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The Big Apple and the surrounding areas are positively packed with excitement. Because of this, it can be challenging to pick out what to do in New York for a weekend, even if you’re visiting for a long weekend!

Luckily, as I’ve been living in New York for eight years, I've had a lot of different experiences here that I'm happy to recommend for all types of tourists. My following recommendations should allow a wide range of visitors to make the most of a New York weekend trip. Almost everyone planning a weekend getaway in New York should be able to find something enjoyable to do with the following recommendations.

The following locations are all located within New York City. But remember, thanks to NYC’s amazing travel links, there’s also plenty for tourists to do in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or even New England.

For example, if you like, you could even have a day trip to the Hamptons, Philadelphia, or Boston — as long as you’re willing to make the commute! Other locations, like the Adirondack region and Niagara Falls take longer to reach, but they can still be incorporated into a visit to New York City. That’s just some food for thought!

If you're interested in some of the major attractions in New York City, such as the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, or the Guggenheim Museum, consider getting a New York City CityPass.The pass has 3 options that can get you discounts on 3, 5, or 10 major attractions in the area.

Quick Answer: Best Weekend Getaways in New York

  • Best for people with a passion for culture, history buffs, and those who care about LGBTQ+ activism - The West Village
  • Best for hipsters, people looking to buy something unique, foodies - Williamsburg
  • Best for tourists who want the classic New York experience, people who love musicals/plays - Times Square

‌Cool and Unique Areas of New York‌

  • Best for people who love amazing landscapes, nature lovers, families - Prospect Park
  • Best for creative people, young adults, entrepreneurs - Industry City
  • Best for families, people who love to walk, people interested in history - Roosevelt Island

‌Hidden Gems of New York‌

  • Best for families, people interested in immigrant cultures, fans of Asian cuisine - Brooklyn 8th Avenue Chinatown
  • Best for families, people interested in cultural centers, fans of varied cuisines - Long Island City
  • Best for people who like nature, people interested in Medieval history, people who like to relax in a quiet environment - Inwood

Most Popular Neighborhoods in New York

If there's one city in America that knows popular tourist spots, it's New York City. But just because an area is full of tourists, doesn't necessarily mean you can't find some cool stuff to get excited about. So here's our rundown of what to do in some of NYC's most popular tourist traps.

1. The West Village

  • Perfect for:‌ people with a passion for culture, history buffs, and those who care about LGBTQ+ activism.
  • Highlights of the West Village:
    • Center of arty New York
    • Well-connected via the NYC subway
    • Hundreds of incredible eateries

‌Things to Do in the West Village‌

Boasting both architectural beauty and bohemian attitudes, the West Village is where affluent creatives thrive. The area is filled with art galleries and culturally significant spots.

For instance, perhaps the best image to ever portray the essence of the West Village is the cover of Bob Dylan’s second album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.” The street featured on the cover is the single-block-long Jones Street, located between West 4th Street and Bleecker Street, and still looks much like it did when the album was released in 1963.

Another important location, just 1,000 feet away from the location of the cover photo of “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan,” which also defines the history and attitude of the West Village, is The Stonewall Inn. Today, this bar is an important cultural site for all LGBTQ+ activism, due to its revolutionary origin. The Stonewall Inn is located at 53 Christopher Street, with the Stonewall National Monument, situated in Christopher Park, just opposite the inn.

Fans of HBO’s "Sex and the City" should visit the building that served as the exterior of Carrie Bradshaw’s home in the show. Its address is 64 Perry Street. Overall, the entire street is beautiful.

Suitably for a neighborhood with a focus on individuality and counter-culture, the borders of the West Village are ambiguous. The one border that is undoubtable is the Western border, which is the Hudson River. Google considers the neighborhood’s other borders to be West 14th Street to the North, Sixth Avenue to the East, and West Houston Street/Clarkson Street to the South.

But the surrounding neighborhoods — namely Chelsea, NoHo, and SoHo — are highly culturally in-tune with the West Village, making these borders largely irrelevant.

‌How to Get to the West Village‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a 30-minute drive. By public transit, it takes one hour by catching the AirTrain to the Newark Airport Railroad Station, taking the NEC/NJCL regular train to NYC’s Penn Station, and then switching to the southbound 1 subway train to the Christopher Street Station.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a 45-minute drive. By public transit, it’s a one-hour commute via the M60 bus from the airport to Hoyt/31st Street, walking to the Astoria Boulevard Station, taking the N or W subway trains to Times Square, and switching to the 1 Train to Christopher Street.

From JFK Airport, it’s a one-hour drive and a one-hour public transit commute via the AirTrain to Jamaica Station. From Jamaica Station, take any regular train to Penn Station. Then take the 1 subway train to Christopher Street Station.

‌Where to Stay in the West Village‌

A single room in an Airbnb costs approximately $200 on average per night, such as this charming spot. Sure, the rooms at this price point will be extremely cozy. But for visitors who plan to spend lots of time out and about, they'll be great.

Charming West Village Airbnb Book Now

Hotel room prices in the West Village start from $262 per night, such as at the Incentra Village Hotel. This hotel also offers parking spaces, which is a great deal in a city infamous for its lack of free spaces.

Incentra Village Book Now

2. Williamsburg

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  • Perfect for:‌ Hipsters, people looking to buy something unique, foodies
  • Highlights of Williamsburg:
    • 30-minute drive from LaGuardia Airport
    • Great public transport connections to and from Manhattan
    • Filled with stores, bars, and restaurants

‌Things to Do in Williamsburg‌

Williamsburg is the hipster capital of the entire world! As a result, this neighborhood — which is located in Brooklyn, right across the East River from the Lower East Side — is jam-packed with all that’s funky, fashionable, and faddish.

In Williamsburg, you’re always close to a fancy coffee shop and a hot nightlife spot, ensuring that you can enjoy the neighborhood at whatever time you choose, which can be handy if you’re only staying for, say, 3 nights in New York.

Many Williamsburgers rave about McCarren Park at the very northern tip of the neighborhood. Though I prefer the much smaller but much more visually pleasing Domino Park, which borders the East River and is just North of the Williamsburg Bridge. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in spectacle, with outstanding views of the city and facilities for all ages, including an elevated walkway, water features, a volleyball court, a bocce court, and a dog run.

But one thing that McCarren Park does have that Domino Park lacks is a free outdoor pool. In Domino Park’s favor, its two water features, a series of water jet fountains and the FogBridge, are also free for the public to interact with.

No discussion of Williamsburg would be complete without highlighting Smorgasburg, America’s largest open-air food market. The "New York Times" refers to Smorgasburg as “The Woodstock of Eating.” Smorgasburg runs in Williamsburg and in other locations from April to October from 11 am to 6 pm every year.

The Williamsburg Smorgasburg pops up on Saturdays during this time and features dozens of the finest food from across New York City. Anyone who enjoys eating outstanding food would benefit from visiting it. The only slight downside to Smorgasburg’s roaring success is the fact that the event it originally spun off from, Brooklyn Flea, has had to move from Williamsburg to the Dumbo neighborhood.

On the plus side, Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg are easy to travel to and from, with a subway ride taking just over half an hour. But the best way to travel between these two locations is by the NYC Ferry, although it does cost a whole $1.25 more than the subway.

‌How to Get to Williamsburg‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transport, it takes 70 minutes via the AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station, and taking the NJCL or NEC train to Penn Station, and then taking the A Train to West 4th Street, and finally switching to the M Train to Marcy Avenue.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a half-hour drive. It takes one hour to reach by public transit, via the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt Ave/74th Street, walking to Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue Station, and taking the M Train to Marcy Avenue.

From JFK Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. It also takes one hour via public transit by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then walking a short distance to the subway at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue and taking the J Train to Marcy Avenue.

‌Where to Stay in Williamsburg‌

On Airbnb, a studio apartment can be rented for $169 per night, such as this studio apartment. That listing is a great choice for people who want as much privacy as possible and the option of cooking their own meals.

Studio Apartment Airbnb Book Now

A hotel room can be booked at a starting price of $228 per night, such as at Hotel Indigo. This hotel includes a pool, a gym, a garden and a terrace, which shows just how much more bang for your buck you get in Brooklyn than Manhattan!

Pet-friendly Hotel Indigo Book Now

3. Times Square

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  • Perfect for:‌ Tourists who want the classic New York experience, people who love musicals/plays
  • Highlights of Times Square:
    • Close to Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and Port Authority Bus Terminal, ensuring that it is easily accessible from all directions
    • Close to many, many less touristy areas, meaning that it can be incorporated into almost any Manhattan tour

‌Things to Do in Times Square‌

As a New Yorker of eight years, I almost feel like recommending Times Square to tourists is a betrayal to my fellow locals. Why? Because true New Yorkers avoid Times Square, and much of Midtown, at all costs. But here’s the thing: If I’m being honest, everyone should experience Times Square at least once in their lives. So if it’s your first-ever weekend getaway in New York, then Times Square is a must-see!

The odds are that you can already picture Times Square in your mind. All those lights, tall buildings, and bustling bodies are synonymous with this neighborhood. When viewed like this, it’s easy to forget that the location also houses one of the world’s most important cultural institutions: Broadway.

Visitors to Times Square can enjoy all manner of performances, from long-running Tony Award-winning musicals to brand-new, up-and-coming plays. With Broadway and Off-Broadway, there’s really so much choice!

If plays aren’t your thing, then you’re bound to find some kind of entertainment in Times Square, whether that’s paying a visit to M&M’s World or finding a fun spot for people-watching. And a surprisingly serene location just one block to the east of Times Square is Bryant Park.

The gigantic Central Park is also just under a mile to the North of Times Square. Also within walking distance are the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the High Line, and literally hundreds of other attractions.

‌How to Get to Times Square‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transit, it takes 50 minutes via the Newark Airport express bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is one block from Times Square.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a 40-minute drive. By public transit, it also takes 40 minutes by taking the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street, walking to the Astoria Boulevard station, and taking the N or W subway trains to Times Square Station.

From JFK Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transit, it also takes one hour by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, walking a short distance to the E subway train at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue, and riding the E Train to Seventh Avenue.

‌Where to Stay in Times Square‌

An Airbnb room near Times Square can be booked for around $123 per night, such as this cute rental unit. That listing in particular includes a second child's bed, making it an ideal choice for a family of three that doesn't want to break the bank!

Times Square & Hell's Kitchen Airbnb Book Now

A hotel room near Times Square can be booked for around $200 per night, such as at The Time. That particular hotel includes free wine and cheese, which is a pretty amazing offer!

The Time Hotel New York Book Now

Cool and Unique Areas of New York

Now let's take a look at some more unique and interesting areas of New York that are a bit less popular (though still pretty popular since it is NYC after all). From wonderful parks to action-packed business parks, these three spots are sure to provide lots of interesting areas and events to check out.

4. Prospect Park

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  • Perfect for:‌ People who love amazing landscapes, nature lovers, families
  • Highlights of Prospect Park:
    • Borders many incredible neighborhoods
    • Gigantic
    • Incredible landscapes and activities
    • Surrounding neighborhoods have affordable Airbnbs/hotels

‌Things to Do in Prospect Park‌

Why is Brooklyn’s Prospect Park superior to Central Park? Simple: Landscape Architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux create Prospect Park after they had completed Central Park, meaning that they could improve on their earlier design. These two collaborators even considered it to be their masterpiece.

The park’s 526 acres are filled with relaxation and recreational outdoor activities, making it ideal for family-friendly day trips and romantic getaways alike. It offers plenty to people wondering what to do in New York for a weekend, such as its own zoo, an ice rink, historic buildings, playgrounds, a massive lake, and a bandshell that plays (mostly) free concerts throughout the summer.

The various sections of the park all have their own feel, from the open fields on the West side, to the more enclosed vistas on the East side.

The neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Park are also incredibly fun to visit. The most popular of these is the Park Slope, where affluent families reside in beautiful brownstones.

‌How to Get to Prospect Park‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transit, it takes 90 minutes via the AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station, and then taking the NEC or NJCL to Penn Station, and then boarding the A subway train to Jay Street Metrotech, and finally switching to the F Train until arriving at the 15th Street-Prospect Park stop.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transit, it also takes one hour by taking the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street and getting on the F subway train Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue until reaching the 15th Street-Prospect Park stop.

From JFK Airport, it’s a 50-minute drive. By public transit, it takes just over one hour by taking the AirTrain to the Howard Beach Station, switching to the A subway train, riding to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets, and finally switching to the G Train until arriving at 15 Street-Prospect Park.

‌Where to Stay in Prospect Park‌

On Airbnb, a room near Prospect Park can be rented for $120 per night, such as this adorable suite. That price includes a private bathroom, making it pretty much as good as a hotel room!

Prospect Park Airbnb Book Now

A hotel room somewhat near Prospect Park can be booked for $149 per night, such as at the Union Hotel. Yes, that price is for a very basic room, but it is located on the more upscale side of Prospect Park. Really, you're booking the location!

Union Hotel Brooklyn Book Now

5. Industry City

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  • Perfect for:‌ Creative people, young adults, entrepreneurs
  • Highlights of Industry City:
    • Incredible interiors and exteriors
    • Often runs varied events

‌Things to Do in Industry City‌

How can a business park be as fun as Industry City? This Sunset Park-located complex spans more than 16 buildings across 35 acres of what was once industrial space. On higher floors are offices. But on the ground level, there’s so much for everyone to enjoy.

At present, there are dozens of restaurants, numerous wonderfully designed public places, and many fun events taking place — and that’s without mentioning all of the stores in the area. These include stores stocking comic books, ice cream, furniture, clothing, accessories, antiques, skincare, records, plants, wine, and much more.

The Industry City events include include movie nights, karaoke nights, live music, sporting tournaments, DJ sets, author story readings, and pretty much anything that can be celebrated communally! Many of these events are free of charge. Because of these events, no two-day trips to Industry City are alike.

‌How to Get to Industry City‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a 40-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 90 minutes via the AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station, taking the NEC/NJCL trains to Penn Station, walking to the 34th Street-Herald Square subway Station, and taking the D or N trains to 36th Street (Note: 34th Street Herald Square and 36 Street are not just two blocks apart. Instead, these stations refer to 34th Street Manhattan and 36th Street Brooklyn.)

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a 70-minute drive. It also takes 70 minutes via public transit by taking the M60-SBS bus to Hoyt Avenue-31st Street, walking to the Astoria Boulevard Station, and taking the N subway train to 36th Street in Brooklyn.

From JFK Airport, it’s an hour's drive. By public transit, it also takes an hour by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, taking either the City Terminal Zone or West Hampstead Branch regular trains to Atlantic Terminal, and finally switching to the N subway train to 36th Street.

‌Where to Stay in Industry City‌

An Airbnb room can be booked for around $94 per night, such as this Art Deco room. That listing also includes a balcony, which is a rare find indeed!

Art Deco Airbnb room Book Now

A hotel room can be booked for $120, such as the L Hotel. Yes, it's a no-frills kind of place, but if you want an affordable place to stay that's really close to Industry City, then it's a perfect choice.

L Hotel Book Now

6. Roosevelt Island

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  • Perfect for:‌ Families, people that love to walk, people interested in history
  • Highlights of Roosevelt Island:
    • Aerial car tramway from the Upper East Side that costs the same as any other public transit
    • Centrally located, making it easily accessible

‌Things to Do in Roosevelt Island‌

This incredibly thin island, which is located between Manhattan and Queens, gets very little foot traffic compared to many other central areas of the city. It’s two miles long, meaning that dedicated walkers can see it all within one visit.

All parts of this island have something interesting to view. At the northern tip is Lighthouse Park. No points for guessing what kind of historical building this park overlooks.

On the southern tip is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park, which includes a monument to FDR. Just above this park is the Smallpox Memorial Hospital within Southpoint Park.

Above the center of the Island is the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. Near this are the state-of-the-art Cornell Tech campus, a number of stores, and the only subway stop on the island.

‌How to Get to Roosevelt Island‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a 75-minute drive. By public transit, it takes a similar amount of time by taking the AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station and taking the NEC/NJCL trains to Penn Station, walking to the Herald Square Station, and taking the F Train to Roosevelt Island Station.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive. By public transit, it takes half an hour by taking the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt Avenoreue/74th Street, entering the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue Station, and taking the F Train to Roosevelt Island Station.

From JFK Airport, it’s a 50-minute drive. By public transit, it takes a similar amount of time by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, walking to the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue subway station, riding the E Train to Forest Hills-71st Avenue, and switching to the F Train to Roosevelt Island Station.

‌Where to Stay in Roosevelt Island‌

An Airbnb room on Roosevelt Island can be purchased from around $135 per night, such as this room. The listing is close to the only subway stop on the island, making it a great choice for visitors who plan on using public transit extensively.

Roosevelt Island Airbnb Book Now

A hotel room near Roosevelt Island can be purchased from around $159 per night, such as at the TownePlace Suites. It's hard to deny that the interior design of that hotel is anything less than amazing!

TownePlace Suites Book Now

Hidden Gems of New York

Finally, let's take a look at some genuine hidden gems in NYC. Perfect for those that are a bit intimidated by some of the more densely packed areas of the city should check out these three underrated gems for their weekend getaway.

7. Brooklyn 8th Avenue Chinatown

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  • Perfect for:‌ Families, people interested in immigrant cultures, fans of Asian cuisine
  • Highlights of Brooklyn 8th Avenue Chinatown:
    • Much less touristy than Manhattan’s Chinatown
    • Huge selection of Asian cuisines and shopping experiences
    • Some of the most affordable accommodations in the city

‌Things to Do in Brooklyn 8th Avenue Chinatown‌

Across New York City’s five boroughs are a number of Chinatowns. Manhattan’s Chinatown is the most famous, meaning that it has a huge tourist foot stamp. But the other Chinatowns are just as vibrant.

The Chinatown along 8th Avenue in Brooklyn is a fantastic example. Much like the Chinatown of Manhattan, visitors can shop at the many stores and market stalls in the area and eat authentic Asian food.

8th Avenue Chinatown, which is also referred to as Sunset Park Chinatown, begins at 40th Street and ends at around 66th Street. But the real hustle and bustle begins at 53rd Street and extends down to 64th Street. In fact, 64th Street and 8th Avenue is the location of one of the best shopping centers in the city, Fei Long Market. A huge Asian supermarket and a food court offering a range of dishes await visitors inside.

‌How to Get to Brooklyn 8th Avenue Chinatown‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a 40-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 90 minutes by getting the AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station, riding the NEC/NJCL regular trains to Penn Station, walking to the 34th Street-Herald Square subway stop, and getting the N subway train to 8th Avenue.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transit, it takes 90 minutes by taking the M60-SBS bus to Hoyt Avenue-31st Street, walking to the Astoria Boulevard subway station, and getting the N subway train to 8th Avenue.

From JFK Airport, it’s a 50-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 80 minutes by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and getting the City Terminal Zone or West Hempstead Branch regular trains to Atlantic Terminal and switching to the N subway train to 8th Avenue.

‌Where to Stay in 8th Avenue Brooklyn Chinatown‌

On Airbnb, a room can be purchased for around $68 per night, such as this private room. You'll be hard-pressed to find a place to stay in NYC that's as affordable as that listing!

Sunset Park Private Room Book Now

A hotel near 8th Avenue Chinatown can be booked for around $179 per night, such as at Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park. That listing, the Wyndham Garden, is also pet friendly, which makes it great for travelers who insist on bringing fur babies.

Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Book Now

8. Long Island City

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  • Perfect for:‌ Families, people interested in cultural centers, fans of varied cuisines
  • Highlights of Long Island City:
    • 20-minute drive from LaGuardia Airport
    • Centrally located
    • Great restaurants

‌Things to Do in Long Island City‌

Queens gets less attention than Manhattan or Brooklyn, despite it being home to some of the best neighborhoods in the city. Long Island City is the perfect example. It’s located just above Greenpoint and really has it all.

The Gantry Plaza State Park Recreational Dock is a perfectly designed park and offers visitors some of the best views of the city — and the neighborhood’s central location makes it the ideal HQ for anyone spending three nights in New York.

Any modern art enthusiast needs to visit the MoMA PS1. Like the much more frequently visited MoMA in Manhattan, MoMA PS1 is filled with thought-provoking work from artists across the globe.

Vernon Boulevard in the center of Long Island City also hosts many fantastic restaurants.

‌How to Get to Long Island City‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a one-hour drive. By public transit, it also takes one hour by getting the AirTrain to Newark Airport Railroad Station, riding the NEC/NJCL trains to Penn Station, and switching to the E subway train to Court Square 23rd Street.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 40 minutes by taking the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt Avenue-74th Street and getting on the E or M trains to Court Square-23rd Street.

From JFK Airport, it’s a 45-minute drive. By public transit, it takes one hour by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, walking to the subway station at Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue, and taking the E subway train to Court Square-23rd Street.

‌Where to Stay in Long Island City‌

On Airbnb, a room can be rented for $115 per night, such as this artsy room. That listing states that the nearest subway station takes seven minutes to reach Manhattan, illustrating just how central Long Island City is.

Artsy Long Island Room Book Now

A hotel room near Long Island City can be booked for around $139, such as at the Hyatt Place Long Island. That listing has a gym and is also pet friendly, which is outstanding for such an affordable hotel!

Hyatt Place Long Island Book Now

9. Inwood

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  • Perfect for:‌ People who like nature, people interested in Medieval history, people who like to relax in a quiet environment
  • Highlights of Inwood:
    • Most affordable part of Manhattan
    • Near incredible parks

‌Things to Do in Inwood‌

At the very top of Manhattan is Inwood, a neighborhood with a small-town vibe where the majority of the residents are of Dominican descent. Inwood is far quieter than many other parts of Manhattan while still being very noticeably a part of NYC. So if you’re worried about too much hustle and bustle, then Inwood might just be your ideal place for a New York weekend trip.

For anyone who may want to venture to locations along the Hudson Valley or upstate New York/New England, like Beacon, the Catskills, or Newport, then it’s the perfect base of operations.

Despite its small size and comparable quietness, there’s a lot to do in Inwood. For instance, its parks are outstanding. Inwood Hill Park itself features some of the best views anywhere along the East Coast, with hiking trails, bike trails, and even a kayak/canoe launch site, making it an ideal place to appreciate the Hudson Valley. If you want to visit NYC but also be close to a place that feels like a national park, then Inwood is your destination!

Inwood is also home to The Met Cloisters, a branch of the famous New York City Met Museum that boasts both Medieval-style architecture and medieval artworks. The neighborhood also has outstanding restaurants, with many offering Caribbean cuisine.

‌How to Get to Inwood‌

From Newark Airport, it’s a 45-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 90 minutes to arrive by getting the Newark Airport Express to Port Authority Bus Terminal, walking to the 42nd Street Port Authority Bus Terminal subway station, and getting the A subway train to 207th Street Station.

From LaGuardia Airport, it’s a 50-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 70 minutes to arrive by taking the M60 SBS bus to West 125th Street-Frederick Douglas Boulevard, walking to the 125th Street subway station, and catching the A Train to 207 Street.

From JFK Airport, it’s a 70-minute drive. By public transit, it takes 90 minutes to arrive by taking the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, walking to the Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue subway station, getting the E subway train to 42nd Street Port Authority Bus Terminal Station, and switching to the uptown bound A subway train to 207th Street Station. (Note: When the E Train from Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue arrives at Port Authority Station, it will be southbound, so don’t get the A Train going in the same direction.)

‌Where to Stay in Inwood‌

On Airbnb, a room can be booked for $105 per night, such as this large room. It's located nearby a 24-hour supermarket, which is handy if you're arriving really late!

Large Inwood Room Book Now

A hotel near Inwood can be booked from $202 per night, such as the Edge Hotel. That may be a little more pricey than some of the other hotels in this ranking, but it does have outstanding reviews!

Edge Hotel Inwood Book Now

There is no limit to the fun that can be had in New York City! It truly is one of the most interesting cities in the world, with just about anything you want to do at your fingertips. I hope this outline of nine destinations in and around NYC help you plan your best ever weekend trip to New York.