United States · North America · City planning guide
Where to Stay in New York City
I’d pick the New York neighborhood I want to come home to. The hotel is where your day ends, and after a long walk through Manhattan that detail can matter quite a lot.
Rob’s quick picks
- First visits, Broadway and classic sightsMidtown
- Quieter evenings, parks and museumsUpper West Side
- Food and evenings outLower East Side
4 neighborhoods compared
Midtown
Best forFirst visits, Broadway and classic sights
Why I’d stay hereGood for a short first trip built around Broadway, Bryant Park and Midtown landmarks.
Worth knowingTimes Square is busy late. If that sounds exhausting, compare quieter blocks or the Upper West Side.
Upper West Side
Best forQuieter evenings, parks and museums
Why I’d stay hereFor quieter evenings, look at the Upper West Side. Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History are close by.
Worth knowingTrips downtown take longer. Check the nearest subway line against your daily plans.
Lower East Side
Best forFood and evenings out
Why I’d stay hereI’d look here if eating out and staying downtown are part of the trip rather than a footnote.
Worth knowingWeekend noise can vary a lot by block. A courtyard room may suit a light sleeper better.
Long Island City
Best forComparing hotel value with a Manhattan commute
Why I’d stay hereCompare hotels near a subway station if Manhattan rates are stretching the budget.
Worth knowingCheck the route and service for your dates. Two hotels with the same neighborhood label can have very different commutes.
Before you book
Walking and step-free access
For Midtown, Times Square–42 St is a useful station to check, but match the station entrance to your specific subway line and direction. Check the MTA accessibility information and live elevator status before leaving. Map the last few blocks from the elevator exit to the hotel.
Check the hotel’s street entrance and route to the room separately. For sightseeing, see the city guide.
Check the nearest subway line against the places you’ll visit. Compare total room cost and airport routes before you commit.
Read the New York City city article
Planning a wider trip? Explore the USA travel guide.
Planning reference · New York City neighborhood information