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Absolute BEST area to stay in New York first time to see it all 2024

incredible swimming pool at a high floor at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Manhattan, at sunrise, with the buildings lights
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The Big Apple looks like a city straight out of a movie, but when it finally comes time to visit, it’s easy to feel a little lost. Where’s the best area to stay in New York first time?

Wether you are on a New York one day itinerary or two-week long trip, you must be wondering where to stay in New York. You sure have heard of Manhattan, Time Square or Brooklyn in movies. So many famous names, yet pretty unfamiliar to you.

view from the bed of a high-floor hotel room of the Arlo NoMad, the best place to stay on a New York One Day Itinerary

There’s not one answer but several answers. In this article, we will tell you THE best place to stay in New York for the first time depending on your situation, expectations and budget.

To guide you through the best areas to stay in New York City, we will first give you a little geography lesson on the different boroughs of New York. Then we’ll tell you which neighborhood is best suited to whom, and which are the best hotels for every budget.

Short on time? Book the best hotels of New York:
👉 Best budget option: The Jane Hotel
👉 Best luxury option: Arlo NoMad (high-floor rooms with a skycraper view)

What are the boroughs of New York City?

The Big Apple is one of the top cities in the world in terms of size, population and things to do. If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, know that it is massive and spreads out over 300 square miles (780 km2).

The first thing to do when planning a trip to New York is to learn the name of the five boroughs:

  • Bronx: this is the only mainland district, located at the north of Manhattan and Queens and separated from the rest of the city by the Harlem River and East River.
  • Manhattan: the most central borough, known as the main island of New York and where most of the points of interest are located.
  • The Queens: largest borough of New York, located on Long Island at the east of Manhattan and south of the Bronx.
  • Brooklyn: soon-to-be trendiest area of the city, located on Long Island at the south of the Queens and south east of Manhattan.
  • Staten Island: this borough is an island on its own, the southernmost point of the city.
Best area to stay in New York first time: New York skyscrapers seen from the ground with a blue sky

👉 READ NEXT: Where to go after NYC? Here are the best stops on a New York to Maine road trip if you want to head north, or the best things to do in Georgetown DC at night if you want to head south 🚗

Best area to stay in NYC first time: where to stay when visiting New York?

So, what is the best area to stay in New York for first timers? In short, most people stay in Brooklyn and Manhattan as those are the most touristic and safest boroughs of the city.

New York is so massive that we can’t just say “stay in Manhattan” or “stay in Brooklyn”. There are great and bad areas to avoid within those boroughs. Here is everything you need to know about each neighborhood.

Manhattan

✅ Why you should stay in Manhattan?

Manhattan is the borough you will probably visit the most during your stay in New York, especially if it’s the first time you are visiting. That is where most of the landmarks of the city are located.

You have seen its legendary buildings in an uncountable number of movies. To name a few, Manhattan is home to the iconic Times Square or the ever-partying Madison Square Garden.

Its skycrapers are like nowhere else, you will probably visit one of the two giants of the NYC skyline: Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt. But Manhattan isn’t just about historic buildings, it also has a buzzing atmosphere that attracts hard workers, dreamers and inspirational mentors.

Best area to stay in New York first time : signs of the Fifth Avenue and West 33rd Street

❌ Manhattan is not for you if…

As we just said, Manhattan IS the city (or borough) that never sleeps. If you’re not used to big cities, you may feel overwhelmed. You’ll be very close to the city’s main sights, but with that comes boundless energy.

6 Best areas to stay in Manhattan

Manhattan has tons of different neighborhoods, spread over 23 miles (59 kilometers). To help you find your way around the city, here are the main neighborhoods and the best part of Manhattan to stay for each traveler.

⭐ Want to explore beyond Manhattan? Here are the best hidden places in Upstate New York.

Upper West Side
Why stay in the Upper West Side?

You must be familiar with this name: most billionaires live there and it is pictured in many movies. It’s a safe and residential neighborhood, where people choose to live for the high quality of life.

It has many world-class restaurants, and is close to Manhattan main landmarks without being in the middle of the commotion. For instance, you can reach Midtown or Lower Manhattan in less than 30 minutes by public transport.

If you’re looking for a safe neighborhood in Manhattan that’s easy to get around in, the Upper West Side is a good option. However, keep in mind that it’s an expensive neighborhood!

Best hotels in the Upper West Side
brown facade of a very American building at Hotel Lucerne, New York City

Mid-range – Hotel Lucerne is an impressive American building, made of red bricks with moldings and large pillars. The rooms are spacious and the staff is very welcoming.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews

incredible swimming pool at a high floor at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Manhattan, at sunrise, with the buildings lights

Luxury – Mandarin Oriental New York is the cliché of the New York luxury hotel you see in the movies. From the skyline-view upstairs rooms to the high ceilings, large windows, moldings, artwork, fine furnishings, private Jacuzzi overlooking the window… The common areas even feature a spa, indoor pool and restaurant.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews

West Village
Why stay in the West Village?

The West Village is known as Manhattan’s charming residential neighborhood. It’s a corner of tranquility in the middle of the island of skyscrapers.

Its streets are clean and cute, with brownstone houses and trees lining each side of the road. It’s perhaps the safest place in New York.

Many young entrepreneurs live here and have created a great “community spirit”. There’s plenty of shopping, good nightlife and many bars with live music.

If you’re a jazz or literature lover, you will love the West Village. Many jazz clubs opened in this area in the early 20th century and were open to everyone. It still is the headquarters of jazz music nowadays, and truly has some of best live music bars of New York.

Best hotels in the West Village
old fashioned hotel reception at The Jane Hotel, NYC

Budget – want to travel back in time for very little money? The Jane Hotel is your place! That’s a well-located hotel with a lot of character. Its old-fashioned but renovated style is very unique. This is by far one of the best historical buildings you can stay in during your NYC trip.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,2/10 based on these reviews

spacious studio at Chelsea Pines Inn, NYC

Midrange – Chelsea Pines Inn is ideally located to explore the city for the first time. The rooms are very clean and the staff is fabulous. If you choose Chelsea Pines Inn, you will have a comfortable stay and nothing to worry about.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,9/10 based on these reviews

veranda with large windows, wooden decorations and plants at the Marlton Hotel, Manhattan

Luxury – how not to fall in love with the lounge and restaurant area of the Marlton Hotel? It is a veranda with large windows, wooden decorations and plants. This place is a perfect representation of the charm of the entire hotel.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,3/10 based on these reviews

Chelsea
Why stay in Chelsea?

Have you ever heard of the term “industrial chic”? If you stay in Chelsea, you’ll be in an active neighborhood filled with great restaurants, art galleries and trendy nightlife spots.

This neighborhood is perfectly situated for exploring Manhattan’s major sites on foot or by public transportation. Chelsea is a very artistic neighborhood, home to numerous galleries.

This neighborhood is also home to the High Line Park, built on an abandoned elevated railroad line. It’s a lot like the Coulée Verte, one of the best parks in Paris.

Best hotels in Chelsea
Standard hotel room with a white bed and window at Leo House, Manhattan

Budget – Leo House is a great place to stay in New York. It’s not just about the location, but also for its affordable rates and clean rooms with many amenities! It also has a shared garden, terrace and even an on-site chapel.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,9/10 based on these reviews

hotel lounge in yellow tones at The Moore

Luxury – The Moore Hotel is a four diamond luxury hotel. The elegant and classic decor of this historic property make for an unforgettable stay! You can take advantage of its rooftop and fitness center.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews

Midtown Manhattan
Why stay in Midtown?

If you really want to stay in the heart of Manhattan and don’t mind being constantly in the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than Midtown!

This neighborhood is the heart of New York City, and is ideal for first-time visitors who want the typical New York experience. The district offers a wide range of budget and luxury accommodations, all within easy reach of central locations.

Midtown includes Time Square, Grand Central Terminal, the Museum of Modern Art and the Empire State Building, as well as entertainment venues such as Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden.

Best hotels in Midtown Manhattan
2 double beds in a room with wooden florr, white and grey walls and a window at Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York in Midtown, the best area to stay in New York first time

Budget – Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York is close to all the popular attractions in New York City. The rooms are standard. The staff is very friendly and flexible with the check-in.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,5/10 based on these reviews

luxurious living room at Hotel St. James in Midtown Manhattan, with sofas and chair in red velvet, and dimmed yellow lights

Mid-range – Hotel St. James is a great hotel to stay in the heart of NYC. You simply can’t beat its location in the middle of the Theater District and concert halls. It offers standard rooms with comfy beds and private bathrooms.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8/10 based on these reviews

panoramic view on the skyscraper seen from a hotel room at the Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan:Central Park

Luxury – Have you ever slept in the clouds? The Residence Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Central Park is one of the hotels with the highest views of skyscrapers. Imagine sleeping on the 56th floor of a hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Times Square and Central Park!

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews

SoHo New York
Why stay in SoHo NYC?

SoHo is famous in New York and beyond! Many cities around the world are trying to have their own SoHo. New York’s SoHo district is an ideal base for those who want to explore all that downtown has to offer.

Its proximity to many iconic neighborhoods makes it the best place to stay in New York City for the first-time museum and art lovers. Not only are there world-class museums, but also incredible restaurants, luxury hotels and art collections you won’t find anywhere else!

Best hotels in SoHo
hotel room with white sheets and a big window with a view on the skyline at Sheraton Hotel in Tribeca New York

Budget – with views overlooking Midtown and the Hudson River, the rooms and rooftop terrace of the Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel attract travelers in search for THE soulful hotel in their budget.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,7/10 based on these reviews

good picture of a hotel room where you see a part of the double bed, but especially the big windows with incredible skyscraper view at the Soho Grand Hotel in NYC

Mid-range – the charm of the Soho Grand Hotel leaves no one indifferent. This place truly lives up to its name. Its lobby and rooms are grandiose, tastefully decorated and spacious.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,3/10 based on these reviews

ModernHaus SoHo

Luxury – ModernHaus SoHo is a trendy hotel in Soho. It boasts an incredible view of the skyline and large windows that let plenty of natural light into the room! The decor is meticulous, with white stone pillars and art on the walls. Bonus: the rooftop pool with skyline view!

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews

Chinatown New York
Why stay in Chinatown New York?

Chinatown is by far the most diverse neighborhood of New York! What started as a small Chinese enclave in the city became the largest community of Chinese people outside of Asia.

It is so rich in terms of culture, history and of course, food… If you’re a food lover like us, it will be your favorite neighborhood to stroll through. The smells of food from all over the world will delight all your senses.

Chinatown is bustling with people of different backgrounds and from all walks of life. Its atmosphere is like nowhere else in the world. I mean, there are people playing chests in small parks, how nice!

Best hotels in Chinatown
room with a double double with white sheets, a wooden office deck and a window with red-brown curtains at Hotel Mimosa

Budget – the best words to describe the staff of Hotel Mimosa are sweet and helpful. The rooms are well decorated and cute, and the staff is very generous in advice regarding what to do in the neighborhood.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews

double bed with with sheets in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows in all sides at Hotel 50 Bowery, part of JdV by Hyatt

Luxury – Hotel 50 Bowery is the best industrial-looking hotel in Chinatown. It offers perfect service in beautiful industrial rooms, with raw walls, lots of space and art pieces.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews

room with double bed with white and brown sheets and yellow walls at Hotel Mulberry

Luxury – the Hotel Mulberry does provide spacious rooms with comfy beds, but what guests like the most there is the view of famous New York landmarks.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,5/10 based on these reviews

Lower East Side
Why stay in the Lower East Side?

The Lower East Side is a gateway to Brooklyn, while still being located on the island of Manhattan. You’ll love it because it’s influenced by the atmospheres of both boroughs!

It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for culture, nightlife and entertainment all in one. The neighborhood is also known for its rich immigrant history, which can be discovered through the many synagogues, museums and restaurants that dot this part of the city.

Best hotels in the Lower East Side
room with a double double with white sheets, a wooden office deck and a window with red-brown curtains at Hotel Mimosa

Mid-range – Leon Hotel LES is the best value for money hotel you can get in this area. It offers basic and clean rooms for 1, 2, 4 or 6 adults!

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8/10 based on these reviews

double bed with with sheets in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows in all sides at Hotel 50 Bowery, part of JdV by Hyatt

Mid-range – The Historic Blue Moon Hotel is one of the most authentic hotels in New York City. The building has red stones and romantic balcony views. It’s a family owned hotel and really operates like one. The space and decor are very charming, making it the perfect spot for families.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,6/10 based on these reviews

room with double bed with white and brown sheets and yellow walls at Hotel Mulberry

Luxury – the CitizenM New York Bowery is famous for its incredible panoramic views of New York skyscrapers. it is one of the best hotels in New York City for first timers because you get to sleep in a luxurious room with huge windows on a high floor and incredible views of the city.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,7/10 based on these reviews

Brooklyn

We will start this top areas list with Brooklyn right away because, let us break it down to you: this is by far THE coolest borough of New York.

✅ Why should you stay in Brooklyn?

Located on the other bank of the river from the main island, Brooklyn offers an incredible view on the world-famous skyscrapers of the busy Manhattan.

Brooklyn offers a more relaxed and slower pace of life than Manhattan. Its streets are usually wider and there are hundreds of cute cafes and restaurants at every block corner. There are less crowds and less noise. 

There’s also a very strong sense of community in this area of New York. Locals are very open and organize lots of events, where everyone is welcome. You’ll feel like you belong to the community in a heartbeat.

You will find cheaper accommodation than in Manhattan. If you want to visit New York on a budget, Brooklyn is the place to be (or to stay in).

Planning a summer trip? Here are the best things to do in Brooklyn in September 🏖

Things to do in Brooklyn in September - Manhattan Bridge seen at sunset from Domino Park on a sunny day

❌ Brooklyn is not for you if…

When you stay in Brooklyn, you can’t do everything by foot. The only real drawback of staying in this borough is that you’ll need to add 10 to 20 minutes to your train journey to Manhattan:

  • Times Square to Soho (Manhattan) : 19 minutes 
  • Times Square to DUMBO (Brooklyn) : 26 minutes
  • Times Square to Bushwick (Brooklyn) : 40 minutes

To keep travel times short, the best places to stay in Brooklyn New York in this article are all located in the west of the borough. But overall, if you’re very short on time or absolutely hate public transport, Manhattan might be a better option for you.

Things to do in Brooklyn in September - Manhattan skyline at night viewed from Brooklyn

6 Best places to stay in Brooklyn

You chose to stay in Brooklyn for your first time in New York? Awesome! Now, we need to narrow down your search area a bit more because Brooklyn is a big city on its own!

Brooklyn has more than 30 neighborhoods over 70 square miles (180 km²). More than 2.5 million people live there. So, what are the good places to stay in New York, and especially in Brooklyn? And most importantly, what are the best hotels in Brooklyn?

✔ Location tip : the 6 best neighborhoods in Brooklyn we will recommend are mostly located on the west side of Brooklyn. The further you go east, the less touristy it becomes and the longer the commute to the main attractions will be.

DUMBO
Why stay in DUMBO?

DUMBO is the first neighborhood you will go through when going to Brooklyn from Manhattan. Funny name, right? It actually stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass“.

Its location right by Manhattan makes it one of the best areas in Brooklyn. It offers incredible views on the Manhattan skyline. Visit the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view and you will understand how scenic this area is.

Locals are very welcoming and open-minded. You will find lots of restaurants, bars, art galleries, parks and activities of all kinds. The old industrial buildings still inhabit the district and have been transformed into independent bookshops or art galleries.

Best hotels in DUMBO
hotel room with a big bed with white sheets and a black and white art graffiti above the bed, at NU Hotel in DUMBO, the best area to stay in New York first time

Budget – NU Hotel is the best value for money room you will find in this highly-demanded area. Only a 15-minute walk from the Brooklyn Bridge, the rooms are spacious and the continental breakfast is good.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,8/10 based on these reviews

skyline view from the terrace of the Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown in Dumbo, the best area to stay in NYC

Mid-range – Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown is the perfect hotel for travelers with a medium budget wanting to stay in the best location in New York. The rooms are big and spacious. It is decorated in the Brooklyn style, with brick walls and industrial features.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge swimming pool at sunset with a view on Manhattan skyline

Luxury – 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge might be the rough diamond of the article. This waterfront five-star hotel with an outdoor pool offers the most spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline and Brooklyn Bridge… It’s definitely the best hotel to stay in Brooklyn NY.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,4/10 based on these reviews

Greenpoint Brooklyn
Why stay in Greenpoint?

Greenpoint in Brooklyn is another waterfront neighborhood that faces the Manhattan skyscrapers.

Due to its location in the north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint is one of the safest places to stay in Brooklyn NY. Crime rates are low and keep dropping because it’s becoming more and more of a trendy area.

It’s a safe neighborhood, but certainly not boring! Greenpoint is home to many trendy restaurants, craft beer and cocktail bars, tattoo studios and, more generally, nightlife venues.

Best hotels in Greenpoint
view from the terrace of the Pod Brooklyn, the best place to stay in Brooklyn

Budget – the Pod Brooklyn has an ideal location in a lively area. The rooms are minimalist but offer everything you need. Last but not least, the general atmosphere of this hotel is very pleasant and friendly.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,3/10 based on these reviews

red carpet at the entrance of Henry Norman Hotel in Brooklyn, New York City

Mid-Range – looking for an old-fashioned but charming hotel? The Henry Norman Hotel mixes vintage and modern furniture. It is a peaceful hotel with a staff ready to answer your every need.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 9/10 based on these reviews

outdoor swimming pool of the Hotel Indigo in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, one of the best area to stay in New York first time

Luxury – the Hotel Indigo offers large suites with beautiful graphic decor. The rooms are extremely spacious, clean and luxurious. It has an outdoor pool, a gym, a common lounge and a garden.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,9/10 based on these reviews

Brooklyn Heights
Why stay in Brooklyn Heights?

Just like the previous areas listed, Brooklyn Heights is on the western side of Brooklyn and close to the main attractions to visit in New York City.

However, there is something really different about Brooklyn Heights, and that’s its history… It is the first suburb of America! Brooklyn Heights also happen to be a very important site of revolution against slavery.

Nowadays, it’s a quiet neighborhood with charming tree-lined streets. People like to visit it to chill at a casual bar or restaurant. It’s also a great place for a walk or jogging!

Best hotels in Brooklyn Heights
hotel room with white sheets and a big window with a view on the skyline at Sheraton Brooklyn New York

Budget – the Sheraton Brooklyn New York offers well-furnished rooms with king-size beds. The view of the skyline from some of the high floor rooms is impressive. It’s located near the subways and restaurants.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,3/10 based on these reviews

two double beds in a hotel rooms with a big window with a view the skyline at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge

Luxury – at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, you can stay in a large room, next to the subway and only two stops from Manhattan. It offers a great view on the Brooklyn Bridge and is next to nice restaurants and cute Brooklyn coffees.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,9/10 based on these reviews

Park Slope
Why stay in Park Slope?

Park Spot is the best area to stay in Brooklyn for families. First, it’s a waterfront neighborhood offering nice views on Manhattan, while being close to it thanks to public transportation.

Then, it’s a residential area that is very green. People visit this calm neighborhood for outdoor activities because of its many parks and squares, such as the Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We mean, it’s called Park Slope for a reason!

Best hotels in Park Slope
two double beds in a room with white and blue walls at La Quinta by Wyndham Brooklyn Downtown

Budget – the rooms of La Quinta by Wyndham Brooklyn Downtown are pretty standard but really do offer everything you need. It’s clean, peaceful and located in the best area to stay in New York first time.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,5/10 based on these reviews

basic hotel room with a double bed with white sheets, and white walls, with a window, at Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott New York Brooklyn, in Park Slope, the best area to stay in New York for the first time for families

Mid-range – the Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott New York Brooklyn is a 15 minutes walk from the great Prospect Park. The rooms are well-furnished and clean, and the continental breakfast is included.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,7/10 based on these reviews

spacious hotel room with a big bed with white and blue sheets, and a floor to ceiling window with a skyline view, at Hotel Le Bleu in Park Slope

Luxury – Hotel Le Bleu is a 3-star hotel that offers large rooms with balconies. As it’s fully equipped and conveniently located, it might be the best place to stay in New York for families. 

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,7/10 based on these reviews

💲 Good to know: Hotel Le Bleu also have rooms with two double beds for around $300 USD sometimes, which is a pretty decent price for a family of four.

Williamsburg
Why stay in Williamsburg?

Let’s leave the coastline and get a little deeper into Brooklyn now. Our list of the nice areas of Brooklyn wouldn’t be complete without Williamsburg.

In the past twenty years, Williamsburg has become a popular destination for artists or young entrepreneurs in search of the perfect place to live. With its trendy restaurants, rooftops bars and nice thrift shops, this neighborhood always has something going on!

It’s basically Manhattan in terms of the amount of things to do, but make it hipster! If you wish to be close to vegan food markets, vintage shops and a good art scene, you should stay in Williamsburg in New York.

📢 Williamsburg is BIG, like a city in its own right. Not all areas of this neighborhood are good to stay in. We stayed at the NY Moore Hostel at the subway stop Melrose Avenue and did not find the area safe. We would recommend staying in the north or west of Williamsburg.

Best places to stay in Williamsburg Brooklyn
white bed in a hotel room with a big window on the skyline, at The Hoxton in Williamsburg, the best area to stay in New York first time

Mid-range – what makes the Hoxton in Williamsburg very special is his unique decor. Located in one of the hipster neighborhood of Brooklyn, it mixes an industrial style with warm brick walls and an artsy decor.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,1/10 based on these reviews

the 60-feet pool on the rooftop of the The William Vale, the best hotel in Williamsburg in the best area to stay in NY for the first time

Luxury – the William Vale is THE five star hotel of Williamsburg. The design and decor of this hotel are incredible. The rooms are very elegant, just like the award-winning restaurant, stunning skyline views, and 60-foot rooftop pool… Yes, you read that right!

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 8,3/10 based on these reviews

Bed-Stuyvesant
Why stay in Bed-Stuy?

This neighborhood is famous for its stunning brownstone townhouses and diverse live music scene. It’s an important place where you can discover more about the African-American culture through the lovely community and restaurants of Bed-Stuy.

It’s culturally rich and diverse. You will feel welcome everywhere, no matter where you come from. We would say it’s the best area to stay in New York for the first time for out-of-the-beaten-path travelers.

Best hotels in Bed-Stuy
one double bed and one single bed in a hotel room at Condor Hotel by LuxUrban in Bed-Stuy, New York City

Budget – the Condor Hotel is a great value for money hotel in the middle of Brooklyn. The rooms are classic, with double or single beds and private bathrooms. They can fit friends, couples or even families. Its location and price for 4 people make it a real gem.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,6/10 based on these reviews

hotel room with white and blue beds, wooden floor, windows and a fan at KLO Guest House, a cool hotel in Bed-Stuy, one of the best areas to stay in NYC for cheap

Mid-range – Stay in a gorgeous building at the KLO Guest House. Rooms are spacious and elegant, with hardwood floors. The location is ideal, close to the Brooklyn Museum and the Children Museum.

➡️ Check availability and prices here
✔️ 7,4/10 based on these reviews

Where not to stay in New York City?

Some boroughs never make it into the New York accommodation tips you find online. Some neighborhoods are really poor, others simply aren’t touristy… Whatever the case, you need to know which areas to avoid in New York.

Bronx

Even if you don’t know New York at all, the Bronx neighborhood sounds familiar, right? You’ve probably seen it depicted in hundreds of movies for its hip-hop culture and gang activity.

The Bronx is New York’s most cosmopolitan borough, even if the entire city is a melting pot. It offers incredible opportunities to discover cultures and cuisines from all over the world.

However, it is also the neighborhood that has suffered most from poverty and crime. It is home to many public housing projects. The deterioration of the South Bronx is partly due to the abandonment of landlords. That’s why tourists are less numerous in this neighborhood.

That said, the Bronx is an incredibly lively neighborhood, but it may not be the best place to stay when visiting New York for the first time. If you want to visit it, you can do so through a tour with a local. ☝️

✔️ The southeast Bronx, in particular, is still a little dangerous, so it’s best to avoid neighborhoods like Soundview. However, if you do want to go there, do your own research, as the Bronx is constantly changing and crime rates are falling.

Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen, also known as Clinton, is located on the West of Chelsea, in Manhattan. Not every street of Manhattan is glamorous and representative of the New York dream.

Hell’s Kitchen is still a good neighborhood but a lot of homeless people hang there at night.

✔️ Like in every large city, you shouldn’t expect to feel safe everywhere just because you’re staying in a pretty touristy and famous area. To avoid any bad surprise, always be careful with your belongings and itineraries.

Queens

The Queens is not known as the best neighbourhood to stay in New York but it is in fact relatively safe. As everywhere, there are some areas you’ll want to avoid at night.

For instance, it might not be the best idea to spend the night out in Corona, the south side of Jamaica or near Ozone Park.

✔️ Stick to the main roads and always try to stay where there are other people, especially in subway cars. These are basic guidelines to follow that don’t only apply to the Queens.

East and South Brooklyn

Some areas of Brooklyn are very tourist-friendly, others are more locals-friendly. In general, the further away from the Brooklyn Bridge and therefore from the Manhattan Gate, the less touristy the neighborhood is.

Districts like Brownsville hold some of the highest poverty and crime rates compared to any other neighborhood in New York City. You may not want to strut your stuff in front of the locals in their living quarters.

Staten Island

Last but not least, we don’t recommend staying in Staten Island but it’s not for safety reasons. Staten Island is the fifth and last borough of NYC, but it doesn’t really feel like it belongs to the city.

Staten Island is a bit left out of the accommodation guides because it is an isolated island and you have to take the ferry to get there.

It’s still very interesting to visit but you won’t need more than a day to tour it. If you are only staying a few days in New York and it’s your first time visiting the city, Staten Island is a bit far from the main points of interest.

However, if you’re looking for a chill and peaceful place to stay in and don’t mind taking the ferry every day, look no further than Staten Island!

Best area to stay in New York first time : the sum-up

And that’s a wrap! You know all the best neighborhoods to stay in NYC according to your criteria and budget. Here is a summary of the main differences between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

With a rich and immersive culture, Brooklyn has so much to offer in terms of atmosphere, community sense, alternative places and restaurants. This thriving neighborhood is close to the major sites you’ll want to see during your first trip to NYC. It has cheaper hotel deals than in Manhattan.

Manhattan, on the other hand, is the bustling center of the city. It’s the best part of New York to visit and has so much to offer. Staying in Manhattan feels like you’re constantly in a movie. You’ll find incredible hotel rooms on the top floors of skyscrapers, which is a unique experience.

Both neighborhoods are incredible and, ultimately, it’s up to you and your accommodation wishes! Either way, you’ll never be bored in New York. It’s one of the four cities in the world with the most things to do, along with Paris, London and Tokyo.