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Where to Stay in NYC: An Honest Guide to Picking Your Neighborhood

Photo: Rhododendrites , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Every week, someone books a hotel "in New York" that turns out to be a shuttle ride from an airport runway, and their whole trip inherits the mistake. Where you sleep in this city shapes everything: what you see out the window, where you eat breakfast, how much of your vacation you spend underground on the subway. The good news is that there's no single right answer — there's a right answer for you. Let's find it. First trip? Stay central, but not that central Midtown makes sense for first-timers: you can walk to Times Square, Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park, and every train line in creation passes underneath. The trade-off is soul. Much of Midtown empties after office hours and the blocks immediately around Times Square never stop being Times Square. My compromise pick: stay south of the chaos, in the 20s and 30s — NoMad, Flatiron, Chelsea. You're fifteen minutes from ev...
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NYC Food Guide: Where to Eat in New York City

Friends sharing a table of burgers, fries and drinks at a New York City restaurant

Photo via Unsplash

New York is one of the great eating cities of the world, a place where a two-dollar slice and a tasting-menu dinner can both feel completely essential. This is our running guide to eating well across the five boroughs, gathered from the articles we have published over the years. Whether you are chasing the perfect bagel, hunting down the best halal cart, or planning a night of rooftop cocktails, start here and follow the links to our full guides.

The NYC Classics

Some foods are simply part of the city's DNA. Before you chase trends, make time for the institutions that built New York's reputation: the corner pizzeria, the appetizing counter, the all-day deli.

Coffee, Cafés, and Casual Bites

Between meals, the city runs on coffee. The independent café scene has exploded across Brooklyn and Manhattan, and knowing where to sit and recharge is half the battle on a long day of walking.

Eating Your Way Around the Boroughs

Some of the best meals in New York are tied to a specific neighborhood. Harlem's soul food traditions and the global street food of the outer boroughs reward travelers who venture beyond Midtown.

Drinks with a View

When the sun goes down, head up. New York's rooftop bars turn the skyline into the backdrop for a cocktail, and they are some of the most memorable evenings the city offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is NYC most famous for?

New York is best known for its pizza, bagels, deli sandwiches like pastrami on rye, and street-cart staples such as halal platters and hot dogs. Our delis, bagels, and pizza guide is the best place to begin.

Where should I eat on a budget in NYC?

Street food and food halls offer some of the best value in the city, with quality far above the price. Our street food guide covers halal carts, dumpling shops, and the growing food-hall scene.

Is NYC good for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, New York has one of the most developed plant-based dining scenes anywhere. Our vegetarian and vegan dining guide highlights dedicated restaurants and reliable options across the boroughs.

This guide is maintained by our editorial team and updated as we publish new food coverage. Have a favorite spot we should try? Tell us through our contact page.

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