Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you!
New York City is a megacity divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. With endless things to see and do that are unique to each borough, where you’ll be staying will make all the difference for your trip.
Now, you must be wondering: Which borough is the best one for me?
In this guide, we’ve focused on the most popular trio–Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens–and broken them down based on the kinds of travelers that suit these neighborhoods. Read on to learn about the best areas to stay in NYC and which one’s for you!
Klook Tip: On a budget or hoping to take less out of your travel fund? We recommend getting an all-inclusive New York Pass to experience over 100 attractions in NYC for a bargain price!
The best area for first-time travelers is…
The vibrant streets of New York City are waiting for you! / Photo by James Ting on Unsplash
📍Manhattan
If this is your first time visiting, the best area to stay in New York is Midtown Manhattan! You’ll be located at the city’s hub for entertainment, food, shopping, and world-famous sights.
From the buzzing Times Square to the Broadway Theatre District to the Empire State Building and so much more, this neighborhood is the best part of NYC to stay in to maximize your experience. Stay at the Hampton Inn or The Manhattan to be just a few steps away from Times Square and more iconic spots!
Must-Try Activities: Go on a show-stopping Broadway walking tour before seeing a show! Afterward, spend the night admiring the dazzling NYC skyline at the iconic Empire State Building!
The best areas for art & culture are…
The breathtaking architecture of the American Wing at The Met
📍Manhattan
Located along Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side of Manhattan is The Museum Mile. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like!
This street is a 22-block stretch of world-famous museums (like The Met and Guggenheim!), galleries, and institutions for global art, design, history, and culture. You could spend days exploring these creative establishments, making it one of the best areas to stay in NYC for art aficionados!
Must-Try Activity: Take a guided group tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most famous pieces!
📍 Brooklyn
If you’re looking for a calmer, local taste of The Big Apple’s art scene, Brooklyn is the place to be. Home to a diverse selection of public art installations, exhibits, photo zones, and more, it’s clear that the creative community thrives on this side of town!
All around the borough, you can find murals adorning the archways and walls of DUMBO and unique installations, often in collaboration with local artists, in every corner. If you’re looking for inspiration or an artsy photo backdrop, this space is ideal for getting your creative juices flowing!
Must-Try Activity: Explore colorful mural art around Brooklyn through an exciting group tour of The Bushwick Collective!
The best area for budget travelers is…
A view of the Long Island sign from the Gantry Plaza State Park Dock, Queens
📍 Queens
Queens is the best part of New York City to stay in if you want to experience the city without breaking the bank. Compared to other boroughs, you can find more affordable accommodations in this area. There are also many free natural attractions to enjoy like Astoria Park and Rockaway Beach!
Stay at the Best Western Queens Court Hotel or The Queens Hotel & Victoria Cloisters to be close to famous local sights. Queens is also well-connected to other boroughs, giving you plenty of transportation options to visit neighboring iconic landmarks!
Must-Try Activities: Take a private tour of must-see parks like Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and the Museum of Moving Image!
The best area for local vibes is…
Take a walk through Brooklyn’s charming streets!
📍 Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights is the best part of New York City to stay in to feel like an NYC local! This charming residential neighborhood is known for its walkable streets, green spaces, and having one of the city’s best gastronomic scenes.
Book a room at Hotel 1080 or Hotel 369 to be 10 minutes away from the Brooklyn Bridge. Walk through tree-lined avenues, take in the breathtaking skyline view at Brooklyn Heights Promenade, then grab a coffee at a cozy neighborhood cafe. This is the perfect place if you want a leisurely day out!
Must-Try Activities: Enjoy the favorite sights and bites of Brooklyn locals through the DUMBO food tour!
The best area for families is…
Experience immersive projection exhibits at the AMNH
📍 Manhattan
If you’re traveling with children or family, Manhattan is filled with family-friendly activities and public areas for all of you to enjoy.
Explore interactive and educational museums or have a relaxing picnic at Central Park–no matter what you do, Manhattan is one of the best areas in NYC to stay for an ideal family trip!
Must-Try Activities: Spend the morning with wildlife creatures at the Central Park Zoo, then head to the American Museum of Natural History to learn about the extraordinary evolution of Earth!
The best area for nightlife is…
Wind down at an energetic NYC bar! / Photo by Marcus Herzberg on Pexels
📍 Manhattan
When you’re in “The City That Never Sleeps”, the best place to see what it's like after hours is Midtown Manhattan! This neighborhood mixes modern culture with old-school charm to create a diverse and electric nightlife scene.
If you’re in the mood for bar-hopping, clubbing, evening sight-seeing, or just another hip activity, this is one of the best areas to stay in NYC for a perfect night out!
Must-Try Activities: Hop from bar to lounge to speakeasy through an ultimate nightlife guided tour, then end the night with an East River sunset cruise to see the Statue of Liberty!
FAQs
Which area of New York is best to stay in?
We recommend staying in Midtown Manhattan for its proximity to iconic sights, abundant attractions, and accessible transportation!
What are the best places to stay in New York City?
Manhattan and Brooklyn are two of the best areas to stay in NYC.
Where to stay in NYC for first timers?
We recommend Midtown Manhattan. It’s a convenient location for accessing attractions, restaurants, and transportation. It’s also the perfect place to experience the liveliness of NYC!
What is the safest area to stay in NYC?
Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Tribeca neighborhoods are recognized as the best areas to stay in NYC in terms of safety.
Searching for more to do in New York City? Read these blogs!
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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