Where to stay in New York?

Question

Alrighty, Im going to New York next week and Im im getting confused with all teh boroughs and neighbourhoods around the main city Centre ie. Mid-town, upper east side etc. So, what are the names of all the boroughs that would be cheaper to stay in around manhattan that will only take about 20 minutes to get to the city centre. And what about all teh islands or surrounding cities that wont be a trek to get to manhattan. We'll be doign all the typical tourist attractions so we need to be able to get to the the main part of manhattan.

Thanks!

Answer 1

There are five boroughs...Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

You can stay where it's affordable and it's near a subway station. Trust me, subway is fast, cheap, and efficient (unless there's a strike..hehehe). You can buy a day, weekly, or monthly MTA pass card that provides and unlimited travel with both subway and MTA Bus.

I used to live north of the bronx...just taking the start of the #1 subway will take me to time square in 30 min. And from time square to Coney Island...about another 1 hour. Get the nathan's hot dog if you do go.

Oh yeah...if you're curious, there's a restaurant called Crystals in Queens. Take the #7 and get off at 69th Street. Right under the station is the restaurant. Good Philippine dish.

Answer 2

Here's a brief overview of NYC for beginners:

There are five boroughs (large neighborhoods) that make up New York City. They are: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.

As a tourist, you'll stay in Manhattan--that's what the typical tourist thinks of when they think of NYC. Skyscrapers, shopping, etc.

You might venture into Brooklyn, but even that is highly unlikely. Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island rarely attract tourists.

As far as hotels, you'll find what you're looking for in Manhattan. Don't bother staying outside of Manhattan if you're only willing to commute 20 minutes--this is a big city and sometimes you can't get out of a neighborhood in only 20 minutes.

As far Manhattan goes, it's laid out in a grid pattern--very easy to figure out. Most of the tourist stuff that you'll want to see in Manhattan is below Central Park (get a map).

The areas that attract tourists aren't true New York--they're all the same type of neighborhood. So pick whatever is in your price range; you won't be spending much time in your hotel anyway.

This is a very very simplified version of New York City--we have a lot to offer, but you're only visiting here so I'm keeping it basic.

And before you ask, New York is safe. I'm even willing to bet it's safer than your hometown. We're not the NY that you see on TV and movies--we've cleaned up our act.

Have fun and enjoy Manhattan.