Choosing where to stay in New York City can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with a hundred different answers. Do you want to be close to Times Square? Would you rather have a quieter neighborhood to return to after a busy day? Is it worth spending more on a hotel if it means less time commuting?
These are the questions I’d ask before booking anything. New York has hotels in just about every price range, but the neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your experience.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on attractions to enjoy the city. Some of New York’s most memorable sights are free, and even a stop at a colorful candy store can become part of the fun.
Here’s how I’d approach choosing a hotel, visiting M&M World, and enjoying New York City without spending money at every turn.
Where to Stay in New York City
The best place to stay in NYC depends on your budget, your itinerary, and how much hustle and bustle you enjoy. For a first-time visitor, I’d start by comparing a few neighborhoods rather than searching for the cheapest hotel in the entire city.
Midtown Manhattan
Midtown is a convenient home base for many first-time visitors. You’ll be close to Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and the Theater District, with plenty of subway connections nearby.
Staying here can make it easier to return to your room between activities or walk back after dinner and a show. The trade-off is that hotels in popular parts of Midtown can be expensive, and the streets around major attractions can be noisy and crowded.
If your priority is seeing the classic New York sights, Midtown is a good place to begin your search.
Times Square and the Theater District
If you love bright lights, entertainment, and the feeling that something is always happening, consider staying near Times Square. It’s a particularly practical choice if a Broadway show is on your itinerary.
You can walk to many theaters, restaurants, and attractions, and you’ll have access to several subway lines. However, don’t assume every hotel advertised as being near Times Square is equally convenient. Check the actual address, read recent reviews, and look at the walking distance to the attractions you plan to visit.
The Upper West Side
For a more residential feel, I’d look at the Upper West Side. This neighborhood offers access to Central Park, local restaurants, museums, and quieter streets away from some of Midtown’s busiest areas.
It can be a lovely choice if you want to experience a different side of Manhattan while still having public transportation available. Just make sure your hotel is near a subway station or within a comfortable distance of the places you want to visit.
Brooklyn and Other Neighborhoods
Manhattan isn’t the only place to stay. Brooklyn neighborhoods can offer a different atmosphere, and some hotels outside the busiest tourist districts may be more affordable.
However, a lower nightly rate doesn’t automatically mean a better deal. Consider subway access, the time it takes to reach your planned attractions, and transportation costs. A hotel that’s cheaper by $40 a night may not save you much if you spend considerably more time and money getting around.
When comparing hotels, I would check the full price, including taxes and fees, cancellation policies, luggage storage, and recent guest reviews. I would also look at the neighborhood after dark and make sure the location suits my comfort level.
Visit M&M World in Times Square
If you’re visiting New York City with kids, teens, candy lovers, or anyone who enjoys a little colorful shopping, M&M World is a fun stop to add to your itinerary.
Located at 1600 Broadway in Times Square, M&M’S New York is a colorful retail experience filled with branded merchandise, candy displays, and opportunities to personalize M&M’S.
The candy wall alone is enough to make you pause for a moment. There are so many colors and varieties that choosing a favorite can become a surprisingly serious decision. You can also browse souvenirs, gifts, and other M&M’S merchandise.
The store is especially easy to work into a day spent exploring Times Square or the surrounding Theater District. You could stop in before a Broadway show, visit after lunch, or make it a quick detour while walking around Midtown.
Of course, a visit to a candy store can become a little more expensive than anticipated if everyone finds something they simply must have. I’d set a souvenir budget before going inside, especially when traveling with children. Looking around is free, but purchases can add up quickly.
Check the store’s current opening hours before your visit, since schedules can change.
Free Things to See in New York City
New York has a reputation for being expensive, and it’s easy to understand why when you’re looking at hotel rates, attraction tickets, restaurant menus, and Broadway prices. But some of the city’s best experiences don’t require an admission ticket.
Walk Through Central Park
Central Park is one of the easiest ways to slow down and enjoy a different side of Manhattan. You can stroll along the paths, watch people playing sports, admire the landscaping, or find a bench and enjoy a little people watching.
There are famous spots to look for, including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields. You don’t have to see them all in one visit, though. I would choose a few points of interest and allow time to wander.
Most of the park is free to enjoy, although certain attractions and activities charge admission or rental fees. The Central Park Conservancy has helpful information for planning a visit.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry
For beautiful harbor views and a look at the Statue of Liberty from the water, consider the Staten Island Ferry. The regular ferry service is free, making it a popular choice for visitors who want a scenic experience without buying a sightseeing cruise ticket.
The ferry doesn’t take passengers to Liberty Island, so it’s important to understand the difference if you want to visit the Statue of Liberty itself. Still, the views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline make the trip worthwhile.
Check the current departure information before heading to the terminal, and remember to allow time for the return journey.
Walk the High Line
The High Line is an elevated public park built on a former railway line on Manhattan’s West Side. It combines walking paths, landscaping, public art, and city views in a way that feels distinctly New York.
It’s a lovely option if you want to explore on foot without spending the afternoon inside another attraction. You can pair a walk along the High Line with a visit to Chelsea Market or nearby Hudson Yards.
The route and seasonal hours may affect your plans, so check current visitor information before you go.
Explore Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is more than a transportation hub. Its architecture, grand Main Concourse, and famous celestial ceiling make it worth visiting even if you’re not catching a train.
Walk inside, look up, and take in the details. You can browse the public areas and enjoy the atmosphere without purchasing an attraction ticket.
Because it is an active terminal, be mindful of commuters and keep walkways clear while taking photos.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial Pools
The outdoor 9/11 Memorial is a meaningful place to reflect and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. The memorial pools are accessible to visitors without purchasing admission to the separate 9/11 Museum.
This is a quieter, more reflective stop than some of the city’s livelier attractions. Allow yourself time to visit respectfully, and check official visitor information before planning your day.
For additional ideas, New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs maintains information about museums and cultural institutions with free admission or free admission periods at NYC.gov.
How to Enjoy NYC Without Overspending
I’d build a trip around a combination of paid and free activities. Choose one or two experiences you’re especially excited about, then fill the rest of the schedule with walks, parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
For example, you could spend the morning walking through Central Park, visit Grand Central Terminal in the afternoon, and explore Times Square in the evening. Another day could include the Staten Island Ferry and a walk through Lower Manhattan.
Food is another area where a little planning helps. Grab a bagel or a slice of pizza for a casual meal, and save your restaurant budget for a place you’re genuinely excited to try.
Also, remember that shopping is optional. M&M World is fun to explore, but you don’t have to buy a bag of candy in every color to enjoy the visit.
Final Thoughts on Staying and Exploring NYC
Finding the right place to stay in New York City can make your vacation easier, especially when you choose a neighborhood that fits your plans. Midtown and Times Square are convenient for many popular attractions, while the Upper West Side and parts of Brooklyn offer other appealing options.
Once you’ve settled on a hotel, mix iconic attractions such as M&M World with free experiences like Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, and the Staten Island Ferry. You can experience plenty of the city’s personality without paying an admission fee at every stop.
New York is a place where even an ordinary walk can turn into a memorable experience. Leave some space in your itinerary for that.
People Also Ask
What is the best area to stay in NYC for first-time visitors?
Midtown Manhattan is a convenient choice for many first-time visitors because it offers access to Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Broadway theaters, and several subway lines.
Is M&M World in NYC free to enter?
You can browse the store without purchasing anything. However, candy, souvenirs, and personalized products cost extra.
What are the best free things to do in New York City?
Central Park, the Staten Island Ferry, the High Line, Grand Central Terminal, and the outdoor 9/11 Memorial are excellent options.
How can I save money on a New York City vacation?
Compare hotel prices by neighborhood, use public transportation, plan around free attractions, and set a budget for meals, shopping, and paid experiences.
