Visiting New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world, is always on top of many tourists' bucket lists. And when it comes to finding accommodation in NYC, it can be a daunting process because there is a large number of options to choose from; the city is massive, and travelers are definitely spoiled for choice, particularly first-time visitors in the Big Apple.
Visiting New York City for the first time? Navigating and figuring out which neighborhood in NYC is best can be challenging for vacationers. However, some of the best neighborhoods in New York City for first-timers are located in Manhattan. First-timers should consider staying in one of these Manhattan neighborhoods if they want to enjoy a quintessential New York City experience and sample some of its best sights, sounds, and activities.
10 Upper West Side
Nestled between Central Park, one of the most beautiful city parks in the US, and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side is a sleepy residential spot and among the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for first-timers in New York City. It provides a perfect place to stay after wandering through the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.
Brimming with some of the most delicious restaurants in New York, charming shops, and plenty of hotels to choose from, this neighborhood guarantees an epic stay in Manhattan. It also gives access to some of the most iconic attractions in New York City, including the American Museum of Natural History, General Grant's Tomb, and of course, the Central Park.
- Best place to stay: Mandarin Oriental
9 Chinatown
New York City is home to nine Chinatown neighborhoods, and Manhattan Chinatown is one of them. It is home to the largest Chinese population in the western hemisphere. The neighborhood’s narrow, vibrant streets are lined with incredible attractions, such as the Museum of Chinese in America. A stroll through Manhattan Chinatown will make tourists feel like they are worlds away from New York City.
It is brimming with numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. In this neighborhood, travelers will find a good number of hotels that offer unforgettable stays. Wyndham Garden Chinatown is one of the finest Wyndham hotels in the world and offers incredible amenities.
- Best place to stay: Wyndham Garden Chinatown
8 Lower East Side
At Lower East Side, one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for first-timers, tourists will find a blend of old buildings and new apartments. Surrounded on the north by 14th Street, East Broadway, Chinatown on the south, East River on the East, and the Bowery and Little Italy on the west, this is one of the most unique neighborhoods in NYC,
There are plenty of things to do in the Lower East Side, including exploring the coffee shops and the museums, including the Tenement Museum and the International Center of Photography Museum.
- Where to stay: Historic Blue Moon Hotel
7 Upper East Side
Often regarded as a playground for the wealthy and socialites, the Upper East Side is home to high-end shopping spots, which are perfect for luxury-seeking tourists. But shopping isn't the only thing that makes this neighborhood a perfect spot to stay, especially for first-timers. It is also brimming with fascinating history and plenty of entertainment options to enjoy.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is one of the top spots to explore in this top Manhattan neighborhood. It boasts over 2 million pieces of art that span over 5,000+ years. Other stops make include the Albertine Bookstore and the Guggenheim Museum.
- Where to stay: The Plaza Hotel
6 Tribeca
Tribeca is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Manhattan to stay in and is always in high demand among vacationers. But that doesn't mean it is not perfect for first-timers. It is one of the best places in Manhattan for first-time tourists because it is easy to navigate, and there are numerous accommodations to choose from.
It is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in New York City for vacationers looking for a lavish experience of the Big Apple. There are also plenty of affordable accommodations to consider.
One of the best things to do in Tribeca is to visit the Woolworth Building, one of the tallest buildings in New York City. When it was opened in 1913, it was the world's tallest building, and today, it is one of the best places to view the New York City Skyline.
- Where to stay: The Greenwich Hotel
5 East Village
East Village is one of the best Manhattan neighborhoods for first-timers in NYC and offers a magical stay, thanks to the existence of multiple green spaces, nightlife spots, incredible cafes, and delicious restaurants.
The East Village was originally a portion of the Lower East Side but developed and acquired its own identity in the 1960s, thanks to the multicultural influences. One of the must-stops to make while staying here include the Ukrainian Museum, one of the neighborhood’s specialty museums and one of the largest museums in the US.
- Where to stay: Moxy NYC East Village
4 Greenwich Village
Nestled at the corner of Grove and Bedford Streets, Greenwich Village is one of the best NYC neighborhoods for first-timers in Manhattan. Referred to as “the Village” by New Yorkers, this part of the Big Apple is home to fascinating history and vibrant energy, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and comedy clubs, bringing a unique energy to the neighborhood.
The village's quiet yet charming streets are fun to stroll through, as they are lined with colorful shops and offer incredible people-watching opportunities. Some of the best stops to visit include Washington Square Park, Bleecker Street, and Cherry Lane Theater.
- Where to stay: The Marlton Hotel
3 Chelsea
Chelsea is known for its vibrant arts scene that has been attracting culture enthusiasts to New York City for more than a century and is now home to hundreds of impressive art galleries showcasing talents from different parts of the world.
Surrounded on the east side by 6th Avenue and the Hudson River to the west, this neighborhood is another hot spot for first-timers in New York City and guarantees unforgettable experiences. It is home to some rooftop bars with incredible views of the NYC skyline, restaurants, and stunning art museums to explore during one’s stay.
- Where to stay: The High Line Hotel
2 Financial District
Financial District is one of the few neighborhoods in Manhattan that truly represent what vacationers can expect when they visit New York City. It is the oldest neighborhood in New York City, making it a perfect spot for history buffs.
Home to over 200 historic buildings, the Financial District, sometimes referred to as FiDi, boasts some of the most stunning architectural features in New York City. One of the things to miss doing during one’s first-time staying here is enjoying breathtaking views of Manhattan from the observation deck at World Trade Center.
Other places to explore include Oculus Mall, Pier 17, and the Charging Bull at Wall Street.
- Where to stay: Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown
1 SoHo (South Of Houston St.)
Visiting New York City for the first time? SoHo is one of the best neighborhoods for first-timers in Manhattan. It is known for having a thriving arts scene, and tourists will enjoy spending time in its art galleries. The neighborhood is also well-recognized for its fantastic dining and shopping opportunities, and there are places not to miss when it comes to that.
Visit the Museum of Ice Cream, one of the best places to visit with kids in New York City. The interactive museum feels more like a playground for both kids and adults and has impressive exhibits to explore.
- Where to stay: SoHo Grand Hotel