Where To Stay in New York

By Sarah Harris

Planning a trip to New York and not sure where to stay? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re a first-timer looking to see the sites or wanting a more authentic NY experience, we've put together a list of our favorite places to stay in the area. Wherever you choose to stay, the Big Apple packs so many fun attractions and hidden gems within its boundaries that it's impossible to be bored there. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

See the Sites

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If it’s your first visit to New York, there's no greater place to stay than Midtown Manhattan. Located right in the heart of the concrete jungle, this vibrant district is the best choice for soaking up the true atmosphere of the city. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the area remains the most popular tourist destination in the entire city – and with good reason! Stay here, and you’ll be just a stone's throw away from countless emblematic attractions, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. There are also great restaurants, theaters, shopping opportunities and bars – basically, you name it, they have it! Staying here also means that you’ll have your pick of some of the most iconic hotels in the city.

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With the city’s big reputation and all of the excitement to match it, it’s only natural that you’d want to stay near the center of it all. Still, if Midtown isn’t quite your scene, we recommend staying on the Upper West Side. This area is a great middle-ground for first-time explorers because it has an abundance of interesting attractions but with less of a buzz. Here, you’ll find everything from fantastic museums and parks to great restaurants and markets. Undoubtedly picturesque and quintessentially New York, the Upper West Side has a certain beauty and elegance you won’t find elsewhere.

Live Like a Local

New York is a city of enchanting contrasts, with an animated spirit and countless great neighborhoods and districts to explore. Still, one of our top picks to stay in is Chelsea for its vibrant art scene and great nightlife hotspots. The area presents an interesting array of industrial landmarks, modern structures, and of course, galleries to boot. Stay here, and you’ll be very close to the Whitney and the Rubin, amongst countless others. Dense with creativity and humanity, Chelsea is the perfect area for any artsy types coming to visit the Big Apple.

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Though we might have been led to believe otherwise, New York isn’t just all about Manhattan! If you’re looking to stay further out from the city center, we recommend checking out hotels in Brooklyn. Standing out as one of the coolest boroughs in New York, the area has a more laid-back feel than Manhattan, but without giving up all of the fun and intrigue. As one of the city’s liveliest urban spaces, you’ll find everything from interesting museums and landmarks to great bars and restaurants all in one place. Stay in Brooklyn if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual New York experience.

When looking at places to stay in New York, many forget about the surrounding boroughs. Well, not us! Just a short ride away from Manhattan, Queens is one of our favorite destinations for its great attractions and diversity in culture. Other than that, the best things to do in the area run the gamut; from visiting historic landmarks and art museums to trying out some of the best cuisines in the city, you’ll find many reasons to love this unique spot. Those looking to soak up the urban atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed will undoubtedly enjoy Queens.

Try Something New

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If you’re looking to live like the locals, look no further! Most certainly one of our favorite areas of the city, the West Village is known as the birthplace of 1960's counterculture and the gay liberation movement. Today, the area is flanked with federal-style townhouses, trendy restaurants and artsy boutiques, making it one of the most picturesque areas in New York to stay in. In addition, the neighborhood is well-recognized for its historic bars, theaters, and comedy clubs. Whilst this area appeals more to a younger crowd, there are no rules here!

Aside from being super famous, New York has a little something for everybody – interesting history, alluring shopping destinations, great dining, and a whole heap more! Known for being the birthplace of punk, the East Village is good for those who want to experience the grittier side of city living. For creative types and dreamers, the area presents no shortage of galleries, hip restaurants and vintage stores to be discovered. Come nightfall, you’ll be right in the center of all of the fun, with an abundance of old school bars and music venues to choose from! Painfully cool and forever exciting, the area is perfect for anybody who’s looking to see a different side of the city.

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Another great place to stay in New York is SoHo. Lively and rich in culture, this area is kind of like the East Village’s grown-up older brother. With its elegant cast-iron structures, trendy cafes, and cobblestone streets, this neighborhood is truly the stuff movies are made of. At night, this place comes alive with high-end restaurants, bars and wineries to be enjoyed. For art lovers and anybody with a passion for fashion, Soho would be the perfect option.

New York presents so many great places to stay in, each with their own unique sights, sounds, tastes and history. The city has a lot to offer, from trendy urban boroughs to High-end residential districts. Whether you’re an art lover, a shopaholic, or a foodie, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to suit your style and itinerary amongst the city’s wealth of options. To get the most out of your visit, check out our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

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NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 2014

One of the largest St. Paddy’s Day parades in the country (and probably the world), the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade, is not to be missed and the 2014 edition is right around the corner. If you are planning to be in the city on March 17, you will want to make sure to take in a portion of the parade at some point on Monday The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on 44th Street and make its way north on 5th Avenue all the way up to 79th Street. If you choose to attend, you’ll be one of the more than two million spectators that will line the avenue and cheers on the 150,000 or so marchers. There are tons of bands, firefighters, police officers, emigrant societies and social and cultural clubs that are represented in the parade and they will all appreciate your support. While you are in the area, use your New York Attractions Pass to check out the Empire State Building and other popular destinations in the area. Started by homesick Irish enlisted soldiers from the British army in 1762, the 2014 edition of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place under the supervision of Grand Marshal Jack Ahern of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3. The parade is one of the most popular annual events in the city, so you will want to make sure to leave some time for travel delays and plan to get there early for a good spot in order to really take advantage of the day. In addition to the day itself, and besides all the sights that are available to see with the New York Attractions Pass, there’s also the Amazing New York Scavenger Hunt on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day. The hunt will kick off at Libation at 37 Ludlow Street and run from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Participants in the hunt will travel around the city while relying on a series of clues that lead to physical and mental challenges throughout NYC. The hunt also combines some obstacle course elements and all hunters should expect a few bar challenges along the way. (In order to participate, you will need a smart phone that is equipped with an app called ScanQuest. According to a review of the hunt: “Gather some pals and sign up as a group, or enter solo and let the organizers introduce you to some new friends; the winners take home gift baskets, and every participant who completes the hunt gets a free beer.” The Saturday before the hunt and St. Patrick’s Day, the Whole Foods Bowery Culinary Center at 95 East Houston Street in the Lower East Side is hosting a Real Irish Cooking workshop. Make and then dine on a traditional Irish lunch, including beef-and-Guinness stew, Dublin-style parsnip colcannon and raisin sweet cake. Yum! To view all the top New York Attractions for adults, kids and people of all ages, check out Smart Destinations’ New York Explorer Pass and Go Select New York Pass!
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New York City Tourism Discounts

Did you know that New York City hosts nearly 47 million tourists each year? While the number seems striking, it starts to make sense when you take into account all of the City's many tourist magnets. People come from all over the country and the world to see plays on Broadway, re-create the experiences of their ancestors with a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, have a people-watching picnic in Central Park and speed up the elevator to the top of the Empire State Building. New York attractions are so diverse and plentiful that it's no wonder they call NYC The City that Never Sleeps—who would have the time? While New York City is certainly a busy and popular destination, your New York vacation doesn't have to be stressful or chaotic. A New York attraction pass can make all the difference, and Smart Destinations has anticipated your every need when it comes to a New York pass to top attractions. There are two options for you to choose from. First up is the New York Explorer Pass, featuring discounted admission to 3, 5, 7, or 10 attractions (depending on how adventurous you're feeling). You'll have 55 attractions to choose from (though you don't have to choose until you're actually in NYC) and 30 full days to use the pass so you can go at your own pace. While some tourists like cramming all they can into an action-packed day, others prefer to see one or two attractions a day and take the rest of the time to wander and relax. No matter your style, the NYC Explorer Pass can accommodate your family and provide added convenience via a full-color guidebook and "skip the line" deals at many New York attractions. The Go Select New York pass has the same idea: discounted admission to top attractions on one convenient New York pass. However, this pass is a bit more tailored to your personal whims. In fact, you'll build the pass yourself, adding attractions and watching your savings grow. This pass also features 55 attractions and 30 days from activation to take advantage of your discounts. And if planning really isn't your thing or you're running short on ideas, take a look at the pre-made Go Select New York Packages, with options like the New York Family Fun Pass or NYC Land & Sea. Don't forget, half the fun of being in New York City is just simply, well, being there. Make sure you take the time to look around you and soak in the people, architecture, culture, and vibrancy that have made NYC such an alluring destination for so many years.
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Family Things to Do on NYE in NYC

Traditionally, New Year’s Eve, with its swanky cocktail parties and late night extravaganzas, isn’t the most family-friendly holiday. Fortunately, tradition is being challenged and New York City now boasts a plethora of New Year’s Eve parties and activities that all ages will enjoy. There’s no reason to stay at home in your pajamas on NYE anymore, watching the revelers on TV. In fact, you may have more fun than ever before experiencing the best of these festive and fun New York attractions. Ripley’s Believe It or Not At Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the most peculiar and spectacular artifacts, treasures, performances, and games fill the 18,000-square foot “Odditorium.” On New Year’s Eve, your family will have the opportunity to experience this delightfully bizarre attraction with the addition of first-rate New Year’s Eve activities. An open bar and free food all night, provided by the acclaimed Crema Restaurant, is just the beginning! You’ll also enjoy a DJ and dancing, Ripley’s sideshow acts, over 500 exhibits, magic shows and face painting for kids, and of course a champagne (or cider) toast at midnight. Plus, you’ll be located just 1⁄2 a block from the Ball Drop! Please note that the Ripley's Believe It or Not NYE Party is a separately ticketed event, not included in daily general admission. Water Taxi New Year’s Eve Family Cruise A New York Water Taxi not only lets you avoid traffic and crowd congestion, it also offers a unique way to see the skyline and all of the city’s most impressive landmarks. This New Year’s Eve, you can see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and many more New York attractions from the water while ringing in the new year. Adults are dazzled by the spectacular views, fireworks display, and cash bar, while kids less interested in the sights can delight in Wii games, noise makers, party favors, and snacks like mac ‘n cheese and chicken tenders. The adult menu is slightly more classy, with favorites like stuffed mushrooms and chicken Milanese. New York Water Taxi NYE promises a magical night for all. Dave & Buster’s NYC With a location right in the heart of Times Square, Dave & Buster’s high-tech gaming haven is the premier party spot for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve. Comfort-food appetizers, like pretzel dogs and pizza bites, are served all night long; a huge buffet features build-your-own nachos and four cheese pizza; and a 5-hour open bar is the cherry on top! Arcade machines, amusement park games, and virtual stimulators will have everyone playing and laughing for hours. Add music, dancing, and a live count down to the Ball Drop on huge-screen TVs, and you’ve got just about everything you could ask for at Dave & Buster’s NYE. Madame Tussauds Want to party with the stars this NYE? Only at Madame Tussauds New York will you find Katy Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Derek Jeter at the same party. You’ll feel like a celebrity yourself amidst the 250+ life-like wax figurines at one of the most beloved New York attractions. In 85,000-square feet of event space just 1⁄2 a block from the Time’s Square Ball drop, DJs spin dance hits, the 4D cinema awes guests of all ages, and food and drink are served all night long. Kids can spend time in Super Hero’s room or the Sports Zone or take the stage with their favorite stars in the Pop Star Celebrity Room. Please note that the NYE party is a separately ticketed event, not included in daily general admission. Fireworks in Prospect Park If classic and simple (and free!) is more your style, head over to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The festivities start at 11 PM with live holiday entertainment and hot cocoa for everyone. At midnight, an extravagant fireworks display kicks off the New Year in style. It’s a memorable night for kids and adults, and a wonderful tradition to start with your family. The best locations for viewing the fireworks are Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Looking for more New York attractions to ring in the New Year with your family? Get discounted access to your choice of 55 popular attractions with a New York Explorer Pass.
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