Where to Stay in New York: Best Areas and 21 Hotels

New York is not just one city, it is five boroughs, each with its own character, neighbourhoods, and rhythm. If you are wondering where to stay in New York, your choice of area will determine how much time you spend travelling each day and how much your room will cost.

Manhattan brings together most of the sights and the highest density of hotels, but also the steepest prices. Brooklyn and Long Island City offer a more relaxed atmosphere, great food, and cheaper rooms, with the subway getting you into the centre in just a few minutes.

In this guide, you will find a detailed overview of neighbourhoods catering to different types of traveller. When visitors ask where to stay in New York, the answer depends on whether you want to be right beside Times Square or prefer a more local feel by Central Park. Before your transatlantic flight, it is wise to book your flights to New York well in advance and check how long the flight from Athens to New York takes. If you are travelling from regional Greece, you may also need to check where to stay near Athens Airport for the night before.

Which area is right for you

• For first-timers: Midtown Manhattan is the obvious choice. You are within walking distance of Broadway theatres, MoMA, and Rockefeller Center.
• For couples: Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, or the Upper East Side offer superb restaurants, peaceful streets for walking, and lovely architecture.
• For families: The Upper West Side sits right beside Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. It has wide pavements and quieter evenings compared to Midtown.
• On a budget: Long Island City in Queens and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. They are just one or two subway stops away from Manhattan and noticeably reduce the average cost of a trip to New York.
• Without a car: New York is built for walking and taking the subway. There is absolutely no reason to hire a car, regardless of the neighbourhood you choose.

Area comparison in New York

What to see and do in New York

New York sits at the confluence of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, on the northeastern coast of the United States. It comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, with a population exceeding 8.3 million. Manhattan is a long, narrow island roughly 21 km long, divided into Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown. This is where most landmarks featured in a classic New York travel guide are concentrated.

The city's history began in 1624 when Dutch traders established the settlement of New Amsterdam at the southern tip of Manhattan, where Wall Street stands today. In 1664, it passed into English hands and was renamed New York. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, stands on Liberty Island and remains the ultimate symbol of the city. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of immigrants passed through nearby Ellis Island.

In Midtown, you will find Times Square with its massive illuminated billboards. A few blocks away rises the 102-storey Empire State Building alongside Rockefeller Center. Central Park spans 341 hectares in the heart of Manhattan, serving as the city's main green lung, complete with artificial lakes, a zoo, and endless walking paths.

Lower Manhattan, also known as Downtown, is home to the Financial District, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the site of the Twin Towers, and One World Observatory. Boats for the Statue of Liberty depart from historic Battery Park at the southern tip. Further north, the neighbourhoods of Soho, Tribeca, and Greenwich Village retain lower-rise architecture and are packed with art galleries, independent boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants.

Brooklyn, across the East River, is easily reached by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883. The DUMBO neighbourhood (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers classic vantage points for photographs. Williamsburg has established itself as the hub of the creative scene, with former warehouses transformed into microbreweries and arts spaces. This wealth of options is what makes America's Big Apple unique among global metropolises.

To see as much as possible, you will want to get comfortable with the subway. It runs 24 hours a day. When planning what to do in 24 hours in New York, you quickly realise how vast the distances are. From Midtown to the Financial District is around 8 km, taking roughly 20 to 25 minutes by subway. Travelling from Williamsburg to Midtown takes about 20 minutes on the L train.

It is also well worth walking along the High Line, an elevated 2.3 km linear park built on an abandoned railway viaduct that leads into Hudson Yards and Chelsea Market. For art lovers, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), and the Guggenheim Museum cover every major artistic period in human history.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

New York is served by three major airports: JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia. The best route into town depends on where your accommodation is located.

JFK is located in Queens, about 26 km from Midtown. The most practical and affordable option is the AirTrain, which connects you to the subway network (lines A, E, J, Z) at Jamaica Station or Howard Beach. The total cost is around $11.40 and the journey into Manhattan takes 60 to 75 minutes. You can also take the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) commuter train for a faster arrival at Penn Station, costing roughly $13 to $18 depending on peak travel hours. Official yellow taxis charge a flat rate of $70 into Manhattan, plus tolls and tips, which typically brings the total to $90 to $100.

Newark Liberty International (EWR) is in neighbouring New Jersey, roughly 26 km west of Manhattan. It frequently handles transatlantic flights from Europe. A combination of the airport AirTrain and an NJ Transit train brings you to Manhattan's Penn Station in about 30 to 40 minutes. The ticket costs around $15.75. Taxis from Newark to Manhattan run on a meter and include tolls, typically costing between $80 and $100.

LaGuardia (LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan (around 13 km) but has no direct rail connection. It primarily handles domestic flights across the USA. You can take the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station, then pay the standard $2.90 subway fare into town. A taxi or Uber ride from LaGuardia takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and costs around $45 to $60.

The subway and bus system uses the contactless OMNY payment system. Simply tap your contactless credit or debit card, or your phone via Apple Pay or Google Pay, against the turnstile scanner to pay the $2.90 flat fare. There is no longer any need to purchase a physical MetroCard from ticket machines.

The best areas to stay in New York

Midtown Manhattan

Midtown is the pulsating core of New York and the most convenient base for first-time visitors. It stretches roughly from 34th Street to the southern border of Central Park at 59th Street. Here you will find Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue with its flagship department stores, Grand Central Terminal, and Madison Square Garden. It features the largest concentration of subway lines, making travel north or south straightforward.

Pros:

• Within walking distance of premier tourist landmarks.
• Superb subway connections (lines 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M, 7).
• Countless options for theatre, dining, and shopping across all price tiers.

Cons:

• The busiest and loudest part of the city.
• Restaurants around Times Square can be expensive and tourist-heavy.
• Room rates remain consistently high throughout the year.

Recommended accommodation:

1. DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave
A hotel right next to Rockefeller Center with comfortable rooms and an excellent location for sightseeing on foot.

• Average cost: around 280€ per night

2. Embassy Suites By Hilton New York Manhattan Times Square
Suites with separate sitting areas, ideal for families, just minutes from Times Square.

• Average cost: around 310€ per night

3. SpringHill Suites by Marriott New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
A practical choice with in-room kitchenettes, located close to Fifth Avenue.

• Average cost: around 260€ per night

4. The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection
A historic 1902 hotel with rich literary pedigree and an elegant atmosphere.

• Average cost: around 340€ per night

5. The Knickerbocker
A stylish hotel positioned directly on Times Square with a scenic rooftop bar.

• Average cost: around 360€ per night

6. M Social Hotel Times Square New York
A contemporary boutique hotel just steps from the centre of Times Square.

• Average cost: around 300€ per night

Lower Manhattan & Financial District

The southern tip of Manhattan features impressive skyscrapers, narrow lanes that evoke the historic settlement, and easy access to the waterfront. Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, and Battery Park are all here. Unlike Midtown, Lower Manhattan clears out once offices close, making for peaceful evenings. It is also within easy reach of Tribeca and Soho for dinner and drinks.

Pros:

• Close to ferries for the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Staten Island.
• Much quieter during evenings and weekends.
• Hotels frequently provide better value for money than those in Midtown.

Cons:

• Many local dining spots close early.
• A longer ride (20 to 30 minutes by subway) to Central Park and Broadway.
• Fewer local grocery shops or bakeries, as the area mainly caters to office workers.

Recommended accommodation:

7. Tribeca Hotel FiDi
A modern hotel in the centre of the Financial District, near the 9/11 Memorial.

• Average cost: around 230€ per night

8. Four Points by Sheraton New York Downtown
A reliable brand-name hotel offering well-appointed rooms close to Wall Street.

• Average cost: around 250€ per night

9. Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District by IHG
A boutique property featuring harbour views, situated next to One World Trade Center.

• Average cost: around 290€ per night

10. Moxy NYC Downtown
A playful hotel with an energetic ground-floor bar, popular with younger travellers.

• Average cost: around 240€ per night

11. Aloft Manhattan Downtown Financial District
A contemporary design-focused hotel with an open lobby space, a brief walk from Battery Park.

• Average cost: around 260€ per night

Upper West Side

Stretching from 59th to 110th Street west of Central Park, this is an authentic residential neighbourhood that lets you experience life like a local New Yorker. Corner cafes, delis, and classic brownstones define the streetscape. The area is home to the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center, home of the Metropolitan Opera. It is arguably the finest area in the city for families.

Pros:

• Safe and tranquil neighbourhood flanked by Central Park and Riverside Park.
• Brilliant local spots for breakfast and brunch.
• Convenient subway access via lines 1, 2, 3 (red line) and lines B, C.

Cons:

• Fewer late-night entertainment options.
• Further from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn sights.
• Restaurants tend to be on the pricier side and catered to local residents.

Recommended accommodation:

12. Hotel Belleclaire Central Park
A charming hotel in a historic building, just moments from Central Park.

• Average cost: around 220€ per night

13. La Quinta by Wyndham New York City Central Park
An affordable chain hotel in a convenient position near the park.

• Average cost: around 190€ per night

14. Hotel Lucerne
A classic property known for welcoming service, favoured by families.

• Average cost: around 240€ per night

15. Riverside Tower Hotel
A budget-friendly hotel near the Hudson River, suitable for extended stays.

• Average cost: around 150€ per night

16. Hotel Beacon
Spacious rooms equipped with kitchenettes, located right by Lincoln Center.

• Average cost: around 260€ per night

Upper East Side

Opposite the park on the eastern side, the Upper East Side is Manhattan's most affluent enclave. Haute couture boutiques line Madison Avenue and Park Avenue. Along Fifth Avenue lies Museum Mile, hosting The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), the Guggenheim Museum, and the Neue Galerie. Accommodation here is tailored towards travellers with larger budgets, much like choosing where to stay in London in areas such as Mayfair.

Pros:

• Immaculate, secure, and prestigious atmosphere.
• Immediate access to the city's finest art institutions.
• Right next to the eastern edge of Central Park.

Cons:

• Expensive accommodation and dining.
• If your hotel is far east towards the East River, walking to subway lines (4, 5, 6, Q) can take time.
• Virtually no late-night scene.

Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

The epicentre of creative Brooklyn sits just across the water. Williamsburg commands sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, comparable to looking back at Hong Kong from Kowloon. It is packed with vintage shops, independent bookshops, open-air food markets like Smorgasburg at weekends, and artisanal cafes. The L subway line reaches 14th Street in Manhattan (Union Square) in roughly 10 to 15 minutes. It is an ideal spot if you have visited New York before and seek a fresher perspective.

Pros:

• Youthful, artistic, and easy-going energy.
• Exceptional selection of pubs, breweries, and reasonably priced eateries.
• Stunning skyline views across the river from Domino Park.

Cons:

• Heavily dependent on the L line, which can see service changes during weekend maintenance.
• Some pockets retain a raw, industrial character.

Recommended accommodation:

17. Wythe Hotel
A converted former factory turned boutique hotel, boasting rooftop views of Manhattan.

• Average cost: around 270€ per night

18. Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg
A vibrant hotel with an active bar scene, right by the L subway line.

• Average cost: around 220€ per night

19. The Hoxton, Williamsburg
A stylish hotel with an attractive restaurant and communal workspaces in the lobby.

• Average cost: around 260€ per night

20. Hilton Brooklyn New York
A refurbished hotel in Boerum Hill, another lovely Brooklyn quarter, close to multiple subway routes.

• Average cost: around 230€ per night

21. Holiday Inn Brooklyn Downtown by IHG
A convenient base next to Nevins Street station in Downtown Brooklyn, ideal for families travelling on a moderate budget.

• Average cost: around 190€ per night

Long Island City (Queens)

Situated in Queens right across the river from Midtown Manhattan, Long Island City (LIC) is the best insider tip for keeping accommodation costs down. Recent development has brought a wealth of newly built hotels to the area. Subway lines 7, E, M, and R carry you into Midtown and Times Square in only one or two stops, often taking under 10 minutes. Gantry Plaza State Park along the waterfront provides postcard-worthy panoramas of the United Nations headquarters and the Empire State Building.

Pros:

• Significantly lower hotel prices than Manhattan.
• Modern properties with generally larger guest rooms.
• Swift, direct access into central New York via the subway.

Cons:

• A somewhat utilitarian, industrial look around the stations.
• Fewer cafes and dining spots immediately outside your accommodation.
• Streets can feel quiet and empty late at night.

Accommodation Costs, Taxes & Seasonality

Accommodation is the single largest expense when visiting New York, often higher than major European capitals such as when choosing where to stay in Paris. A hostel dorm bed or a compact basic room with a shared bathroom starts around $90 to $130 per night. Mid-range 3 to 4-star hotels typically run from $200 to $350. For luxury hotels or properties directly overlooking Times Square, plan for $450 or more per night.

The most important factor to keep in mind is hotel occupancy taxes. Listed prices on booking search engines frequently exclude local taxes. In New York City, combined state and municipal taxes add 14.75%, plus a flat hotel room occupancy tax of $3.50 per night. Additionally, many hotels apply a mandatory facility fee or destination fee ($20 to $40 per night) covering Wi-Fi, bottled water, or gym access. These supplementary fees are usually charged directly at reception upon check-in or departure.

Prices fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of year:

• Low season (January - February): Temperatures are freezing, but this is the prime window to secure hotel discounts of 30% to 40%.
• Shoulder season (Summer): July and August are hot and humid. Many residents leave the city for holidays, keeping rates relatively balanced.
• High season (Spring and Autumn): April to May and September to October deliver ideal weather (around 15 to 22 degrees) with visitor numbers peaking, driving room prices upwards.
• Festive period: The week of Thanksgiving in late November through Christmas in New York is the most expensive time of the entire year. Booking several months in advance is essential.

Common mistakes when booking a hotel

• Booking without a nearby subway station: Never judge distance purely by how close it looks on a map. If your hotel requires a 15-minute walk to the nearest station, your legs will feel it after a full day of sightseeing.
• Ignoring the Destination Fee: Always check the fine print for hidden facility or resort fees charged on arrival.
• Rooms without windows: In Manhattan, certain low-cost boutique properties have rooms without external windows or face an interior airshaft. Read the room specifications carefully.
• Insisting on Midtown: Staying beside Times Square sounds exciting, but during peak hours the pavements are congested and slow to navigate. Neighbourhoods such as the Upper West Side or Greenwich Village offer a far more pleasant atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in New York for my first visit?

Midtown Manhattan is the most practical choice for a first-time trip, keeping you within easy walking distance of major sights, Broadway, and Central Park, alongside access to nearly every subway line.

Where can I stay in New York on a budget?

Long Island City in Queens and outer Brooklyn provide considerably cheaper hotels than Manhattan. Long Island City is just two subway stops from Midtown.

Is it worth staying in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan?

Yes, especially in areas like Williamsburg or DUMBO. You will find a more relaxed, creative neighbourhood vibe, lower room rates, and a subway commute into Manhattan that takes only 15 to 20 minutes.

How much are hotel taxes in New York?

State and municipal taxes of approximately 14.75% are added to the room price, alongside a flat charge of $3.50 per night, which is typically settled directly at the hotel.

Which neighbourhood is safest for families?

The Upper West Side and Upper East Side are regarded as very safe and family-oriented. They feature broad pavements, direct access to Central Park, and quick connections to the city's best museums.

Which areas should I avoid for accommodation?

Avoid neighbourhoods deep in the Bronx or outlying districts of Queens and Brooklyn that lack straightforward subway connections, as you will lose considerable time travelling back and forth each day.

Do I need a car in New York?

Not at all. Traffic is notoriously heavy, parking is exceptionally expensive, and the 24/7 subway network gets you anywhere quickly and economically.

How many days are needed to explore New York?

To cover the essential sights, visit key museums, and explore Central Park, you will want at least 5 to 7 full days.

Useful tips for choosing your hotel

Picking the right base in New York comes down to what you prioritise. Midtown and Lower Manhattan keep you immersed in the skyscraper-filled urban hum, while the Upper West Side and Brooklyn offer an authentic taste of everyday life in the city. Remember to factor city taxes into your overall budget and check the walking distance to the nearest subway station before finalising your booking.