The neighborhood you stay in can have a big impact on your New York vacation experience. When you’re deciding where to set up your home base while you’re away, think about the things you want to do and the overall vibe you want your trip to take on. You can find a wide variety of great vacation rentals in New York City, from Manhattan to neighborhoods across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is heavy on classic New York City charm, from its tree-lined streets to its historic brownstone walk-ups. It’s the setting for many iconic TV shows. This neighborhood was a hotspot for music, art and literature in the ’50s and ’60s, and it still maintains a creative atmosphere. If you opt for a vacation apartment in Greenwich Village, expect to spend lots of time admiring historic buildings, leisurely sipping coffee in classic New York coffee shops, browsing independent boutiques, listening to live music and enjoying the food at great restaurants. Local attractions include Washington Square Park and the Stonewall Inn, and you can easily get to other landmarks such as Central Park, the Empire State Building and Times Square.
Lower East Side
The Lower East Side has shrugged its shabby roots to become one of the chicest neighborhoods in Manhattan. This area is home to trendy restaurants, world-class galleries and boutiques filled with the latest fashions. If you want to experience the nightlife while you’re in town, you can find lots of great bars and clubs within walking distance of your front door, including famous names like the Bowery Ballroom. The Lower East Side is a convenient distance from the Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg and Greenwich Village, and the subway can quickly take you to Midtown.
Williamsburg
Not all of the action happens in Manhattan. Williamsburg is a fantastic place to find vacation rentals in NYC, and its young, hip atmosphere is a huge draw. This Brooklyn neighborhood boasts great restaurants serving everything from sushi to burgers, rooftop bars that give you great views of the Manhattan skyline and quirky stores that sell locally made goods. If you want to venture into Manhattan to see the sights, a quick subway ride or a walk across the Williamsburg Bridge gets you to the Lower East Side.
Park Slope
If you’re looking for a quieter place to spend your nights, Park Slope in Brooklyn makes an excellent choice. This neighborhood is popular with young professionals and artists, and although it’s heavy on green space and quiet streets, you can still find lots to see and do. Local attractions include Prospect Park, which has its own zoo, and Old Stone House. You’ll find it easy to get to the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.
Meatpacking District and Chelsea
Art and fashion play big roles in the daily life of the Meatpacking District. Its former slaughterhouses and warehouses are now home to chic loft-style apartments, trendy galleries and excellent restaurants. This is a nightlife hotspot, so you can dance the night away without venturing far from your vacation rental. If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere but want to stay somewhere central, look for options next door in Chelsea.