The 8 best Airbnbs in New York City for living like a local

Neighborhood: Upper East Side, Manhattan

This elegant studio sits in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after pockets, minutes from Central Park, Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue, with Bloomingdale’s a block away. High ceilings, plenty of natural light and a Juliet balcony give it a boutique feel that’s rare to find at studio prices. The kitchen’s fully stocked with stainless steel appliances if you’d rather cook in, or head to Sushi Seki for dinner and Magnolia Bakery for dessert on the way home.

Time Out tip: If you’re doing the Gossip Girl pilgrimage, the Met steps are a 15-minute walk north, best photographed early morning before the school trip crowds arrive.

Transit/Parking: Five-minute walk to the 59th Street subway station. Limited free street and metered parking nearby.

Sleeps: One bedroom, two beds (queen bed plus queen sofa bed). Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Juliet balcony, full kitchen with dishwasher, complimentary coffee and tea, pets allowed.

Price: From $493 a night.

Neighborhood: Bushwick, Brooklyn

Once home to a working artist, this Bushwick loft still carries that creative spirit through its design, from a Brooklyn Bridge mural in the main bedroom to a second room with curved metal bunk frames. There’s a sofa bed in the living area for extra guests, and a shared rooftop terrace with a mural wall, hammock and string lights, a proper rarity for New York. You’re surrounded by Bushwick’s street art and food scene, five minutes from the metro and close to Williamsburg.

Time Out tip: Bushwick Collective’s murals change constantly, so walk Troutman Street between Cypress and St Nicholas Avenues and see what's  up that week.

Transit/Parking: Five minutes to the L and J/M/Z trains. Free street parking, subject to alternate-side rules.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, three beds (queen, bunk bed, sofa bed). Sleeps 5 guests.

Perks: Rooftop terrace with hammock and string lights, dedicated workspace, drip coffee maker, self check-in.

Price: From $295 a night.

Neighborhood: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

It’s not New York if the apartment doesn’t have exposed brick somewhere. This cartwheel-approved, garden apartment in Brooklyn, NYC, is a welcoming place for up to three guests in a queen-sized bed and one sofa bed. The decor is minimalistic yet stylish, suiting almost any taste, and is fully equipped to ensure you have a comfortable trip. The area is quiet and friendly, to help make you feel at home, but is in a great location close to public transport and all the trendy spots of Brooklyn. Simple and sweet.

Time Out tip: Saratoga Park and Jackie Robinson Park are both about a five-minute walk away, good for a morning coffee outside before you head into the city.

Transit/Parking: About a 10-minute walk to the A/C train at Utica Avenue or the J at Halsey Street, with the express getting you into lower Manhattan in 20 minutes or less. Free street parking is available, but watch out for alternate-side parking rules.

Sleeps: Studio suite with 2 beds. Sleeps 2 guests.

Perks: Full kitchen with stove, oven and coffee maker, in-unit washer and dryer, shared backyard garden, private entrance and self check-in.

Price: From $274 a night.

Neighborhood: Staten Island

Here’s one thing you don’t often get from city living, an entire house with parking. Sweet Pea Cottage is an adorable, dog-friendly, little two-bed (second bed on mezzanine floor) that sleeps four and is absolutely brimming with character. There’s even a little gated front yard to enjoy in the warmer months. Believe it or not, there is plenty to do on Staten Island itself (the zoo, the beaches, the greenbelt…), but should you want to reach the mainland, midtown Manhattan is just 45 minutes and you can even take a free ferry there. If you’re lucky, host Kathleen will leave you some freshly baked banana bread.

Time Out tip: Blue Heron Park is steps from the door, a nice spot for a quiet morning walk before you head into the city, and there are express buses to Manhattan stop right across the street.

Transit/Parking: Free parking is available on the premises and it's about four blocks to the Staten Island Railway, which connects to the free ferry into Manhattan.

Sleeps: One bedroom, two beds. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Free on-premises parking, kitchenette with Keurig, Netflix, Hulu and a Bose sound system, daily continental breakfast, small dogs welcome.

Price: From $112 a night.

Neighborhood: Marble Hill, The Bronx

This pad in the Bronx is stylish, spacious, and great for larger groups. Sleeping up to eight guests, it’s great for families and girls’ trips alike. The three-bedroom property gives you a little rest and relaxation out of the NYC buzz while allowing you to travel back into the thick of it whenever you please. There is a well-equipped living room and kitchen, as well as an office space with a hammock that’s perfect for summertime lounging. As for the neighborhood? It’s very community-led, so you’ll feel like a real native. The owners are even open to having dogs stay with you. 

Time Out tip: Marble Hill Playground is round the corner, with Ewen Park and Baker Field about a 10-minute walk, good if you want some green space without leaving the neighbourhood. Inwood and Van Cortlandt Park are also nearby for a walk.

Transit/Parking: A short walk to the 1 train, which runs direct to central Manhattan. Street parking is free but unmetered and not guaranteed, and private lots nearby run $15 to $25 a night if you'd rather not risk it.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms, three beds. Sleeps eight guests.

Perks: Fully equipped kitchen, board games and books for groups, hammock porch, house-trained dogs welcome for a $50 fee.

Price: From $151 a night.

Neighborhood: Lower East Side, Manhattan

If you’re willing to spend, this one-bedroom unit will run you up to $2,000 a night. But the truly unique loft, which has exposed brick walls and a whopping 30 windows, is an incredible (and large) space with 360-degree views of multiple landmarks including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and East River. In terms of interior design, you’ll find cozy sofas, plush bean bags, and, through the stylish kitchen, a whopping king-sized bed. The common roof deck is a cherry on top. Plus, it’s in the Lower East Side, so you’ve got plenty of things to do on your doorstep. 

Time Out tip: This one’s mostly rented out for film and photoshoots, with personal stays only available when the host is out of town, so message ahead before you get your heart set on it. There’s also a 31-night minimum stay, so it’s one for an extended trip rather than a weekend away.

Transit/Parking: Steps from the Lower East Side subway lines, with Seward Park and Sara D. Roosevelt Park both nearby if you want some green space.

Sleeps: One bedroom, two beds, two bathrooms. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: 30 windows, exposed brick, shared roof deck, 360-degree city views.

Price: From $678 a night.

Neighborhood: East Village, Manhattan

Manhattan’s East Village is known for being an artists’ neighborhood, so why not crash in the home of an actual artist? Furnished with a mix of designer furniture and family antiques, the (characteristically small) railroad apartment comes with a sunny kitchen and private bedroom. The furnishings are just as quirky and colorful as you’d want them to be, too. Built in the 19th century, mostly for immigrants, tenement homes like these are on the cozier side but offer authenticity and proximity to some of the city’s best attractions and restaurants.

Time Out tip: This one comes with house rules worth knowing before you book, it’s vetted by the host for a couple or single guest over 40, cleaning happens every two weeks rather than daily, and there's no microwave, just the one kitchen sink, true to the building’s original tenement design.

Transit/Parking: A short walk to the F train at Second Avenue, plus the M14, M9 and M21 buses, and Citi Bikes around the corner.

Sleeps: One bedroom, one bed, one bathroom. Sleeps one guest, or a couple sharing the one bed.

Perks: Full kitchen, wifi and desk with printer, HD TV, linens and towels provided, laundry available in the building.

Price: From $233 a night.

Neighborhood: Financial District, Manhattan

Always dreamt of owning your own NYC loft? This Airbnb is here to make that dream a reality. Be a part of New York’s alternative art scene with your very own private room in this creatively designed apartment. The space has an eclectic and charmingly lived-in feel, with colorful posters, pillows, and ornaments taking over the living area. Mood lighting is easily achievable with its many lamps, and you’ll also have access to a full kitchen. Live like a local for however long you please, with no minimum or maximum stay. 

Time Out tip: This is the host’s full-time home, and he’s often working from the space in the afternoons as his painting studio, so it’s a good pick if you want a real slice of an artist’s life rather than an empty rental. He’ll even arrange a hosted dinner in the apartment for an extra fee if you want the full experience.

Transit/Parking: Steps from Fraunces Tavern and Wall Street, with Battery Park and the ferry terminal about a five-minute walk, and every major subway line within easy reach.

Sleeps: One private bedroom with shared bathroom and living space. Sleeps 2 guests maximum, per NYC short-term rental rules.

Perks: Full kitchen access, East River views, original artwork throughout, thick curtains for noise, free cancellation.

Price: From $304 a night.

RECOMMENDED:
🏙️ The best things to do in New York City
🏩 The very best hotels in New York City
🏊‍♀️ The best hotels with pools in New York City
🛍️ The best hotels in Brooklyn
🌳 The best hotels in Downtown N.Y.C.