The Open Road Travel

When looking at the best areas to stay in New York City, it may not seem as important as with other destinations, as almost every part of NYC has something to offer.

That said, choosing the best area to stay in New York City is still important, so you can get the most possible out of your trip. New York can offer the bright lights of the big city, a romantic getaway as a couple, or even a trip to combine both business and pleasure.

So, if you want to find the best place to stay in New York to match your own needs, the following article should give you all the information you need to know.

New York City is one of the oldest cities in the United States, first settled as New Amsterdam in 1624. Known by numerous different nicknames, including the big apple, the city that never sleeps, and the greatest city in the world, it is one of the most visited cities on Earth.

The city itself is comprised of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx. Each one is large enough to be considered a city in its own right, and they combine to form the most populous city in the United States.

Its incredible mix of inhabitants from around the world have earned it a reputation as one of the planet’s most diverse cities. Meanwhile, its infrastructure often has it regarded as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world.

The attractions in New York City vary wildly, from man-made monuments and built-up tourist hubs to natural beauty spots. As a result, New York City is a destination that can be enjoyed by all, no matter what you are looking for.

Selecting the best time to visit New York City is challenging, as it offers different things for different people. However, there are two periods that stand out above all others.

The festive atmosphere present around Christmas, from late November to early January, adds an extra element to New York City that makes it one of the best places on earth at this time of year. That said, the snow and the cold will certainly be off-putting for some.

Other people will want to visit in the warmer months, from the end of May to the middle of September. This will allow you to make the most of places like Coney Island and the numerous parks New York City is famous for.

Both of these are also great times to experience a phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge, when the sunrise and sunset aligns with the streets of the city.

As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in New York City, I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs people have when travelling.

Midtown Manhattan is the portion Manhattan stretching from the southern end of Central Park towards the south of the island.

It is easily one of the best areas to stay in New York City for tourists and first-time visitors, as it is where many of New York’s most iconic attractions are located.

There’s the world-famous Times Square, where you can witness the bright lights of the big city. With numerous shopping and dining options, as well as iconic shows and street performances, there’s no surprise it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Speaking of which, you also have one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Empire State Building.

Tours of this incredible structure let you see how both it and the surrounding city were built all those years ago. Its viewing deck also provides one of the best views of New York City you will find.

Other famous buildings in the area include Grand Central Station, the iconic rail terminal with its grand, early 1900’s Beaux-Arts façade. Then there’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, an 1800’s Neo-Gothic church that is one of the grandest and most well-known in the entire united states.

You also have Madison Square Garden, one of the most famous arenas in the world. Home to both the NBA’s New York Knicks and the NHL’s New York Rangers, it is a perfect destination for sports fans, as well as anyone attending one of the numerous other events held here.

Shopaholics will also delight in the presence of 5th Avenue, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Iconic stores and designer brands spread out for miles, giving even the most dedicated shoppers the opportunity to shop till they drop.

All of this is without even mentioning Central Park, which Midtown Manhattan shares a border with. Covering 1.3 square miles, Central Park is the most filmed location in the world and offers a great place to chill out and relax, away from the press of the city for a while.

The southern end of the park is also the location of Central Park Zoo. Containing four integrated zoos and an aquarium, all of which feature faithful recreations of the animal’s natural habitats, it is the perfect place to learn about nature.

Despite being an incredible choice all year round, Midtown Manhattan has even more to offer when considering the best areas to stay in New York City For Christmas.

From the stunning Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree and Sachs 5th Avenue lights show to ice skating and horse-drawn carriage rides through a snowy Central Park, this part of the city truly comes alive during the festive season.

Stay In Midtown Manhattan If:

• You are interested in visiting numerous National Historic Landmarks
• You want to go shopping on 5th Avenue
• You want to experience Times Square
• You aren’t worried about money
• You are interested in tourist attractions or are visiting New York City for the first time
• You are visiting New York City for Christmas
  

The Plaza is one of the grandest, most famous hotels in New York City, having been featured in films such as Home Alone 2. Located on the corner of 5th Avenue, immediately across from central park, it perfectly combines a convenient location with stunning views.

The stylish, spacious rooms are kitted out with modern technology, yet retain the sophisticated style of the rest of the hotel. With a collection of incredible restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a spa, salon, and gym, it offers everything you could want from an iconic, 5-star hotel.

Lower Manhattan covers the area from where Midtown Manhattan ends at 14th Street to the southern shore of the island. Despite still being an incredibly busy and popular area, Lower Manhattan is slightly more diverse and less tourist focused than its neighbour.

In the East Village you will find an abundance of hip bars, music venues, restaurants, and cocktail lounges, making it the ideal place to stay in New York City for nightlife.

During the day, laid-back boutiques, cafes, vintage stores, and tattoo parlours give you plenty to explore, while offering a glimpse into the area’s past as the epicentre of New York’s punk movement.

In Chinatown, you will find one of the largest and oldest Chinese enclaves outside of Asia. Restaurants serve traditional delicacies, while stores, markets, and bubble tea shops sell all the products you would expect to find in this sort of neighbourhood.

Neighbouring Little Italy also offers Italian foods and wares on a similar scale, giving you a truly diverse range of cultures to experience during your stay. This makes is one of the best areas to stay in New York City for couples, as there are just so many new experiences you can enjoy together.

In the very south of Lower Manhattan, you will find Battery Park, a historic location with plenty to offer for those interested in the founding of New York City. It is also the launching point of the only ferry permitted to dock at either Liberty or Ellis Island.

Liberty Island is home to the iconic Statue Of Liberty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and U.S National Monument, this 151-foot monument was dedicated in October 1886 and visiting it is a rite of passage for anyone travelling to the city.

Those lucky enough to get a ticket to visit its crown will also be treated to some breathtaking views of New York, New Jersey, and the surrounding waters.

Neighbouring Ellis Island was once the busiest immigrant inspection station in America. With the remains of the Ellis Island Immigration Hospital and the National Museum Of Immigration located in the main building, it is a perfect stop for anyone interested in history.

While couples and tourists will find Lower Manhattan has plenty to offer, it is also one of the best areas to stay in New York City on business as well. This is largely due to the presence of Wall Street, the most important financial district in America and perhaps even the world.

Its stock market and incredible number of corporations mean countless visitors will be travelling here for business every day. Staying nearby will offer convenience, so you don’t waste any time commuting each morning.

As a result, numerous hotels are situated around the area, giving you plenty of choices for accommodation. Similarly, various bars and restaurants are located close by, with opening hours and styles suited to the area, so you have places to dine and relax after a long, hard day’s work.

The former location of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre, it now features a touching memorial to all the lives lost on September 11th, 2001, for anyone who wants to pay their respects.

Stay In Lower Manhattan If:

• You are travelling as a couple
• You like diverse destinations
• Nightlife is a priority during your stay
• You are travelling on business or want to visit Wall Street
• You want to visit the Statue Of Liberty or Ellis Island
• You want to pay your respects at the World Trade Centre Memorial
  

Located at the northern end of the Financial District, Aloft Manhattan Downtown is a stylish, 4-star hotel that offers convenience for everyone.

Less than 700 yards from both Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial, it is great for those on business, while being situated at the heart of Lower Manhattan gives tourists easy access to all the other areas they may want to visit.

Rooms are sleek, spacious, and stylish, providing that perfect blend of quality and comfort. Meanwhile, an on-site lounge, bar, gym, snack bar, and 24-hour front desk should ensure your needs are met around the clock.

Brooklyn is located on the opposite side of the East River from Lower Manhattan, connected by both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Despite being just a short way from Manhattan, hotels and amenities are both considerably cheaper in Brooklyn.

This makes it one of the best areas to stay In New York City on a budget. With transport between the two easily possible by foot, car, and public transport, you can stay in Brooklyn and enjoy the value, without worrying about missing out on the city’s most famous attractions.

This becomes even more apparent for those who are brining a car. Between the tolls on the bridges and extortionate cost of parking at the hotels, Manhattan isn’t a car friendly destination for guests.

With hotels in Brooklyn being much more accommodating in this manner, you can make the trip to the big city and leave it safely parked at your hotel, without worrying about it costing you a fortune.

It isn’t just price and convenience that make Brooklyn an attractive destination though, as it has plenty of attractions in its own right.

You have Prospect Park, the location of iconic basketball and handball courts, as well a stunning, historic home. The Brooklyn Bridge Park is another popular outdoor spot, will picnic tables, BBQ grills, and stunning views of the bridge, river, and Manhattan.

Sports fans may want to take a visit to the Barclays Center, where the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders of the NBA and NHL respectively play their games. Numerous other events like concerts and shows also take place here, so it’s always worth checking what’s on before you arrive.

At the south of the borough, you will also find Coney Island, a beautiful, sandy beach, surrounded by attractions.

Its 3-mile boardwalk features amusements, fairground rides, eateries, and even the New York Aquarium, giving you the chance to experience a completely different side of the city.

Stay In Brooklyn If:

• You are travelling on a budget
• You want to visit Coney Island
• You are attending an event at the Barclays Center
• You want to visit Manhattan but not stay in it
• You are travelling with a car
• You like to spend a lot of time relaxing outdoors
  

The Box House Hotel is a unique, 4-star hotel, located in a converted factory. It features stunning lofts and suites all decorated with original artwork, while its location near both the East River and Newtown Creek offers some stunning views.

The hotel features a restaurant, bar, gym, sauna, and business centre. Combined with rooms that offer full kitchens, sofa beds, flat screen TVs, and some even having their own terrace, it is incredibly convenient and will give guests a stay to remember.

The borough of Queens is located between Brooklyn and Long Island. While its northwest border is just across the East River from Manhattan, it is generally a destination that is a little more detached from the big city.

As a result, Queens is a largely residential area, which doesn’t have the same pounding tourist press or pace as the city centre. This makes it one of the best areas to stay in New York City with family, or for anyone travelling with small children.

It features numerous parks, where you can spend plenty of time outdoors and let the little ones run off some energy. Perhaps the most famous is the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which contains sports facilities, museums, and even a zoo.

The site of the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the park still contains numerous monuments from that era. For those with an interest, the nearby Queens Museum and New York Hall Of Science offer greater insight into the fair, as well as the history of the area as a whole.

The Queens Botanical Gardens, which were designed for the fair also still remain. This makes it a great destination for those who want to enjoy a little nature and see some stunning species of plants.

Queens is also where you will find Citi Field, a modern, 40,000-seater baseball stadium. Home to the New York Mets of the MLB, it makes staying in Queens the perfect choice for anyone wanting to see a game or one of the concerts sometimes held here during your stay.

While New York City is served by 3 international airports, the 2 that are actually located in the city, La Guardia and John F. Kennedy International, are both found in Queens. As JFK is also the busiest airport in the U.S, it means the majority of visitors travelling by air will be landing in Queens.

This makes Queens one of the best areas to stay in New York City Near the airport. You won’t have to worry about wasting time, potentially missing a flight, or dragging your baggage all over the city. Instead, you can enjoy settling straight into your vacation.

Stay In Queens If:

• You are travelling with family or children
• You plan to rent a car
• You want to stay near the airport
• You aren’t worried about being in the city centre
• You want to see the New York Mets play
• You are a fan of parks or botanical gardens
  

Located in the Downtown Flushing neighbourhood, the Asiatic Hotel offers a convenient location with easy access to many of the most popular attractions in Queens.

Featuring an east Asian style, the hotel offers a level of quality that’s unbelievable considering its affordable price. The spacious family rooms are ideal for those travelling with kids or in bigger groups.

Each one contains flat screen, satellite TVs, as well as a selection of free snacks and drinks.

All guests receive a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, as well as access to a business centre and facilities throughout your stay.

While it being the “greatest city in the world” is down to personal opinion, it is clear to see why New York City is a serious contender for the title. It truly is a wonderful city that has something to offer for everyone, no matter why you are visiting.

This article should have given you everything you need to settle on the best area to stay in New York City when you make your own trip. All that’s left is to start getting things booked, so you can look forward to heading to the “big apple” yourself, as soon as possible.