Wondering where to stay in New York? well, New York City, aka the Big Apple (we all know this), is a city that is full of culture and life. It’s a place that has something for everyone, regardless of what they are looking for. This is one of the reasons why New York receives millions of tourists every year. However, when visiting this incredible city, you may be wondering which place is perfect for you to stay. In this article, we will go through the best areas in New York so that you can get the best out of this incredible city.

Best Neighborhoods in New York

1. Manhattan

It is a well-known fact that Manhattan is one of the most popular boroughs of New York City. This is mainly because of its unique landmarks, stunningly tall buildings, and their shopping areas with a wide selection of options. Manhattan is also divided into smaller sections, also known as mdistricts, and each one has its own specialty and appeal.

A. Midtown

Midtown Manhattan is the center of life in New York City, which means that you will find yourself next to some of the most famous attractions in the USA, such as Times Square, Broadway, and the Empire State Building. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, then there are plenty of hotels in this area, spanning from 5-star hotels to budget options.

B. Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. It boasts elegant brownstone structures, is close to Central Park, and has the American Museum of Natural History as one of its many attractions. This area enjoys a residential touch, all the while being very accessible to the rest of the city.

C. Upper East Side

Upper East Side is a neighborhood touched with glamour. It is popular for being home to the Museum Mile, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, among some other spectacular places. It is thriving with luxury hotels and high-end boutiques, making it a perfect place for anyone on the hunt for sophistication in New York.

D. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is a culturally rich and historical, bohemian-styled place that has always been a part of New York’s art and counterculture. It is a very active location, with a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and fancy shops. The Village is perfect for people who want to stay in a distinct place full of art and creativity.

E. SoHo

The renowned neighborhood SoHo, which is an abbreviation for “South of Houston Street,” is regarded as part of the white collar neighborhood. It is also renowned for its cast-iron architecture style and elite shopping. In addition, this region also boasts of an extravagant art scene comprising several galleries and street art.

2. Brooklyn

Brooklyn, which is just across the East River from the Borough of Manhattan, has steadily evolved into a trendy and culturally rich borough over the past few years. It is also less commercialized and more residential, making it a great destination for travelers who want to explore a different part of New York City.

A. Williamsburg

Williamsburg is perhaps the most celebrated part of Brooklyn, famous for its arts community, eclectic shops, and nightlife. The area has been transformed into a nightlife centre, filled with hip cafes, bars, restaurants, and active street life. Young independent travelers and people looking for an artistic touch will find Williamsburg appealing.

B. DUMBO

DUMBO, which means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a beautiful waterfront neighborhood that has splendid views of the big city, Manhattan. Perfect for anyone who, while wishing to remain along the borders of the city, prefers a somewhat more serene atmosphere, DUMBO is a stone’s throw away from the Brooklyn Bridge and Ski Brooklyn Bridge Park.

C. Park Slope

This inherently green neighborhood called Park Slope is filled with children because of its family-oriented and historic brownstones, as well as proximity to the grandiose Prospect Park. It provides a suburban environment in the midst of the city, which makes it great for people travelling with kids or simply looking for a quiet holiday.

3. Queens

Queens is one of the boroughs of New York City that has the most neighborhoods with unique features and touches.Globalization has made it one of the most ethnically diverse boroughs, thus leading it to be in the spotlight for most tourists.

A. Long Island City

Long Island City is the fastest-developing neighborhood due to its pretty views of the Manhattan skyline. For tourists, this makes an ideal location since they want a more calm environment and having a short sub away from midtown Manhattan. It also has promising restaurants along with amazing art galleries.

B. Astoria

Astoria is a suburb that is well known for the variety of civilizations and immigrants that it accommodates. This leads to a mix of different cultures and cuisines. Astoria is famous for its Greek population and wonderful cuisines, thus making this place a must-visit for food lovers who want to experience New York’s wider gastronomy.

4. The Bronx

Even though Bronx contains the fewest tourist spots out of all the boroughs, it still has multiple unique features that provide tourists with a great experience, making it one of the most loved places in New York City

A. The Grand Concourse

The Grand Concourse, which runs through the Bronx, is distinguished by its splendid Art Deco structures and is one of the most important avenues in the Bronx. This location is suitable for anyone who aims to have a deeper and cheaper experience of what New York has to offer. Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are examples of attractions located in the Bronx.

5. Staten Island

There is a low number of people who travel to Staten Island out of the five boroughs, but this location is valuable since it changes the scenery of New York City.

A. St. George

St. George is the area of Staten Island from which tourists can board the famous Staten Island Cruise, enabling them to see the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan from the ferry at no cost. It may not be as active as the other parts of New York City, but it has its own charm and beauty, making it a great place to visit for people who are looking to save some money.

Best places to stay in New York City on a budget

New York City is famous for being expensive, which makes looking for cheap accommodation a difficult task. However, it is possible to find decently priced places if a bit of effort is put in and some compromises are made. Here are examples of where to find reasonably priced spaces:

1. Hostels: For travelers on a budget, the best option is often staying in hostels. Dormitory rooms with shared amenities are usually offered, bringing costs down immensely. Some popular hostels in NYC are HI NYC Hostel, The Local NYC, and American Dream Hostel.

2. Airbnb: Often, some of the cheaper alternatives are present in areas that are not within the central city. Don’t forget to check the reviews along with the final price and other charges such as cleaning and taxes.

3. Budget Hotels: New York City’s costliest hotels are famous across many places, but budget hotels are a thing as well. There are some, like Comfort Inn, Red Roof Inn, or other individual budget hotels in areas like Queens’s Long Island City or the Bronx.

4. Pod Hotels: If you are looking for a unique and economical option, don’t forget about pod hotels. These specific minimalist hotels provide tidy and compact rooms that have everything you need. Pod 51 Hotel and Pod Times Square are common choices.

5. Couchsurfing: Other than what you can call a free accommodation, try using Couchsurfing, which is a platform where backpackers and locals can connect. This is a perfect way to save money and meet locals that will help you understand the city better.

6. Student Housing: If you plan on travelling in summer, there is a chance some universities offer their dorms for summer travelers. Double-check with nearby universities for cheaper accommodation.

7. Short-Term Rentals: If you want to rent an apartment on a temporary basis, look for options that don’t include Airbnb. There are other sites, HomeAway and VRBO offer cheaper rates.

8. Stay in Outer Boroughs: If you’re open to traveling further, living in certain areas of New York outside of Manhattan is much cheaper. Long Island City, Queens, and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, both have quick subway access to Manhattan.

9. Shared Rentals: You may want to think about renting a larger apartment with work friends or other tourist roommates. Splitting the rent of a larger apartment tends to be much cheaper than renting smaller places individually.

10. Last-Minute Booking Apps: HotelTonight and similar apps provide discounted prices for hotel room bookings made at the last minute. This is a good option for people that travel without much planning.

11. Extended Stay Hotels: Some extended stay hotels provide cheaper room rates for longer stays. This option is budget-friendly if you plan to stay in the city for a week or more.

12. Campus Hostels: Certain colleges and universities in New York City have affordable accommodation options available for travelers. You should contact local universities and colleges to see if they have spare rooms.

Best places to stay in New York City first time

The best part of the city to stay in for a first-time visitor depends on personal preference, finances, and the kind of experience they are looking for. Here are some neighborhoods that are perfect for first-timers:

1. Midtown Manhattan: Located in Midtown, which is exceptionally well-connected, you would find yourself near major landmarks such as Times Square, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and Fifth Avenue shopping. It really does place you in the thick of all the action. Midtown is also teeming with the energy that comes with the city, making it appealing as well.

2. Times Square: Staying somewhere around Times Square is by far one of the best options if you want to be in the middle of it all. From dinner theaters to restaurants to any kind of entertainment you might want, it is all just a few steps in any direction. One thing to keep in mind though is that it is always quite busy and can get noisy, which makes it best suited for people who seek out that type of atmosphere.

3. Theater District: The Theater District is ideal for those who want to watch Broadway shows as it offers easy access to some of the best theaters, restaurants, and additional entertainment venues.

4. Upper West Side: For those of you who prefer a more reserved vibe, the Upper West Side will offer a more residential feeling. It is also located near Central Park and directly beside the American Museum of Natural History, making it a lot more family-friendly.

5. Upper East Side: Upscale Brownstone streets are what the Upper East Side is popular for. There are a lot of boutiques, museums, and art places to visit. This is a neighborhood that is less hectic than midtown, which is great for those looking for some peace.

6. Midtown East: This area has a lot to offer as it is located near the main attractions, such as the Grand Central Terminal and the United Nations. Compared to Times Square, this area has fewer tourists, making it easier for people to explore midtown Manhattan.

7. Downtown Manhattan: While living in the Battery Park City or Financial District, one can really enjoy the best of both worlds. With the 9/11 Memorial along with the Statue of Ferries and Wall Street nearby, you have access to some of the best attractions. Downtown is rich in both modern and historic places, which makes it very appealing.

8. Brooklyn (DUMBO or Williamsburg): For those planning their first trip to NYC, Brooklyn is an area that is truly charming with a creative touch. It offers easy access to the subway, great views of the Manhattan skyline, and a neighborhood that is quite popular.

9. Long Island City (Queens): As a result of its closeness to Manhattan, astonishing views, and a new but growing restaurant and art scene, Long Island City is developing popularity. It provides a more peaceful charm while still being well within reach of the city.

10. Harlem: This is a neighborhood with important historical significance. This place is famous for its music, soul, food, and Apollo Theater. When you stay in Harlem, you can have a genuine experience while staying in cheaper places.

In conclusion, there is a neverending opportunity in New York City Besides, what part of New York you decide to stay in greatly impacts how you experience the city. There is a borough for every kind of tourist, from the busy streets of Manhattan to the artistic heart of Brooklyn and the diverse cultures of Queens. Rest assured, by being considerate with your budget, priorities, and interests, you will find the perfect spot in this iconic city and enjoy it to the fullest. If you are seeking luxury, local essence, or a bit of everything, the city never fails.