If you’re considering heading to New York City, I have to say—I’m majorly jealous. The Big Apple has this incredible energy that you can’t get anywhere else. The lights, the restaurants, the people, the atmosphere—it’s nothing short of magic. But if you’re like I was on my initial visit, you might be asking yourself: where the heck do you stay?
New York is ginormous and jam-packed with separate neighborhoods, each one with its own atmosphere. So planning where to bed down starts to get confusing. But don’t worry—I’ve been to New York (like, a million times, at least!), and I’ve paid visits to tons of different destinations, so you don’t have to gamble on where to bed down. Let’s have a peek at where to stay in New York City by style, price, and your interests!
1. Midtown Manhattan: Tourist Central (But For a Reason)
Okay, let’s be real. Midtown Manhattan is basically the tourist epicenter of NYC. For real, you’ve got Times Square, the shows on the Great White Way, Rockefeller Center, and that amazing view at the Top of the Rock.
- Why stay here: If you’re moving to New York and you want to be where the action is, Midtown is where you want to be. You can walk to plenty of leading destinations, and it’s easy to get around because there are so many subway lines nearby.
- Where I stayed: I stayed over at the Moxy NYC Times Square last night, and it was totally great for an individual trip. The rooftop bar was great, the room was small but totally acceptable to me, and the atmosphere was really young and hip. Was it loud? Definitely. But you know, it’s New York after all.
- Good for: First-time visitors, Broadway enthusiasts, and people who are okay with crowds.
2. Lower East Side: Extremely edgy, totally cool, and loaded with character
Want something that is more local and artistic? Try the Lower East Side downtown. A little grittier than Midtown, but that is why it is so cool. You’ll find dive bars sandwiched between high-end rooftop lounges, late-night eateries, street art galleries, and live music venues.
- Why stay here: The LES (as locals call it) is packed with personality and super walkable. Plus, you’re close to Chinatown, Little Italy, SoHo, and East Village.
- Where I stayed: I once stayed at The Ludlow Hotel, and it was incredible! It has this really industrial-chic atmosphere, and this room I stayed in had these wild skyline views that made me feel like I was starring in some kind of movie or whatever. And, you know, pro tip: you have to check out Katz’s Delicatessen down the street—super iconic.
- Best for: A great fit for night owls, foodies, and those seeking a relaxed New York atmosphere.
3. Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Extremely artsy and hip, really!
Hey, if you don’t mind taking your leap across the East River, you’ve gotta visit Williamsburg. Brooklyn’s Williamsburg is basically hipster heaven—filled with adorable little boutiques, great coffee houses, vegan restaurants, and some of the coolest vintage shops they have anywhere. It’s so much more relaxed than Manhattan, and it’s only one stop by subway.
- Why stay here: It has that relaxed residential energy but is still relatively happening. You can get great glimpses of the Manhattan skyline, particularly from Domino Park or rooftop locales like Westlight at The William Vale.
- Where I stayed: I slept at The Wythe Hotel, previously a factory. Describing it as Brooklyn-esque is an understatement. The rooms have this great industrial ambiance, but they’re really cozy, too, and the rooftop bar is incredible—particularly at sun setting.
- Best for: Perfect for couples, creatives, and those who’ve already visited NYC and want to experience something different.
4. SoHo: Hip and Chic
If you’re interested in fashion, art, and those Instagram-worthy buildings, SoHo is where you want to be. It’s filled with hip cast-iron buildings, quaint cobblestone streets, and some of the city’s best shopping. You’ve got high-end boutiques rubbing shoulders with independent designers, and galleries are everywhere.
- Why stay here: It’s in an incredibly convenient location, it looks great, and is classy without being too fancy. Actually, the food is great (the pasta at Lupa is a must-have).
- Where I stayed: You have to hear about my stay at The Broome. It’s this really charming little hotel nestled on this laid-back street. No joke, it was like an oasis right in the thick of things, having this amazing courtyard that completely made me forget that it was NYC.
- Best for: Fashionistas, solo travelers seeking a relaxed hangout, and anyone who appreciates good vibes.
5. Greenwich Village: Where Bohemian Styles Meet Relaxing Luxury
The Village is one of my personal favorites. It’s historic, full of charm, and just oozes that old-school New York vibe. You’ll find Washington Square Park, cozy cafés, comedy clubs, and tree-lined streets straight out of a rom-com.
- Why stay here: It’s relaxed with great spots nearby and an upbeat atmosphere. You’re centrally located, but it’s less crazy than Midtown or SoHo.
- Where I stayed: I once stayed at The Marlton Hotel for one night, and it completely transported me to those Hemingway-in-Paris vibes. The rooms themselves are somewhat small, but the lobby bar and cafe? Absolutely dreamy.
- Best for: Writers, musicians, free spirits, and anyone who simply wants to travel without an itinerary.
6. Upper West Side: Laid-Back, New, and Extremely Family-Friendly
Not everybody goes to NYC to party, right? So if you’re planning on going for some laid-back fun (or spending some quality time with relatives), the Upper West Side might be where you want to be. It’s really mellow, gorgeous, and you’ve got Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and those iconic brownstones.
- Why stay here: The place is relaxed, clean, and neat, with great restaurants to dine at and cute bakeries opening up everywhere. And riding the subway is really easy.
- Where I stayed: I was at Hotel Beacon, and it’s ideal if you’re going to be there for any length of time or if you need a kitchenette. They have a Trader Joe’s just down the block, and I seriously felt like a local for my week there.
- Best for: Families, older travelers, and anyone who needs a breather from city chaos.
7. Financial District: Quite Relaxed (and Laid-Back Post-Work)
You know, stay in the Financial District is probably not going to sound really exciting but it’s really great actually—particularly if you can get a decent hotel offer. It’s really laid back at night (because everyone tends to clear out after work) and there’s the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial nearby.
- Why stay here: It’s great if you enjoy history, viewing harbor scenery, or enjoying downtown NYC. And, hotels here tend to be less expensive on weekends!
- Where I stayed: I hanged out at The Beekman for some time, and trust me, it’s one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever visited. Picture old-fashioned charm combined with some contemporary touches. No kidding, you have to see the atrium; it is incredible.
- Best for: Budget-conscious individuals, history lovers, and those who simply want to relax.
8. DUMBO: Views, Vibes, and Instagram Goals
DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is one of those places that simply cries out for postcard status—or at least Instagram. It has these adorable cobblestone streets, offbeat little boutiques, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline to give it an really hip, somewhat sophisticated vibe. And by the way, don’t even get me going on the pizza—Juliana’s is an absolute must-try!
- Why stay here: You’re right on the water, really near Brooklyn Bridge Park, and like an easy walk to the Manhattan Bridge to get into the city. It’s not Manhattan, but it has a great vibe.
- Where I stayed: I stayed at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, and I am completely obsessed with those floor-to-ceiling windows in my room. Waking up with that view of the skyline? Mind-blowing! All about going green, really hip, and totally relaxed.
- Best for: Design enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who misses that classic Brooklyn-and-Manhattan aesthetic.
9. Hell’s Kitchen: Central, Diverse, and Delicious
Hell’s Kitchen has this crazy name, but really, it’s one of the best places to be in NYC. Being near the Theater District is great, but the atmosphere is completely different—less touristy, really local, and filled with great grub from everywhere. Thai, Italian, Mexican, ramen—whatever you’re craving, they have it!
- Why stay here: It’s incredibly central, particularly if you want to see some Broadway shows or need a convenient way to head to Midtown without being directly in the midst of Times Square. And it’s very LGBTQ+ friendly and just generally super welcoming.
- Where I stayed: I visited the INK48 Hotel, and I was completely blown away by the Press Lounge on the rooftop. The cocktails were incredible, the views of the skyline were gorgeous, and the accommodations were surprisingly large for NYC.
- Best for: Foodies, those who frequent the theatre, and those who want to be central without the insanity.
Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Been There
Before you click that booking button, allow me to impart some quick tips that personally helped me maximize my NYC getaways.
- Double-check the subway map before booking. Even if it seems kind of far from Times Square, being near a subway line can completely make traveling around really convenient.
- Boutique hotels totally get it. Chain hotels are fine, but if you want to experience the energy of the city, stay somewhere smaller and local.
- Don’t drive, really. The subway, Uber, or just walking will totally get you there.
- Decide what you want to do the most. If you’re about going to see Broadway shows every evening, you’re in Midtown. But if you like quaint coffeehouses and peaceful mornings, try Brooklyn or Greenwich Village.
Final Thoughts
One of those cities that continues to stick with you is New York City. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited, but honestly, every time I visit, I find something amazing. The best part is no matter where you end up sleeping at night, you’re guaranteed to have some amazing tales to tell.
That being said, choosing where to crash can completely vibe with your mood—waking up to that crazy skyline view, getting a bagel from the corner shop, or simply scouting out an area that suits your vibe. Find where you’re feeling great, and get excited for an incredible adventure.
To be honest, if there is one thing that I have learned, it is indeed that New York has an amazing way of impressing.