Where To Stay In NYC – Best Neighborhoods For Tourists
New York City is a huge place and, with so many incredible sights and iconic attractions to see, it can sometimes be a little daunting trying to decide where to stay. This is especially true if it’s your first time in the Big Apple, so make choosing the right neighborhood a priority when planning your trip.
Whether you want to be near the most famous sights, close to the best places to eat or somewhere where you know you can get a great night’s sleep, there’ll be an area of the city that’s just right for your needs. Take a look at our breakdown of the best neighborhoods for tourists in NYC and use it as a guide to help you know where to book your hotel.
Lower Manhattan
Most people visiting the city choose to stay in Manhattan. Lower Manhattan is the furthest point south, making it one of the more peaceful areas. Otherwise known as the Financial District, some of the key points of interest here include Brooklyn Bridge, the One World Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial. Ferries for Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty Also leave from here too.
Lower East Side
This isn’t the easiest part of the city to get to, but it’s an area where you’ll experience authentic New York, with vintage stores, hidden speakeasies and artsy buildings. A diverse and creative neighborhood; there are some great places to eat and plenty of museums to explore. Plus, you’re in walking distance of Chinatown and Little Italy.
Upper West Side
One of the biggest draws of the Upper West Side is being so close to Central Park. It’s one of the more peaceful neighborhoods, but close enough to easily get in among all the action. There’s plenty of green space nearby, plus the likes of the Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
Midtown East
A lot of New York’s biggest attractions are all concentrated in the Midtown East area of the city. It’s also where many office workers spend their nine-to-fives, high up in the soaring skyscrapers. If you choose to stay in this neighborhood, you’ll have the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, the Chrysler Building, the Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue right on your doorstep.
Midtown West
If you want that bright lights and a big city feel, then this is the place to be. Midtown West is the home of the Broadway Theater District and the iconic Times Square; a hive of activity and an explosion of neon colors. You’ll find Macy’s and Madison Square Garden here, too, plus all the sights of Midtown East are within easy walking distance.
Soho
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is one of the trendier parts of New York City, boasting an authentic vibe and some of the best places to eat and drink. There’s a distinct Sex and the City vibe about the place, as many of the show’s filming locations can actually be found here. Go celeb-spotting at Washington Square Park, visit the Friends Apartment or experience the nightlife in the Meatpacking District.
Brooklyn
If you’re on a bit of a budget and want to find a hotel that won’t break the bank, then consider staying in Brooklyn rather than Manhattan. Ever-transforming into a trendy and bohemian neighborhood, it’s bursting with art galleries, independent stores, laid back beer gardens, cool coffee shops and excellent restaurants. Choose somewhere to stay that’s close to the river so you can make the most of the awesome Manhattan skyline views.
