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Where not to stay in NYC: The best tips to travel safe!
Find out which areas to avoid when staying in NYC, which neighborhoods offer better alternatives, and how to choose the ideal location.
New York is one of those cities that makes an immediate impression, but where you stay really matters. It’s not just about picking a nice hotel or a well-rated apartment. The location affects how much time you spend traveling, how easy it is to see the main sights, and even how well you rest at night.
Even though the city has some great areas to stay in, there are also neighborhoods that may not be ideal for some travelers. This can be due to things like being far from the main attractions, constant noise, less convenient transport links, or simply an environment that doesn’t suit every type of trip.
In this guide, you’ll see which areas are worth checking before booking a hotel in New York, and why some travelers avoid certain neighborhoods. Keep reading to find out which parts of New York best match your budget, travel style, and itinerary.
What should you consider before choosing a place to stay in New York?
Before booking a place to stay in New York, it’s worth looking beyond just the price or hotel photos. Location can affect your budget, how much time you spend getting around, and your overall travel experience.
1. Safety and perceived safety
New York gets millions of visitors every year, but safety can feel different depending on the neighborhood. Checking what an area is like, especially at night, can help you pick a place where you feel comfortable during your stay.
2. Distance to major attractions
Staying far from the places you want to visit can mean spending a lot of time getting around. If you’re planning to explore Manhattan, see Times Square, Central Park, or the Statue of Liberty, it’s worth checking how long it takes to get there from where you’re staying.
3. Public transportation and mobility
New York’s subway system is the fastest and most affordable way to get around the city. Staying near a well-connected station makes it much easier to move around the city.
4. Daytime and nighttime atmosphere
Every neighborhood in New York has its own vibe. Some areas are lively all day, while others are much quieter. Picking a place that fits your travel style can make a big difference in your experience.
5. Services available in the area
Having supermarkets, cafés, pharmacies, or restaurants nearby usually makes things more convenient, especially on longer stays. These small details can make everyday life much easier.
6. Balance between price and location
In New York, the cheapest places to stay are often far from the most popular areas. Before booking, think about whether the savings are worth the extra time and transport costs.
7. Noise can be an important factor
Some parts of Manhattan are busy around the clock, even late at night. If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, it’s worth checking reviews from other travelers to get a sense of how noisy the area is before booking.
Areas to avoid in New York
New York is a huge, diverse city, so there aren’t really any areas visitors must avoid. That said, some neighborhoods can be less convenient due to distance, long travel times, noise, or a lack of nearby attractions.
1. East New York (Brooklyn)
Located on the eastern edge of Brooklyn, this neighborhood is quite far from New York’s most popular areas.
The main drawback is how far it is from Manhattan and other tourist spots, meaning long rides on public transport. Some visitors may also not feel fully at ease in certain parts of the area.
2. Brownsville (Brooklyn)
Brownsville is located in eastern Brooklyn, near East New York.
Although it has subway connections, it’s not usually one of the top choices for tourists, mainly because there isn’t much to see or do for visitors and some people prefer staying in more lively, tourist-friendly areas. It may not be the best option for families or for those who want to explore New York on foot.
3. South Bronx
The South Bronx has seen improvements in recent years, but it remains an area that many tourists avoid because of its location.
Being away from Manhattan’s main attractions can mean long daily commutes, especially on short trips where you want to make the most of your time. It may be less convenient for people who want to stay close to the main sights.
4. Jamaica (Queens)
Jamaica is a transport hub in Queens, close to JFK airport. It’s good for a night before or after a flight, but not very convenient for a full tourist stay, since getting to Manhattan can take a long time. It’s less ideal if you plan to visit the main attractions every day.
5. Outlying areas of Staten Island
Staten Island has quiet residential areas and cheaper prices than Manhattan. However, its distance from the city’s main tourist spots can be a big drawback, since getting around usually involves a ferry and extra connections. Travelers with only a few days in the city may end up spending too much time in transit.
6. The area around Times Square
Times Square is a popular place to stay, but it’s not always the best option. It can be very crowded, noisy, and busy all the time, which some people find tiring. It’s also more expensive than other good areas. Families and people looking for a quieter stay often choose other parts of Manhattan.
Best places to stay in New York
If the areas above don’t really suit you, the good news is that New York has plenty of neighborhoods that strike a good balance between location, transport, atmosphere, and services. Here are some options that usually work well for most travelers.
1. Midtown Manhattan
If you want a central location, Midtown is one of the most practical choices. You’ll be close to places like Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Broadway, and it has great subway links. Prices are usually high, but you save time getting around. It’s a better option than staying in far areas like Jamaica or Staten Island.
2. Upper West Side
Located next to Central Park, this residential area is much quieter than the busier parts of the city center. It offers a mix of safety, good transport links, and plenty of restaurants and shops, without the constant noise of Times Square. It’s a popular choice for families and travelers looking for a more relaxed stay.
3. Long Island City (Queens)
Long Island City is a good option if you want to save money but stay close to Manhattan. It’s just a few subway stops from Midtown and has cheaper accommodation. It also has modern, nice areas to walk around. It’s more convenient for tourists than other, farther parts of Queens.
4. Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Williamsburg is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn among young travelers and couples. It stands out for its creative vibe, cafés, restaurants, and cultural scene, and it’s also well connected to Manhattan. It offers a different experience without giving up a convenient location.
5. Downtown Brooklyn
If you’re after a good mix of price and location, Downtown Brooklyn is a strong option. It has great transport links, lots of amenities, and quick access to Manhattan, along with a growing range of hotels. For most visitors, it’s more convenient than staying in the farther parts of Brooklyn.
6. Greenwich Village and Chelsea
These two Manhattan neighborhoods are great if you want a more local, less touristy feel. They’re nice to walk around, full of restaurants, and well connected by transport, but much calmer than Times Square. They’re especially good for couples or anyone wanting a mix of sightseeing, food, and everyday city life.
7. Financial District
Located in Lower Manhattan, the Financial District often has good hotel prices at certain times of the year. It’s well connected and close to places like Wall Street, Battery Park, and the ferries to the Statue of Liberty. It’s also usually quieter at night than other parts of downtown.
How can you get internet access during your stay in New York?
Having reliable internet in New York can make your trip much easier, since you’ll often use your phone for maps, transport, tickets, and bookings. Although free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafés, and public places, it’s not always fast, secure, or available when you need it, so many travelers prefer to use mobile data from the start.
If you’re only in New York for a few days or weeks, a practical option is a Holafly daily eSIM, which lets you access mobile data without changing your phone’s physical SIM card. If you travel often or plan to visit multiple destinations throughout the year, Holafly’s monthly plans can be a good alternative. It works on a subscription and includes mobile data in several countries, so you don’t need a separate eSIM for each trip.
Frequently asked questions about where not to stay in New York
There are no off-limits areas, but some areas far from Manhattan may be inconvenient for sightseeing.
East New York, Brownsville, the South Bronx, and some areas of Jamaica usually require a more detailed review of the location and transportation options.
Midtown Manhattan stands out for the number of subway lines and connections available.
Long Island City typically combines more affordable prices with easy access to Manhattan.
Yes. Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn offer good transportation connections and a pleasant atmosphere.
Proximity to the subway and commute time are usually more important than saving a few dollars a night.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
