Visiting NYC for the First Time: Where to Stay
- Naureen Chhipa
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
As a local who's lived in New York City for over 15 years now, I can proudly say I know the city of New York like the back of my hand -- well, at least the island of Manhattan, where I've lived for the majority part. I mostly stay uptown, but on some occasions, I do partake in an impromptu staycation and visit some of the most vintage, eclectic, chic, and bougie hotels the city has to offer. Many travelers visiting, knowing that I am a local, ask me where they should stay when visiting "the city that never sleeps." Where to stay in New York City largely depends on your preferences for foot traffic, nearby attractions, and noise levels. There are some amazing hotels in the Big Apple, and today, I want to share with you my favorite ones by answering the popular question of "where should you stay in NYC for the first-time visiting?" I had a great time putting this list together, and it will include a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury, for every type of traveler.
New York City, "The Center of the Universe," at least according to the Broadway show musical "Rent," is indeed an impressive city to visit. Many legendary TV shows, such as Friends and Sex and the City, were filmed here, along with a handful of iconic films, including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Do the Right Thing. Historic landmarks and locations, such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, and Ground Zero, to name a few, remind you of how small you are in the vast melting pot that the city is. New York City means so much to me! I find a way to always fall deeper in love with this city, and our love affair never grows old. Every season in New York reveals a distinct aspect of the city to explore. From the hot and blistering summer months, where you go museum hopping to stay indoors with AC, to the fall months, where you find yourself enchanted by the leaves changing colors and mother nature doing its thang! Winter, where the pure white snow creates a blanket over Central Park, and spring, where all New Yorkers come out of hibernation and enjoy the cherry blossom trees starting to bloom. New York City is a destination that should be on everybody's bucket list.
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As a local who's lived in NYC for over 15 years now, I can proudly say I know the city of New York like the back of my hand
Where Should You Stay in NYC for The First-Time Visiting?
Table of Contents
When is The Best Time to Visit NYC?
Best Time to Visit NYC for Weather:
š¹January to February: Winter is an ideal time for budget travelers to visit, as January and February are considered the low-season months in New York City, and accommodations tend to be less expensive. However, the weather is not the most pleasant, with an average temperature of 30Ā°F that can sometimes feel below 0Ā°F when the wind decides to greet us at full force. There are occasional snowstorms, although fewer and fewer every year due to global warming. And if visiting during this time, you'll want to stick to indoor activities.
š¹March to May: The beginning of spring brings comfortable weather to the bustling city of New York. March, being the cooler month with an average of 45Ā°F, will require some extra layers to pack. By the end of April or the beginning of May, you can enjoy the cooling effect of spring for the first time with an average of 60Ā°F. Spring is one of my favorite times to visit New York City. The city is slowly waking up from the harsh winter months, and you can feel a contagious burst of energy throughout the city. Spring is also an excellent time to take a walking tour of the various neighborhoods in NYC and embark on some nearby day trips.
š¹June to August: Summer in the city is as hot as it gets! Summer is my least favorite time to visit; it's just too hot to do outdoor activities, and it gets a bit crowded. I recommend avoiding visits during this time. The only plus side to visiting New York during the summer months is that we have some fun festivals and parades happening on the streets, which are mostly free of charge and a nice addition to any NYC itinerary.
š¹September to November: Fall in the city is magical. I love this time of year for picnics and going on hikes. The leaves start to change color, and the vibe is more cozy and comfortable rather than exploratory. The weather is pleasant, and the culinary scene is at its peak, with outdoor dining options available. Fall is also a great time to see major landmarks and attractions, such as the Empire State Building, walk around Lower Manhattan, or visit 42nd Street, famously known as the iconic Times Square, a must-visit for first-timers.
š¹December: The brisk weather fills the air, and the holiday spirits are in full swing now. The stores on 5th Avenue have their windows decked out to the max with Christmas decorations as everyone awaits the "lighting of the tree" on top of the Rockefeller Center ice arena rink. December is a great time to visit New York City with kids, but the streets can become overwhelmingly crowded, and prices tend to be higher during this time.
Best Time to Visit NYC for Festivals:
ā January: Winter Jazzfest
ā February to April: The Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden
ā April: Japan Fes
ā April: Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival
ā April to May: Macy's Flower Show
ā May to October: Summer Stage in Central Park
ā May to October: The River to River Festival
ā June: Museum Mile Festival
ā June: Governors Ball
ā June: The Coney Island Mermaid Parade
ā June to July: The Tribeca Film Festival
ā June to August: BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn
ā June to August: Smorgasburg
ā August: AFROPUNK Festival
ā August to September: Shakespeare in the Park
ā September to October: New York Film Festival
ā September to October: Oktoberfest
ā October: New York City Wine and Food Festival (NYCWFF)
ā November: New York Comedy Festival
ā December: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
How Much Time Should I Spend in NYC?
You can easily visit the major attractions in New York City in one day. However, to fully enjoy exploring different neighborhoods, taking a stroll through Central Park, dining at top restaurants, visiting iconic museums like The Metropolitan Museum, and experiencing the city's events and nightlife, I recommend staying in New York City for at least three days.
For those with limited time who want to see it all in 24 hours or less, the New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour is a great option. Click here for the latest prices and more information. You can also purchase a New York City Pass, which offers savings of up to 41% at five top attractions. Click here for more information on the New York City Pass and the latest prices. You'll have 9 days to use your pass, so there's no rush there!
How to Take The Subway in NYC for The First-Time Visiting?
Taking the subway in NYC is easy as it's all color-coded. Instead of buying a Metro Card, you can tap and pay at the terminal using Apple Pay. Remember always to use the same card when paying, as after 12 rides within a week, any additional rides will be automatically free ā cool, no? A top tip from a local ;) For your first time visiting, you'll want to focus mainly on the red line that runs from downtown to uptown on the Island of Manhattan.
Three trains run on the Red Line: the 1 (local, making all stops), the 2, and the 3 (Express). Some key things to look after when taking the subway in NYC are: Are you heading uptown or downtown? And is your stop a local or express one? When in doubt, take the local 1 train. It may take a little longer, but it makes all the stops along the red line.
Where to Stay When Visiting NYC for The First-Time?
Upscale | Maritime Hotel NYC | Hotels in New York City
363 West 16th Street, New York, NY 10011
Located in Chelsea, near the Meatpacking District, the Maritime Hotel is an ideal location for those seeking to stay in a vibrant area surrounded by fantastic restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping markets. As soon as you enter the hotel, the vibe is sophisticated/ smart. Bookshelves are everywhere, and large leather sofas invite you to drift the day away, perhaps sipping on brandy. The atmosphere feels old school. Formerly home to the National Maritime Union, The Maritime Hotel pays homage to its nautical past, and the hallways make you feel as if you were on a cruise ship inside a boat-- which I found cool and unique.Ā Ā Click here to watch a video tour of Room 402, where I spent the night.
What I loved about staying at The Maritime NYC in New York City
Great for solo travelers and couples.
Room window overlooking the Street.
Great natural light.
Desk space and chair.
Complimentary bottle of wine ;)
Proximity to landmarks and tourist attractions.
It feels quiet and secluded amidst the city's chaotic hustle and bustle.
Free breakfast.
Attentive staff.
Easy access to trains / Great location.
What I didn't love about staying at The Maritime NYC in New York City
Small rooms with little extra space.
Mid-Range | Arlo SoHo | Hotels in New York City
I love the Arlo SoHo because it features a rooftop where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail after a full day of exploring NYC. The decor is modern and minimalist, with an excellent location close to the SoHo, Tribeca, and West Village neighborhoods. Iconic sites in lower Manhattan are just a short distance away, along with plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, and shopping options nearby. The hotel offers good value for the price, but some renovations are needed as some of the rooms appear run-down. Arlo SoHo is a great budget hotel in New York City that doesn't sacrifice location, as you're right in the heart of the action.
What I love about Arlo SoHo
Rooftop bar with skyline views.
Great location.
Good value for money.
Subway nearby.
Cute lobby candy shop, open 24 hours a day.
Hidden Small Speakeasy in the lobby (Foxtail).
*Pro Local Tip: Try the pizza next door at LDT Pizza.
What I don't love about Arlo SoHo
In need of renovation.
Small rooms.
High noise level, not ideal for light sleepers.
Mid-Range | The FIDI Hotel | Hotels in New York City
A product of its neighborhood, The FIDI Hotel in the financial district boasts a distinctly noir-chic and industrial vibe. As you enter the space, the ambiance is of luxury at a yet mid-range price point. The design is modern and upscale. This FIDI luxury boutique hotel is just steps from the World Trade Center, Wall Street, and the Seaport area.
What I love about The FIDI Hotel
Sleek/sexy decor.
Good value for money.
Location.
Newer Hotel / modern amenities.
Complimentary Breakfast.
Wine/ Cheese Social Hour (Free).
Safe and clean neighborhood.
What I don't love about The FIDI Hotel
Small rooms with no refrigerator or mini bar.
There is not a great variety of options for breakfast.
Rooms are not soundproof.
Some rooms have low light.
Tips for Your First Visit to New York City
Walk the Different Neighborhoods of NYC with a Walking Tour
Explore the Different Boroughs of NYC
Take some day trips after exploring the city! Here are my favorite ones:
I hope you found this guide to NYC for first-timers helpful! Thanks so much for reading, and if you visit any of these hotels, leave a comment below with your experience, or if you had a different hotel you loved and recommend, also share it in a comment for the travel community traveling to NYC. 'till next time!
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