10 Best Neighborhoods in NYC: Where to Stay (A Local’s Guide)
I truly believe that everyone should visit New York City at least once in their life, as it truly is, as local’s call it – “the city” of all cities, but it can be hard to know the best neighborhoods to stay in while in NYC.
View of Times Square in New York City; November 2024
I always see friends on a first-time trip to New York City opting for the smack of midtown, nearby iconic locations such as Rockefeller Center or Central Park – but in reality, New York City has so many other well-located, central neighborhoods with more charm and character to stay in.
My guide to the best neighborhoods in New York City, specifically in Manhattan, is going to offer something for everyone: intrepid travelers looking to do the entire city by foot, solo female travelers, group trips, or even family vacations in NYC.
Central Park in New York City; November 2024
Where Should I Stay on a First Trip to NYC?
On a first trip to New York City, I highly recommend staying in either Flatiron or Herald Square – as these are the two absolute best neighborhoods to stay on a first trip to New York City. This is because these neighborhoods are centrally located, resting anywhere between Broadway, 5th, 6th, or 7th avenue – making it equidistant to both the East and West sides of the city in addition to also being walking distance to both Lower and Midtown Manhattan.
Where Should I Stay in New York City for a local experience?
If you’re craving a more local experience on a trip to New York City, the golden rule is to stay away from Midtown and head south towards Chinatown, the Lower East Side, Nolita, and even FiDi, or the Financial District – as all of these are more residential and local and are way less crowded with tourists.
What’s the Safest Neighborhood in NYC?
The majority of neighborhoods in Manhattan are very safe for tourists, even if you choose something more local or closer to Brooklyn. Ultimately, I would say that neighborhoods like Flatiron, Tribeca, Financial District, and parts of Greenwich Village are the safest. The West Village has been teetering between safe and sketch these past few years, but it’s ultimately still safe – just exercise increased caution at Washington Square Park.
Where Should I Avoid Staying in NYC?
As several once “sketchy” neighborhoods in Manhattan have become up-and-coming, it’s hard to pinpoint a truly dangerous neighborhood in New York City.
However, if I had to tell someone where to avoid staying in New York City as a local, it would be to steer clear of East Harlem and Stuyvesant. While the start of Harlem right outside of Central Park has become trendier, East Harlem is still considered a dangerous part of New York City.
Bedford-Stuyvesant is another neighborhood I was stay away from when in NYC. When my uncle would take the train to go to school in the city, he once came across some guys who threatened to kill him if he didn’t give him his jacket. While that was thirty years ago, Stuyvesant, better known as “Stuy Town” to locals – is still considered an unsafe part of New York City, even after it’s recent efforts to gentrify the neighborhood.
Bryant Park in Midtown; September 2020
10 Best Neighborhoods in NYC (From a Local’s Perspective)
1. Flatiron
From time to time, I wonder where in New York City I would buy an apartment – and while I’m sentimental for the West Village, I can’t deny that one of my favorite and best located neighborhoods in New York City is Flatiron.
Flatiron and outside of Madison Square Park; November 2024
Flatiron is not only home to some of my favorite places in the city, such as 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, but it’s aesthetically reminiscent of Europe alongside it’s fires escapes – making it a perfect mix of pretending I’m wandering a cobblestone street in a European city whilst still being in the middle of Manhattan’s chaos.
However, the best part about staying in Flatiron is that you’re never too far away from anything – it’s essentially equidistant between Midtown and Lower Manhattan, making it undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in NYC on a first trip.
It’s central location also makes Flatiron very livable, as there’s a Whole Foods on 24th and 7th and a Trader Joe’s off of 21st and 6th – which is something I struggled with when I lived in the West Village and the closest Trader Joe’s was a 25-minute walk away from me in Hudson Square and the closest Target in Tribeca.
View of New York City fire escapes in Flatiron; November 2023
Furthermore, you’re around a 10 to 15-minute walk from Penn Station staying in Flatiron – making it perfect for a trip where you’re arriving or leaving by train.
Ultimately, Flatiron is a neighborhood in New York City with the best of both worlds – and a perfect location if you plan to walk the majority of the city while sightseeing.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Empire State Building: 10-minute walk
Times Square: 20-minute walk
Washington Square Park: 25-minute walk
Subway Lines: Main Station on 23rd and 7th with R, W, N, and Q lines
Price: Relatively expensive, but potentially cheaper than some hotels in Midtown
Best Hotels to Stay: The Heritage Hotel, Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea
Best For: People who want to be walking distance to everything and want a slightly more “local” feel when staying in the city
2. Herald Square
If you want to be on the edge of Midtown but still walking distance to places like Flatiron or Union Square, Herald Square is the perfect happy medium – as you’ll be less than a 15-minute walk to major tourist attractions in Midtown without submersing yourself in the crowd’s hotels between 40th and 60th streets may have.
View of Empire State Building from Herald Square; November 2024
You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Empire State Building directly above you, have easy access to public transportation, and a wide variety of New York’s classic food carts ranging from hot dogs, gyros, or one of my personal favorites – the sugar-coated warm nuts.
Plus, you’ll be nearby Macy’s – which is the largest department store in the United States. I have fond memories of shopping here as a little girl with my mom on trips to the city, or even looking for kitchenware during Covid – it’s five stories big and perfect for perusing, especially during Christmas time!
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Empire State Building: 5-minute walk
Times Square: 10-minute walk
Rockefeller Center: 15-minute walk
Subway Lines: Main Station on 34th street with D, F, N, Q lines (F line takes you to Brooklyn)
Price: Pricey, but relative average for a hotel in NYC
Best Hotels to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn New York on West 35th, MOXY NYC Times Square
Best For: First time trips to New York City for the perfect “postcard” NYC experience without being in the heart of Midtown
3. West Village
As someone who lived in the West Village temporarily during the pandemic, I have to say – it is just a nice a neighborhood to live in and stay as shows like Friends make it seem.
Washington Square Park in New York City; November 2024
Unlike the rest of New York City, the West Village has a “homier” and “cozy” vibe to it that the rest of the city can be lacking. Plus, you’ll be nearby the Friends apartment, Carrie’s Apartment from Sex and the City, and my ultimate favorite place in New York City – Hudson River Pier Park.
The West Village is also home to amazing local restaurants, pizza, and bagel shops, especially near Father Demo Square – alongside the now infamous Cornelia Street and little boutiques for those looking for a less traditional souvenir from their trip to New York City.
Of course, staying in the West Village means you’ll be further away from more touristic spots in Midtown – but even then, nothing is too far away with the subway or even by foot, with Union Square (major transportation hub) only a 10-minute walk away.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Washington Square Park: 5-minute walk
Empire State Building: 30-minute walk
Two Bridges: 35-minute walk
Subway Lines: Main Station on Christopher Street with lines B and F (F line takes you to Brooklyn)
Price: Depends on whether you opt for a hotel or Air BnB; rented apartments are expensive for short-term stays
Best Hotels to Stay: The Jane Hotel, Rented Air BnB for true local experience
Best For: Travelers who want a quainter and quieter experience while staying in the city and to discover local restaurants, boutiques, or brunch spots
4. East Village
A more alternative, youthful, funkier version of the manicured demeanor found in the West Village – the East Village is another great place to stay in NYC, especially for younger people on a group trip.
The East Village is home to several out-of-this-world, hole-in-the-wall neighborhood gems, like MUD Spot for their brunch and maple lattes and the flagship location for Tompkin’s Square Bagels (forget the Tik Tok trends of Pop-Up, Appollo, or Leon’s Bagels – Tompkin’s are hands down the best bagels in the city).
Ultimately, the East Village is an open-minded neighborhood with a vibrant influence from different cultures – perfect for travelers on a second, third, or fourth trip to the city looking for a “fun weekend getaway” beyond typical tourist attractions.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Washington Square Park: 10-minute walk
Madison Square Park: 25-minute walk
Empire State Building: 35-minute walk
Subway Lines: Nearby stations include Astor Place, 8th Street NYU, and 2nd and 3rd Avenue stations – all of which together offer access also includes local 6, N, R, W, F, L lines. Union Square, located on 14th street is also nearby for 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, and L service.
Price: Less expensive than the West Village; rent in this neighborhood is cheaper than the West Village
Best Hotels to Stay: MOXY NYC East Village, East Village Hotel
Best For: Group trips for Millennials and Gen Z looking to discover local brunch spots, bars, parks, and bookstores
5. Union Square
Another severely underrated and well-located neighborhood perfect for a trip to NYC is Union Square.
With highlights such as local-approved and classic New York slices at Ray’s Pizza close to Astor’s Place, the annual Union Square Holiday market, and The Strand bookstore nearby – Union Square is the perfect gateway between Flatiron and Lower Manhattan.
View of Union Square Holiday Market; November 2023
However, one of the best parts about staying in Union Square during a trip to NYC is its exceptional subway service – as the subway station at 14th St in Union Square offers lines 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, and L. This makes Union Square a great place for tourists in New York City who don’t want to walk 20,000 steps a day, as they’ll have easy and direct access to one of the most-connected subway stations in the city.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Washington Square Park: 10-minute walk
Empire State Building: 20-minute walk
Times Square: 35-minute walk
Subway Lines: Union Square hub offering lines 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W, and L
Price: Relatively affordable for a hotel in NYC
Best Hotels to Stay: Hyatt Union Square New York, Chelsea Inn
Best For: Travelers who aren’t interested in walking a million miles per day to see the city and who prefer to take the subway, but still want to be close to local neighborhoods like the East and West village
6. Murray Hill
Although this is a more residential and quiet neighborhood in New York City, Murray Hill is another affordable and central location – even for tourists visiting NYC for the first time.
Only a few Avenues away from the heart of Midtown or Herald Square, Murray Hill is an excellent neighborhood to stay in NYC for tourists looking to be close to major tourist attractions without being in the heart of the craziness.
Furthermore, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the Chrysler building at night and be nearby the beautiful Grand Central Station – which are a few pros to staying on the East Side of the city that are often overshadowed by popular tourist attractions such as Central Park or the Empire State Building.
View of the Chrysler building outside of Grand Central Station walking towards Murray Hill; November 2024
Plus, you’ll be easy walking distance to Park Avenue and Grammercy Park, both of which are mellow and underrated places in New York City perfect for wandering around – especially with a coffee in hand in the fall as the leaves change!
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Empire State Building: 15-minute walk
Times Square: 20-minute walk
Rockefeller Center: 20-minute walk
Subway Lines: Main Station is at Grand Central on 42nd street offering lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and the S (Shuttle)
Price: Ranges from affordable to expensive depending on the hotel you choose; rent and purchasing property is generally less expensive here than in other neighborhoods in NYC
Best Hotels to Stay: The Westin New York Grand Central, Pod 39
Best For: Travelers looking to be walking distance to the main tourist attractions in New York City, but aren’t interested in the chaos associated with staying in the heart of Midtown
7. Rose Hill
Another quieter, more residential neighborhood to stay in New York City – Rose Hill is often overlooked despite its pristine location, calmer vibes, and easy access to other popular neighborhoods such as Flatiron and the East Village.
Rose Hill is actually very similar in terms of location in comparison to Flatiron, with the exception of it being to the East. Regardless, this makes Rose Hill another great place to stay in NYC for tourists who want to be equally located between Midtown and spunkier neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan.
Walking towards Rose Hill in New York City; December 2020
Located only a few steps away from Madison Square Park or the Flatiron Building, Rose Hill is an underrated gem to stay in NYC. Plus, you’ll be nearby one of my favorite NYC coffee chains – Blue Bottle on 21st and Park Avenue.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Empire State Building: 15-minute walk
Times Square: 25-minute walk
Washington Square Park: 25-minute walk
Subway Lines: Main stations on 23rd and 28th streets offering 4, 6, R, and W lines
Price: Gets pricier the closer you get to Gramercy Park and will be less expensive as you head towards Kips Bay and Murray Hill
Best Hotels to Stay: Hotel Giraffe by Library Hotel Collection, Rented Air BnB for true local experience
Best For: Travelers who want a quieter neighborhood to stay in NYC without sacrificing location or being an easy walking distance to both tourist attractions in Midtown and funkier neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan
8. Tudor City
Just a few avenues away from Times Square, Tudor City is a great place to stay in New York City for people who want to explore the famous monuments found in Midtown without needing to stay right beside Bryant Park or in Times Square itself.
If you have an interest in the Tik Tok famous Roosevelt Island Tramway, this is a great location to be as you’ll already be all the way on the East Side and will simply need to walk up the streets to walk the cable car.
View of the sunrise on the East Side of New York City; November 2023
Tudor City is also a mere minute’s walk away from Grand Central Station – making this the perfect neighborhood to stay in NYC if you plan on arriving or leaving from the infamous train station.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Empire State Building: 20-minute walk
Rockefeller Center: 20-minute walk
Times Square: 25-minute walk
Subway Lines: Main Station is at Grand Central on 42nd street offering lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and the S (Shuttle)
Price: Less expensive than staying in the heart of Midtown
Best Hotels to Stay: Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza, Hampton Inn Grand Central
Best For: People traveling in pairs, such as couples, on a first trip to New York City looking for a more affordable, quieter place to stay while still being walking distance from Midtown and its tourist attractions
Check out our trip to NYC where we stayed at the Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza in my travel vlog below!
9. Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen gets a lot of unnecessary hate, and while it is less vibrant than other neighborhoods in NYC – it’s still a great location, especially for tourists.
This is because Hell’s Kitchen is in the heart of midtown to the West Side – making it perfect for those who want to discover the High Line or Chelsea, as you’ll only need to walk down the streets and will only be a 10 to 20-minute walk away from each.
View of Hell’s Kitchen in Midtown; September 2020
Plus, Hell’s Kitchen puts you close to Port Authority – which is where the majority of buses arrive and depart from making it an excellent location if you plan on getting to or leaving the city at an oddball hour.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Times Square: 10-minute walk
High Line: 15-minute walk
Empire State Building: 20-minute walk
Subway Lines: 50th Street station offers A, C, and E lines
Price: Still expensive, but usually less than staying in the heart of Times Square or other Midtown Locations
Best Hotels to Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West, Pod Times Square
Best For: First time visitors to NYC who want to be extremely close to all of the major tourist attractions in Midtown without paying Times Square price tags
Check out my trip to NYC where I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York Times Square West in my travel vlog below!
10. Chelsea
Lastly, as Chelsea regains momentum on Tik Tok for its infamous Chelsea Market and being a hotspot for hipsters and artists alike – it’s also worth noting that the location of this neighborhood is great for a trip to New York City.
Personally, I find Chelsea to be slightly rough around the edges, and the fact that it’s all the way to the West Side doesn’t make it one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC – but it’s still an excellent spot for those who want to be equidistant between the villages, SoHo, and tourist spots approaching Midtown.
In addition to this, staying in Chelsea gives you easy access to The Edge in NYC
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Washington Square Park: 20-minute walk
Empire State Building: 25-minute walk
Times Square: 30-minute walk
Subway Lines: 50th Street station offers A, C, and E lines
Price: Considered one of the most expensive places in all of Paris
Best Hotels to Stay: Moxy NYC Chelsea, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New York City – Chelsea
Best For: Travelers who want to easily explore the Chelsea Market and the High Line while still being less than a 30-minute walk to touristic spots in Midtown
Still have questions on where to stay and advice on the best neighborhoods in NYC?
Check out my FAQ on the best neighborhoods in New York City below!
🗽🇺🇸 NYC Neighborhoods FAQ 🏙️
| 📸 Which neighborhood in NYC is “postcard” New York City? | I find that when tourists think of New York City, the first image that comes to mind are classic locations in Midtown such as Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, and the Empire State Building. These neighborhoods include the Diamond District, Theater District, and Midtown East, Midtown West, or Midtown South. |
| 💵 What is the cheapest neighborhood in NYC? | Murray Hill, Hudson Yards, Harlem, and areas in Upper Manhattan such as Manhattanville are usually much less expensive to stay in – as I’ve seen Airbnbs in these parts of the city be drastically cheaper than Airbnbs I’ve stayed in near Herald Square. |
| 🧳 Which neighborhood in NYC is best for tourists? | As someone who has spent their whole life traveling to New York City since I was a little girl, with my mother being from Brooklyn, and even having lived in NYC for a while myself – I truly believe that Flatiron and Herald Square are the two best neighborhoods for tourists to stay in while in New York City. |
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Last updated: September 1, 2025