Central Park’s huge expanse of greenery offers a wonderful respite from the bustle of Manhattan, and is a good choice for where to stay in New York if you're looking for a slightly calmer experience. Explore the tranquil pathways on foot or by bicycle and get your skates on at the ice rink for a magical New York experience in the winter. The park is flanked by renowned museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.

It’s the beating heart of Manhattan and for many first time visitors to the city this is the best place to stay in New York. Home to the neon lights of Times Square, Broadway shows, Fifth Avenue shopping and iconic skyscrapers, it’s no surprise that lively Midtown is so popular. For a quieter side of Midtown, try the residential vibe of Murray Hill.

TF’s top hotel pick: Kixby

Housed in a building dating back to 1901, the charming Kixby blends historic touches with stylish design. Just a 5 minute walk from the Empire State Building, the hotel is perfectly situated to explore New York’s main attraction. After a day of sightseeing relax with a cocktail in the chic lobby bar, or in the warmer months head up to the rooftop bar for drinks with wonderful city views.

Chelsea is a good choice for where to stay in New York as it offers easy access to Midtown and enjoys a fun neighbourhood ambience with an abundance of art galleries and bars. Adjacent is Hudson Yards, a new development filled with shops and restaurants and home to the Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere. Connecting both areas is the High Line, a delightful elevated park built along a disused railroad.

Charming Greenwich Village is famed for its bohemian atmosphere and historic importance to the 1960s counterculture; from beat poets to the Stonewall riots. By day walk the pleasant tree-lined streets and stop for a coffee or brunch. In the evenings head to a comedy club or follow in the footsteps of Dylan and Hendrix by enjoying one of the many live music venues.

Cast iron façades and cobblestone streets abound in fashionable Soho which is overflowing with art galleries, upscale boutiques, restaurants and some of New York's chicest nightlife. Neighbouring Tribeca, once full of industrial warehouses, is now a celebrity hangout and home to trendy restaurants whilst still retaining a peaceful feel. Both are good choices for where to stay in New York for those seeking a hip and stylish vibe.

These two vibrant neighbourhoods sit side by side in lower Manhattan and are instantly recognisable from countless movies and TV shows. Enjoy the hustle and bustle as you explore Chinatown’s colourful streets, filled with shops selling exotic wares. Then dine alfresco in atmospheric Little Italy, before stopping by a traditional Italian bakery for cannoli.

Commonly abbreviated to LES, this is an eclectic New York neighbourhood full of history. Enjoy matzo ball soup from Jewish delis and visit the excellent Tenement Museum to learn about the city’s immigrant history. Renowned for its lively and edgy nightlife, there’s a huge array of clubs and bars to revel in, so is a good place to stay in New York for the young, or young at heart! 

Don’t let the name put you off, the home of Wall Street is the most historic part of Manhattan and there’s much to discover. Explore the cobblestoned Seaport District, visit the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum and then head up the One World Observatory for dizzying views. The area is also the jumping off point for the Brooklyn Bridge and cruises to the Statue of Liberty. There are some lovely hotels in this area too, so is a good choice for where to stay in New York for those seeking quiet luxury. 

Full of photogenic brownstone houses, tree-lined streets and cafés, affluent Brooklyn Heights is one of New York’s most coveted locations, while hip Williamsburg is the borough’s coolest neighbourhood and boasts an array of bars and restaurants. Enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline as you walk across the magnificent and stately Brooklyn Bridge.