New York City has many neighborhoods, each with its character. From the bright lights of Times Square to the artistic vibe of SoHo, there's something for everyone. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for more, where you stay can make a big difference. Here is a guide to the best places to stay in New York, focusing on things to do in each area.
Where to Stay in New York?
Where to stay in New York
Landmarks
New York
0km
Lower Manhattan
0.85km
Wall St
0.96km
SoHo
1.19km
New York University
1.87km
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
8.08km
Central Park
8.31km
Columbia University
10.98km
LaGuardia Airport
13.11km
John F Kennedy Intl. Airport
20.58km
Save your New York Trip.com here by using newest promo code: Trip.com
Summary of Neighborhoods and Features
| Neighborhood | Key Features |
| Midtown Manhattan | Central hub with major landmarks like Times Square, Broadway theaters, and the Empire State Building. |
| SoHo | Trendy artsy area with boutique shopping, galleries, and cobblestone streets. |
| Upper East Side | Luxury shopping, fine dining, and famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. |
| Downtown Brooklyn | Mix of historic architecture, modern amenities, and proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park. |
| Greenwich Village | Bohemian vibe with tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and cultural spots like Washington Square Park. |
| Long Island City | Modern area with affordable hotels, waterfront parks, and stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline. |
Midtown Manhattan: The Heart of the City
Time Square @Trip.com
Recommended Hotels
Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan:
Visit Times Square – The lights and energy of Times Square are a must-see. It’s busy, bright, and always buzzing.
Times Square & Skyscrapers Walking Tour
two-hour tour
Tours by Foot guide you through Midtown Manhattan
Tour the Empire State Building – Head to the top for amazing views of the city.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an iconic symbol of New York City and is recognized worldwide
breathtaking panoramic views of the New York City skyline
See a Broadway Show – If you're in the city during theater season, don’t miss the chance to see a Broadway performance.
Broadway
lively and crowded place on Broadway is the intersection with Times Square
"The Phantom of the Opera", "The Lion King", "The Bad Witch" and so on
SoHo: Trendy and Artsy
Soho @Trip.com
Recommended Hotels
Things to Do in SoHo
- Explore Art Galleries – SoHo is packed with galleries showcasing contemporary art. Wander the streets to discover hidden gems.
- Shop at Boutique Stores – The SoHo streets are filled with designer boutiques and unique stores. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind items.
- Visit Washington Square Park – This iconic park is a short walk from SoHo. Relax and enjoy the view of the famous arch.
Washington Square Park
appeared in many American film and television dramas
adjacent to New York University
Upper East Side: Elegant and Classic
Central Park @Trip.com
Recommended Hotels
Things to Do in Upper East Side
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Spend hours exploring one of the world’s most famous museums. The art collection here is amazing.
Highlights of the Metropolitan Museum Guided Tour
Metropolitan Museum of Art is aNew York icon since its founding in 1870
collection of more than 2 million objects
Walk in Central Park – The park is just a short walk away. It’s perfect for a morning run or a relaxing afternoon.
Shop on Madison Avenue – Madison Avenue is lined with high-end stores. Whether you're window-shopping or looking for designer items, this area is a shopper’s paradise.
Downtown Brooklyn: Budget friendly & Great view
Brooklyn Bridge @Trip.com
Recommended Hotels
Things to Do in Downtown Brooklyn
- Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge – One of the most iconic experiences in New York. Enjoy views of the skyline as you cross from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
- Explore Williamsburg’s Bars and Cafes – Williamsburg is known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent food scene. You’ll find everything from craft breweries to trendy coffee shops.
- Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park – This waterfront park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and is perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk.
New York City 90-Minute Cruise
4.7/5: Good
meeting point：Pier 78 at Hudson River Park 455 12th Ave
Greenwich Village: A Bohemian Atmosphere
Greenwich Village @Trip.com
Recommand Hotels
Things to Do in Greenwich Village
- Stroll Through Washington Square Park – This park is the heart of Greenwich Village. Watch street performers, relax by the fountain, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
- Visit the Comedy Cellar – If you enjoy stand-up comedy, this is the place to be. Many famous comedians have performed here.
- Walk Along Bleecker Street – This street is lined with cafes, bookstores, and shops. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Guided Walking Tour of Greenwich Village Nightlife
4.8/5: Excellent
New User Exclusive $3 OFF
Long Island City (LIC): Budget-friendly with easy transportation
Recommand Hotels
Things to Do in LIC
MoMA PS1: Discover contemporary art exhibits at this famous museum. It also hosts outdoor summer parties.
MoMA PS1
Specialty exhibition halls
22-25 Jackson Ave, Queens, NY 11101
- Gantry Plaza State Park: Relax by the waterfront. The park offers open green spaces, a playground, and unmatched views of Manhattan.
- Socrates Sculpture Park: Explore outdoor art installations while enjoying the fresh air.
- Local Breweries: LIC has a thriving craft beer scene. Visit breweries like LIC Beer Project or Fifth Hammer Brewing for unique local flavors.
- Hunters Point Library: A striking architectural landmark with peaceful reading areas and stunning city views.
How to Transfer to the City Center
LIC is well-connected to Manhattan. It’s easy to get to the city center:
- Subway: Take the 7, E, M, or G train. The 7 train brings you to Grand Central Terminal in less than 15 minutes.
- Ferry: The NYC Ferry departs from Gantry Plaza State Park. It offers a scenic ride to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.
- Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis and services like Uber are widely available for quick and convenient trips.
Tips for visiting New York
Time in New York
Understand the Tax in New York
In New York, sales tax is added to most items, but it’s important to know what to expect:
How to Save Money
| Category | How to Save |
| Free Museum | Many museums have free or "pay what you wish" days. - Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Free entry Fridays, 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM. - American Museum of Natural History: Suggested donation instead of fixed ticket price. |
| Discounted Theater Tickets | Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day Broadway tickets. Discounts often go up to 50%. |
| City Passes | Buy a New York CityPass or New York Pass to save on multiple attractions. These passes often include skip-the-line privileges and discounts. |
Plan Your Transportation
Cheap flight to New York
- One way
- Round-trip
- direct cheapest
ORD2:06 PM2h 17mNonstopLGA5:23 PMChicago - New York|Tue, Jul 22|American Airlines$54$26680% OFF80% OFF$266$54 
MIA5:51 PM3h 14mNonstopEWR9:05 PMMiami - New York|Thu, Jul 10|Spirit Airlines$156$26641% OFF41% OFF$266$156
ORD6:16 AM2h 13mNonstopJFK9:29 AMChicago - New York|Sat, Jul 12|Jetblue Airways$250$2666% OFF6% OFF$266$250
ONT5:13 PM9h 17m1 stopJFK5:30 AMOntario - New York|Sat, Jul 19|Frontier Airlines$34$34
CHI1:00 PM3h 5mNonstopNYC2:00 PMChicago - New York|Tue, Jul 15|American AirlinesFind More FlightsFind More Flights
Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.
FAQs
What is the best area to stay in New York for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, Midtown Manhattan is a great choice. It is close to famous landmarks like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park.Are there family-friendly neighborhoods in New York?
Yes, the Upper West Side and Upper East Side are good for families. They are safe, close to parks, and have family-friendly hotels.Which area is best for nightlife in New York?The West Village and the Lower East Side are popular for nightlife. You’ll find bars, live music, and clubs in these areas.
The West Village and the Lower East Side are popular for nightlife. You’ll find bars, live music, and clubs in these areas.Is it safe to stay in New York?
Most neighborhoods in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn are safe for tourists. Always be cautious, especially at night, and avoid isolated areas.