Where to Stay in New York City: The 3 Best Boroughs for First-Time Visitors

New York City is one of those places that can feel slightly overwhelming before you arrive. There are five boroughs, dozens of neighborhoods, thousands of hotels, and an endless list of things to see and do. So, where should you actually stay in New York City? Having visited New York a few times ourselves, our recommendation for first-time visitors is pretty simple: stay in Manhattan. Yes, you can sometimes find cheaper accommodation farther out, and both Brooklyn and Queens have some fantastic neighborhoods of their own. But if this is your first trip to NYC and your goal is to see as much of the city as possible, Manhattan puts you right in the middle of the action. And within Manhattan, Midtown is one of the best places to base yourself. Nick and I have always stayed in this area when visiting New York. We love being able to walk out of our hotel and immediately feel like we’re in the New York we’ve seen in movies our whole lives! Think towering skyscrapers, yellow taxis, steaming street grates, delis, Broadway theaters, rooftop bars, and some of the most famous landmarks on the planet. In this guide, I’ll break down the three best New York City boroughs for first-time visitors,...