New York City is a collection of villages, each with an incredibly distinct personality. The island of Manhattan (and increasingly Brooklyn) offers everything from the frenetic energy of Midtown to the polished cobblestones of Tribeca and the artistic grit of Bushwick. Your choice of neighborhood defines your NY experience.
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is the iconic New York of movies: skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and bright lights. It's home to Times Square, Broadway, and the Empire State Building. Staying here means you are in the dead center of the action with unbeatable subway access to everywhere else.
What we love
- +Walking distance to Broadway and Times Square
- +Unmatched transportation hub (Grand Central/Penn)
- +Classic 'Big City' energy and skyscrapers
Worth noting
- –Extremely crowded, noisy, and chaotic
- –Restaurants can be tourist traps (expensive/average)
- –Lacks the charm/community feel of downtown
Nearby
Times Square · Empire State Building · MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) · Rockefeller Center · Top of the Rock
SoHo & Tribeca
SoHo (South of Houston) and Tribeca are the city's fashion and luxury capitals. Defined by cast-iron architecture and cobblestone streets, they offer a chic, upscale atmosphere. This is where you stay for high-end boutique shopping, celebrity spotting, and world-class dining.
What we love
- +Stunning cast-iron architecture
- +Best shopping in the city (boutiques & flagships)
- +Chic, safe, and atmospheric at night
Worth noting
- –Very expensive accommodation
- –Can be packed with shoppers on weekends
- –Fewer subway lines than Midtown
Nearby
Broadway Shopping (SoHo) · Cast-Iron Historic District · Dominique Ansel Bakery · Ghostbusters Firehouse · Canal Street (nearby)
Greenwich Village & West Village
With its brownstones, winding tree-lined streets, and jazz clubs, 'The Village' is arguably NYC's most romantic neighborhood. It feels like a small town within the metropolis. It’s perfect for wandering aimlessly, cafe hopping, and pretending you're a local in a Woody Allen movie.
What we love
- +Incredibly picturesque and romantic
- +Fantastic restaurant and jazz club scene
- +Safe, residential, and full of character
Worth noting
- –Hotels are expensive and rooms can be tiny
- –No major 'landmark' sights (the vibe IS the sight)
- –Subway stations are a bit spread out
Nearby
Washington Square Park · Blue Note Jazz Club · Friends Apartment Facade · Carrie Bradshaw's Stoop · Comedy Cellar
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Chelsea
Chelsea is the art world center of New York, packed with hundreds of galleries and the High Line park. It balances industrial chic with luxury high-rises. It's also a major LGBTQ+ hub. Staying here gives you great access to both the Meatpacking District nightlife and the quiet streets of the Village.
What we love
- +The High Line and Chelsea Market
- +World-class art galleries (David Zwirner, Gagosian)
- +Great mix of nightlife and dining
Worth noting
- –Can be very busy near the High Line
- –Construction noise is common
- –Getting cross-town (East-West) can be slow
Nearby
The High Line · Chelsea Market · Meatpacking District (nearby) · Little Island · Chelsea Piers
Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Just one stop across the East River, Williamsburg is the hipster capital turned upscale neighborhood. It offers stunning Manhattan skyline views, a thriving vintage scene, and incredible food markets. It’s cooler and younger than Manhattan, but now just as pricey.
What we love
- +Amazing views of the Manhattan skyline
- +Smorgasburg (weekend food market)
- +Trendy, youthful vibe with great nightlife
Worth noting
- –L train commute to Manhattan can be crowded
- –Has lost some of its grit/edge to luxury condos
- –Pricey compared to other Brooklyn areas
Nearby
Domino Park · Brooklyn Brewery · Smorgasburg (Saturdays) · Bedford Avenue Shopping · Music Hall of Williamsburg
Upper West Side
Sandwiched between Central Park and the Hudson River, the UWS is a relaxed, leafy residential area famous for its intellectual vibe and brownstones. It’s home to Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum. Ideal for families and those wanting a quieter, classic NY experience.
What we love
- +Direct access to Central Park and Riverside Park
- +Family-friendly and safe
- +Cultural hub (Lincoln Center, AMNH)
Worth noting
- –Nightlife is very quiet compared to downtown
- –Commute to downtown/Brooklyn takes longer
- –Fewer trendy dining options
Nearby
Central Park (Strawberry Fields) · American Museum of Natural History · Lincoln Center · Levain Bakery · Riverside Park
DUMBO (Brooklyn)
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMBO) is famous for its cobblestone streets and converted warehouses right on the water. It offers the best photo ops of the bridges and skyline. It’s a small, exclusive enclave that feels separate from the rest of Brooklyn.
What we love
- +Most photogenic views in the city
- +Brooklyn Bridge Park right at your doorstep
- +Walkable across the Brooklyn Bridge
Worth noting
- –Very limited hotel options
- –Can feel overrun by photoshoots on weekends
- –Dining options are pricey and limited
Nearby
Brooklyn Bridge Park · Jane's Carousel · Manhattan Bridge View spot · Time Out Market · St. Ann's Warehouse
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