Where to Stay in NYC: Top Neighborhoods for Families, Budget & First-Timers

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How Big is the Big Apple? Understanding the Scale of NYC

‍Fair warning: when you visit the Big Apple, don’t be surprised at how completely different each borough and neighborhood can feel. New York City sprawls across five unique boroughs, each with its own distinct personality and attractions. Manhattan feels like the New York City you see in the movies while maintaining a homey and family-friendly feeling in a few neighborhoods. Brooklyn can feel artsy, eclectic, or gritty, depending on the neighborhood you find yourself in. Bronx, and Queens, feel more ethnic with their many pockets of culture. And Staten Island is the quietest borough. 

With so many areas worth exploring, the visitors we assist often find themselves surprised by the travel durations between boroughs. But that's part of what makes NYC special - it's like having five mini-cities in one! That expansive size means getting around to see everything in NYC can take a while. To avoid this, we always recommend staying away from some areas when our local experts help plan itineraries for visitors. At Khonsu, we connect visitors to locals who share insider tips online.

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Ever underestimated the distance from far uptown Manhattan to the borough’s downtown? New York City sprawls across five unique boroughs, each with its own distinct personality and history. While a quick ferry ride can whisk you to trendy spots like DUMBO in Brooklyn, exploring deeper areas like Coney Island requires some dedicated time. Travelers we assist often find themselves surprised by the travel durations between boroughs – that's part of what makes NYC special, it's like having five mini-cities in one! Fun fact: Did you know Brooklyn once had a larger population than Manhattan?

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Because getting around New York City can take a while, especially if you're heading to Manhattan, where most of the action is, we suggest avoiding certain areas unless you have a good reason to stay there. Here's where we don't recommend staying: 

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NYC Neighborhoods to Avoid Staying In

Too Far Uptown Manhattan

If you must stay further uptown, we don’t recommend going further than Harlem. Bronx, Yonkers,  and Washington Heights are way too far.

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Too Far East

Stay away from areas deep inside Brooklyn and Queens. Commuting from these areas to the places you’ll want to seemay mean taking multiple trains and hour- long journeys

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Too Disconnected From Manhattan

Staten Island as a whole (the ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, and there are no subways into Manhattan).

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If this is your first time reading our travel blog, here’s our introduction. We connect local Experience Designers to overnight visitors so they can collaborate on a custom guides and save time planning things to do. Space is limited. Reserve time with our team early.

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Manhattan Hotels For First-Time Visitors, Families, & Those Who Want to See It All

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To maximize your time and ensure you don’t spend most of it on the train, we recommend you stay near transportation and attractions. Manhattan is usually the best bet for most visitors, as it puts you close to everything and minimizes travel times. Here are some prime areas to consider:

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Times Square

Times Square is perfect for families and first-time visitors. The area may feel touristy and busy, but it offers easy access to major attractions like Broadway’s famous theater shows, the iconic neon lights in the center of Times Square, and countless attractions like Madame Toussads and Birdlands Jazz Club. The neighborhood is itself iconic so if you’re a first-time visitor, you may want to spend some time taking in the sensorial overload that is Times Square

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More Things to Do in Times Square:

Families will want to head to Minskoff Theater for the always-popular Lion King,  customize their own M & Ms at the M & M Store, or visit one of the interactive museums. First-time visitors may want to admire the amazing views from any of Times Square’s rooftop bars after catching a Broadway show. If this seems like a lot, use our handy free day planner to map everything you want to see into the perfect itinerary.

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Midtown

 If you’re seeking convenience and proximity to iconic landmarks, Midtown is the ideal neighborhood for you. Many of NYC's iconic attractions - Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and many more - call the area home so it's a popular (and busy) area. To make your life easier, the area is also home to many of the city’s best hotels. Snag a room in one of them and you may find yourself within walking distance of many of the places you want to see!. If you’re looking for more information on NYC’s must-do attractions, take a look at our guide here.

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More Things to Do in Midtown:

‍When you need a bit of quiet, Midtown is home to historic public spaces like the massive New York City Public Library and Bryant Park. If you have kids, take them to explore Central Park or the family delights in Rockefeller Plaza.

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Upper East (UES) or West Side (UWS)

In Uptown Manhattan, you'll find the residential Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods, along with parts of the expansive Central Park. Upper East Side’s notable attractions include Museum Mile, home to renowned institutions like the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While the Upper West Side is home to family favorites like the American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Musuem of Manhattan. 

Since both neighborhoods are home to many local families, you can expect to find excellent dining options and an environment ideal for families or those seeking a peaceful stay away from the city center's hustle and bustle.

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Other Things To Do in UWS and UES:

Take in a ballet or a NYC Philharmonica performance at the Lincoln Center. It’s a relaxing way to spend an evening, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a family. Sound like something you would love? Add it to your itinerary with our free day planner. It’s easy to use and a great way to map out all the places you want to see in NYC

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Downtown Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan, encompassing several iconic neighborhoods, including the Financial District, SoHo, and Chinatown, offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. The Financial District has historic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and modern attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum without being as touristy as Midtown. For a central base with easy access to Brooklyn and the rest of Manhattan, there is also the Lower East Side or East Village, both known for their diverse dining (including the famous Katz Deli) and popping nightlife scenes.

Other Things To Do in Downtown Manhattan:

Spend a few hours exploring the fascinating sculptures on Wall Street. We recommend seeing Wall Street’s ‘Charging Bull’ and the ‘Fearless Girl’ sculptor staring it down!  

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Chelsea & The West Village

With its diverse dining and entertainment options, if you stay in Chelsea, you’ll be close to a variety of restaurants, lounges, art galleries, and cocktail bars. The neighborhood is also a prominent nightlife and LGBTQ hub. Attractions like flea markets, antique shops, and the scenic High Line offer unique experiences you won’t find in the rest of Manhattan. 

The nearby West Village, slightly more downtown, also offers a tranquil escape from the city's constant buzz. Despite its celebrity appeal, West Village maintains a low-key ambiance, with cobblestone streets and charming sidewalk cafés creating a serene atmosphere. While busy during the day, it quiets down at night, making it an ideal place to rest after a long day of sightseeing.

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Where to Stay For Travelers on a Budget

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If Manhattan prices are a bit steep for you, consider staying off the island but in areas close to either the Hudson or East River. The advantages of these neighborhoods are slightly lower prices and minimal travel distances. Here are two great options near ferries and major subway lines:

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Long Island City (LIC) in Queens

The trendy and hip LIC offers great food and drink options and easy access to the Astoria Ferry, which provides a quick connection to Midtown Manhattan. If you miss the ferry, the 7 train can get you to Grand Central in under 20 minutes. While attractions may be slightly less accessible than staying in Manhattan, LIC is perfect for travelers wanting to explore both Queens and Manhattan or seeking more affordable accommodations.

If you're looking for a list of recommended hotels in LIC, you'll find 7 that we highly recommend in this article.

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Other Things to Do in LIC:

If you’re a fan of Isamu Noguchi, the famous Japanese sculptor, one of the top things to do in LIC is a visit to Noguchi Museum. In addition to the three galleries dedicated to his work, there is a cool outdoor scultptor garden with spots that will be a perfect backdrop for your selfies.

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Williamsburg in Brooklyn

Similar to LIC but with a younger vibe, artsy Williamsburg is perfect for travelers who can't afford a hotel in Manhattan - or want to be close to Brooklyn's nightlife scene. The neighborhood offers convenient access to downtown Manhattan via the East River Ferry. Additionally, you can make quick trips to Manhattan via the L train that passes through Bedford Ave. Hotels here are fantastic and often more budget-friendly than comparable options in Manhattan.

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Other Things to Do in Williamsburg:

‍Take a street art tour to see some of Brooklyn’s edgy urban art. Sample craft beer from any of the area’s countless craft beer spots - Williamsburg is also home to the famous Brooklyn Brewery if you want to experience the beer-making process firsthand. You can also grab a meal from Smorgasburg, the popular street food festival, or go thrifting in any of the numerous thrift stores. Williamsburg is chock full of amazing things to do that you can map out on our free day planner so you don’t miss anything

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Visiting New York City?

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