Independent New York City travel guide

New York City Travel Guide

Choose where to stay before building the days. Compare Midtown, downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn by Broadway plans, airport arrival, late-night return, parks, museums and daily crossings.

Photo: Lower Manhattan skyline across New York Harbor | Mark Direen / Pexels | Pexels License

Where to stay

Which New York feels right for your trip?

Choose the area for the days and evenings you want, then compare hotels for your dates.

Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan
Radio City Music Hall in Midtown ManhattanJorge Soto Farias / Pexels · Pexels License
Broadway evenings and a first Manhattan visit

Midtown

Choose a hotel near the subway journeys you will actually make. Keep the theatre evening and nearby dinner together.

Before you book: Check street noise, the station walk and the full room price before paying.

Lower Manhattan skyline across New York Harbor
Lower Manhattan skyline across New York HarborMark Direen / Pexels · Pexels License
Harbor visits and days in Lower Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan

Choose this base when downtown sights lead the trip. Give an island visit its own day, then compare the journey to any Midtown evening booking.

Before you book: Confirm the ferry departure location and your return journey before booking.

Compare NoMad, Flatiron and Hudson Yards

Two more Manhattan bases for a mixed itinerary or a Javits event. Find all 18 neighborhoods on the map below.

City base map

See how the neighborhoods fit together

Use the map to find the areas near your main plans. Open a neighborhood for a day plan, useful stops and hotel comparisons.

Loading the visitor map…You can also choose a neighborhood from the list below.

Manhattan neighborhoodsBrooklyn and Queens
New York City base mapNumbered pins mark Manhattan neighborhoods. Brooklyn and Queens are also listed for trips across the river.
A simple booking order

Build a trip you can actually enjoy

  1. Choose the hotel area. Compare the journeys to your main sights and your evening return. Find your base
  2. Plan the arrival day. Leave space for the airport journey, luggage and checking in. Plan arrival and rain
  3. Book the main activity. Choose the exact admission or tour, then add nearby stops and a meal. Plan museums and the harbor

Browse all New York City planning guides

Continue planning

Going beyond New York City?

Explore upstate New York, Connecticut, Boston, Providence or the Rhode Island coast when your trip includes another stop.

In pictures

Places to explore

Radio City Music Hall and Midtown Manhattan towers near the theater districtWhere to Stay in New York for a First Visit
Jorge Soto Farias / PexelsPexels License
Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline from BrooklynMidtown vs Downtown vs Brooklyn for a First New York Base
Allen Boguslavsky / PexelsPexels License
Central Park paths and trees with Manhattan skyline beyondNew York City Museum, Library, and Ferry Day Plan
Luke Miller / PexelsPexels License