In this guide, I tell you more about the city’s best areas and recommend hotels in New York that are centrally located in good locations.

I’m a Danish travel blogger who used to have a travel agency that did tours to New York City – so if you still need help finding where to book your hotel after reading this guide, please comment below, and I’ll try and help you out.

I promise that the guide below will make you more knowledgeable about the best areas of New York and that my hotel recommendations can help you find an excellent place to stay in ‘The Big Apple’.

So let’s get started with the guide: where to stay in NYC?

Best areas in NYC

If you’re in a rush – here’s the overview of the best area to stay:

• Soho – my favourite area to stay in New York
• Lower East Side & East Village – stay here for the best vibes in Manhattan
• Midtown – best area to stay for families (near Times Square)
• Chelsea – best area to stay to feel like a New Yorker
• Williamsburg – the coolest area for trendy travellers

Click on the area above to see the best hotel deals.

1. Soho – my favourite area to stay in New York

Yep, I just chose the best area in New York. Soho is located in Manhattan’s Downtown, and many also call Soho ‘the real New York’.

I love Soho, which combines many of the good things I like about New York. There are many people here, as there are everywhere in the city, but it feels less intense than further north in Manhattan.

Check out the best hotel deals in Soho.

There are still many small side streets where you can sneak down and then be rewarded with finding an excellent coffee shop.

There is also Broadway, where the shopping opportunities are eminent – just ask my girlfriend, who could spend many days just shopping in Soho

Soho is a safe area, by the way; there are a lot of tourists here, but it’s not annoying.

In Soho, as mentioned, there are also pleasant side streets with little traffic, and you can just wade around and enjoy the lovely buildings.

Watch a short video from Soho below to get an impression of the area – the guide continues below the video:

Incidentally, Soho is right next to Little Italy and Chinatown – both are must-see areas and places to go in New York.

Another good thing about Soho is that there are several Subway lines to choose from here, which means that you can easily and quickly get around to the other parts of the city, both in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

It’s also easy to get to/from Newark and JFK airports, so it all just works – also with the practical details that matter a lot on your trip to New York.

I am a fan of Soho and would like to recommend finding a hotel in the area.

Places to stay in Soho

Let’s look at a few different hotels in the area below.

Nice hotel in Soho – citizenM New York Bowery

 The hotel has this cool bar attached, so you also save the trip to the Empire State Building if you stay here

And then to a somewhat different hotel, the fantastic citizenM New York Bowery.

It is a new hotel that opened its doors in September 2018 – if you look at the reviews from the guests of the place (the hotel gets a score of 9.6 out of 10), it must have been an excellent idea to open this hotel.

Here you get a super-modern hotel in Soho; actually right in the area I like best, east of Broadway towards the Lower East Side right off the Bowery Subway St. In my eyes, it doesn’t get any better in terms of location in New York.

I honestly don’t have much else to say about this hotel – if you’re looking for a good hotel in Soho, book here. There is a cool lounge/bar in the reception area, free wifi and even an (almost) rooftop bar with a formidable view of the city (see more photos from the hotel at the link below).

The price is actually surprisingly low, but of course not cheap as it is a brand new 4 star hotel in New York City.

See more photos and book the hotel here.

NoMo Soho

NoMo Soho could also be mentioned in the same ballpark.

There are slightly more rooms here, the hotel has half a star more and the price is also just a few percent higher. Again a hotel with a perfect location in Soho, incredibly good reviews and a very modern interior.

It is a slightly larger hotel with 263 rooms, two bars and a restaurant. The advantage compared to citizenM is that NoMo has a large number of different room types.

So if you e.g. are a family with children traveling to New York, you can book into a room type with room for the children.

See more about NoMo Soho and book the hotel online here.

2. Lower East Side & East Village – stay here for the best vibes in Manhattan

On my first trip to New York, I stayed in the Lower East Side (right on the border with the East Village) and was sold immediately.

Here you stay in New York without feeling trapped in a ‘Disneyland New York‘ – understood in the way that NYC (and all other big cities) can feel a little fake if you are in the most touristy area.

It’s not the case with the Lower East Side or East Village. There is a vast selection of good restaurants, bars and cafes in these areas.

See current offers for hotels in the Lower East Side.

Again, a small video showing the East Village and Lower East Side, so you can get an impression of the area – the guide continues below the video:

While Soho is undoubted quite a touristy area (though not in a bad way), the Lower East Side and East Village feel much more like an area with a local feel in New York.

The Lower East Side also has plenty of classic New York fire escapes.

I would recommend all types of travellers to stay here, but it might be perfect for young people who also want the opportunity to have a few drinks at a super cool local bar – and come home with a good story from an area where the neighbour may not have been recently, even if he has been to New York several times

“LES” is one of my favourite areas in New York and, without a doubt, the first place I look for cheap hotels when I go to the city.

The area is within walking distance of Soho, so you are close to all the excellent shopping opportunities but also away from (most of) the tourists.

Incidentally, LES is also close to Williamsburg, an exciting area you should visit on your trip to New York – more about Williamsburg later…

The Lower East Side is an excellent place to stay on a city break in New York.

Have you seen my guide to the best things to do in New York City?

Places to stay in Lower East Side & East Village

Hotels in these parts of town are usually cheaper than Soho or Midtown, so you can find good deals on accommodation here.

Cheap hotel in a good location – The Ridge

I stayed right next door to The Ridge on my recent trip to New York, so I can attest that the location is excellent.

The hotel also gets excellent reviews (8.2 out of 10) and looks like an awesome offer for a good but affordable hotel in New York.

The hotel is located on East Houston Street, which divides the Lower East Side and the East Village, so you are right in the middle of two of the best areas of New York.

In addition, you are only 2 minutes by subway from Soho (or a 5-10 minute walk, depending on how you define the ‘border’).

As such, the hotel is not fancy; it is a 3-star hotel with nice rooms, a private bathroom and a prominent location.

And as a side note, I can mention that one of the city’s best bars (if you ask me), Fools Gold, is a stone’s throw from the hotel

If you are looking for a cheap and good hotel in a great area, have a look at The Ridge – not to be confused with The Ritz in London

See more and book online here.

Hotel Mimosa

A similar hotel (cheap & good) is Hotel Mimosa, a little further south in the Lower East Side – right next to Chinatown, Little Italy and Soho.

It also gets good reviews (also 8.5 out of 10) and has some charming rooms.

See more photos and book online here.

Luxury hotel with rooftop bar and room view of the NYC skyline – Public

I stayed a single night at Public when I recently travelled to New York. It was a memorable experience because this is a well-executed, fabulous hotel.

The Public Hotel was designed by Ian Schrager, who has been one of New York City’s local heroes since 1977 when he became known for Studio 54.

The aim of Public has undoubtedly been to create a beautiful hotel for those who have the wallet in order – because it is not exactly cheap to spend the night here.

There is a rooftop bar, the possibility to book rooms with extra good views, and several bars, cafes and restaurants. So it is a massive hotel with almost 400 rooms.

The rooms themselves are brand new and modern, but the bathroom itself was a bit strange – the sink was, for example, not in the bathroom, but out in the room itself…

A little weird, but nothing to stop you from staying here if you’re considering this.

See more about the hotel and book online here.

3. Midtown – best area to stay for families (near Times Square)

Midtown Manhattan, especially around Times Square, should be on your radar whether it’s your first time in New York City or you’re a returning visitor.

Firstly, the location is unbeatable. Midtown is smack in the centre of everything.

You can quickly head uptown or zip downtown with a brief subway or cab ride. And if you’ve got kids in tow, Times Square is like a real-life carnival.

There are giant stores like M&M’s and Hershey’s that turn a simple shopping trip into a delightful adventure.

And attractions like Madame Tussauds and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are nearby, making it even more family-friendly.

See the best hotels in Midtown here.

If it’s your first NYC trip, Times Square is iconic. It’s the city in a nutshell. The lights, the buzz, the theatres, and, of course, Broadway shows – it’s New York at its most vibrant.

Speaking of vibrant, let’s talk food and drinks. There are some great places to unwind and refuel. Jimmy’s Corner is a must-visit if you’re into a more old-school vibe.

The Tailor Public House near Madison Square Garden serves up some fantastic Irish-American dishes for those wanting something more hearty.

• I once (accidentally, of course) smashed a glass in this bar, and the staff were extremely kind about it – so I always like to come in here and get a beer and tip the staff extra good

Let’s not forget the landmarks and things to do in Midtown.

From Times Square, you’re just a short walk away from the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal, the history-packed Rockefeller Center, and the green haven that is Central Park.

Bryant Park is a little gem where you can relax amidst the city’s chaos.

Lastly, Times Square has this round-the-clock energy, which feels exciting and gives a sense of safety. And the great part? You’ve got a range of places to stay, from budget-friendly to super luxe.

If you want a taste of New York, with its blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, Times Square and the broader Midtown area should be your go-to.

It’s a brilliant area to stay if you want to experience the NYC you’ve seen in movies, and if you’re coming to the USA with children, then you can’t go wrong if you choose a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Places to stay in Midtown Manhattan

When I had my travel agency, I used to go to New York to research new hotels – and I stayed in many different places in Midtown as many of my clients wanted to stay near Times Square.

So let me share some of my favourite hotels in Midtown in different price ranges.

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan  

If you’re really keen on staying right next to the pulse of NYC, the Crowne Plaza in Times Square is hard to beat. 

It’s one of those places where you step outside and boom – you’re right in the thick of the iconic New York scene. Bringing the family? This hotel’s a winner. 

Finding spacious rooms in the city is like striking gold, and this place delivers. The kiddos will have enough space to move without bumping into everything. 

I stayed here in 2019 on a business trip and thought it was excellent value for money. 

And the staff? On point. Super helpful without being overbearing. 

This hotel ticks many of the right boxes for a genuine NYC experience without the cramped spaces.

See more photos and book here.

Hard Rock Hotel New York 

If you’re considering splurging a bit on your NYC trip, the Hard Rock Hotel should be on your radar. It’s a five-star hotel, and believe me, they earn every one of those stars. 

First off, the location? Top-notch. You’re smack in the middle of everything, so you’re not spending half your trip in cabs or the subway. 

Now, about the hotel itself – it’s got that classic Hard Rock vibe, a bit of rock ‘n’ roll, and a bit of luxury all wrapped up in one. 

Guests who’ve stayed there often talk about the plush rooms and the top-tier service. If you’re a music fan, the memorabilia is a trip down memory lane. 

So, this place is a no-brainer if you’re after that blend of style, luxury, and a dash of rock history.

See more photos and book here.

Courtyard by Marriott Times Square West

Okay, if you’re looking to get a bang for your buck in NYC, especially around the Times Square area, the Courtyard by Marriott is a solid pick. 

No kidding, this place defies the norm for a city notorious for its teeny-tiny rooms and gives you space to stretch out. 

The rooms are surprisingly spacious, which is such a rarity in the heart of Manhattan. 

And if you’re on a bit of a budget? It’s a lifesaver. You’re not compromising on comfort but also not breaking the bank. 

Also, the location is spot-on, making it easy to dart around the city. 

See more photos and book here.

Pod 51

Pod 51 might be your go-to spot if you’re on a tight budget but still want to stay in Manhattan.

This is one of the places I stayed on my latest trip to NYC, and it indeed does what it says on the tin.

It’s basic, but it does the job and does it well.

The rooms are on the simpler side, but that’s where they save you the big bucks.

They’ve got this rooftop terrace that’s a total gem. Grab a drink, head up there, and enjoy the city vibes.

It’s a bit further from Times Square compared to the previous hotels, but Midtown East is a nice area in its own right.

So, if you want to save money without staying way out in the burbs, give Pod 51 a look.

See more photos and book here.

4. Chelsea – stay in a classic New York area

Chelsea is not an area I know very well, but despite my limited acquaintance, I can still recommend staying here on a trip to New York.

Among other things, we find one of New York’s most special sights; The High Line. The High Line is an old railway that now functions as a footpath raised several meters above the busy streets.

Check out the best hotels in Chelsea here.

It’s fantastic that you can wander around and enjoy the view of the hectic city life.

At the end (or beginning depending on where you start), at the southern part of The High Line is another reason to stay in Chelsea, Chelsea Market.

Chelsea Market is an exciting market with food, vintage clothes and various hawker market-like shops/stalls. Super cool and a place you can spend many hours.

Of course, we also have to have a video showing Chelsea:

I still need to explore Chelsea in detail, but I would definitely consider staying here on a future trip to New York. The Flatiron District, just east of Chelsea, is also an excellent area with many cool shops.

Places to stay in Chelsea

I’ve stayed in a few different hotels in Chelsea and always loved it. Here are a few of my favourite hotels in Chelsea.

Cheap place to stay in Chelsea – Chelsea Savoy Hotel

Chelsea is not a cheap area, but I have found a hotel that can be booked relatively cheaply – by NYC standards.

It’s called the Chelsea Savoy Hotel and has an excellent location close to, among other things, 5th Avenue, Madison Square Park and the Flatiron Building, all of which should be passed by when visiting New York.

It’s a 2-star hotel, but it gets great reviews (8,6 out of 10) and looks like a wonderful little hotel for those who want to save money on their stay in NYC.

Read more about the hotel and book online here.

Hampton Inn Chelsea

If you want to stay in a hotel that is a bit more luxurious but still on the low end of the price range, look at the Hampton Inn Manhattan-Chelsea.

Here, there is also the option of choosing rooms with two double beds, so it can quickly become quite a cheap place to stay in New York City for families with children.

5. Williamsburg – the coolest place to stay for trendy travellers

Williamsburg is the only area on my guide on the best places to stay in NYC, not in Manhattan, but it has topped the charts for the coolest area in the world for many years, so it’s not like you’re arriving in a complete mecca without tourists.

However, Williamsburg has a feel I have yet to experience in Manhattan.

In Williamsburg, you will find countless cool coffee shops and the best vintage shops, and in general, there is just a more chilled atmosphere here than in Manhattan.

It’s a very cool and trendy area, so there’s an insane amount of hipsters and some extremely cool bars.

Check out the best hotels in Williamsburg.

But let’s get straight to the point about hipsters – because what exactly is a a hipster area?

In Copenhagen, it’s Vesterbro, but it’s also Vesterbro that all tourists want to experience. Just as in London, where all young people flock to Shoreditch. In Berlin, it’s… all areas of Berlin

When an area is named a ‘hipster area’, it’s just because there is a good mix of bars, shops and restaurants – that’s how I interpret it, anyway.

It also fits perfectly in Williamsburg, where I felt right at home, and I don’t see myself as a hipster in any way…

Let’s take a little video from Williamsburg here:

There are several subway lines from Williamsburg to Manhattan, so you can quickly get ‘into the city’; on the other hand, it is typically cheaper to stay in Williamsburg compared to Manhattan.

So if you’re a super trendy hipster, you can choose to find a hotel in Williamsburg on your trip to New York

Places to stay in Williamsburg

You get a lot more bang for your buck in Williamsburg than in Manhattan, so if you’re travelling to New York on a budget, it’s an excellent area to look for hotels.

Cheap hotel in New York’s cool area – Pod Brooklyn

The pod hotels are located in several New York places, but the Williamsburg hotel is (according to my research) somewhat cheaper than the others. As the name suggests, this is a tiny room with a bathroom and a very low price compared to more traditional hotels in New York City.

Pod Brooklyn has a near-perfect location in Williamsburg, so if you’re okay with staying in a tiny room, consider booking this place to stay in NYC.

Pod Brooklyn scores a whopping 8.8 out of 10 on satisfaction from previous guests, and several tell good stories about a very modern hotel.

Check out the hotel here.

Hotel with rooftop pool in New York City

One of the most incredible hotels in Williamsburg has to be The William Vale Hotel.

I stopped by and checked it out myself when I was sneaking around in Williamsburg, and it is an impressive hotel with 5 stars and scores top marks in reviews from previous guests.

There is even a swimming pool with a view of the Manhattan skyline, so you expect it to be expensive. However, it’s not crazy expensive – because we are still ‘out’ in Williamsburg, it is cheaper than similar hotels in Manhattan.

If you are looking for an amazing hotel with a rooftop pool in New York, I think this is the place to book.

If there is room in your budget for one or more nights here, then it is worth all the money – especially in the summer, when you can enjoy the pool.

See more photos and book online here.

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best areas and places to stay in New York City.

If you’ve got any questions about your trip to New York please comment below.

You can read all New York City travel guides here.

FAQ:

The post Where to stay in New York? 5 Best Areas + Places to Stay in NYC 🇺🇸 appeared first on Destination Well Known.

In this travel guide, I’ll share my favourite things to do in NYC that you should consider on your trip.

Depending on the length of your trip, it may be difficult to see all the sights, but I will give you an overview and then you can choose what to do and see.

However, there are some New York sights that you have to see. That’s why this travel guide starts with the best-known things to do in New York, as they are famous for good reason.

But don’t worry – I’ll further suggest some hidden gems and unknown experiences in this guide.

Let’s start with some of the best things to do in New York City.

1. New York skyline from a skyscraper – Top of The Rock

Manhattan’s skyline is tremendously impressive, but when you walk around the city’s streets, it’s hard to see how massive a city you’re walking around.

That’s why you have to take the elevator up in one of the city’s (many) skyscrapers and enjoy the view of the entire New York.

I recommend going up to the Top of The Rock, which is on top of the iconic Rockefeller Center.

But why not go up the Empire State Building?

Well, you can, but you know what you can’t see when you’re in the Empire State Building? The Empire State Building

From Top of The Rock you can see the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park.

So I recommend buying tickets to the Top of The Rock and going up there while it’s still light out, so you get a feel for how unique New York City is.

Get tickets for Top of The Rock.

2. Central Park – NYC’s breather

If you’ve been up the Rockefeller Center, you understand how huge an area Central Park spans. Central Park is truly Manhattan’s breathing space, where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

I was quite surprised at how cool a park it is. We generally have some incredibly boring parks here in Copenhagen where I live, so it might take little for me to be impressed, but Central Park really is something else.

It would be a shame to travel to New York and not stop by Central Park. I’ve mapped out a route through Central Park that passes some of the best sights there:

The walk ends at the next thing to do in New York on the list.

3. American Museum of Natural History 

If you follow the walk through Central Park, you end up right next to the Natural History Museum, which is said to be one of the wildest in the world.

At the museum, there are, among other things, massive skeletons from dinosaurs, giant whales and almost everything you can imagine in natural history.

Suppose you are interested in natural history and are travelling to New York. In that case, you must stop by American Museum of Natural History , located next to Central Park.

You can buy special ‘fast-track’ tickets to the museum in advance at Get Your Guide here.

Other famous museums in New York cannot be missed – you can also buy skip-the-line tickets on Get Your Guide (simply click on the link to the Museum of Natural History above)

• Guggenheim
• Museum of Modern Art
• Metropolitan Museum of Art

Protip: consider getting the New York CityPASS to save 40% on 5 of the city’s major attractions.

4. Walk across The Brooklyn Bridge – best free thing to do in New York

Another iconic New York attraction (and it’s even completely free).

I recommend starting the walk on the Manhattan side, which will also be most convenient as most people stay in hotels in Manhattan – have you seen my guide to the best areas and places to stay in New York?

The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the things you have to do in New York.

However, remember to take a break and enjoy the view ‘back’ towards Manhattan, where you can, among other things, get a good look at One World Trade and generally all of Downtown Manhattan.

The following thing to do on the list comes right as you turn away from the Brooklyn Bridge.

5. DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

DUMBO is an area of Brooklyn with an exceptional atmosphere.

It goes slower than in Manhattan, and the architecture shows that there have been many factories here, which are now being transformed into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

From DUMBO, you can also take a boat trip on the East River – for instance, you can go up to Williamsburg, which I mention later in the travel guide.

6. Boat Tour in New York

A boat tour is another fantastic thing to do in New York. 

Not really an experience that requires much explanation; on a boat tour around Manhattan, you get a completely new impression of The Big Apple, and at the same time, you can enjoy the city’s skyline while sitting in calm surroundings.

There are many different boat trips, but the one I have found with the best reviews and a fair price is this 90-minute boat tour.

7. World Trade Memorial Museum

We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001, and on your trip to New York, I recommend everyone to go to ‘Ground Zero’ to see the area with their own eyes. It’s a memorable experience – you don’t leave with a big smile, but it’s one thing you’ll remember.

You can just go to the large memorial for the terrorist attack, but there is also a large museum that gives incredible insight into the events back in 2001.

You can buy skip-the-line tickets to the 9/11 Memorial Museum online at Get Your Guide here.

I recommend that as the queue for the museum can be very long – after all, it is one of the most well-known things to do in New York.

You can also use the New York CityPASS for the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

You can also enjoy Manhattan’s best views from the One World Trade:

8. Times Square by night

Another one of New York’s best-known sights – Times Square.

Yes, there is a lot of fun going on in the streets, and it’s a pretty big area with many advertising signs and – well, that’s about it, to be honest.

So I understand if it doesn’t sound super appealing, but it’s simply a must to make your way past Times Square – especially in the evening when the many impressions and lights shine through.

9. Grand Central Station

New York Central train station is impressive!

It’s an imposing building located centrally in Manhattan, so it’s easy to plan a trip to the terminal.

The Chrysler Building is next to Grand Central Station, so you can easily cross it off the list.

10. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is another of the city’s best-known and most iconic things to see. 

So it is another one of the city’s ‘must see’ sights, which many do not want to return home from NYC without seeing with their own eyes.

I wasn’t too impressed when I first saw the statue, if I’ve got to be honest – it’s just a statue after all, but I’ll admit it’s an iconic New York landmark, so of course, it’s on my list.

Countless boat trips go around the Statue of Liberty, and you can also book tickets for a trip up the dome (get an overview here), but in fact, you can go on a boat trip from Manhattan and past the Statue of Liberty for free.

You’ve just got to jump aboard the Staten Island Ferry.

Just head down to the southernmost tip of Manhattan and grab the Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal – remember to sit on the right side of the ferry if you want to see the Statue of Liberty!

And by the way, ignore anyone trying to sell you tickets for the Staten Island Ferry – it’s a free ferry for New Yorkers and tourists alike. So all “Staten Island Ferry tickets” are fake!

Get more information about the ferry here.

11. The High Line

A free thing to do in New York? Yes! The High Line is a disused, elevated train track, where green areas have been laid out, and you walk elevated above the streets of Manhattan.

It’s a memorable experience to climb the stairs, walk south (my recommendation) and then get incredible views of the long, classic American streets here and there.

The High Line is a thing that should be on your list of must-do’s in New York – and if you start from the North and go South, you’ll end up at the next thing to do on my list.

12. Chelsea Market 

The indoor Chelsea Market has everything from vintage shopping, excellent wine bars and hip little street food places. 

It is undoubtedly a place where you can easily spend a few hours. I recommend either going there in combination with The High Line or saving it for a day when the weather is not suitable for the many outdoor experiences NYC offers.

I’ve embedded a video from Chelsea Market above so you can get an idea of what kind of place it is.

13. Friends Experience

If you watched TV in the ’00s and 2010s, which most of us did, you naturally know Friends.

In New York, you can experience the magic of one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms by visiting the Friends Experience in the heart of New York.

This two-story interactive adventure leads you right into the iconic world of Friends.

Sit in Monica and Rachel’s kitchen, take a selfie on the famous orange couch and order a coffee from Central Perk.

Immerse yourself in the show’s history with original costumes and props, and recreate your favourite scenes.

The Friends Experience is more than just an attraction – it’s a tribute to a show that has touched millions of hearts.

Read more and buy tickets here.

14. Experience gospel in Harlem

The Harlem area in New York is a gem for those wanting to experience gospel. 

Gospel is a music genre that has roots in the African American churches in the USA from the late 19th century.

Gospel has been a powerful voice in many of the USA’s social justice movements and has influenced various other music styles, from blues and jazz to R&B and rock and roll.

So here, you get more than just an exciting music experience – you delve into an essential part of America’s history.

On this 4-hour tour, you will wander through Harlem’s historic streets, visit famous locations such as the Apollo Theater and Columbia University, and finally end with an inspiring Baptist service, where the power of a live gospel choir will engulf you.

Find out more about the tour here.

15. Williamsburg – the trendy area in Brooklyn

Williamsburg is one of the New York areas most often described as the city’s hipster centre.

It doesn’t matter that much that an area is called one or the other. What counts for me is whether I like the area myself – and that is definitely the case with Williamsburg.

The atmosphere is more down-to-earth than in Manhattan, where things are always going fast. 

Williamsburg is a little calmer, and all the streets are not overpopulated with other tourists and honking cars – but that does not mean that there are no tourists in Williamsburg because there are.

But there are also many good cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. It doesn’t take long to get to Williamsburg from Manhattan by subway, so I recommend going there and experiencing a slightly different side of New York than the one in Manhattan.

It is, in particular, the area north of the Williamsburg Bridge and to Nassau Avenue that I recommend – around Bedford Avenue for example.

16. Smorgasburg – street food market in Williamsburg

Yep, we’re staying right in Williamsburg, where every Saturday (note: spring-summer-autumn only – see website for opening dates) is a large street food market.

Street food is upon us these years, but I was amazed by the quality of the food stalls at Smorgasburg. In addition, quite a few stalls specialise in American food that we can’t get anywhere in Copenhagen, where I live – and I have yet to see it anywhere else in Europe.

And if good street food isn’t enough to attract you, I can tell you that the area is in a park down to the East River. That means the market area offers a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline.

17. Chinatown 

I have since visited quite a few Chinatowns around the world. The one in Bangkok is the coolest so far, but Chinatown in New York almost beats it.

Here you feel like you’ve come to another country – and it’s not just in a single street or two.

Chinatown in New York stretches over a large area, teeming with Chinese people, restaurants only with Chinese writing and generally many strange shops, where you feel very far from the United States.

Check out my short video from Chinatown (although the text is in Danish I’m sure you’ll get a feel for the area):

A cool and exciting thing to do in New York. And by the way, Chinatown is super well located – almost right “below” Soho, where most tourists pass by at some point.

So come on down and experience Chinatown; I’m sure you won’t regret it. And it’s free!

I highly recommend Whiskey Tavern if you’re looking for a nice place to get a couple of beers in the area.

18. Little Italy – touristy but charming

Just north of Chinatown, we find another area dedicated to a country far from the United States, Italy.

Little Italy is different from Chinatown, and I’ve got to be honest here; it is a very touristy area where you have to be careful not to end up in a tourist trap of a restaurant.

However, it is quite fun to wander through the streets of Little Italy, which are markedly different from other areas of Manhattan.

However, remember to check Yelp, Google or Tripadvisor before entering a restaurant – there are so many good places to eat in New York, so it would be a shame to end up in a tourist trap where they serve bad food at high prices.

19. Soho – cosy side streets and good shopping

I touched briefly on Soho earlier in this travel guide and recommend visiting the area.

If you’re going to be shopping on your trip to NYC, you will probably naturally gravitate towards Soho, as there are many good shops in the area.

However, I especially love the side streets around Broadway. Here you find the beautiful cobbled streets with the classic New York fire escapes, small cafes and cosy shops.

Soho is just a great, cosy area and one of the areas I recommend staying in when you’re going to New York.

20. Outlet Shopping at Century 21

Technically not a tourist attraction, but undoubtedly an experience! Right next to the World Trade Museum, we find Century 21.

Century 21 Downtown is a massive outlet where you can save considerable money on well-known brands. I went (a bit) wild in the Calvin Klein underwear section and also found quite a few good Lacoste products.

There’s a lot of Calvin Klein in the men’s department, but also many other famous brands, so I recommend making a trip to this outlet in New York if you want to shop for very cheap clothes.

Tip: getting there around opening time is a good idea, as the store fills up quickly!

We arrived 5-10 minutes after they opened, where it was wonderful to walk around, but after about half an hour, there really started to be a stream of people.

21. Flatiron Building – an Instagram paradise

There isn’t much to tell about the Flatiron Building – just check out the picture above (or read the building’s history here), and then you know what it’s all about.

If you need an excellent photo for your Instagram or want to see beautiful, iconic buildings, then you should stop by the Flatiron Building in New York.

Fortunately, it is also a building located in an area where many tourists would still pass by.

22. Roosevelt Island Tramway

This is one of the more extraordinary things to do in New York, and very cheap. You can use your Metrocard to ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, a ski lift that takes you from Manhattan to the small Roosevelt Island in the East River.

The video above actually tells everything you need to know before taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway, so I won’t write much more

Please note that you cannot pay with cash – only Metrocard. Read more practical information here.

23. East Village & Lower East Side – best area for local vibes

The East Village and Lower East Side are my favourite areas of New York (closely followed by Williamsburg). The two areas exude history, beautiful buildings, and just another feel to them than elsewhere in Manhattan. You truly feel that locals are living here.

While I previously mentioned Soho as a good area (it is!), the East Village and Lower East Side are a little less populated by tourists, but on the other hand, these areas are packed with fantastic bars, cafes and restaurants.

If you want to go for a walk in the city with the cool New Yorkers, I recommend going on a pub crawl in the East Village.

Possibly start on the excellent Fool’s Gold

24. Sports in NYC

This is one of the things to do in New York you can quite easily forget. When we travel to New York, we are so obsessed with seeing as many things as possible that we (perhaps) forget that many big sporting and cultural events are taking place in the city.

Of course, baseball, basketball and ice hockey are some of the major sports.

Especially tickets for baseball are worth paying for, and it should be an incredible experience (I’m still missing my first visit to a baseball stadium) – think draft beer, hot dogs and a good atmosphere

Take a look at the calendar for concerts, sporting events and cultural events.

25. Shows & Musicals

And then there are always the fantastic musicals on Broadway, where shows like Aladdin, Phantom of The Opera and the like are always running – get tickets for Broadway musicals and other shows in NYC here.

26. Helicopter Tour over Manhattan

It’s not a cheap thing to do, but if you want to try something incredible on your trip to New York, you should try a luxurious tour of New York’s iconic skyline with a deluxe helicopter tour.

You will gain a completely unique perspective on the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Manhattan’s impressive skyline.

Find out more and book online here.

I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in New York City and that you’re ready for your trip to the fantastic city in the United States. And remember to do your USA ESTA application if you’re not from the US.

If you’ve any questions about NYC or the things mentioned in this travel guide, please comment below, and I’ll help you.

Frequently Asked Questions about New York

Below I answer several questions about New York that travellers often ask.

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