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Welcome to the concrete jungle where dreams are made of 🎶
Deciding where to stay in New York comes down to which part of the city you want to explore most.
- Manhattan puts you close to Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.
- Brooklyn gives you easy access to Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and the waterfront views from DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
- Queens is where you’ll find Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Citi Field, and some of the city’s best international food.
First-time visitor to the Big Apple? Here’s a short crash course on how the city is designed. It’s made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each is its own mini-city, with different neighborhoods, attractions, and hotel options. Most first-time goers stay in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, so we’ll focus on those for this guide. We’ve gathered hotels for different budgets below, so keep reading for more!
Manhattan
Manhattan is the most central borough for first-time visitors, and choosing where to stay in New York often starts here. You’ll be within reach of landmarks like Central Park, the Empire State Building, Broadway theaters, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Public transport is straightforward, with multiple subway lines converging in Midtown, making it easy to branch out to other boroughs.
Pod Times Square
With its proximity to major landmarks in Manhattan, Pod Times Square gives you bang for your buck
Located in Midtown West, Pod Times Square is ideal for travelers wanting to be near Times Square and Broadway. If you set up base here, you’ll find yourself about 0.5 miles away from both the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Bryant Park. While rooms are more on the compact side, they’re clean and comfortable! It’s also about a 12-minute walk away from Times Sq – 42 St Subway Hub, which connects you to many lines.
✨ A 4-star hotel good for mid-budget travelers who prioritize being in Manhattan.
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
This hotel has several nearby public transportation stops, including the 49th St. Station on the subway
A polished option with more space and amenities, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is less than a 5-minute walk away from Times Square and Broadway. It’s also very close to Rockefeller Center (a 12-minute stroll away), and Central Park (about 18 minutes away on foot, perfect if you’re trying to get your steps in). With a fitness center, free WiFi, complimentary buffet breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and spacious rooms, if you’re looking for hotels in Manhattan that provide both comfort and location — this one fits the bill.
✨ An upper 4-star location that’s a bit more costly, but with the additional convenience? Worth it.
OYO Times Square
If you’re looking for a centrally-located place to stay on a budget, OYO Times Square is for you.
If you’re still searching online for ‘NY where to stay,’ OYO Times Square is a great pick if you want to be near Times Square without overspending. You’ll have fast subway access to Central Park, SoHo, and the Financial District (49th St. Subway Station is just a 1-minute walk way). If you’re looking to save in Manhattan while still being smack in the middle of it, this option works. Rooms are a bit of a squeeze, but if you’re planning to spend the whole day sightseeing, it’s more than enough!
✨ Perfect for solo travelers or couples who don’t need large rooms.
With how much there is to see in NYC, a multi-attraction pass like the Klook Pass New York City might be worth considering. With one ticket, you can get access to many of NYC’s major sights, like the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, The Edge, MoMA, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and more! Did we mention you can book Broadway tickets, too? 👀
If you’re on a tight schedule (say, 1-2 days), the Pass can help you save time and money by letting you bundle popular landmarks together, rather than buying individual tickets each time. Now, if you’re heading to New York during the rainy season and you already know you might have to spend some staying in, you can also check out our guide to indoor New York attractions.
Brooklyn
If you’re deciding where to stay in New York for a more local vibe, Brooklyn is a great pick. It balances a neighborhood feel with some of NYC’s most famous views. The Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Prospect Park, and cultural spots like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are all here. The subway connects you to Manhattan in about 20–30 minutes, while ferries offer gorgeous rides over the East River.
Casa Blanca Hotel Brooklyn
Casa Blanca Hotel Brooklyn is a budget-friendly stay for solo travelers and couples
Casa Blanca Hotel Brooklyn is a practical choice for travelers looking for a no-frills stay. Located in the Fort Greene area in Brooklyn, it offers free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, and basic amenities. You can access the subway via DeKalb Av Station (Flatbush Av Ext.), about 15-minutes away on foot.
✨ A good fit if you’re looking for affordable Brooklyn hotels without sacrificing convenience.
Hotel Mirage Brooklyn
A variety of room types are available here, with most comfortably fitting up to 4 people
Hotel Mirage Brooklyn works well if you want comfort without splurging on luxury. You’ll be close to Barclays Center for concerts and NBA games, and just a few subway stops from DUMBO, where you’ll get the iconic Manhattan Bridge photo ops. Public transport is convenient via the Kingston-Throop Avenues station, which is just a quick 6-minute walk away!
✨ A comfortable 3-star stay with easy access to public transportation
Staying in Brooklyn takes some of the pressure off the budget, and many of the best Brooklyn hotels give you views (skyline, river) or proximity to green spaces, markets, breweries.
If you want an easy way to do sightseeing, you can consider doing a New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. This bus tour covers many iconic locations, and you can get on/get off as much as you like. If you love a flexible itinerary and don’t want to stress about subway lines, this is for you!
Queens
Queens is the largest borough, home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Citi Field, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (home of the US Open). For travelers weighing where to stay in New York with budget and convenience in mind, Queens is a strong option. It’s also practical for airport access, with both JFK and LaGuardia nearby.
Ramada by Wyndham Flushing Queens
Ramada by Wyndham Flushing Queens gives you great value without breaking the bank
Located in Flushing, Ramada by Wyndham Flushing Queens gives you cost, comfort, and proximity to major NYC sites. You’ll be within a 5-minute drive of Citi Field and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
The hotel features free WiFi, a business center, 24-hour front desk service, luggage storage, and free breakfast daily. Plus, LaGuardia Airport is less than 5 minutes away by car. For Manhattan, though, expect a train/subway ride of about 30-40 minutes depending on connections.
✨ A budget-friendly option near major Queens attractions.
Holiday Inn Express Jamaica – JFK Airtrain
Holiday Inn Express Jamaica is a 3-star, budget friendly stay for those who prioritize airport convenience
Holiday Inn Express Jamaica – JFK Airtrain is a solid choice if you want quick access to the JFK Airport. With the AirTrain nearby, reaching the terminals is stress-free, and you can still get into Manhattan in about 35–40 minutes by train. If you’re wondering, ‘Where do I stay in New York if I want to stay near the airports?’, this hotel is for you.
✨ This is excellent for travelers who want affordability plus convenience, especially for airport transfer days.
Since you’ll definitely be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing, WiFi access is essential. A travel eSIM for the USA comes in handy for staying connected on the go, and with different data plans available (yes, there’s one for up to 30 days), they’re great for any kind of traveler. Just make sure your device is eSIM compatible, and you’re good to go!
Tight on budget? You can check out these budget-friendly hotels in New York:
Choosing where to stay in New York depends on your priorities. Manhattan is best if you want to be in the middle of everything, Brooklyn gives you that relaxed neighborhood vibe with iconic views, and Queens is ideal for budget-friendly stays and airport convenience. No matter where you stay, though, we’re sure you’ll have a great time in the city that never sleeps. 🏙️
FAQs
What area in New York is best to stay in?
It depends on your priorities. Manhattan is the most central and gives you quick access to landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and Broadway. Brooklyn is best for a local vibe, green spaces, and skyline views, while Queens is great if you want affordability, diverse food, and easy airport connections.
Where to stay for the first time in New York?
If it’s your first trip, Manhattan is usually the most convenient choice. You’ll be close to major attractions and won’t spend much time commuting. Midtown (near Times Square or Rockefeller Center) is a popular first-timer base because you can walk to a lot of iconic spots.
What is the safest part of New York City to stay in?
Neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, the Upper West Side, and Brooklyn Heights are generally considered safe and well-traveled by visitors. As in any big city, staying aware of your surroundings and using well-lit, busy streets at night is always a good idea.
Is Times Square a good location to stay?
Yes, especially if you want to be in the middle of the action! Times Square hotels put you within walking distance to Broadway theaters and major subway hubs. The trade-off is higher prices and more crowds, but for many first-time travelers, the convenience and atmosphere make it worth it.
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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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