Where to Stay in New York City (Best Areas & Hotels)

Compare New York City Hotels and Prices

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Choosing Your Neighbourhood in New York City

Choosing where to stay in New York City is about more than finding the hotel closest to Times Square. Every neighbourhood has its own pace, personality and practical advantages, and the right base can completely change how your trip feels.

Before booking, look at the nearest subway stations as carefully as the hotel itself. A property slightly farther from the major landmarks but close to several subway lines may be much more convenient than one in a famous location with limited connections. It is also worth considering what you want outside your hotel door: bright lights and Broadway theatres, quiet residential streets, independent restaurants, waterfront views or late-night entertainment.

First-Time Visitors: Midtown Manhattan, Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen

For a first visit to New York, Midtown Manhattan is often the most straightforward place to stay. It places you close to many of the sights visitors recognise immediately, including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Fifth Avenue, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal and the Museum of Modern Art.

Staying around Times Square or the Theatre District is particularly convenient for Broadway shows and evening entertainment. There is an enormous choice of accommodation, from compact budget rooms to large international hotels and luxury properties. The trade-off is that Times Square is busy, brightly lit and crowded for much of the day and night. Travellers who enjoy being in the middle of the action may love it, while those looking for peaceful evenings may prefer one of Midtown’s surrounding districts.

Immediately west, Hell’s Kitchen offers excellent access to Broadway, Hudson Yards, the Hudson River waterfront and the restaurants of Ninth Avenue. It can feel more like a lived-in neighbourhood than Times Square, while still keeping Midtown’s attractions within walking distance. It is an especially good option for theatre lovers who want plenty of restaurants nearby without staying directly among the Times Square crowds.

For a calmer Midtown base, consider Midtown East, Murray Hill or the area around Grand Central Terminal. These neighbourhoods are convenient for business travellers and tend to feel quieter in the evening. NoMad, near Madison Square Park, is another stylish alternative, offering fashionable hotels, good restaurants and easy access to both Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

Midtown is extremely well connected, but it covers a large area. Check whether your hotel is closer to Times Square, Grand Central, Penn Station or Central Park South rather than relying on the word “Midtown” alone.

Families and Culture Lovers: Upper West Side and Lincoln Square

The Upper West Side offers a gentler introduction to New York without placing visitors too far from the major attractions. Located between Central Park and the Hudson River, it combines residential streets, brownstone buildings, family-friendly restaurants and excellent cultural institutions.

Families can stay close to the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park’s playgrounds, walking paths and open spaces. The neighbourhood is also convenient for the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, while Lincoln Square provides access to Lincoln Center, performance venues and restaurants around Columbus Avenue and Broadway.

Hotels around West 59th Street, Columbus Circle and Lincoln Square make it easy to reach Midtown and the southern part of Central Park. Farther north, areas around West 72nd Street, West 79th Street and West 86th Street tend to feel more residential while remaining well connected by subway.

The Upper West Side is a strong choice for families who want calmer mornings and evenings after busy sightseeing days. It also suits repeat visitors who would rather stay in a neighbourhood with supermarkets, bakeries, cafés and local restaurants than return to the crowds of Times Square every night.

Visitors should still check the exact location carefully. The Upper West Side stretches for many blocks, and a hotel near Columbus Circle offers a different experience from one closer to Morningside Heights or Columbia University.

Luxury Hotels: Upper East Side, Central Park South and Tribeca

Better-Value Hotels: Financial District, Downtown Brooklyn and Long Island City

New York accommodation is rarely inexpensive, but choosing the right district can help you find more space or better hotel standards for your budget.

The Financial District, often shortened to FiDi, can offer better-value rooms than Times Square and central Midtown, particularly during quieter business periods. The neighbourhood has a wide selection of modern chain hotels, apartment-style properties and newer boutique accommodation. It also provides excellent subway connections, making it possible to reach Midtown, Brooklyn and other parts of Manhattan without difficulty.

Staying in Lower Manhattan puts you close to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, One World Trade Center, the Oculus, Wall Street, The Battery, the South Street Seaport and ferries offering views of the Statue of Liberty. Battery Park City is quieter and more residential, with waterfront paths and open spaces, while the Seaport District has restaurants and historic streets near the East River.

The main consideration is atmosphere. Some streets around the office district are much quieter after the working day than Midtown or the Village. That can be a welcome advantage for travellers who value restful evenings, but visitors seeking nightlife immediately outside their hotel may prefer another area.

Across the East River, Long Island City in Queens is one of the most practical alternatives to Manhattan. Hotels near Court Square, Queens Plaza or Queensboro Plaza can provide convenient subway access to Midtown, often with newer rooms and skyline views. Make sure the hotel is genuinely close to a subway station, as listings described simply as “Queens” can be much farther from central Manhattan.

Downtown Brooklyn is another useful option, with multiple subway lines and straightforward access to Lower Manhattan. It is close to Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Fort Greene and the Brooklyn waterfront, making it a good compromise between convenient transport and a more local Brooklyn experience.

Food, Shopping and Classic New York Atmosphere: Greenwich Village, Chelsea and SoHo

A Brooklyn Experience: DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg

Staying in Brooklyn allows visitors to experience a different side of New York while remaining within easy reach of Manhattan.

DUMBO is one of the most visually striking areas, with cobbled streets, converted warehouses and waterfront views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. Brooklyn Bridge Park provides promenades, lawns, playgrounds and some of the city’s best skyline views. Hotels here are limited and often expensive, but the setting is memorable.

Next door, Brooklyn Heights offers elegant brownstone streets and a quieter residential atmosphere. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade overlooks Lower Manhattan, while several subway stations provide access to Manhattan. Accommodation within Brooklyn Heights itself is limited, so travellers may also find hotels around Downtown Brooklyn.

For restaurants, nightlife and boutique accommodation, Williamsburg is a popular choice. Its hotels often feature rooftop spaces and Manhattan skyline views, while Bedford Avenue and the surrounding streets are filled with cafés, bars and independent shops. Williamsburg suits repeat visitors and travellers who want nightlife and local character, although reaching some Midtown attractions may take longer than from central Manhattan.

Nearby Greenpoint is calmer and more residential, while Fort Greene, Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill offer brownstone streets, independent restaurants and a relaxed Brooklyn atmosphere. These areas can be excellent for longer stays, but always check walking distance to the subway before booking.

Ultimately, the best New York neighbourhood depends on the experience you want. Midtown offers maximum convenience, downtown Manhattan provides nightlife and character, the Upper West Side suits families, Lower Manhattan and Queens can offer stronger value, and Brooklyn gives visitors a more local perspective. Choosing a hotel near a useful subway station will make almost any of these areas a practical base for exploring the city.

Top New York Hotels for Every Travel Budget

Budget-Friendly Stays in New York City

Pod Times Square. 400 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 – Compact, cleverly designed rooms for solo travellers and couples who value location over extra space. The hotel is close to Times Square, the Theatre District and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, making it a convenient base for sightseeing, Broadway shows and travelling around Manhattan.

YOTEL New York Times Square. 570 Tenth Ave, New York, NY 10036 – A modern hotel with space-efficient cabin-style rooms, self-service check-in and a large rooftop terrace overlooking Manhattan. Its Midtown West location is particularly convenient for Times Square, Broadway theatres, Hudson Yards and the Jacob Javits Convention Centre.

Moxy NYC Times Square. 485 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018 – A lively, design-led hotel offering compact rooms, sociable communal spaces and the popular Magic Hour rooftop bar. It is a good match for younger travellers, couples and friends who want an energetic atmosphere close to Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, Times Square and the Empire State Building.

Hotel 32|32. 32 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016 – A welcoming boutique-style hotel with brighter, more spacious accommodation than many compact Midtown properties. Select rooms include kitchens or private balconies, while the Koreatown and NoMad location puts guests within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Herald Square, Madison Square Park and Grand Central Terminal.

Pod 39. 145 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016 – A budget-conscious Midtown option with small but practical rooms, relaxed communal spaces and a rooftop bar with city views. Its quieter Murray Hill setting is only a few blocks from Grand Central Terminal, providing convenient subway connections while keeping Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue and the United Nations within easy reach.

Well-Located Hotels for Sightseeing & Shopping

The Ludlow Hotel. 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 – A characterful Lower East Side hotel with loft-inspired interiors, a welcoming lounge and impressive city views from selected rooms. Its location is ideal for exploring the neighbourhood’s independent restaurants, bars, music venues and galleries, while the popular Dirty French restaurant provides a convenient dining option without leaving the hotel.

Arlo Midtown. 351 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 – A modern Midtown West hotel with thoughtfully designed rooms, relaxed communal areas, an in-house restaurant and a rooftop space with Manhattan views. It is particularly convenient for Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Broadway theatres and Hudson Yards, making it a practical choice for sightseeing and short city breaks.

Hotel Beacon. 2130 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 – A comfortable Upper West Side hotel offering apartment-style rooms and suites with useful kitchenettes, making it especially suitable for families and longer stays. Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Centre and the Beacon Theatre are all nearby, while the surrounding streets offer supermarkets, cafés and neighbourhood restaurants.

citizenM New York Bowery. 189 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 – A contemporary, technology-focused hotel with compact rooms, extra-large beds, blackout blinds and controls for the lighting, temperature and entertainment system. The cloudM rooftop bar offers sweeping skyline views, while the Bowery location places guests within walking distance of the Lower East Side, SoHo, Nolita, Chinatown and Little Italy.

The Wallace. 242 W 76th St, New York, NY 10023 – An elegant Upper West Side hotel offering unusually spacious, residential-style rooms and suites in a quieter neighbourhood setting. It is a strong option for couples, families and travellers who want more room to unwind, with Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, Riverside Park and the restaurants of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue all within easy reach.

Stylish New York Hotels with Standout Locations

Freehand New York. 23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010 – A creative, sociable hotel housed inside the former George Washington Hotel in the Flatiron District. Its individually styled rooms, original artwork, rooftop bar and lively dining spaces make it a good option for couples, friends and solo travellers who want more personality than a conventional chain hotel, with Madison Square Park, Union Square and NoMad all within easy walking distance.

The Standard, High Line. 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014 – A striking design hotel positioned directly above the High Line in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city or Hudson River, while the hotel’s restaurants, nightlife and proximity to Chelsea Market, Little Island and the West Village make it particularly appealing to couples and style-conscious travellers.

The William Vale. 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249 – A contemporary Williamsburg hotel known for panoramic Manhattan views and private balconies attached to every guest room and suite. Guests also have access to several dining venues, the Westlight rooftop bar, a seasonal outdoor pool and convenient connections to Manhattan, while McCarren Park and Williamsburg’s restaurants, cafés and independent shops are close by.

The Evelyn Hotel. 7 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016 – An elegant Art Deco-inspired hotel in NoMad, combining historic New York character with polished modern rooms. Its central position near Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building makes sightseeing straightforward, while several on-site dining options, a complimentary guest wine hour and neighbourhood walking tours add extra value to the stay.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn. 252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 – A design-focused Brooklyn hotel with spacious communal areas, locally inspired artwork and comfortable rooms featuring large windows and modern rainfall showers. Located between Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, it provides easy access to several subway lines, Barclays Centre, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene and the brownstone neighbourhoods surrounding Atlantic Avenue.

Exceptional 5-Star Hotels for a Luxury New York Stay

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. 50 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019 – A refined Central Park South hotel offering elegant rooms and suites, attentive personal service and impressive park or Manhattan views from selected accommodation. Its prestigious location places guests close to Fifth Avenue, Carnegie Hall, Columbus Circle, the Museum of Modern Art and the southern entrance to Central Park, making it an excellent choice for classic New York luxury.

The Mark. 25 E 77th St, New York, NY 10075 – A sophisticated Upper East Side hotel combining bold contemporary design with discreet, highly personalised service. Guests can dine at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, explore Madison Avenue’s designer boutiques or walk to Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the galleries and museums of Museum Mile.

Four Seasons New York Downtown. 27 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007 – A sleek, residential-style luxury hotel positioned between Tribeca and the World Trade Centre. Alongside spacious accommodation, guests can enjoy an extensive spa, a 75-foot indoor lap pool and CUT by Wolfgang Puck, while the Oculus, Wall Street, SoHo, the Seaport District and Battery Park are all within easy reach.

Aman New York. 730 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10019 – An exceptionally private urban retreat occupying Manhattan’s landmark Crown Building, just moments from Central Park. Its 83 spacious suites are complemented by several restaurants, a year-round garden terrace, an intimate jazz club and an expansive three-storey wellness centre featuring a 65-foot indoor pool, treatment rooms and private Spa Houses.

The Peninsula New York. 700 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10019 – A landmark Fifth Avenue hotel combining traditional service with newly refreshed rooms, elegant public spaces and modern in-room technology. The hotel features a glass-enclosed swimming pool, a full-service spa and the Pen Top rooftop lounge, while Rockefeller Centre, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park and some of New York’s most famous shopping streets are only a short walk away.

Where to Stay Near New York City’s Most Famous Landmarks

Refinery Hotel – Near Bryant Park and the Empire State Building. 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 – A stylish Garment District hotel created inside a former hat factory, with loft-inspired rooms, high ceilings and design details reflecting the building’s industrial past. Its popular rooftop bar offers memorable views towards the Empire State Building, while Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue, Times Square and Grand Central Terminal are all within comfortable walking distance.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Near the Brooklyn Bridge. 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 – A sustainability-focused waterfront hotel overlooking the East River and Lower Manhattan skyline. Rooms feature natural materials, reclaimed design elements and greenery, while the hotel also offers a rooftop bar, seasonal rooftop pool and wellness spa. Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO, Jane’s Carousel and the pedestrian entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge are just outside.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park – Near Central Park. 50 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019 – A refined five-star hotel positioned directly opposite Central Park’s southern entrances, with elegant rooms, attentive service and park views from selected accommodation. Its prestigious Central Park South location is also convenient for Fifth Avenue, Columbus Circle, Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art and the shops surrounding Midtown Manhattan.

The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel – Near One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial. 123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038 – A striking Lower Manhattan hotel set inside a restored landmark building, known for its dramatic nine-storey atrium, historic architecture and sophisticated restaurants and lounges. The World Trade Centre, Oculus, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, City Hall and the Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge are all within walking distance, making it an atmospheric base for exploring Downtown New York.

M Social Hotel New York Times Square – Near Times Square and Broadway. 226 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 – A contemporary Midtown hotel combining a central Theatre District location with modern rooms and lively communal spaces. Its elevated restaurant and rooftop terrace overlook the surrounding Manhattan skyline, while Times Square, Broadway theatres, Rockefeller Centre, Radio City Music Hall and Central Park are all easily reached on foot.

Useful New York City Travel Websites and Apps

Citymapper: Plan door-to-door journeys across New York using subway, bus, ferry, rail, cycling and walking routes. Citymapper provides live departure information, disruption alerts, journey times and estimated costs, making it especially useful when comparing several ways to reach the same destination. Check important service changes against the official transport operator before travelling.

MTA – Metropolitan Transportation Authority: The official source for New York City subway and bus information, as well as Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North services. Use it to plan journeys, view maps and timetables, check live service status, find planned engineering work and confirm whether lifts or escalators are operating at accessible stations.

OMNY: Learn how to pay for subway and bus journeys by tapping a contactless bank card, mobile wallet, wearable device or OMNY card. The site explains current fares, reduced-fare options and the weekly fare cap. Use the same card or device for every journey so your eligible trips are counted correctly.

MTA Airport Travel Guides: Check the official public-transport options between New York City and JFK or LaGuardia Airport. The guides compare AirTrain, subway, bus and Long Island Rail Road routes and are useful for confirming current fares, expected journey times and any planned service changes before a flight.

NYC Ferry: View ferry routes, departure times, ticket information and live service alerts for journeys along the East River and between several waterfront neighbourhoods. Services connect locations including Wall Street, DUMBO, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Astoria, Long Island City and the Rockaways, often with excellent skyline views along the way.

Staten Island Ferry: Find official schedules and passenger information for the free ferry between Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and St. George Terminal on Staten Island. This service is operated separately from NYC Ferry and offers memorable views across New York Harbor, including the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline.

PATH: Check maps, schedules, fares and service alerts for trains connecting Manhattan with Jersey City, Hoboken and Newark. PATH is particularly useful for travellers staying in New Jersey, but it operates separately from the MTA subway, so fares and payment arrangements should be checked independently.

NJ Transit: Plan rail and bus journeys between New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport and destinations across New Jersey. This is an important resource for visitors staying outside Manhattan or travelling through Newark Airport, with live departure information, ticketing guidance and service alerts available online.

Citi Bike: New York’s bike-sharing service provides single rides and visitor passes, with docking stations across large parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as Jersey City and Hoboken. Use the website or app to check current bike and dock availability, understand ride limits and locate nearby stations before setting off.

New York City Tourism + Conventions: The city’s official visitor website offers neighbourhood guides, attraction ideas, event listings, seasonal recommendations, maps and practical planning information covering all five boroughs. It is a useful starting point for discovering activities beyond Manhattan’s most famous landmarks.

511NY: Check traffic conditions, road incidents, public-transport information and travel alerts across New York State and the wider metropolitan area. It is especially helpful for airport transfers, coach journeys, driving routes or day trips that extend beyond the New York City subway network.

Flying into JFK before or after your New York stay? Explore our Hotels Near JFK Airport guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in New York City

1. Which part of New York City should I stay in?
New York City is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Manhattan is usually the most convenient choice for a first visit because it contains many of the city’s best-known attractions and has extensive subway connections. Brooklyn offers excellent restaurants, nightlife and skyline views, while areas such as Long Island City in Queens can provide better-value hotels with quick transport into Manhattan. The Bronx is useful for attractions such as Yankee Stadium and the New York Botanical Garden, while Staten Island is generally less convenient as a sightseeing base unless you specifically want a quieter stay away from central Manhattan.

2. What is the best area to stay in New York City for sightseeing?
Midtown Manhattan is the most convenient area for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions. Depending on your hotel’s exact location, you may be able to walk to Times Square, Broadway theatres, the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and the southern edge of Central Park. Midtown also has numerous subway lines, making it easy to reach Lower Manhattan, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn and other parts of the city. For a slightly calmer atmosphere, consider Midtown East, Murray Hill, NoMad or Hell’s Kitchen rather than staying directly in Times Square.

3. Is New York City safe for tourists?
New York City is generally safe for visitors, particularly in busy neighbourhoods such as Midtown, the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg. As in any large city, remain aware of your surroundings, keep phones and wallets secure in crowded stations and avoid leaving bags unattended. Use well-lit streets at night, check your route before setting off and be cautious if someone approaches you with an unsolicited offer or asks for money. On the subway, choose a carriage with other passengers and move away from any situation that makes you uncomfortable.

4. What are the best New York neighbourhoods for nightlife?
The Lower East Side and East Village are excellent for independent bars, live music, comedy venues and late-night restaurants. The West Village offers cocktail bars, jazz clubs and a more intimate atmosphere, while Chelsea and the Meatpacking District are known for larger venues, rooftop bars and fashionable nightlife. Across the river, Williamsburg in Brooklyn combines live music, breweries, rooftop venues and restaurants with views of the Manhattan skyline. Visitors who are sensitive to noise should request a room away from the street or choose a hotel outside the busiest nightlife blocks.

5. How expensive are hotels in New York City?
New York is one of the more expensive cities for accommodation, and prices can change considerably according to the season, day of the week, hotel location and major events. Manhattan rooms often cost several hundred dollars per night, while luxury hotels can be considerably more expensive. Better prices may be available in the Financial District at weekends, Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn, Jersey City or during quieter winter periods. Hotel rooms are often smaller than visitors expect, particularly in Midtown, so compare room measurements as well as the nightly price before booking.

6. Are taxes and additional charges included in New York hotel prices?
Always compare the final booking total rather than relying only on the advertised nightly rate. New York City hotel stays are subject to city and state taxes, together with fixed daily room charges. For most standard hotel rooms, the combined percentage taxes are approximately 14.75%, with additional fixed charges normally added for each room and night. Since February 2026, mandatory hotel charges must be clearly included in the displayed total price, but you should still check the cancellation terms, deposit requirements and any temporary credit-card hold before confirming your reservation.

7. Is New York City easy to explore on foot?
Many parts of Manhattan are very walkable, and walking is often the best way to experience neighbourhoods such as SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, the Lower East Side and the Financial District. Manhattan’s numbered streets and avenues make navigation relatively straightforward, but distances can be deceptive and a route that appears short on a map may involve a lengthy walk. Comfortable shoes are essential, and most visitors combine walking with subway journeys. Remember that Broadway runs diagonally through much of Manhattan, while Lower Manhattan has older, less predictable street patterns.

8. Where should families stay in New York City?
The Upper West Side is one of the best areas for families because it has a calmer residential atmosphere, convenient subway connections and easy access to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. Hotels near Lincoln Square and Columbus Circle are particularly convenient for reaching Midtown. Battery Park City is another family-friendly choice, with waterfront paths, playgrounds and more open space than many central neighbourhoods. Families seeking larger rooms or kitchen facilities should also consider Long Island City, Downtown Brooklyn and apartment-style hotels, but check the room’s maximum occupancy carefully before booking.

9. Where should I stay for Broadway shows?
Times Square, the Theater District and Hell’s Kitchen provide the easiest access to Broadway theatres. Most venues are concentrated between West 41st and West 54th Streets, mainly between Sixth and Ninth Avenues, so many hotels are within walking distance. Hell’s Kitchen is a particularly good alternative to Times Square because it offers a wider range of neighbourhood restaurants and can feel less hectic. Staying near Columbus Circle, Bryant Park or Midtown West also provides convenient access without placing you directly among the brightest and busiest streets.

10. Where can I find better-value accommodation in New York City?
The Financial District can offer competitive rates, particularly at weekends when business demand falls. It is well connected by subway and close to the 9/11 Memorial, One World Trade Center, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge and ferries from Lower Manhattan. Long Island City in Queens often has newer hotels and quick subway connections to Midtown, while Downtown Brooklyn provides access to several subway lines and neighbourhoods including DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene. Always check the walking distance to the nearest station, as a cheaper hotel can become inconvenient if it is poorly connected.

11. What is the best time of year to visit New York City?
Late spring and early autumn usually provide the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing, with milder temperatures than midsummer and midwinter. April, May, September and October are popular, so hotel prices may still be high. Summer can be hot and humid but brings outdoor events, rooftop venues and longer daylight hours. November and December are atmospheric because of festive displays and seasonal events, although Thanksgiving and the Christmas period can be exceptionally busy and expensive. January and February often bring lower hotel rates, but visitors should be prepared for cold weather and possible snow.

12. How do I travel from New York’s airports to Manhattan?
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica for the Long Island Rail Road or the E, J and Z subway lines, or travel through Howard Beach for the A train. The subway and AirTrain combination currently costs $11.75 for most adults, while the Long Island Rail Road is faster from Midtown but costs more. From LaGuardia Airport, the free Q70 bus connects with subway and Long Island Rail Road services in Queens, while the M60 bus serves Upper Manhattan. From Newark Airport, travellers normally use AirTrain Newark with an NJ Transit train to Penn Station, an airport coach or a pre-booked car service. Allow extra time when travelling with luggage or during peak traffic.

13. Is New York’s public transport easy for tourists to use?
Yes. The subway and buses cover most areas visitors are likely to explore, and much of the subway operates around the clock, although routes and frequencies can change overnight and at weekends. The standard subway and local bus fare is currently $3. You can pay by tapping a contactless bank card, mobile wallet, wearable device or OMNY card at the turnstile or bus reader. Use the same card or device for every journey to receive free eligible transfers and benefit from the rolling seven-day fare cap, currently $35. MetroCards can no longer be purchased or refilled, so visitors should plan to use OMNY.

14. How many days do I need in New York City?
Four or five full days provide a good introduction to New York and allow time for several major attractions without rushing continuously. A three-day visit can cover Midtown, Central Park and parts of Lower Manhattan, while a week gives you time to explore Brooklyn, Queens, museums and less touristy neighbourhoods. Group nearby attractions together to reduce unnecessary travel—for example, combine the 9/11 Memorial with Wall Street and the Staten Island Ferry, or visit Central Park alongside the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the American Museum of Natural History.

15. Are Airbnb and other short-term apartment rentals legal in New York City?
New York City has strict short-term rental rules. In most permanent residential buildings, an entire apartment or home cannot legally be rented to visitors for fewer than 30 days. For shorter stays, the registered host generally has to remain in the same home, and no more than two paying guests are permitted. Booking platforms are not allowed to process reservations for unregistered short-term rentals. Before booking an apartment, check that the listing complies with New York City regulations; hotels, aparthotels and properly licensed accommodation are usually the safer choice for short visits.