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Airbnb Central Park Brownstone
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The 12 coolest Airbnbs in New York City

Forget stuffy, dodgy hotel stays and boring, bland B&Bs, we've found New York City's trendiest Airbnbs packed to the rafters with character

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Want to rest your head somewhere with a bit more pizzazz (cue jazz hands)? We've got just the thing. From classy pads to luxury lofts, these Airbnbs provide you with the true New York experience, especially for first-timers to the Big Apple wanting to see the top New York attractions. There's an Airbnb for anyone, whether New York newbies or OGs. Check out our curated list of the coolest Airbnbs in the City. Or if you do fancy a hotel, read our guide to the best hotels in NYC.

🏙 Full guide to the best hotels in NYC
đź—˝See the best tours and walks in NYC

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines

Coolest NYC Airbnbs

The cottage on the water by Howard Beach
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

1. The cottage on the water by Howard Beach

Want a bit of room to breathe in the city? This gorgeous Howard Beach spot will give you plenty of that, with some beautiful views out across the water. You're just five minutes from the subway and around 15 minutes from Rockaway Beach, which you'll definitely want to check out. It's the best of both worlds. The home is all quaint looking outside, but beautiful and roomy inside with a huge dining area and a gorgeous kitchen. You can even spot all the local wildlife just outside. Lovely.

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests. 
The mood? Light-filled cottage with vintage-modern interiors. 
Location perks? Great transit links between JFK and SoHo. 
Budget range? An affordable weekend getaway for two. 
Time Out tip: Walk to Howard Beach to catch the sunrise. It's magic.

The 19th century carriage house in Midtown West
Courtesy: Airbnb

2. The 19th century carriage house in Midtown West

An Airbnb gem, this 19th-century carriage house has been re-invented for modern living in the city. Featuring three floors of private living space, up to five guests can be accommodated in the gorgeous home. There's a two-person sauna if you fancy a little bit of a pamper, and a large walled garden, perfect for evening dining or a morning brew. The kitchen is well-equipped and there's under-floor heating to ensure maximum comfort after a day of exploring the city. The interior is stylish, contemporary, and homely, with touches of luxury. The true New York vibes. 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests.  
The mood? A spacious, luxurious and modern spot in Midtown.  
Location perks? You'll be close to Times Square and Central Park. 
Budget range? A lavish stay for a group of friends. 

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The restored barn in Brooklyn
Courtesy: Airbnb

3. The restored barn in Brooklyn

Situated within a quiet neighborhood, get some real R&R in this restored barn in Brooklyn, New York. Suitable for five guests, including children, this Airbnb stems from the 1920s and has been renovated to boast a cozy living room, dining room, modern kitchen, and bathroom. Vintage details in the shape of exposed beams and wooden floors make this property charming and homely. You'll have Wi-Fi and a TV to make your stay comfortable, and a shared garden with the Airbnb owners, who welcome you to a game of soccer if you fancy it. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps five guests. 
The mood? Cosy with a blend of rustic and traditional interiors. 
Location perks? Situated on a quiet tree-lined block for the perfect escape.  
Budget range? This affordable short stay is perfect for a family vacation. 

The studio with a pool in Bed-Stuy
Photo: Airbnb

4. The studio with a pool in Bed-Stuy

Music lovers rejoice. Not only is this ace little apartment situated in the birthplace of hip hop royalty (Jay Z and Biggie both grew up around Bedford-Stuyvesant), but it also comes with a record player and sound system for the true musos. At just 20 minutes from Manhattan on the subway, Bed-Stuy is a great spot to make your vaycay base. Plus, guests staying in this studio also get access to the building's gym, pool, sauna and fab rooftop with sun loungers and views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Heading straight to the rooftop to enjoy the skyline views. 
Location perks? Well connected to Manhattan and right off the LIRR.
Budget range? Enjoy two weeks of luxury bliss. 

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The modern home in Williamsburg
Courtesy: Airbnb

5. The modern home in Williamsburg

This stunning contemporary home in the heart of Williamsburg is the perfect Airbnb for a family getaway – or a weekend of mischief with your pals. From the barrel sauna and huge steam room to the full-floor master suite and yoga room, this 4,700-square-foot home is floor-to-ceiling of pure opulence. Other fantastic specs include three spacious bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a fully equipped chef's kitchen and high-end bedding. Looking for something a little extra? Head to the mud room and live your best life. Yep, mud. 

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps five guests. 
The mood? Cosy-chic townhome with designer interiors. 
Location perks? Great transit links. 8 minutes to Manhattan's Union Square. 
Budget range? A high-end escape for five with a price to match. 

The pied-Ă -terre near Central Park
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

6. The pied-Ă -terre near Central Park

This colorful 1600 sqft duplex is found in a historic brownstone, just a short walk away from Central Park. Ideally located for tourists, it's right by NYC's hyped attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. Plus, you've got the subway right outside if you need to travel a little further afield. Indoors, you've got a kaleidoscopic retreat, complete with a four-poster bed, bold artwork, and a funky tiled kitchen. There's even a garden where you can enjoy a relaxing glass of wine after a busy day of exploring. 

Rooms? Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests. 
The mood? Historic brownstone with quirky design elements.
Location perks? Access to a private garden. 
Budget range? Well connected to Manhattan.
Time Out tip: Catch the latest exhibition at the Guggenheim before an afternoon stroll through Central Park. Bliss.

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The retro rental in Bushwick
Photo: Airbnb

7. The retro rental in Bushwick

Situated on the outskirts of Williamsburg, Bushwick is a hella cool neighborhood to hang out in. It's even cooler when you get to go home to this quirky, ’70s-style ground floor flat, which comes with its own private back yard. It's fairly cozy, so would suit a couple or solo traveller best, but the place has everything you could possibly need: wifi, smart TV, bluetooth speaker and even a writer's nook. Groovy.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Boho chic pad in the lively Bushwick. 
Location perks? Round the corner from local treasures, The Narrows and Roberta's Pizza. 
Budget range? A budget-friendly city break for two. 

The minimalist getaway in Brooklyn
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

8. The minimalist getaway in Brooklyn

A chic brownstone studio awaits you with a calm and minimalist atmosphere. Its design-forward details are a pleasure to behold. Brooklyn is a trendy spot, and you'll find this accommodation more than lives up to it. There are numerous restaurants and cool bars in the area, plus it's just 15 minutes from Manhattan. You've also got an open chef’s kitchen,  comfortable living room, and king-sized bed. Plus, the all-white color scheme gives it the kind of relaxing vibes you crave after a busy day in the city. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Modern bliss in edgy Brooklyn.  
Location perks? Great transit links to Manhattan. 
Budget range? Spend a luxury weeklong in Brooklyn you'll never forget.    
Time Out tip:
Want a taste of Brooklyn? Stop for pizza at Saraghina.

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The gorgeous apartment in Gramercy Park
Photo: Airbnb

9. The gorgeous apartment in Gramercy Park

Stepping into this bohemian Brownstone near Madison Square Park is like stepping into another world. Exotic bric-à-brac, plants and furnishings fill the apartment and mingle artfully amongst the necessities (well, that toilet has to go somewhere). The four-poster bed, wood-burning fireplace and claw-foot tub add nice touches of luxury too. Top attractions like the Empire State, Grand Central Station and Fifth Avenue are just a ten-minute walk away and you can bring fido too, because the host allows (well-behaved) dogs.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Bohemian Rhapsody. 
Location perks? Other nearby attractions include East Village, SoHo and Union Square. 
Budget range? A moderately-priced unique luxury stay for two. 

The one-bed brownstone in Bed-Stuy
Photograph: courtesy Airbnb

10. The one-bed brownstone in Bed-Stuy

Stay in the heart of Brooklyn on a tree-lined street with small shops and cafes, baby. In an actual classic Nu-Yawk level of New York Brownstone. This being trendy ol' Brooklyn, the one-bedroom apartment is filled with plants and worldly decor. Truly charming with exposed brick walls, custom light fixtures, and artwork throughout. The historical feel of the building is modernized with up-to-date finishes. It even has a washer-dryer in-unit! Now, that's something.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Artsy apartment on a tree-lined street. 
Location perks? Situated in the heart of Bedstuy and surrounded by lots of great cafes, restaurants and Von King Park.
Budget range? A budget-friendly stay in a very trendy spot. 

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The central apartment near The Met and Central Park
Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb

11. The central apartment near The Met and Central Park

Do you want to be right up in the middle of New York City? Somewhere pet-friendly, super-secure, and near Central Park with a beautiful interior at a pretty reasonable price? Who are we kidding? Of course, you do. This one's a must if you're looking for a luxe stay. Oh, and there’s maid service every week. Did you see the floor-to-ceiling marble in the bathroom? Gorgeous. Gorgeous everywhere. The catch? You'll need to be hitting it up for 30 days at a time. And it's popular – very easy to see why.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
The mood? Oozes vintage luxury.
Location perks? The perfect spot on the Upper East Side for exploring museums, restaurants, retail stores, and of course, Central Park. 
Budget range? Enjoy a luxury month-long stay in a prime location.
Time Out tip: Be sure to head to The Met during your stay – it's around the corner.

12. The peaceful oasis in East Village

The East Village is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in NYC – restaurants, bars, music venues, general buzz — it's all going on there. The city might never sleep, but this place is always *thriving*. Should you be looking for a charming (and eclectically decorated condo) in the area, this one is close to the L line subway so you can jump on that for further exploration of the city but really, you might as well just dig right into this part of town as often as possible. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Vintage chic East Village vibes. 
Location perks? Three blocks from Tompkins Square and just a short walk to the Lower East Side. 
Budget range? An affordable weekend getaway for two. 

Still looking for somewhere to stay in NYC?

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