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Recommend for visitors new to the city
Neighborhood & Location
When picking the perfect place it all comes down to the big four: safety, walkability, neighborhood vibe, and attractions. This curated section breaks down exactly what hotels to choose.
Recommend for visitors looking for best views of known landmarks
Views
When looking for the perfect vantage point, it all comes down to the unforgettable sights: unobstructed skyline panoramas, Central Park views, riverfronts, and floor-to-ceiling windows. This curated section breaks down exactly what hotels to choose.
Recommend for visitors looking to be near transportation centers
Transportation
When picking the perfect hub, it all comes down to easy travel: transit hub proximity, major subway station lines, and waterway travel. This curated section breaks down exactly what hotels to choose.
Recommend for visitors with more specfic needs/must haves
Location
Overall Best (For Location)
Park Hyatt New York
153 West 57th Street (Theater District)
5.0
Situated directly on “Billionaires’ Row” just two blocks from Central Park, this ultra-luxury retreat provides an incredibly opulent, central launchpad for experiencing the classic Midtown highlights.
Why? Its in/Near:
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Midtown West
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Central Park
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Columbus Circle
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Carnegie Hall
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Museum of Modern Art
Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York
456 Greenwich Street (Tribeca)
5.0
Nestled directly on the charming cobblestone streets of Tribeca, this ultra-exclusive, Parisian-inspired sanctuary offers incredible privacy while keeping you fully immersed in the city’s most elite downtown culinary scene.
Why? Its in/Near:
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Tribeca
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SoHo
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Hudson River Park
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One World Observatory
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Washington Market Park
Park Hyatt New York
153 West 57th Street (Theater District)
Situated directly on “Billionaires’ Row” just two blocks from Central Park, this ultra-luxury retreat provides an incredibly opulent, central launchpad for experiencing the classic Midtown highlights.
Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York
456 Greenwich Street (Tribeca)
Nestled directly on the charming cobblestone streets of Tribeca, this ultra-exclusive, Parisian-inspired sanctuary offers incredible privacy while keeping you fully immersed in the city’s most elite downtown culinary scene.
Why? Its in/Near:
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Tribeca
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SoHo
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Hudson River Park
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One World Observatory
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Washington Market Park
More
Times Square & Theater District (Manhattan)
Focus: Staying in luxury amidst Times Square and the Theater District places you directly inside the dazzling, high-wattage heart of New York, where elite hospitality meets the city’s most iconic energy.
Helpful tip:
When booking a luxury stay in this high-traffic zone, look for properties that offer elevated, private sanctuaries—such as heavily soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows or exclusive rooftop oases—to escape the neon frenzy below at a moment’s notice.
The Chatwal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, New York
130 West 44th Street (Theater District)
5.0
Midtown (Manhattan)
Focus: Immersing yourself in luxury across Midtown Manhattan places you at the epicenter of world-class commerce, iconic architecture, and legendary shopping, stretching seamlessly from Fifth Avenue to the elegant East Side.
Helpful tip:
To experience Midtown’s sophisticated side, opt for properties positioned along Madison or Fifth Avenue, which grant immediate access to premier fashion flagships and historic landmarks while maintaining a more refined atmosphere than the nearby transit hubs.
The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
455 Madison Avenue (Midtown East)
5.0
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
400 Fifth Avenue (Midtown South)
5.0
Upper East Side (Manhattan)
Focus: luxury on the Upper East Side surrounds you with timeless Gilded Age elegance, historic limestone townhouses, and unparalleled proximity to the world-renowned Museum Mile.
Helpful tip:
When booking an ultra-luxury stay in this prestigious enclave, request a high-floor suite overlooking Central Park or a quiet rear courtyard to experience the neighborhood’s signature residential serenity.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
35 East 76th Street (Upper East Side)
5.0
Upper West Side (Manhattan)
Focus: luxury on the Upper West Side blends grand, old-world New York residential charm with direct access to elite cultural institutions like Lincoln Center and the sprawling, scenic paths of Central Park.
Helpful tip:
When booking a premium stay here, aim for the ultra-luxury properties situated at the neighborhood’s southern border near Columbus Circle to secure sweeping, high-altitude views over the Central Park treetops, or look slightly further north for hushed, boutique luxury nestled among historic brownstones.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Circle (Upper West Side)
5.0
DUMBO (Brooklyn)
Focus: DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) surrounds you with highly coveted, industrial-chic aesthetics, cobblestone streets, and the absolute best, most unobstructed views of the downtown Manhattan skyline available anywhere in the city.
Helpful tip:
Because the actual footprint of DUMBO is incredibly small, true luxury hotel inventory directly on the waterfront is extremely limited, making it absolutely essential to book your stay well in advance—especially during the summer months.
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
333 Adams Street (Downtown Brooklyn)
4.0
Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Focus: Setting up your home base in a Williamsburg luxury property drops you straight into Brooklyn’s most coveted, design-forward neighborhood, where industrial grit perfectly collides with cutting-edge culinary and world-class nightlife scenes.
Helpful tip:
Because this neighborhood is globally famous for its vibrant summer energy, booking a high-end hotel here often grants you highly exclusive access to coveted rooftop pools that otherwise charge hefty day-pass rates to the general public.
SoHo (Manhattan)
Focus: Choosing a luxury retreat in SoHo positions you squarely among the city’s most coveted cast-iron architecture, high-end designer boutiques, and effortlessly cool downtown dining scene.
Helpful tip:
Because SoHo’s iconic cobblestone streets are heavily trafficked by shoppers and tourists during the day, it’s highly recommended to look for luxury properties that feature hidden interior courtyards or exclusive rooftop terraces where you can completely escape the bustle below.
Financial District (Manhattan)
Focus: Establishing your base in the Financial District surrounds you with striking architectural contrasts, where historic Wall Street landmarks seamlessly meet sleek, ultra-modern skyscrapers and beautiful waterfront promenades.
Helpful tip:
Because the Financial District (FiDi) caters heavily to a high-powered corporate crowd during the workweek, luxury properties in this neighborhood often empty out significantly over the weekend, making it an incredibly quiet, highly exclusive retreat for leisure travelers.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
27 Barclay Street (Financial District)
4.6
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt
123 Nassau Street (Financial District)
4.5
Chelsea (Manhattan)
Focus: Choosing a luxury stay in Chelsea embeds you within Manhattan’s premier contemporary art gallery district, placing you steps from the iconic High Line and a vibrant mix of cutting-edge architecture and historic brownstones.
Helpful tip:
When staying in luxury in Chelsea, you are perfectly positioned to explore the city’s finest contemporary art; ask your hotel’s concierge to curate a personalized gallery walk or secure reservations at the area’s highly competitive, trend-setting restaurants.
Long Island City (Queens)
Focus: Establishing your luxury base in Long Island City (LIC) places you in one of New York’s fastest-growing, design-forward waterfront neighborhoods, offering unparalleled, sweeping views of the entire East Side Manhattan skyline from just across the river.
Helpful tip:
Because Long Island City is slightly removed from the dense, 24/7 gridlock of Manhattan, the luxury properties here often boast significantly larger room footprints and more expansive rooftop amenities than their midtown counterparts.
Ravel Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
8-08 Queens Plaza South (Long Island City)
4.1
Views
Overall Best (For Best Views)
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
25 West 28th Street (Flatiron)
5.0
When curating top-tier selections for a dedicated “views” category, this soaring, newly built tower is an absolute must-include. Because it rises high above the relatively low-slung Floral District, it provides completely unobstructed, jaw-dropping panoramas.
Why? Views Seen:
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Empire State Building
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Midtown skyscraper skyline
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One World Trade Center
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Statue of Liberty
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Hudson River
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
2 East 61st Street (Upper East Side)
4.5
For visitors seeking the quintessential, movie-perfect Manhattan vista, this legendary property delivers the ultimate park panorama, perfectly capturing the grand, historic elegance of the city.
Why? Views Seen:
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Central Park
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Upper West Side skyline
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Manhattan skyline
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
25 West 28th Street (Flatiron)
When curating top-tier selections for a dedicated “views” category, this soaring, newly built tower is an absolute must-include. Because it rises high above the relatively low-slung Floral District, it provides completely unobstructed, jaw-dropping panoramas.
Why?Views Seen:
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Empire State Building
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Midtown skyscraper skyline
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One World Trade Center
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Statue of Liberty
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Hudson River
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
2 East 61st Street (Upper East Side)
For visitors seeking the quintessential, movie-perfect Manhattan vista, this legendary property delivers the ultimate park panorama, perfectly capturing the grand, historic elegance of the city.
Why? Views Seen:
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Central Park
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Upper West Side skyline
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Manhattan Skyline
More
Central Park (Upper Midtown)
Focus: Securing a luxury room overlooking Central Park grants you front-row access to New York City’s most iconic natural masterpiece, pairing expansive greenery with a dramatic backdrop of towering skyscrapers.
Helpful tip:
When booking specifically for a park view, always carefully review the room category tier, as terms like “Park View” usually guarantee a direct, unobstructed look, while “Park Aspect” or “Partial Park View” might only offer a glimpse from an angle. Request a room above the 15th floor to clear the park’s dense canopy layer and truly capture the sprawling scope of the lawns and lakes.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
80 Columbus Circle (Upper West Side)
4.4
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
50 Central Park South (Midtown Central)
4.5
The Brooklyn Bridge & Manhattan Bridge (East River)
Focus: Booking a luxury room that captures both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges provides a uniquely dramatic, dual-layered perspective of New York’s iconic East River crossings and the city’s soaring architectural ambition.
Helpful tip:
Because the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges are relatively close to each other, securing a vantage point to see both simultaneously requires a hotel with highly specific positioning—either right between them on the waterfront or elevated high enough in an adjacent neighborhood to look down on both. When booking, explicitly request an “East River View” or “Bridge View” room on the highest possible floor.
33 Hotel New York City Seaport
33 Peck Slip (South Street Seaport)
5.0
Empire State Building (Midtown South)
Focus: Securing a luxury room with views of the Empire State Building anchors your New York City experience around the world’s most recognizable Art Deco masterpiece, providing a glowing, constantly changing beacon right outside your window.
Helpful tip:
Because the Empire State Building is located in the densely packed center of Midtown, the absolute best vantage points are often found a few blocks south in neighborhoods like NoMad or the Garment District, allowing you to actually see the building’s full profile rather than just looking straight up its base.
Times Square Neon Lights (Theater District)
Focus: Securing a luxury room with views of Times Square drops you right into the glowing, neon-drenched center of the world, allowing you to experience the unmatched electric energy of the Broadway district entirely from the quiet comfort of your own private sanctuary.
Helpful tip:
When booking a hotel specifically to look over Times Square, the floor height is absolutely critical. You want a room that is elevated enough to clear the immediate street-level chaos, but not so high that you lose the immersive, 360-degree impact of the massive digital billboards.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel by Marriott
714 7th Avenue (Theater District)
4.3
Hudson River (Hudson River)
Focus: Booking a luxury room right on the western edge of Manhattan guarantees you tranquil, uninterrupted views of the Hudson River, providing a rare sense of wide-open breathing room and spectacular, fiery sunsets that you simply cannot get in the center of the city.
Helpful tip:
Because the Hudson River spans the entire length of the island, the “vibe” of your view depends entirely on the neighborhood. If you want to see sailboats and the Statue of Liberty, look for properties deep in Battery Park City; if you prefer views of the waterfront parks, Little Island, and sweeping New Jersey skylines, the Meatpacking District is your best bet.
The Standard, High Line
848 Washington Street (Meatpacking District)
4.4
Conrad New York Downtown
102 North End Avenue (Battery Park City)
4.6
Transit
Overall Best (For Transportation)
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
27 Barclay Street (Tribeca)
5.0
Located just one block from the massive, hyper-connected Oculus and Fulton Center transit hubs, this ultra-luxury property gives you immediate, weatherproof access to nearly every major downtown subway line as well as regional rail.
Why? Transits Near:
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Fulton Center Subway Hub
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Oculus Transit Hub
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Chambers Subway Station
Info:
- Fulton Center Subway Hub has: (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5, R, W trains).
- Oculus/World Trade Center Transit Hub has: (PATH trains to New Jersey).
- Chambers Street Subway Station has: (A, C, 1, 2, 3 trains).
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
400 5th Avenue (Garment District)
5.0
Centrally positioned on Fifth Avenue, this sophisticated 5-star retreat sits perfectly equidistant between New York’s two most critical regional transit arteries: Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station.
Why? Transits Near:
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Herald Square Subway Station
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Grand Central
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Penn Station
Info:
- Herald Square Subway Station has: (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains).
- Grand Central Terminal has: (4, 5, 6, 7, S trains, Metro-North Railroad, LIRR).
- Penn Station / Moynihan Train Hall has: (1, 2, 3, A, C, E trains, Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit).
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
27 Barclay Street (Tribeca)
Located just one block from the massive, hyper-connected Oculus and Fulton Center transit hubs, this ultra-luxury property gives you immediate, weatherproof access to nearly every major downtown subway line as well as regional rail.
Why? Transits Near:
→
Fulton Center Subway Hub
→
Oculus Transit Hub
→
Chambers Subway Station
Info:
- Fulton Center Subway Hub has: (A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5, R, W trains).
- Oculus/World Trade Center Transit Hub has: (PATH trains to New Jersey).
- Chambers Street Subway Station has: (A, C, 1, 2, 3 trains).
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
400 5th Avenue (Garment District)
Centrally positioned on Fifth Avenue, this sophisticated 5-star retreat sits perfectly equidistant between New York’s two most critical regional transit arteries: Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station.
Why? Transits Near:
→
Herald Square Subway Station
→
Grand Central
→
Penn Station
Info:
- Herald Square Subway Station has: (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains).
- Grand Central Terminal has: (4, 5, 6, 7, S trains, Metro-North Railroad, LIRR).
- Penn Station / Moynihan Train Hall has: (1, 2, 3, A, C, E trains, Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit).
More
Penn Station & Moynihan Train Hall (Chelsea)
Focus: Choosing a luxury property near Penn Station and the stunning new Moynihan Train Hall positions you at the absolute nerve center of East Coast travel. It is the ultimate strategic move for travelers arriving via Amtrak, NJ Transit, or the Long Island Rail Road who want to immediately drop their bags and start exploring.
Helpful tip:
Because the immediate blocks surrounding Penn Station are incredibly dense and heavily commercial, “luxury” in this specific area is defined by finding properties that act as serene, soundproofed sanctuaries above the chaos.
The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel
481 8th Avenue (Garment District)
4.0
Grand Central Terminal (Midtown East)
Focus: Choosing a luxury hotel near Grand Central Terminal places you in the elegant, historic core of Midtown East, offering immediate access to not just Metro-North rail lines, but the architectural splendor and high-end dining embedded right inside the terminal itself.
Helpful tip:
Because the blocks immediately surrounding Grand Central cater heavily to corporate executives and diplomats, the luxury properties here specialize in highly refined, classic service and sophisticated tranquility rather than buzzy nightlife.
InterContinental New York Barclay
111 East 48th Street (Midtown East)
4.3
The Westin New York Grand Central
212 East 42nd Street (Murray Hill)
4.2
Times Square–42nd Street Subway Station (Theater District)
Focus: Positioning yourself right at the Times Square transit hub drops you directly into the electric core of the Broadway Theater District while providing unmatched, lightning-fast subway access to virtually every corner of Manhattan.
Helpful tip:
Because the street-level traffic in the “Crossroads of the World” is often gridlocked with pedestrians and pedicabs, having immediate access to this massive underground transit network is far more efficient than relying on taxis.
Circle Line Sightseeing Pier 83 (Hell's Kitchen)
Focus: Positioning your luxury stay near Pier 83 drops you onto the rapidly evolving, dynamic western edge of Hell’s Kitchen. It serves as the ultimate maritime launchpad, providing immediate access to New York City’s premier sightseeing cruises, the historic Intrepid Museum, and miles of uninterrupted greenway along the Hudson River.
Helpful tip:
Because Pier 83 sits on the far western edge of Manhattan (12th Avenue), you are physically distanced from the dense, central subway grid that runs under 8th and 7th Avenues.
InterContinental New York Times Square by IHG
300 West 44th Street (Hell’s Kitchen)
5.0
Fulton Center Subway Station Hub (Financial District)
Focus: Establishing your base near the Fulton Center Subway Hub in the Financial District (FiDi) is the ultimate operational masterstroke for navigating Lower Manhattan. It places you in the heart of the city’s historic financial center while granting you immediate, fully integrated indoor access to almost every major subway line that crosses the island.
Helpful tip:
Because the Fulton Center is an architectural marvel of glass and steel designed to streamline the chaotic downtown transit web, it is heavily trafficked during the weekday rush hours.
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt
123 Nassau Street (Financial District)
5.0
Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt
15 Gold Street (Financial District)
4.5
Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York
75 Wall Street (Financial District)
4.2
Port Authority Bus Terminal (Garment District)
Focus: Choosing a luxury property near the Port Authority Bus Terminal drops you right on the vibrant border of the Garment District and Hell’s Kitchen. It serves as the ultimate strategic launchpad for travelers arriving via regional buses, airport express shuttles, or NJ Transit who want to drop their bags and instantly have immediate, walkable access to the center of Midtown.
Helpful tip:
Because the blocks immediately surrounding this massive transit hub are notoriously fast-paced and heavily trafficked, “luxury” here is defined by finding an oasis that completely filters out the street-level chaos.
The Westin New York at Times Square
270 West 43rd Street (Theater District)
4.2
AC Hotel New York Times Square
260 West 40th Street (Garment District)
4.4
14th Street–Union Square Subway Station (Union Square)
Focus: Setting up your luxury base near Union Square places you at one of Manhattan’s most vibrant and vital downtown intersections. It is the perfect launchpad if you want to be around neighborhoods like Gramercy, Greenwich Village, and the East Village.
Helpful tip:
Because Union Square is a massive gathering place the immediate street level is always buzzing with locals, students, and artists. To ensure a peaceful retreat, prioritize rooms on higher floors or those facing interior courtyards.
Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
52 West 13th Street (Greenwich Village)
4.5
Specifics
Private Balconies & Terraces (Overall Best)
The William Vale
111 North 12th Street (Greenpoint)
Unlike almost every luxury property in Manhattan where outdoor space is reserved strictly for top-tier penthouse suites, this striking tower was architecturally designed so that every single room comes with its own private, furnished balcony.
5.0
Unlike almost every luxury property in Manhattan where outdoor space is reserved strictly for top-tier penthouse suites, this striking tower was architecturally designed so that every single room comes with its own private, furnished balcony.
Historical & Architectural Charm (Overall Best)
The St. Regis New York
2 East 55th Street (Midtown East)
Founded by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904 as the ultimate playground for the world’s elite, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece stands as the definitive pinnacle of Gilded Age elegance. The property represents a flawless, living preservation of old-world New York luxury that simply cannot be replicated by modern builds.
5.0
Founded by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904 as the ultimate playground for the world’s elite, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece stands as the definitive pinnacle of Gilded Age elegance. The property represents a flawless, living preservation of old-world New York luxury that simply cannot be replicated by modern builds.
In-Room Family-Friendly (Overall Best)
The Peninsula New York
700 5th Avenue (Midtown Central)
While many 5-star properties merely tolerate children, this legendary Fifth Avenue icon rolls out the red carpet for them through its dedicated “Camp Peninsula” initiative.
While many 5-star properties merely tolerate children, this legendary Fifth Avenue icon rolls out the red carpet for them through its dedicated “Camp Peninsula” initiative.
5.0
More
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
35 East 76th Street (Upper East Side)
5.0
The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York
125 East 50th Street (Midtown East)
4.5
Here is where you can find itineraries to match the neighborhood you are looking to book a hotel at with the choices at the bottom.
Choose the typical tourist route starting in Midtown East. Or go non tourist and start in Midtown Central to do cardio with galleries and drinks at the end.
For the first option as a tourist you’ll start in Battery Park City and cross into Brooklyn seeing attractions along the way. Or choose the non tourist route starting near Battery Park City.
Starting with the tourist route in Greenpoint you’ll enjoy the aesthetics, vintage shopping, and capturing memories. With the non tourist mix going from Greenpoint its more entertaining with activities and views and clubbing to end it.
Starting with the first option starting in Upper East Side you’ll start with sushi and go on Museum Mile and end the night with comedy. The second option is more tourist like starting in Upper East Side and with an gallery and going through Central Park to end it with an Opera.
West Village is where its at. The non tourist mix you’ll start with pilates then shopping and end with a dinner where Taylor Swift is obsessed with. Or with the tourist mix you’ll visit the popular icons and the Harry Potter store plus the museum ending it with dinner.
Starting in Brooklyn in Brooklyn Heights for the tourist mix you’ll go thrift shopping and see a broadway show and go to the parks for views.
With the tourist mix you’ll go from eating the most popular pancakes in NYC to tea with a mix of views from parks to dinner. If your not a tourist you can choose SoHo since its near Chinatown.