The 4 best areas to stay in NYC: a vibes-based guide
A local’s guide to the city’s must-visit neighborhoods.
One of the things I love most about New York is how adaptable the city is for absolutely any kind of trip. NYC is essentially a movie director just waiting for a script, and you’re the main character. It can be anything to anyone.
I lived in Manhattan for the better part of two decades and explored every borough in depth. Since moving away, I’ve been back as a visitor for decadent solo trips, romantic couple’s getaways, and action-packed weekends with the kids in tow.
No matter why you’re visiting, or with whom, I’ve found the best neighborhoods for you to have the ultimate trip to the Big Apple, along with ways to capture the ideal photo so you can have the ultimate NYC bragging rights.
Greenwich Village
For New York City first timers
First time in New York? Base yourself in the downtown neighborhood of Greenwich Village, where every street is filled with quintessential New York moments: musicians in Washington Square Park, historic townhouses on tree-lined streets, and tiny jazz clubs that transport you back to the city's bohemian heyday.
Get your morning coffee at Third Rail Coffee, then wander by the chess tables in Washington Square Park. Shop at independent bookstore Three Lives & Company and then catch rising comedy stars at the Comedy Cellar.
Where to eat: Finish a Village day with dinner at Via Carota for stand-out versions of classic Italian dishes (but get there early - they don't take reservations). And don't skip a late-night slice at Joe's Pizza, a Village institution since 1975.
Hotel pick: The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village captures the neighborhood's vintage charm with Art Deco details and cozy rooms that feel more like a pied-à-terre than a hotel.
The Perfect Instagram shot: I love a pose with the iconic Washington Square Arch, but here's the insider move: position yourself on the south side of the fountain facing north toward the arch around 4-5 p.m. If you time it right in fall/winter, you might even catch the sun centered in the opening.
Upper West side
For when you’re visiting with the kids
The Upper West Side is a neighborhood that truly won’t make you regret bringing the kids along. It’s pretty much designed for families, with wide sidewalks accommodating both strollers and wandering small people who have the attention span of a hamster. Most importantly, there are endless entertainment options that won't make parents lose their minds. The American Museum of Natural History (hello, dinosaurs, and the massive blue whale!) anchors the neighborhood and the Children's Museum of Manhattan provides endless entertainment for preschoolers.
And of course you can’t talk about the Upper West Side without the outdoor playground that is Central Park. The Central Park Zoo is a major highlight. It's small enough to not be overwhelming and you can do the whole thing in about an hour. Highlights include the penguin and seal feedings and the children's zoo section where kids can pet and feed animals
The park’s Belvedere Castle is ideal for kids who love tales of knights and fortresses. They can climb to the top for a view of the park and pretend they're ruling over their kingdom. It also houses weather measuring equipment which can be interesting for science-minded kids.
Where to eat: Fuel up for an afternoon of adventures at Levain Bakery, where the massive cookies will bribe even the crankiest toddler. Zabar's offers kid-friendly classics like mac and cheese alongside parent-sustaining coffee and treats to go. When dinner rolls around, try family-friendly Italian spot Carmine's, where portions are huge and nobody will blink an eye when your kid makes “art” out of their spaghetti.
Hotel pick: The Hotel Beacon's apartment-style rooms come with kitchenettes for late-night milk warming and emergency PB&J assembly. Plus, you're steps from multiple subway lines when it's time to explore.
The Perfect Instagram shot: The iconic Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park (at 74th Street) makes for a sweet family photo op. Get there early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds. Pro tip: Position yourself on the north side of the statue facing south and you'll get the whimsical bronze figures of Alice and friends with a backdrop of lush park greenery.
Book a tour
Upper East Side
For an over-the-top stay
When you want to live your best Logan Roy life for a weekend, channel your inner media mogul in Manhattan's most elegant enclave. The Upper East Side still reigns as the city's apex of old-money sophistication, where doormen guard limestone mansions and Madison Avenue boutiques cater to those who never have to look at price tags.
Then shop your way down Madison Avenue, stopping at spots like ultra-luxe Loro Piana for creamy cashmeres and The Row for if-you-know-you-know oversized, labelless staples (from yes, the Olsen twins). Keep the VIP vibes going with a private tour of the jewels of the Met museum before wrapping up your day with champagne and caviar at some of the city’s most elegant, and expensive, hotels and restaurants.
Where to eat: Start your power-player getaway with breakfast at Sant Ambroeus, where the city's elite broker deals over cappuccinos. For lunch, claim your table at upscale French bistro La Goulue. End your evening with the tasting menu at Daniel, or drinks at the iconic Bemelmans Bar in The Carlyle.
Hotel pick: The Mark Hotel, where the penthouse suite goes for $75,000 a night. Even the standard rooms channel Upper East Side opulence.
Travelers say: “[The Mark] just screams quiet luxury. I absolutely loved every square foot of this hotel. from the boutique style, quiet fashion touches such as black-and-white flooring and complements of orange roses, to the wonderful and highly trained staff on customer service and providing five star service.” —@Ms. Madi
The Perfect Instagram shot: Head over to The Met steps at sunrise, specifically the spot right at the center of the steps about halfway up. Catch it during "golden hour" (around 7 a.m). Bonus tip: Frame your shot to include the classic hot dog vendors' umbrellas.
Brooklyn Heights
For canoodling couples
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to find New York's most romantic neighborhood, Brooklyn Heights, where tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and spectacular Manhattan views set the scene for your own love story. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade offers the kind of skyline panorama that makes even longtime New Yorkers weak in the knees.
Start your day with pastries from Almondine Bakery, then stroll along the Promenade. Wander the "Fruit Streets" (Orange, Cranberry, and Pineapple) to admire pristine 19th-century townhouses. For literary couples, visit the former homes of writers like Truman Capote (70 Willow Street) and Norman Mailer (142 Columbia Heights). The neighborhood was also home to Arthur Miller and Walt Whitman.
Active pairs should head to Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse in the summer, located at Pier 2, which offers free kayaking, including tandem boats for couples. (Don’t worry, you’ll be in a protected cove area between Piers 1 and 2, not out on the East River and they provide all the equipment as well as basic instructions).
Where to eat: For dinner, hold hands at River Cafe, where the Michelin-starred food competes with the twinkling bridge views. Then end your evening with craft cocktails at Elsa, a candlelit Art Deco gem.
Travelers say: “All of our expectations were exceeded at River Cafe. It was our anniversary and they really took care to celebrate us. We had a beautiful table right in front of the window- the food was tremendous, and the service peerless. This was such a special experience that we will cherish forever. Absolutely worth the price! Very romantic- I felt like I was in a movie.” —@jafox
Hotel pick: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers waterfront rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Manhattan skyline, a perfect excuse to watch the views from bed. The rooftop pool and bar provide a great spot for sundowners with a view.
The Perfect Instagram shot: The real magic is at the Brooklyn Heights Promenade at Pierrepont Street – there's a spot near the first bench past the entrance where you can capture lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty all in one frame.
