I got an amazing price, I literally had to call and make sure it was real because it was so much cheaper than everyone else. Anyways, thought I would spread the word and help others save some money!