Which neighborhood to choose for your hotel in New York?

Stay in Manhattan

• When you stay in Manhattan, you’re right in the heart of the action the moment you step out of your hotel.
• New York consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. But if you look at the top sights in New York, you’ll quickly see that most of them are in Manhattan: the World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Times Square, the United Nations, and Central Park. Plus all the major museums in New York. This is where it all happens, so Manhattan is the best choice for your stay.
• You’ll also save a lot of time on transportation. You can easily pop back to your hotel for a break or to drop off shopping bags. See our article on the top reasons to stay in a Manhattan hotel.

Which Manhattan neighborhood is right for you?

Manhattan is huge: the borough stretches about 22 km (13.7 mi) long and up to 4 km (2.5 mi) wide. Within it are several distinct neighborhoods. Here’s how to pick the right one:

Times Square, Theater District and Midtown

• In central Manhattan, Times Square is the heart of New York’s tourist scene, packed with theaters and vibrant nightlife. It’s also where you’ll find the most hotels in the city. You’ll have plenty of options.
• Choose Times Square, the Theater District or Midtown if you’re short on time—you’ll be in the center of everything. You’re close to major subway lines and all the main attractions. For a first visit, Times Square and the Theater District are perfect for experiencing the energy of the city that never sleeps.

Financial District and Lower East Side

• At the southern tip of Manhattan, the Financial District immerses you in New York’s skyscraper landscape. You’ll also enjoy the waterfront atmosphere, with the Statue of Liberty as a backdrop. The neighborhood buzzes on weekdays and quiets down on weekends.
• The Financial District has plenty of hotel options. You’ll find upscale business hotels and 4- and 5-star properties with spectacular views of the World Trade Center and One World Trade Center. There are also budget-friendly options, especially in the nearby Lower East Side.

SoHo, TriBeCa, Greenwich Village and Chelsea

• Between Midtown and the Financial District lie several charming, lively New York neighborhoods: SoHo, TriBeCa, Greenwich Village and Chelsea. The main advantage is that you’ll find more peace and quiet. There’s less traffic and tourist pressure than in Midtown. You won’t be constantly jolted by sirens from fire trucks and police cars.
• The subway gets you easily to Midtown or the Financial District in just a few stops. You’ll also experience authentic neighborhood life. If you’re on a tight budget and book early, you can find affordable 3-star hotels in these areas.

Upper East Side and Upper West Side

• On either side of Central Park, the Upper East Side and Upper West Side feel far more residential than the rest of Manhattan. You’ll encounter far fewer tourists and can genuinely live like a New Yorker. These peaceful neighborhoods are still central, and Central Park is just steps away.
• Hotel quality is good. If you’re looking for an apartment-style hotel, I’d also recommend the Beacon Hotel on the Upper West Side.

Harlem

• North of Central Park, Harlem can work if you’re on a tight budget. However, it’s far from most Manhattan attractions. You’ll spend a lot of time on the subway heading south, and transportation will eat up your sightseeing time.
• The neighborhood also has limited hotel options. Harlem has several hostels with dormitory rooms and shared bathrooms. If you want to visit Harlem during your stay, it’s better to base yourself further south.

Hotel recommendations in New York

For quality hotel recommendations in New York, check out our guide to hotels in New York. These are hotels that our team has tested and approved.