The city that never sleeps should be a place that you visit at least once in your life. New York City is vibrant and is filled with so many different cultures and unique places to explore. It definitely deserves to be on top of your USA bucket list!
If you’re planning to visit NYC for the first time, you might feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a place to stay due to the massive size of the city.
To save you some time, in this article I rounded up the best apartment rentals and Airbnbs in New York City for every budget. Whether you’re traveling with your other half, your family or your friends, I’m sure you will the perfect place for your needs on this list.
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
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Table of Contents
Best Areas to Stay in NYC
Before we get started on this list of apartment rentals and Airbnbs in New York City, let’s run over briefly where are the best areas to stay in NYC.
The city is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These are further broken down into over 100 neighborhoods that are each distinct from one another.
Manhattan is where you will find the vast majority of the city’s landmarks, museums, department stores, and tourist attractions such as Central Park, Times Square, and the theater district. Midtown Manhattan is the most central and offers the best in terms of convenience but prices are steeper around these parts.
If you’re traveling on a budget but have your heart set on a Manhattan address, check out NYC vacation rentals in Lower Manhattan. Your dollars will stretch much further!
Brooklyn is a popular option for tourists visiting New York. It’s awesome if you want to have more of a lifestyle experience and spend your time ducking in and out of hipster cafes, hip eateries, and off-the-wall boutiques.
Most of the holiday rentals in New York are located in the districts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. These are the popular areas to stay as a tourist, particularly if it’s your first time visiting NYC or are only staying for a couple of nights. That’s why my guide to the best apartment rentals and Airbnbs in New York City is going to focus on these two districts, but on different neighborhoods within them.
The awesome thing about choosing where to stay in NYC is that the public transport system in the city is exceptional. The subway is well-connected and the buses are reliable too – only you will need to be prepared for traffic in busier areas and at peak travel times. So if you want to stay in Brooklyn, rest assured that you’ll be over the river and in the throng of Midtown Manhattan in a jiffy!
A tip for choosing where to stay in New York City is to pick a place that’s only a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest subway station. If you want to read more about the different neighborhoods in the city, check out my in-depth guide about the best areas to stay in New York.
But now, let’s jump to the best apartment rentals & Airbnbs in New York City!
My Top Picks for the 5 Best Airbnbs in New York City
If you’re in a rush, here are the ultimate 5 best apartments in New York that you can check out first.
- Best overall Airbnb in NYC: Like A Prayer
- Best luxury apartment in New York: This Imagined Life
- Best budget NYC vacation rental: Manhattan Parklife
- Best holiday apartment in NYC for couples: The Love Bug
- Best apartment rental in New York City for families: I Wanna Take You There
Best Apartment Rentals & Airbnbs in New York City
1. Cozy Town
Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Price range: $
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 1 night
Conceived to evoke the dwelling of a traveling musician, this snug Brooklyn apartment is strewn with string instruments, records, and travel relics. The space is brimming with plant life that, paired with the white and cream hues, evoke a sense of serenity.
The studio comprises one double bed with a seating area (the bed converts to a sofa during the day) and a work desk with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.
The space is utilized with the cunning use of hanging features and bespoke storage units. It’s perfect for a solo traveler or couple.
2. Swoon
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Price range: $
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Situated on a quiet Chelsea block, this tranquil apartment is only a few minutes away from the famous restaurant, bars, and galleries that this arty neighborhood is known for.
The studio comprises a double bed within the living area which is also fitted with a sofa, winged armchair, and work desk. There is a chic exposed brick wall behind the fireplace painted white and a privacy curtain to wrap around the bed for naptime.
The kitchen is modest in size but it features an oven with a stovetop and a portable cooker.
A full bathtub adds to the luxurious sense of this apartment which although quite small is meticulously curated to provide a home away from home. Swoon is one of the coolest holiday apartments in NYC for solo travelers and couples – plus, it’s pet-friendly.
3. Sonder at One Platt
Neighborhood: Financial District
Price range: $
Sleeps: up to 6 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Sonder at One Platt consists of studios and suites that cater to solo travelers and couples through to groups and families. All units at this aparthotel are fitted with a fully-equipped kitchen that includes a large refrigerator and cooking facilities as well as a private bathroom with a tub and shower.
Rooms and suites are prepared with modern furnishings including stylish pieces of modern art and quirky green-tiled kitchens.
Besides the accommodation, the property features a communal rooftop terrace, an internal lounge with a coworking space and a pool table, and a fitness center.
With a variety of configurations and on-site amenities, Sonder at One Platt is one of the best NYC vacation rentals for couples, families, and digital nomads alike.
4. Floating Skybox
Neighborhood: Southside/Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Price range: $$$
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 7 nights
Right on the shore of the East River, this bright and airy apartment has unparalleled views of the Manhatten skyline as well as a close-up of the Williamsburg Bridge.
The apartment features a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room while the bed is positioned to provide the best view to wake up to.
Following a minimalistic design concept, the view steals the show at this apartment but you will also benefit from a well-stocked library of books and a fabulous kitchen with an island that invites you to cook and dine while soaking up that epic panorama.
One of the other main draws of this apartment is its location in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood which is a maze of boutiques, cafes, and bars. If you’re looking for apartment rentals in New York City that offer the coolest hang-outs, this is the place!
5. I Wanna Take You There
Neighborhood: Financial District
Price range: $$$
Sleeps: 8 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Located a stone’s throw from The Battery in Lower Manhattan, this 3-bedroom apartment is a beautifully-appointed home for families and groups of friends.
The apartment is kitted out with 3 cozy bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a swanky living room. The decor is refined and simple with graphic artworks, a stack of coffee table books, and tasteful copper lamps adding a spark to the space.
There are two bathrooms that each contain a tub with an overhead shower. A highlight of I Wanna Take You There is the luxurious rooftop pool that’s available for guests.
If you are seeking family-friendly Airbnbs in New York City then this is the perfect contender.
It’s situated next to a sprawling green space and is convenient for taking ferry trips out to Ellis Island and Liberty Island while there are lots of cultural attractions within walking distance. Plus, you’re out of the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan.
6. Mint House at 70 Pine
Neighborhood: Financial District
Price range: $
Sleeps: up to 6 people
Minimum stay: 1 night
Housed in a landmark Art Deco building in the Financial District, Mint House at 70 Pine provides generously sized self-contained units.
Spaces vary from studios for couples to 2-bedroom apartments with a sofa bed for additional sleepers. All units feature a full kitchen, bathroom with a tub and overhead shower, and state-of-the-art tech including a stereo. They are sharply decorated in hushed grey hues and calming whites and creams.
The block is located right next to the New York Stock Exchange and features a collection of on-site restaurants and a fitness center for guests. Mint House at 70 Pine is one of the best budget-friendly holiday rentals in New York.
7. The Love Bug
Neighborhood: SoHo
Price range: $$
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 3 nights
With a name like that, it’s no wonder the Love Bug is one of the best apartment rentals in New York City for couples!
This eclectic apartment features a bedroom and a separate lounge area that is uniquely prepared with a cozy Chesterfield sofa, exposed brickwork, and kooky trinkets. The lounge backs onto a fully-equipped kitchen brimming with utensils, spices, and all you need to whip up a romantic feast.
One of the highlights of the apartment is the terrace that is affixed to the bedroom. This is lovingly configured with ample seating areas, plants, and fairy lights. Perfect for morning coffee or late-night wine!
Located in the fashionable SoHo neighborhood, the apartment is surrounded by top-notch places to eat, drink, and explore.
8. The Imagined Life
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Price range: $$$
Sleeps: 3 people
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Boasting a whopping 30 windows, this luxury apartment on the cusp of Chinatown and Two Bridges provides unparalleled 360-degree views of NYC.
The entire space is adorned with eclectic furnishings and knick-knacks that create a bohemian vibe. Exposed brickwork characterizes this cool Manhattan loft-style apartment.
The roomy lounge is kitted out with an oversized sofa, snuggly chairs, and a swinging chair as well as a bespoke work desk and a large dining table. A dreamy bedroom is landscaped with a hammock, plants, and a well-stocked library of books and magazines.
The USP of the apartment is the epic roof terrace exclusive for guest use. Although there is only one bedroom (a third guest is welcome to sleep on the sofa in the lounge) the space features two bathrooms and spans 1,715 square feet of space.
You’d struggle to find more luxurious Airbnbs in New York City than this wonderland!
9. Manhattan Parklife
Neighborhood: Financial District
Price range: $
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
This chic apartment is located in the heart of the Financial District and features a wealth of excellent amenities including a gym on-site and a communal lounge with a pool table and coworking zones.
It’s the ideal setting if you want the best of Manhattan on your doorstep but will want to retreat somewhere peaceful after a busy day of exploring.
Designed with minimalism in mind, the space features a contemporary kitchen with such luxuries as a giant refrigerator and an excellent coffee maker. The copper bed is elegantly backed by glamorous geometric wallpaper to add a sense of style and the bathroom contains a tub with an overhead shower.
The apartment complex features a communal rooftop lounge that you are welcome to make use of but it’s only open during the summer season. Overall, Manhattan Parklife is one of the best apartments in New York for travelers on a budget.
10. Like A Prayer
Neighborhood: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Price range: $$
Sleeps: 4 people
Minimum stay: 3 nights
This head-turning loft is exactly what you might expect when you fantasize about Instagrammable Airbnbs in New York City.
Housed within the walls of former St. Vincent de Paul Church in North Williamsburg, this funky apartment features arched stained glass windows, exposed brick walls, and a private terrace with killer views.
The industrial-chic themes continue in the bathroom where you’ll find a tub buried among the brickwork.
The bedroom is located on the upper floor of the duplex, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing a river of natural light. Besides the fully-equipped kitchen, there is a barbecue available on the terrace that you are welcome to use.
Despite being a little further out, Like A Prayer gets the top overall vote for where to stay in NYC due to the level of comfort, style, space, and value for money on offer. Plus, it’s only 15 minutes by subway into Manhattan.
11. Clark Kent
Neighborhood: Southside/Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Price range: $$
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 3 nights
With floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views over Brooklyn’s rooftops, this bright and comfy base is perfect for travelers eager to get a taste of the area’s hip boutiques, trendy cafes, and buzzy restaurants.
Appointed with lots of white decor and furnishings, you almost feel like you’re floating in the clouds!
The apartment comprises a large living room with a corner sofa, a separate bedroom, a bathroom with a tub, and a complete kitchen. It’s shiny and modern with a minimalistic style that encourages you to linger on the phenomenal views.
A bonus of one of the coolest apartments in New York is the shared roof terrace which is perfect for catching the sunset.
12. Cottage by the Water
Neighborhood: Queens
Price range: $$$
Sleeps: 5 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
This cottage by the water deserves to be on this list of best Airbnbs in New York City. It’s downright luxurious, located in Queens, and is suitable for up to five guests. There are two bedrooms, three beds, and one and a half bathrooms, and it is only a short walk away from a nearby subway station.
One look at this apartment, and you’ll instantly know why it’s a rare find that’s always booked on Airbnb. The house is filled with bright, colorful decorations, and the windows provide a lot of natural light. It’s also located right on the water so that you can sip on your morning cup of Joe with a breathtaking view.
The amenities are endless, with free coffee, tea, and snacks, in addition to a 60” smart TV, a free washer and dryer, and close proximity to JFK Airport.
If you stay here, be sure to take the time to explore the rest of Howard Beach, which is a fantastic neighborhood in Queens. Get acquainted with the area by reading the guest booklet that comes with your stay!
13. The Beekman Tower, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Price range: $
Sleeps: up to 7 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
The Beekman Tower, Trademark Collection by Wyndham consists of modern self-catering studios and apartments in a riverside setting. As an aparthotel, you will benefit from access to the property’s restaurant, bar, gym, and 24-hour front desk.
Studios at Beekman Tower are perfect for solo travelers and couples – appointed with a bed, dining area, full kitchen, and private bathroom. Larger options include three separate bedrooms plus a sofa bed which are suitable for families and groups. All units are pet-friendly in case you are traveling with your furry friend!
Some units are fitted with a private balcony and others provide awesome views of the river and skyline. Although washing machines are not provided in the rooms, you will find complimentary laundry facilities in the basement.
14. Beaujolais
Neighborhood: Southside/Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Price range: $$
Sleeps: 2 people
Minimum stay: 5 nights
If you are seeking loft-style apartment rentals and Airbnbs in New York City, then Beaujolais, housed in a splendid red building, is one of the most striking.
The antique decor, bare brick walls, and open floor plan with heaps of light from the floor-to-ceiling windows call out to free spirits and old souls. The space is massive, especially considering it only sleeps two guests.
The bed sits in an alcove by the windows with a curtain for privacy while the rest of the space is dotted with lounge and dining furniture, with a full kitchen at the rear of the apartment. There is a bathtub and overhead shower in the bathroom.
In case you tire of the entertainment in this ultra-cool neighborhood, this quirky Brooklyn apartment features a movie theatre-style projector screen as well as a vintage Akai stereo.
15. New Amsterdam
Neighborhood: Financial District
Price range: $$
Sleeps: 4 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Sitting at the edge of what was once the old walled city of New Amsterdam, this beautifully decorated apartment is a vision of dark tones and uber-stylish furniture.
The comprehensive kitchen contains all the facilities and utensils that you need to prepare a New York feast (or at least a spread of bagels and coffee in the morning). Meanwhile, a cozy queen-size bed is placed next to the large windows so that you can choose to let the natural light be your alarm clock.
With one bedroom plus a sofa bed in the lounge, New Amsterdam is one of the best holiday apartments in NYC for young families or friendship groups traveling on a tighter budget.
Outside the apartment, the rental complex has a superb array of amenities including a gym, games room, and lounge. Located in the Financial District, you have dozens of landmarks and attractions right on your doorstep, plus, Manhattan and Brooklyn are only a short ride away on the subway.
16. Regal Apartment in Brooklyn
Neighborhood: Canarsie, Brooklyn
Price range: $$$
Sleeps: 5 people
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Stay in an apartment fit for royalty in Brooklyn! This apartment is sure to keep you comfortable for a weekend in New York City, from its dark wood furnishings to the regal blue and green accents throughout.
This beautiful apartment is fit for up to five guests and features one bedroom with two beds and one bathroom. Plus, there are tons of luxury amenities, including a jet shower, jacuzzi, his and hers sinks, a gym, and more.
If you happen to have a car while visiting, this is one of the best Airbnbs in New York City as it even comes with a parking spot that you’re allowed to use!
The area that it’s located in is entirely residential, so you can expect to experience New York City without the noise. There’s also a bus and train stop right nearby, so you can have easy access to the rest of New York City without that much trouble.
Final Thoughts
New York City is truly the perfect getaway, no matter the time of year. The key to having the best experience possible is booking your accommodation well in advance. Make your experience even more memorable by staying in one of the best Airbnbs in New York City!
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email, I always love helping you out! Do you know of any other unique Airbnbs in New York City that I should include on this list? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo, Kriszti
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