11 Safest Places To Stay In NYC: Area Guide & Hotel Picks 2024 - Carrie Green-Zinn (2024)

It’s not at all difficult to find the safest places to stay in NYC – affordable ones too!

As a former local, and current frequent visitor, I have to say I feel very safe in New York City.

Why, you may ask, would a city with about 8.5 million residents and 66.6 million visitors per year feel safe? It’s because the New York City community generally has a “take care of your fellow humans” attitude. New Yorkers have your back.

One of the reasons for this vibe is the pride people have about their city and their individual neighborhoods.

New York’s unique neighborhoods each celebrate their own history, culture, and architecture, making the experience always interesting as you roam the city.

This post will focus on my top picks for the 11 safest places to stay in NYC.

11 Safest Places To Stay In NYC

New York has a reputation for being a very diverse city with a wide socioeconomic range. It has also become one of the safest cities to visit according to a 2023 Forbes report ranking New York City at #5.

Many of the neighborhoods I’m recommending are ones you see in your favorite movies and TV shows – safe and full of things to do!

An important note: I spent days roaming Manhattan, checking out hotels and gauging their safety. I considered walkability, trendiness, and of course, affordability.

So, you can trust that if I didn’t feel safe on the property or in the neighborhood, then I didn’t include it in my list of the safest places to stay in NYC!

Another important note: I also didn’t include properties that only have “luxury” price points. But you’ll notice a wide range of prices because “off season” or January – March can be a lot less expensive than other times of the year.

→ Click the Map for Hotel Locations ←

#1 Upper West Side

West of Central Park are the elegant, pre-war, Beaux-Arts buildings, American Museum Of Natural History, Columbia University, chic shops and restaurants, famous spots like Zabars, and the cafes of Columbus Avenue.

The Upper West Side is conveniently located for a walk through the park to 5th Avenue or downtown to Times Square. And, there are plenty of subway stops to get you where you want to go. I place this neighborhood at the top of the safest places to stay in NYC.

Where To Stay In The Upper West Side

The Lucerne Hotel
201 W 79th St

I recommend the Lucerne Hotel because it’s a grand hotel with affordable prices, in a treasured landmark building built in 1904. The amenities include a lovely French Mediterranean restaurant, Nice Matin, and a full fitness center. They also provide wifi and laundry service. This is not a pet friendly hotel.

$161 – $599 The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#2 Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a fantastic place to stay because of its more quiet streets, close access to Central Park, and beautiful architecture. These neighborhoods are filled with excellent restaurants, trendy cafes, fun boutiques, and loads of history.

Where To Stay In The Upper West Side

The Arthouse Hotel
2178 Broadway at W 77th Street

I recommend the Arthouse Hotel because it’s a beautiful vintage boutique hotel with affordable prices, in a sophisticated historic building. The amenities include three unique restaurant and bar choices on the property. The hotel is dog-friendly and there’s a parking garage. The hotel offers many discounts and deals at different times of the year, which make it even more appealing. They also provide wifi and laundry service.

$237 – $424 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#3 Midtown Near Lincoln Center

The midtown neighborhood near Lincoln Center is an outstanding area for convenience to all the tourist spots. This is absolutely one of the safest places to stay in NYC.

You’ll be near Times Square, landmarks like The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the United Nations.

Midtown is filled with hustle and bustle, high rises, luxury apartments, and shopping. These neighborhoods are right in the middle of the city and connect midtown and downtown with the East Side and West Side. It’s especially exciting here at holiday time.

Where To Stay In Midtown

The Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street

I recommend the Empire Hotel because it’s tucked into a perfect spot across from Lincoln Center, steps away from Central Park. It’s considered the iconic “crown jewel” of Midtown. The amenities include a very special rooftop bar and swimming pool. It’s a dog-friendly hotel, offers valet parking, a fitness center, and all the modern amenities such as wifi and laundry service.

$143 – $551 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#4 The NoMad/Flatiron District

The North of Madison/Flatiron neighborhood is considered to be very up and coming with its busy highrises, luxury condos, upscale stores, trendy bars and restaurants. There are a lot of hotels in this area which makes this one of the safest places to stay in NYC.

It is also considered to be midtown, which makes it easy walking distance to all the famous landmarks, such as Times Square, The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the United Nations.

Where To Stay In the NoMad/Flatiron District

The Ace Hotel New York
20 West 29th Street

I recommend the Ace Hotel because it’s in the fun and trendy NoMad/Flatiron District in a turn-of-the-century landmark building. The hotel has a lot of old time sophistication with a modern twist to the rooms and decor. The Ace Hotels are artsy spots around the country that offer a lot of cool events. The amenities include a great bar and French restaurant. It’s a dog-friendly hotel, offers valet parking, a fitness center, and all the modern amenities such as wifi and laundry service.

$199 – $759 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#5 Chelsea

The streets of Chelsea are filled with interesting architectural styles, including historic brownstones, pre-war buildings, and modern condominiums. Chelsea attracts a diverse community of residents, including artists, professionals, and families. You will be close to the Chelsea Piers on the Hudson River and have convenient access to the Little Island, galleries, the Highline, and the awesome Chelsea Market.

Where To Stay In Chelsea

The Hotel Chelsea
222 West 23rd Street

I recommend the Hotel Chelsea because not only is it a famous hotel known for all of its former residents, but it’s in the very hip and historic Chelsea neighborhood. The building is a Victorian era marvel of red brick and wrought iron facade. It was built in 1885 and has since become a part of the fabric of this part of Manhattan. A host of the world’s most famous writers, musicians, and artists lived and stayed at the Chelsea. Some of the best works were created there, romances started there, and several lives were lost there.

The Hotel Chelsea is so steeped in history that there are literally dozens of books written about it and films made about it. The neighborhood is great and within walking distance to all the sites in Midtown and very close to the Village and Lower Manhattan spots. The amenities include three very famous dining and bar choices – El Quijote,The Lobby Bar, and Chelsea Cafe. It’s a dog-friendly hotel, and has a fitness center, wifi and laundry service.

$288 – $885 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#6 Gramercy Park

Gramercy is a charming residential neighborhood in midtown, known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and the famous Gramercy Park, a private park accessible only to residents of the surrounding buildings. This fact alone makes it one of the safest places to stay in NYC!

Gramercy is a perfect spot for walking to all the midtown landmarks such as Times Square, The Empire State Building, The Chrysler Building, Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and the United Nations and is close enough to lower Manhattan or uptown for any of your activities. You’ll find lots of great shopping and dining opportunities in this neighborhood.

Where To Stay In Gramercy

The Freehand Hotel
23 Lexington Avenue

I recommend the Freehand Hotel because it’s in a great neighborhood close to one of the most exclusive parts of Manhattan – Gramercy Park. The hotel is filled with artistic flair and is housed in the former George Washington Hotel which was known as a home for many famous creatives. The Freehand hotel chain has hotels in major cities and they know what they’re doing! The amenities offer four fabulous dining choices, including a rooftop bar – Comodo, Bar Calico, Georgia Room, Smile To Go, and Broken Shaker. It’s a dog friendly hotel, has a fitness center, and wifi.

$106 – $560 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#7 The SoHo District

SoHo is short for “South of Houston Street.” This is the very trendy neighborhood in Lower Manhattan with cobblestone streets and renovated factories. Known for its artistic and bohemian atmosphere, SoHo is famous for its cast-iron architecture, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant street life. It’s a cultural hub and shopping destination, blending historic charm with modern creativity.

Where To Stay In SoHo

The Arlo SoHo Hotel
231 Hudson Street

I recommend the Arlo SoHo Hotel because SoHo is one of the premiere spots to visit in Manhattan. Its chic and sophisticated artsy vibe makes it one of the safest places to stay in NYC. While the hotel is across from the chaotic entrance to the Holland Tunnel, it is just a few blocks from the heart of SoHo and on the fringe of Chinatown and Little Italy. Some of the rooms even have views of the river! The amenities offer four world class dining choices, including a rooftop bar and a Bodega for food shopping – Lindon, The Courtyard, and Foxtail. Ask for fitness passes to a local gym, and participate in one of the many events while you’re there. It’s a pet friendly hotel and has wifi and laundry service.

$199 – $667 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#8 Tribeca

Tribeca is one of the truly iconic neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan. Known for it’s cobblestone streets and old warehouses, this area wrote the book on chic and trendy. It is upscale with a cozy vibe. You’ll find a bunch of fun cafes and restaurants and great shopping. Tribeca has become the home to many celebrities, so keep your eyes peeled! In recent years, Tribeca has become one of the safest places to stay in NYC.

Where To Stay In Tribeca

The Roxy Hotel
2 Sixth Avenue

I recommend the Roxy Hotel because it’s a perfect and safe spot if you want to be in the hub of Tribeca. The rooms are an elegant mixture of art deco and mid century modern. The history of the hotel and its famous guests is evident as you roam around. It’s truly a gorgeous place to hang out! The amenities offer gorgeous spaces for relaxing and enjoying dining and co*cktails day or night. The Roxy Cinema is a one of a kind movie experience and the very famous jazz club Django (yes, my husband has played here) is hopping every night of the week. There is a laundry service, fitness center, wifi, and it’s a pet friendly hotel.

$219 – $699 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#9 Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is the part of New York known for being the epicenter of rebellious, creative, and influential intellectuals. It’s the home of NYU, Bohemian lifestyle, and young energy. It’s a favorite part of New York for its brownstones and tree lined streets.

Where To Stay In Greenwich Village

The Washington Square Hotel
103 Waverly Place

I recommend the Washington Square Hotel because it’s an historic hotel, built in 1902, and is directly across from the iconic Washington Square Park in the heart of Greenwich Village. While the park is often packed with a wide variety of people, musicians, vendors, and can sometimes feel a bit crazy and unsafe, the area is actually a vibrant and exciting place to be. Many famous writers, poets, and musicians have stayed and lived in the hotel which adds to its special vibe. From Hemingway to Dylan and the Rolling Stones, this hotel has seen a lot! The amenities include spa treatments, a fitness room, and three restaurant/bar options. There is a rooftop garden providing fresh vegetables for the hotel’s restaurants. It’s a pet friendly hotel, has wifi, and laundry service.

$246 – $416 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#10 The Lower East Side

The Lower East Side (LES) is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood that is known for a rich cultural heritage that has undergone major changes in recent years.

From being a hub for immigrants in the early part of the 20th century, it is still home to a wide array of ethnic communities. The Jewish, Chinese, and Italian neighborhoods are still evident, but the area is also becoming a lot more chic and trendy. Its a popular place for young New Yorkers to live because the rent prices tend to be more affordable.

Where To Stay On The Lower East Side

The Public Hotel
215 Chrystie Street

I recommend the Public Hotel because it’s a surprisingly nice and beautiful space amidst the busy Lower East Side. You would not even know the hotel existed if you weren’t looking for it. Tucked behind a wall of hedges, the property opens up into a sweet courtyard and offers a lot to its guests. Multiple popular fine dining and bar options, beautiful rooms, and lots of common spaces. The amenities include great restaurants and bars, a rooftop dining choice, and lots of relaxing seating spaces. They offer fitness classes to their guests free of charge, host many art events, and have a performance space. The hotel is pet friendly, has wifi, and a laundry service.

$216 – $839 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

#11 The Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District is a trendy and dynamic neighborhood located on the lower west side. Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries it was the center for meatpacking businesses.

Now, it’s transformed into a very fashionable neighborhood with historic architecture and upscale boutiques and restaurants. You’ll love it here for the easy access to the Highline, Gansevoort Market, the Whitney, and a ton of great galleries. These features keep the neighborhood lively and give it a spot as one of the safest places to stay in NYC.

Where To Stay In The Meatpacking District

The Maritime Hotel
363 West 16th Street

I recommend the Maritime Hotel because it’s a really unique building designed in a nautical theme in 1968, originally for the Maritime Union. It’s very hip and modern and is considered to be the best hotel located right in the heart of the Meatpacking District. The amenities include nautical portholes for windows, workspaces, access to a gym and business center, and free bike rentals! Pet friendly, with a minibar and wifi, the hotel has two restaurants nestled beneath the hotel.

$219 – $719 – The prices vary quite a bit, depending on the time of year, occupancy, and how far in advance you book. 24/7 security and cameras on the premises.

Areas To Avoid In NYC

There are most definitely some neighborhoods to avoid when touring New York City. Chances are you will not be drawn to these spots. Here is a little information on why you should avoid these neighborhoods for safety reasons.

~ Brownsville is in east Brooklyn. Brooklyn has many fabulous and very safe neighborhoods, like the DUMBO and Williamsburg areas. However, Brownsville is considered to be one of the city’s most dangerous and high crime neighborhoods.

~ Jamaica is in Queens and is considered to be the most unsafe neighborhood in spite of its residential area. It is a low socioeconomic neighborhood with a history of a lot of gang related crime.

~ Hunts Point is on the East River in the South Bronx. This neighborhood has had increasing violent crime rates over the years and in spite of the industry located there, a large percentage of the population live below the poverty line.

How To Get Around NYC Safely

New York City is a big place, but not so big that you can’t get everywhere you want to go during your visit. Here are some options for the safest way to maneuver around the concrete jungle.

NYC By Subway

Subways are definitely a great idea and safe and convenient way to get around NYC. Many of the train cars have newer seats and are a bit cleaned up.

I always recommend walking as much as possible in NYC because it’s so much fun to see everything! But when walking doesn’t work, the NYC Subway system will get you wherever you need to go. This is the most used and convenient public transport in the city.

PRO TIP #1: Download the MY MTA app on your phone. This is the official Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) app for NYC subways and bus system. It has ALL the info you need, including maps and schedules for all the subways, bus, and rail systems.

PRO TIP #2: If you are using your Maps/GPS App on your phone, hit the “transit” view and it will tell you exactly where the closest subway station is and which train to take to your destination.

PRO TIP #3: There are several ways to pay for the public transportation systems. THE EASIEST thing to do is make sure you have your credit card loaded on your phone in your “wallet.” When you open that card you simply TAP the OMNY screen at the turnstile of the subway stop and it charges you. Like magic!

PRO TIP #4: OR you can purchase a Metrocard card on your phone or at a subway station and use it on the buses as well. Each ride costs $2.90, and a 7 day, unlimited ride card is $33. You can also swipe through the turnstile and pass the card to your travel partner behind you. It’s actually legit to do that with up to 4 people.

PRO TIP #5: OR If you download an OMNY card and pay with the same card or device for 12 rides in a week, the rest of the week is free.

NYC By Uber, Lyft, Revel, or Taxi

Ride share apps are always a great, safe, and convenient way to get around NYC, but will cost you more. If you are with a larger group of friends or family however, it might be more cost effective to share a ride than pay for separate subway fares.

PRO TIP #6: Load all the apps onto your phone in advance. Then check the prices of Uber, Lyft, and Revel before your order, to compare. Prices vary a lot at different times of the day and night. Taxis are also visible and available everywhere, but still require the old fashioned hailing-from-the-curb system. If the light on the top of the cab is on, that means it’s available. There is an app called Curb that you can download. But according to locals who have used it, the cabs don’t come as quickly as the other ride shares do.

Walking Around NYC

Walking in NYC is the most preferred (and my favorite) way to get around. It’s safe, easy to do, and you get to experience and see a lot more of the city that way. Map out your day and see how much of it you can do on foot. You’ll be surprised how much of the 13.4 miles of Manhattan you can cover between touring activities!

NYC By Ferry

NYC Ferries take commuters from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River. You are likely to take the ferry as a tourist if you are visiting The Statue of Liberty or taking a sunset cruise. It’s a great way to see the city from the water and be out on a boat enjoying the fresh breeze.

PRO TIP #7: Download the NYC Ferry App by Hornblower to have ready on your phone. For instance, when you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO and then take the ferry to Williamsburg, you’ll be all set to go. Through the app, you buy ferry tix on your phone with credit card and then a QR code gets scanned as you board the boat.

FAQs: Visiting NYC

Visiting New York for the first time? Here are some basic FAQs to help you orient your way around and feel safe while doing it!

Which NYC borough is the safest?

NYC is made up of five boroughs, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

You are most likely to be visiting and staying in Manhattan, which is my choice for any visitor. You’ll want easy access to all the activities and sites in the heart of New York and it’s safe to do so.

That being said, according to recent data, out of the five boroughs, Staten Island is considered the safest.

Staten Island is said to be safer than 47% of other US cities. This makes sense because Staten Island is known for more green space and family homes as compared to Manhattan and the other boroughs.

What is the safest area in Manhattan, New York?

According to many reports, NYC’s overall crime rates have dropped and continue to drop over recent decades.

Some reports place Tribeca, on the south end of Manhattan and near the Hudson River, as the safest neighborhood because of the influx of so many of the rich and famous celebrities buying property and having a high focus on reducing crime.

The Upper West Side (UWS) and the Upper East Side (UES) are considered to be very safe, and are also home to many of New York’s wealthier residents. Both the UWS and UES have low violent and low property crime rates.

Is downtown Manhattan safe at night?

New York is alive at night! And the area south of 14th St, referred to as “Downtown Manhattan,” is no different. It is absolutely safe in this part of town at night because there is so much going on! New Yorkers and tourists will find a lot to do in this part of the city, including some of the best restaurants, clubs, and rooftop bars with views.

The streets of Tribeca, SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the East Village are always bustling with activity. The streets and restaurants are well lit and feel safe.

That being said, as always, keep your guard up, be smart and cautious, have a plan of where you are going and how you are getting there. These are basic safety tips that will keep you aware while exploring downtown Manhattan at night.

Is it better to stay in Brooklyn or Manhattan?

As a first time visitor or for any vacation trip, I recommend staying in Manhattan. While Brooklyn can be a load of fun and has some great places to stay, if you are visiting to see New York, then stay in Manhattan. It will be much more convenient for you to access all the tourist attractions.

Now you know which are the safest places to stay in NYC!

In a nutshell…

New York City is indeed the city that never sleeps and can keep every visitor energized and entertained at any time day or night.

When planning your visit, the safety of NYC is bound to be top of mind. If you’re vigilant in following common sense safety precautions, you’ll enjoy the welcoming and vibrant streets of the neighborhoods all over the city.

Use this guide to choose your safe place to stay in the Big Apple and enjoy some of the most iconic and fun things you can do on vacation! Safe Travels!

xx,
Carrie