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WHERE TO STAY

Where to stay in New York: the best areas, compared

5 areas worth considering in New York, who each one suits, how you'd get around, and one honest downside each. Click any area to search hotels there.

By the Viorvo team · Checked

Short on time? Our picks for New York

The full comparison is below. These are the areas we would choose.

Best for first-timersMidtown ManhattanClose to the Empire State Building, Times Square and many subway lines, so it is easy to reach most sights.
See hotels ↗
Best for familiesUpper West SideNext to the Natural History Museum and Central Park, with a quieter, residential feel.
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Best for on a budgetLong Island City, QueensHotels are often cheaper than in Manhattan, with Midtown under 20 minutes away and the Gantry Plaza waterfront nearby.
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Areas

Midtown Manhattan

Close to the Empire State Building, Times Square and many subway lines, so it is easy to reach most sights.

Best for
First-timers, short stays
Getting around
Times Square–42nd Street is the largest subway complex in the city; Penn Station and Grand Central are close.
Muslim-friendly
The Halal Guys flagship cart is at 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
Keep in mind
Very crowded and noisy day and night, with a heavy tourist focus and many chain restaurants.
Hotels in Midtown Manhattan ↗

Lower Manhattan (Financial District)

Near the harbour ferries, the 9/11 Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge, and calmer in the evening than Midtown.

Best for
Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, quieter nights
Getting around
1/2/3, 4/5, A/C/E, J/Z and R/W subway lines.
Muslim-friendly
Masjid Manhattan (30 Cliff Street) is in the area and holds Friday prayer at 1:05 p.m.
Keep in mind
Hotels are expensive and the area is more business than tourist.
Hotels in Lower Manhattan ↗

Upper West Side

Next to the Natural History Museum and Central Park, with a quieter, residential feel.

Best for
Families, museum lovers
Getting around
1, 2, 3, B and C subway lines.
Keep in mind
Hotels can cost more than in Midtown, and the late-night scene is limited.
Hotels in Upper West Side ↗

Long Island City, Queens

Hotels are often cheaper than in Manhattan, with Midtown under 20 minutes away and the Gantry Plaza waterfront nearby. Astoria's Steinway Street is a short ride away.

Best for
Budget-minded travellers
Getting around
7, E, M, N and R trains.
Muslim-friendly
Astoria's Steinway Street has many halal restaurants.
Keep in mind
Not much late-night activity, and you need to check which train lines are closest.
Hotels in Long Island City, Queens ↗

Brooklyn (DUMBO and Williamsburg)

Good food and views of the Manhattan skyline, and DUMBO is beside the Brooklyn Bridge.

Best for
Skyline views, food, repeat visitors
Getting around
L train for Williamsburg; DUMBO has limited subway options but an NYC Ferry stop.
Keep in mind
Williamsburg has a lively bar and music scene, and prices are close to Manhattan.
Hotels in Brooklyn ↗

Price levels ($ to $$$) appear only where an official tourism source rates them. Hotel links search Booking.com, and some earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Before you book in New York

  • Hotel taxes are added to the advertised rate. Plan on about 14.75% in percentage taxes (state and city sales tax, MCTD and the 5.875% hotel occupancy tax).
  • On top of that, the city charges a fixed occupancy fee of US$0.50–US$2.00 per room per night, and the state adds a US$1.50 hotel unit fee.
  • From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then the subway (US$11.75 in total) or the LIRR (US$14 off-peak, US$16 peak). The AirTrain fare of US$8.75 is paid when you exit at Jamaica.
  • Midtown is close to the big sights but crowded and noisy day and night. Long Island City (Queens) usually has cheaper hotels and is under 20 minutes from Midtown.
Still deciding? Search all of New York and filter by area on the map.
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Plan the rest

More for your trip to New York

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Getting there

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Questions

Common questions

Is there a hotel tax in New York City?

Yes. Budget about 14.75% of the room rate plus roughly US$3.50 per night in flat charges. The city and state both collect parts of it.

How do I get from JFK to Manhattan by transit?

Take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then the subway (US$11.75 in total) or the LIRR (US$14 off-peak, US$16 peak).

Which area is best for a first visit?

Midtown is the easiest for first-timers because of its subway links and nearby sights, but it is crowded and noisy. Lower Manhattan is quieter at night, and Long Island City is cheaper.

Sources

Checked October 1, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

Hotels in New YorkCompare prices ↗