New York City perfectly emphasizes the American dream for people all around the world. The Big Apple looks like a city straight out of a movie, but when it’s finally time to visit it, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. What is the absolute best area to stay in New York first time?
You sure have heard of Manhattan, Time Square or Brooklyn in movies. So many famous names, yet pretty unfamiliar to you.
Wether you are on a New York one day itinerary or two-week long trip, you must be wondering where to stay in New York.
There are many ways to travel with no money, but most of them can’t be applied to a big city like NYC. So, should you book an accommodation right in the heart of the city or a bit outside to really fit in with locals? How to find cheap accommodation in New York?
There’s not one answer but several answers. In this article, we will tell you THE best place to stay in New York for the first time depending on your situation, expectations and budget.
To guide you through the best areas to stay in New York City, we will first give you a little geography lesson on the different boroughs of New York. Then, we will tell you which neighborhood is best for you and what are the good hotels in this area for all kinds of budgets.
Short on time? Book the best hotels of New York:
👉 Best budget option: The Jane Hotel
👉 Best luxury option: Arlo NoMad (high-floor rooms with a skycraper view)
What are the boroughs of New York City?
The Big Apple is one of the top cities in the world in terms of size, population and obviously, things to do. If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, you must keep in mind that this city is REALLY massive. It spreads out over 300 square miles (780 km2).
The first thing to do when planning a trip to New York is to learn the name of the different areas.
It is divided in five big boroughs, from north to south :
- Bronx: this is the only mainland district, located at the north of Manhattan and Queens and separated from the rest of the city by the Harlem River and East River.
- Manhattan: the most central borough, known as the main island of New York and where most of the points of interest are located.
- The Queens: largest borough of New York, located on Long Island at the east of Manhattan and south of the Bronx.
- Brooklyn: soon-to-be trendiest area of the city, located on Long Island at the south of the Queens and south east of Manhattan.
- Staten Island: this borough is an island on its own, the southernmost point of the city.
👉 READ NEXT: Where to go after NYC? Here are the best stops on a New York to Maine road trip if you want to head north, or the best things to do in Georgetown DC at night if you want to head south 🚗
So, what is the best area to stay in New York for first timers? In short, most people stay in Brooklyn and Manhattan as those are the most touristic and safest boroughs of the city.
What are the pros and cons of staying in Brooklyn VS Manhattan? Let’s get into each neighborhood a little deeper to find the best area for your needs and plans.
Best area to stay in NYC first time: where to stay when visiting New York?
New York is so massive that we can’t just say “stay in Manhattan” or “stay in the Queens”. There are great places and bad areas to avoid within those boroughs.
To give you a complete understanding of the best areas to stay in New York City, we will explain the pros and cons of each borough. Then, we will tell you about the greatest neighborhoods in those boroughs, as well as the coolest hotels.
Brooklyn
We will start this top areas list with Brooklyn right away because, let us break it down to you: this is by far THE coolest borough of New York.
Why should you stay in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn, Brooklyn… Those stunning brick wall buildings with iconic outdoor staircases and alternative cafes are not just in movies! Brooklyn is just as wonderful as it looks in movies.
Planning a summer trip? Here are the best things to do in Brooklyn in September 🏖
Located on the other bank of the river from the main island, it offers an incredible view on the world-famous skyscrapers of the busy Manhattan. You will want to see the Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn anyways, even if you don’t stay there.
Brooklyn offers a more relaxed and slower pace of life than Manhattan. Its streets are usually wider and there are hundreds of cute cafes and restaurants at every block corner. There are less crowds and less noise.
There’s also a very strong sense of community in this area of New York. Locals are very open and organize lots of events, where everyone is welcome. You’ll feel like you belong to the community in a heartbeat.
You will find cheaper accommodation than in Manhattan. If you want to visit New York on a budget, Brooklyn is the place to be (or to stay in).
Brooklyn is not for you if…
The one reason some people might not want to stay in Brooklyn is if they want to do everything by foot. The only real drawback of staying in this borough is that you’ll need to add 10 to 20 minutes to your train journey to Manhattan.
It obviously depends on where you are staying in Brooklyn and where you are going in the city. To give you a better idea of the duration of popular journeys in public transport, here are some examples :
- Times Square to Soho (Manhattan) : 19 minutes
- Times Square to DUMBO (Brooklyn) : 26 minutes
- Times Square to Bushwick (Brooklyn) : 40 minutes
To keep travel times short, the best places to stay in Brooklyn New York in this article are all located in the west of the borough. But overall, if you’re very short on time or absolutely hate public transport, Manhattan might be a better option for you.
Brooklyn is also the second largest borough of NYC. That’s why you won’t be able to visit it just by foot. You can mix walking with public transport when visiting Brooklyn.
Best places to stay in Brooklyn
You chose to stay in Brooklyn for your first time in New York? Awesome! Now, we need to narrow down your search area a bit more because Brooklyn is a big city on its own!
Brooklyn has more than 30 neighborhoods over 70 square miles (180 km²). More than 2.5 million people live there. So, what are the good places to stay in New York, and especially in Brooklyn? And most importantly, what are the best hotels in Brooklyn?
✔ Location tip : the 7 best neighborhoods in Brooklyn we will recommend are mostly located on the west side of Brooklyn. The further you go east, the less touristy it becomes and the longer the commute to the main attractions will be.
DUMBO
Why stay in DUMBO?
DUMBO is the first neighborhood you will go through when going to Brooklyn from Manhattan. Pretty funny name, right? It actually stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.
As it’s on the other shore of the East River but still so close to Manhattan, DUMBO is one of the best areas in Brooklyn. It quickly became one of the hotspots in town, if not THE trendiest neighborhood of New York.
It offers incredible views on the Manhattan skyline, but also on the not so famous Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Visit the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view and you will immediately understand how scenic this area is.
But DUMBO has much more to offer than its perfect location. There is a very homy and community feeling in this area, most locals that live there are very welcoming and open-minded.
You will find lots of restaurants, bars, art galleries, parks and activities of all kinds. The old industrial buildings still inhabit the district and have been transformed into independent bookshops or art galleries. DUMBO is a really artsy and creativity-oriented neighborhood.
Best hotels in DUMBO
Budget ($175 USD) – NU Hotel is the best value for money room you will find in this highly-demanded area. It’s only a 15-minute walk from the Brooklyn Bridge.
The rooms are spacious and well-furnished and the continental breakfast is good.
Mid-range ($245 USD) – Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown is the perfect hotel for travelers with a medium budget wanting to stay in the best location in New York. The rooms are big and spacious.
It is decorated in the Brooklyn style, with brick walls and industrial features.
Luxury ($580 USD) – 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge might be the rough diamond of the article. This waterfront five-star hotel offers the most spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and East River.
Its bohemian decor is modern and charming and its location is in the middle of a nature garden but right in the heart of Brooklyn. It’s extremely well noted and there’s no doubt why… It’s definitely the best hotel to stay in Brooklyn NY.
Greenpoint Brooklyn
Why stay in Greenpoint?
Greenpoint in Brooklyn is another waterfront neighborhood that faces the Manhattan skyscrapers.
Due to its location in the north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint is one of the safest places to stay in Brooklyn NY. Crime rates are low and keep dropping because it’s becoming more and more of a trendy area.
It’s a safe neighborhood, but definitely not a boring one! Some of the most stylish restaurant and bar options of the city are located in Greenpoint.
There are also great tattoo studios, as well as a great nightlife. Greenpoint is truly where you’ll find the trendiest bars of New York, from craft breweries to cocktail saloons.
Best hotels in Greenpoint
Budget ($118 USD) – the Pod Brooklyn has an ideal location in a lively area. The rooms are minimalist but offer everything you need. Last but not least, the general atmosphere of this hotel is very pleasant and friendly.
Mid-Range ($280 USD) – looking for an old-fashioned but charming hotel in the middle of Greenpoint? The Henry Norman Hotel mixes vintage and modern furniture and truly stands out.
It is a peaceful hotel with a staff ready to answer your every need.
Luxury ($470 USD) – the Hotel Indigo offers large suites with beautiful graphic decor. The rooms are extremely spacious, clean and luxurious.
It has an outdoor pool, a gym, a common lounge and a garden. The breakfast also has gluten-free options!
Brooklyn Heights
Why stay in Brooklyn Heights?
Just like the previous areas listed, Brooklyn Heights is on the western side of Brooklyn and close to the main attractions to visit in New York City.
However, there is something really different about Brooklyn Heights, and that’s its history… It is the first suburb of America! Brooklyn Heights also happen to be a very important site of revolution against slavery.
Nowadays, it’s a quiet neighborhood with charming tree-lined streets. People like to visit it to chill at a casual bar or restaurant. It’s also a great place for a walk or jogging!
Best hotels in Brooklyn Heights
Budget ($160 USD) – the Sheraton Brooklyn New York offers well-furnished rooms with king-size beds. The view of the skyline from some of the high floor rooms is impressive. It’s ideally located near the subways and restaurants.
Mid-range ($250 USD) – you’ll love the Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown if you like modern architecture, mixing wood and industrial style. The decor is very graphic, and only highlights the incredible view on the skyscrapers of Manhattan.
Some rooms even have balconies, so you can have your morning coffee while admiring the skyline. That’s a very good deal if you want luxury without completely breaking the bank.
Luxury ($300 USD) – at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, you can stay in a large room, next to the subway and only two stops from Manhattan.
The hotel offers a great view on the Brooklyn Bridge and is located next to nice restaurants and cute Brooklyn coffees.
Park Slope
Why stay in Park Slope?
Park Spot is the best area to stay in Brooklyn for families. First, it’s a waterfront neighborhood offering nice views on Manhattan, while being close to it thanks to public transportation.
Then, it’s a residential area that is very green. People visit this calm neighborhood for outdoor activities because of its many parks and squares, such as the Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We mean, it’s called Park Slope for a reason!
The atmosphere of this area is very laid-back because of its chill community, mostly made of families or young working people. Park Slope is one of the best places to stay in Brooklyn for families.
Best hotels in Park Slope
Budget ($130 USD) – the rooms of La Quinta by Wyndham Brooklyn Downtown in South Park Slope are pretty standard but really do offer everything you need. It’s clean, peaceful and located in the best area to stay in New York first time.
Mid-range – ($200 USD) – the Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott New York Brooklyn is a 15 minutes walk from the great Prospect Park. The rooms are well-furnished and clean, and the continental breakfast is included in the price of the room.
Luxury ($250 USD) – Hotel Le Bleu is a three star hotel that offers large rooms with balconies. They also have rooms with two double beds for around $300 USD, which is a pretty decent price for a family of four.
As it’s fully equipped and conveniently located, it might be the best place to stay in New York for families.
Williamsburg
Why stay in Williamsburg?
Let’s leave the coastline and get a little deeper into Brooklyn now. Our list of the nice areas of Brooklyn wouldn’t be complete without Williamsburg.
In the past twenty years, Williamsburg has become a popular destination for artists or young entrepreneurs in search of the perfect place to live. With its trendy restaurants, rooftops bars and nice thrift shops, this neighborhood always has something going on!
It’s basically Manhattan in terms of the amount of things to do or visit, but make it hipster! It offers a wonderful nightlife and diverse art scene.
If you wish to be close to vegan food markets, vintage shops and bars of all kinds, you should stay in Williamsburg in New York.
Best places to stay in Williamsburg Brooklyn
Budget ($160 USD) – the NY Moore Hostel is the best value for money you can find in Williamsburg. It is a colorful and artsy hostel that offers big private rooms and dorms.
Its graffiti is a great representation of the open-minded staff and travelers that you will meet at this hostel. It’s located in a cool neighborhood and has two metro lines nearby.
This hostel is the best place to stay when visiting New York City on a budget.
Mid-range ($300 USD) – what makes the Hoxton in Williamsburg very special is his unique decor. Located in one of the hipster neighborhood of Brooklyn, it mixes an industrial style with warm brick walls and an artsy decor.
Luxury ($350 USD) – the William Vale is THE five star hotel of Williamsburg. The design and decor of this hotel is worthy of a great architect.
The rooms are very spacious and elegant, just like the restaurant where an award-winning chef will cook exquisite dishes for you. The stunning views on the Manhattan skyline are another part of this property’s allure.
Last but not least, there’s a 60-foot rooftop pool… Yes, you read that right!
Bushwick
The creative and alternative Brooklyn neighborhood of Bushwick has been growing in popularity for years, with its edgy vibe attracting young people looking to be somewhere different.
You will find lots of old warehouses, now converted into trendy cafes, art galleries or studios. Bushwick used to be a poor neighborhood but is becoming more and more attractive for New-Yorkers and tourists.
Since artists and musicians moved there, the neighborhood is full of imaginative street art. It all makes the streets very alive.
Best hotels in Bushwick
We didn’t find any great hotels to recommend in the specific area of Bushwick. However, there are lots of great hotels in Bed-Stuyvesant, which is the neighboring area. You can read the following section to see our selection.
Bed-Stuyvesant
Why stay in Bed-Stuy?
Also known as Bed-Stuy, this neighborhood is famous for its stunning brownstone townhouses and diverse live music scene.
It’s an important place where you can discover more about the African-American culture through the lovely community and restaurants of Bed-Stuy.
It’s so culturally rich and diverse that you will feel welcome everywhere, no matter where you come from.
As long as you are respectful to everyone, you will be able to learn something new everyday while staying in the incredible Bed-Stuy. It really is the best area to stay in New York for the first time for travelers who like out-of-the-beaten-path places.
Best hotels in Bed-Stuy
Budget ($170 USD for 4) – the Best Western PLUS Arena Hotel is a great value for money hotel in the middle of Brooklyn. The rooms are classic, clean and have a private bathroom. Breakfast is included. Its location and price for 4 people make it a real gem.
Mid-range ($240 USD for 2) – why stay in a room when you can have a full apartment in Bed-Stuy?
Brownstone Penthouse is a charming brownstone building where you can have an entire lovely apartment all to yourself. It’s very cozy and feels just like home.
Brownstone Penthouse is located in a beautiful neighborhood and is only a twenty-five minute ride to Midtown Manhattan. Honestly, it’s the best location to stay in New York if you like residential and cozy neighborhoods.
Best area to stay in New York first time : Brooklyn sum-up
We’ve given you a whole bunch of information about the best parts of Brooklyn, and your head may be bubbling a bit. Here is what you should keep in mind.
- Why Brooklyn is a strong 10: diverse, hipster, welcoming, artsy and picturesque
- You might not like Brooklyn if: you want to be as close as possible to the main landmarks and are not particularly interested in staying in a locals’ neighborhood
- Where to stay in Brooklyn: DUMBO, Williamsburg and Greenpoint
- Cool Brooklyn hotels: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, the Hoxton in Williamsburg, Sheraton Brooklyn New York, Brownstone Penthouse
Manhattan
Of course, just because we think Brooklyn is the best neighborhood in New York doesn’t mean Manhattan isn’t fabulous too!
Who wouldn’t love to stay in a place they’ve seen in hundreds of movies? This is by far the most known area of New York, but also one of the most known in all the United-States. And, for good reason!
Why you should stay in Manhattan?
There’s not one word to describe Manhattan, but thousands of them. You have seen its legendary buildings in an uncountable number of movies.
To name a few, Manhattan is home to the iconic Times Square or the ever-partying Madison Square Garden. You will have to at least visit one of the two giants of the NYC skyline: Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt.
But Manhattan isn’t just historical buildings; it’s an atmosphere. A buzzing one, to say the least! If you want to feel this magical atmosphere for the whole duration of your stay, it’s the best area to stay in NYC.
Locals are hard-working, ambitious and dreamy people. And you know what we say? The world belongs to those who dare to dream.
It is the place to achieve your goals, surrounded by very inspiring people. Visiting Manhattan is extremely stimulating and exciting because of the thousands of things to do and to see, from foot to eyes. Yeah, don’t forget to watch up for insane skyscraper views!
But there’s also one big green landmark in the center of Manhattan, and it’s Central Park. Six times larger than Monaco, this park is a green wonderland. How could a park this big be in the very middle of the most buzzing city in the world?
Well, that’s New York power! You can have a day at the top of a skyscraper and then chill in the middle of nature, in well-maintained gardens or on the shore of the river.
Manhattan is not for you if…
As we just said, Manhattan truly is the city (or borough) that never sleeps.
If you like chilling a bit during your trip, or if you are not used to the sounds of big cities, staying in Manhattan might be a little overwhelming for you.
You will be very close to the main landmarks of the city, but that comes with the buzzing energy of it all 😉
However, there are also residential areas to stay in Manhattan. Here are all the best neighborhoods to stay in Manhattan, depending on your entertaining wishes.
Best areas to stay in Manhattan
Just like Brooklyn, there are tons of different neighborhoods in Manhattan, spread over 23 miles (59 kilometers) of land. To help navigate your way through the city, here’s a map of the main neighborhoods of Manhattan.
So, what is the best part of Manhattan to stay for a vacation? And, you might also wonder… Are there affordable places to stay in Manhattan?
Upper West Side
Why stay in the Upper West Side?
The first neighborhood we will talk about is the Upper West Side. You must be familiar with this name, as most billionaires live there. It’s a really safe and residential neighborhood, where people choose to live for the high quality of life.
It has many world-class restaurants, and is close to Manhattan main landmarks without being in the middle of the commotion. For instance, you can reach Midtown or Lower Manhattan in less than 30 minutes by public transport.
If you’re looking for a safe area to stay in Manhattan, from which it’s easy to go around, the Upper West Side is a good option. However, keep in mind that it’s an expensive one!
Best hotels in the Upper West Side
Budget ($98 USD) – West Side YMCA is a great place to stay if you’re looking for an affordable hotel with all of the amenities. It’s located just steps away from Central Park, and offers private rooms with bunk beds.
You can also use their fitness center or swim laps in one of the two indoor pools! This is the cheapest hotel of this quality we found in New York.
Mid-range ($200 USD) – Hotel Lucerne is an impressive american building, made of red bricks with moldings and large pillars. The rooms are spacious and the staff is very welcoming.
Luxury ($800 USD) – Mandarin Oriental New York is the very cliché of the New York luxurious hotel pictured in movies. It has everything you could wish for.
From high floor rooms with an impressive skyline view to high ceilings, large windows, molding, art pieces, great furniture, old fashioned wooden decor, private jacuzzi with a window view…
The shared areas have a spa, an indoor pool and even a restaurant.
West Village
Why stay in the West Village?
The West Village is known as the charming residential neighborhood of Manhattan. It’s a piece of tranquility in the middle of the busy skyscraper island.
Its streets are clean and cute, with brownstone houses and trees lining each side of the road. It might be the safest place to stay in New York.
This description might make it sound like a rich residential area with not much to do. It definitely is a wealthy and safe neighborhood, but not boring at all!
Many young entrepreneurs live there and created a great “community spirit”. It has lots of boutiques, a good nightlife and many bars with live music.
If you’re a jazz or literature lover, you will love the West Village. Many jazz clubs opened in this area in the early 20th century and were open to everyone. It still is the headquarters of jazz music nowadays, and truly has some of best live music bars of New York.
Best hotels in the West Village
Budget ($135 USD) – want to travel back in time for very little money? The Jane Hotel is your place! That’s a well-located hotel with a lot of character.
Its old-fashioned but perfectly renovated style is very unique. This is by far one of the best historical buildings you can stay in during your NYC trip.
Midrange ($215 USD) – just like the other hotels we recommend in the West Village, Chelsea Pines Inn is ideally located to explore the city for the first time.
The rooms are very clean and the staff is fabulous. If you choose Chelsea Pines Inn, you will have a comfortable stay and nothing to worry about.
Luxury ($450 USD) – how not to fall in love with the lounge and restaurant area of The Marlton Hotel? It is a veranda with large windows, wooden decorations and plants. This place is a perfect representation of the charm of the entire hotel.
Chelsea
Why stay in Chelsea?
Right above the West Village and below Midtown, Chelsea is one of the trendiest neighborhoods that you can find in Manhattan.
It might be the best area to stay in Manhattan for people who want to be where it happens without being in the middle of the hustle.
What does it mean? Ever heard of the term “industrial chic”? Well, if you stay in Chelsea, you’ll be in an active neighborhood, packed with great restaurants, art galleries and cool nightlife.
This neighborhood is perfectly located for you to explore Manhattan main landmarks by foot or with public transport.
Chelsea is a very tourist-friendly area to stay in and you will love its artsy vibe. Among the many galleries, there’s one special site that has to be highlighted, and it’s the High Line.
The High Line Park was built on an abandoned elevated railroad and art is omnipresent up there. It looks a lot like the Coulée Verte, one of the best parks in Paris.
Best hotels in Chelsea
Budget ($170 USD) – Leo House is a great place to stay in New York. It’s not just about the location, but also for its affordable rates and clean rooms with all the amenities that you need! It also has a shared garden, terrace and even an on-site chapel.
Mid-range ($270 USD) – Ever heard of the amazing Selina hotels that you can find all around the world? Well, Selina Chelsea kept the welcoming spirit very much alive.
The New York edition offers modern spacious rooms mixing raw industrial walls, wooden decorations and marble bathrooms.
Luxury ($440 USD) – The Moore Hotel is a four diamond luxury hotel in New York City.
The elegant and classic decor of this historic property make for an unforgettable stay, whether you are traveling alone or with family members! When staying at the Moore, you can also take advantage of its rooftop and fitness center.
Midtown Manhattan
Why stay in Midtown?
If you really want to stay in the hyper center of Manhattan and don’t mind it being busy all the time, don’t look any further than Midtown!
This area is the heart of New York City and is ideal for first time visitors who want the typical New York experience. This area has plenty to offer, with many budget accommodations near central locations that can be easily accessible by foot or public transportation.
Midtown covers Time Square, the Grand Central Terminal, the Museum of Modern Art, the Empire State Building and many more iconic New York landmarks. They’re all located within walking distance and are family-friendly.
There are many entertainment venues as well. The Radio City Music Hall is one of the most iconic venues to host a concert. The opulent surroundings and world-class sound make for an unforgettable show!
There’s also the famous Madison Square Garden, which hosts concerts and Knicks and Rangers games.
Best hotels in Midtown Manhattan
Budget ($197 USD) – Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York is close to all the popular attractions in New York City.
It’s a vibrant area with plenty going on, you can walk to some of the most known landmarks of the city. The rooms are standard. The staff is very friendly and flexible with the check-in.
Mid-range ($250 USD) – Hotel St. James is a great hotel to stay in the very heart of New York. In fact, you can’t beat its location in the middle of the Theater District and mystical concert halls. It offers standard rooms with comfy beds and private bathrooms.
Luxury ($450 USD) – Have you ever slept in the clouds? The Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park is one of the hotels that offer the highest view on the skyscrapers.
Imagine sleeping on the 56th floor of a hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views on the most magical city in the world? You’ll be able to see both Times Square and Central Park.
SoHo New York
Why stay in SoHo NYC?
SoHo is quite famous in New York and outside of New York! Many cities in the world try to have their own SoHo. Well, the SoHo area of New York City is an ideal base for those who want to explore all that downtown has to offer.
Its proximity to many landmark districts makes it the best place to stay in New York City for the first time for museum and art lovers. Not only does it have world class museums, but also some incredible dining options and art collections which you won’t find anywhere else!
SoHo also has great luxurious hotels. There are plenty with great amenities making it the best area to stay in New York City for first time visitors wanting to treat themselves with a night or week at a fancy hotel.
Best hotels in SoHo
Budget ($190 USD) – Whether you’re looking for a hotel for a romantic getaway or business travel, the Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel offers an ideal location.
With views overlooking Midtown and the Hudson River, its rooms and rooftop terrace attract travelers in search for THE soulful hotel in their budget.
Mid-range ($310 USD) – the charm of the Soho Grand Hotel leaves no one indifferent. This place truly lives up to its name. Its lobby and rooms are grandiose, tastefully decorated and spacious.
Luxury ($420 USD) – ModernHaus SoHo is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a trendy hotel in Soho. You’ll have an incredible skyline view, and there’s also big windows that let lots of natural light into your room!
It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, and extremely well decorated with white stone pillars and artwork on the walls.
Chinatown New York
Why stay in Chinatown New York?
Chinatown is by far the most diverse neighborhood of New York, if not of the whole United-States! What started as a small Chinese enclave in the city became the largest community of Chinese people outside of Asia.
It is so rich in terms of culture, history and of course, food… If you’re a food lover like us, Chinatown will be your absolute favorite neighborhood to ever walk through. The smells of the dishes from everywhere in the world will delight all your senses.
This neighborhood is bustling with people of different backgrounds and from all walks of life. Its atmosphere is like nowhere else in the world. I mean, there are people playing chests in small parks.
Best hotels in Chinatown
Budget ($150 USD) – the best words to describe the Hotel Mimosa are sweet and helpful. The rooms are well decorated and cute, and the staff is very kind and generous in advice regarding what there is to do in the neighborhood.
Mid-range ($195 USD) – Hotel 50 Bowery is the best industrial-looking hotel in Chinatown. It offers perfect service in beautiful industrial rooms, with raw walls, lots of space and art pieces.
Luxury ($300 USD) – the Hotel Mulberry does provide spacious rooms with comfy beds, but what guests like the most there is the view of famous New York landmarks.
Lower East Side
Why stay in the Lower East Side?
The Lower East Side is a gateway to Brooklyn, while still being located on the island of Manhattan. You will love it because it’s influenced by the atmospheres of these two boroughs!
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or enjoy a drink with friends, there are many great places in the Lower East Side that will make your experience unforgettable.
It is a great place to stay if you’re looking for culture, nightlife and entertainment all at once. This neighborhood is also known for its rich history of immigration, which can be discovered through the many synagogues, museums and restaurants that line this part of the city.
Best hotels in the Lower East Side
Budget ($120 USD) – Leon Hotel LES is THE best value for money hotel you can get in this popular area. It is a dynamic new addition to the New York City hotel scene.
Its small size and vibrant neighborhood location make it easy for guests to experience the city without breaking the bank!
Mid-range ($270 USD) – The Historic Blue Moon Hotel is one of the most authentic hotels in New York City. The building has an old-world feel with its red stones and romantic balcony views.
It’s a family owned hotel and really operates like one. They are very friendly and helpful. The space and decor are very charming, making it the perfect spot for families on vacation!
Luxury ($300 USD) – the CitizenM New York Bowery really is one of a kind. If you’ve already done some research about accomodation in New York, you must have run into this hotel for its incredible panoramic view on New York skyscrapers.
It is one of the best hotels in New York City for first timers because it truly emphasizes the classic New York experience : sleeping in a fancy room with huge windows on a high floor, which offers an incredible view on the city.
- Why first timers will love staying in Manhattan: iconic landmarks, movie vibe, walking distance to everything, restaurants from all around the world
- Why you might not like staying in Manhattan: it’s always busy and loud, so it can be tiring.
- Where to stay in Manhattan: Chinatown, Lower East Side, West Village
- Best hotels to stay in Manhattan: CitizenM New York Bowery, ModernHaus SoHo, West Side YMCA, Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park
Where not to stay in New York City?
Some boroughs are never parts of the New York accommodation tips you find online. Some areas are really poor, others are just not touristy… Anyways, you should be aware of the areas to avoid in New York.
Bronx
Even if you don’t know New York at all, the Bronx neighborhood sounds familiar, right? You’ve probably seen it depicted in hundreds of movies for its hip-hop culture and gang activity.
The Bronx is the most cosmopolitan borough in New York, even though the entire city itself is a melting pot. It offers incredible opportunities to learn about cultures and food from around the world.
However, it is also the neighborhood that has suffered the most from poverty and crime. It has a lot of public housing. The deterioration of the South Bronx is partly due to landlord abandonment and economic changes.
You are less likely to see tourists in this neighborhood. That being said, the Bronx is an incredibly vibrant neighborhood, but it may not be the best place to stay when visiting New York for the first time.
The southeast Bronx, in particular, is still a bit dangerous, so you should avoid neighborhoods like Soundview. However, of you want to visit, do you own research because the Bronx is constantly changing and crime rates are dropping.
✔️ If you want to visit the Bronx, it is still quite doable if you know someone who can show you around or if you know exactly where you are going.
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen, also known as Clinton, is located on the West of Chelsea, in Manhattan. Not every street of Manhattan is glamorous and representative of the New York dream.
Hell’s Kitchen is still a good neighborhood but a lot of homeless people hang there at night.
✔️ Like in every large city, you shouldn’t expect to feel safe everywhere just because you’re staying in a pretty touristy and famous area. To avoid any bad surprise, always be careful with your belongings and itineraries.
Queens
The Queens is not known as the best neighbourhood to stay in New York but it is in fact relatively safe. As everywhere, there are some areas you’ll want to avoid at night.
For instance, it might not be the best idea to spend the night out in Corona, the south side of Jamaica or near Ozone Park.
✔️ Stick to the main roads and always try to stay where there are other people, especially in subway cars. These are basic guidelines to follow that don’t only apply to the Queens.
East and South Brooklyn
Brooklyn is so large that it has lots of different areas. Some are very tourist-friendly, others are more locals-friendly.
In general, the further away from the Brooklyn Bridge and therefore from the Manhattan Gate, the less touristy the neighborhood is.
Districts like Brownsville hold some of the highest poverty and crime rates compared to any other neighborhood in New York City. You may not want to strut your stuff in front of the locals in their living quarters.
Staten Island
Last but not least, we don’t recommend staying in Staten Island but it’s not for safety reasons. Staten Island is the fifth and last borough of NYC, but it doesn’t really feel like it belongs to the city.
Staten Island is a bit left out of the accommodation guides because it is an isolated island and you have to take the ferry to get there.
It’s still very interesting to visit but you won’t need more than a day to tour it. If you are only staying a few days in New York and it’s your first time visiting the city, Staten Island is a bit far from the main points of interest.
However, if you’re looking for a chill and peaceful place to stay in and don’t mind taking the ferry every day, look no further than Staten Island!
Best area to stay in New York first time : the sum-up
And that’s a wrap! You know all the best neighborhoods to stay in NYC depending on your criteria and budget. In short, West Brooklyn with neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg or all the bankshore are the best places to stay to feel the alternative New York City vibe.
With a rich and immersive cultural experience, Brooklyn has so much to offer in terms of atmosphere, community sense, alternative places and restaurants. This thriving neighborhood is close to the main landmarks you will want to see during your first trip to NYC.
Manhattan on the other side is the bubbling center of the city. It is the best part of New York to visit and has so much to offer. Staying in Manhattan feels like you’re constantly in a movie. You will find incredible hotel rooms at high floors of skyscrapers there, which is a once-in-lifetime experience.
On the other side, Brooklyn offers cheaper great hotel rooms on lower floors… Both neighborhoods are amazing and in the end, it’s up to you and your accommodation wishes!
In any case, you will never be bored in New York. It is one of the four cities in the world with the most things to do. The other three being Paris, London and Tokyo.
If you are feeling adventurous and want to make the most of this travel post covid 19 period, we highly recommend visiting those three other wonderful cities.
