As one of the world’s most famous cities to visit, it is inevitably also one of the most expensive. Fortunately, anything is possible in New York – even when it comes to finding affordable accommodation. As long as you compromise on quality or centrality. That said, some of the best bits of the city aren’t actually in the centre anyway, so don’t overspend to be near to Times Square because you really can have a great time anywhere.
Of course, Manhattan is the most expensive area to stay in New York because that’s where the action is at. But if you have the cash to splash, then it’s worth every penny staying in the city. Not only are you close to the biggest landmarks, but you also have an endless choice of shops, bars, and restaurants to tailor to your taste.
If you want to stay in Manhattan, but want to save on accommodation, then steer away from the Upper West and East Side, the Financial District, Soho, and the West Village. Instead, opt for Yorkville, Hamilton Heights, Chinatown, Washington Heights.
To see the cooler side of New York, cross the East River to Brooklyn and Williamsburg where all the artists reside. This part of town is all about alternative shopping, experimental dining, and eccentric drinking. Although the LGBTQ+ community is welcome throughout New York, this is part of town is the hub of all things queer.
For some more hipster hotspots, cross the Hudson River to Hoboken and The Heights neighbourhood of Jersey City. Although these neighbourhoods score equal amounts of cool points as Brooklyn and Williamsburg, they are slightly quieter and perhaps more family-oriented.
Between the Manhattan subway, the light rail that connects Manhattan to other islands and the mainland, and of course the classic yellow cabs crawling by wherever you go, it’s easy to explore New York from wherever you’re staying.