Though the smallest borough in New York City, Manhattan is still home to more than 1.6 million people. Home to some of New York’s best-known attractions, such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, it’s perfect for a first-time visitor to the Big Apple.
With one of the world’s most exciting nightlife and dining scenes, it’s the only borough you should consider staying in. Hotels can be astronomically expensive, so another way to get good value for money is by checking out vacation rentals in Manhattan. It’s amazing what you can find!
There’s a lot to look through, but we’ve decided to help you out. You’re about to read a list of the best Airbnbs in Manhattan. Not only that, but some of New York’s best Airbnb Experiences are on there too – so all bases of your vacation are covered.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 15 Airbnbs in Manhattan
Amazing East Village XL Studio
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Queen bed
- > Indoor brickwork
Cozy Room in Times Square
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Awesome location
- > Shared room with bunk beds
LUX West Village Penthouse
- > $$$$$$$$$
- > 5 Guests
- > Private terrace
- > Epic views
Times Square Queen Room
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Awesome location
- > Queen bed
Room with a view by Times Square
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Epic location
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Manhattan
As you might expect, many of the properties in Manhattan are flats and loft apartments, especially close to Times Square. However, it’s a big place, so you can find some other, cheaper places to stay in Manhattan further out.
The main thing you’ll notice about Manhattan is cost. The island is home to some of the world’s most expensive real estate, so it’s important to plan according to your budget. That’s not as hard as you’d expect, though, which is why we’ve included several private rooms in our list below.
You will find with private rooms that you’re dealing with a local host, but the majority of New York’s larger apartments will be run by a business. They’ll do everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Loft apartments are synonymous with New York, and you’ll find some here that will really take your breath away! Expect warehouse-style spaces with indoor brickwork, high ceilings, and open plan living spaces.
Less common than lofts, townhouses are normally multi storey properties. They’re well suited to groups – especially families – as they usually offer a home away from home.
Usually, we wouldn’t use a private room as a unique type of accommodation in our best Airbnbs list. However, Manhattan is the exception to that for two reasons. One, because it’s so built up you’re not going to find tiny houses, treehouses, and cabins here.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Manhattan
Now you know what you can expect and why you should stay in an Airbnb in Manhattan, it’s time to see the properties themselves. This list has been curated with you in mind, so all you need to do is pick your favourite!
Amazing East Village XL Studio | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Manhattan
Perfect if you’re on a budget, this studio apartment is on the ground floor of a building in Manhattan’s East Village. There is another mattress in the closet, but it might be a bit of a squeeze. Still, as an apartment for a solo traveller or couple, you really can’t beat this! It has a loft feel with the indoor brickwork, and there’s a dedicated workspace should you be travelling as a digital nomad.
This is an affordable and safe accommodation that would perfectly suit a solo traveller or couple. Situated in Manhattan’s East Village, the city’s main attractions are all within walking or cycling distance. It’s pretty stylish, too!
Private Room in Times Square | Best Budget Airbnb in Manhattan
If you’re looking to keep costs down without compromising on location, then this Airbnb has got to be the ultimate find! Here you’ll find a trendy private room with a light and airy feel as well as access to household amenities like a full kitchen, washing machine and dryer. There’s even a games console you can jump on! What’s even better is its location, you’re literally right at the heart of things just a short walk from Times Square!
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View on Osprey View on REILUX West Village Penthouse | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Manhattan
We’ve been really hammering home how expensive Manhattan is so far. But what if you’re willing and able to spend a lot of money? Then you really are in for a treat. This luxurious penthouse in the West Village offers spectacular views out over the city from your very own private room terrace! Enjoy your morning coffee out there, or watch the sunset with something a little stronger.
Times Square Queen Room | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
If you’re travelling solo, you’ll often be recommended a hostel. However, that doesn’t work for everyone. Perhaps a homestay will suit you better – it gives you the chance to keep your spending under control while getting recommendations from your local host. The best of both worlds! Though this listing is only for one person, you still get a queen bed. So, you can starfish after an exhausting day exploring the Big Apple.
Room with a view by Times Square | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Is there a cooler place in the world to be a digital nomad than New York? The city has inspired so many books, music, and films, that it might stir something up within you. In this cool flat, you’ve got a dedicated workspace and fast Wi-Fi, so you can do any research you might need to. Even if you’re remote work is a little more mundane, looking out over the concrete jungle where dreams are made should perk you up!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Manhattan
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Manhattan!
Charming East Village Studio | Most Romantic Airbnb for Couples
It’s back to the East Village again for Manhattan’s most romantic apartment. With a queen bed and a love chair by the bed, it is sure to take the breath of you and your other half away. Though you’ll no doubt try some of the epic restaurants in New York during your stay, you can whip up a favourite in the fully equipped kitchen should you fancy a night in. Why not eat in front of a movie on the flatscreen TV?
Modern Manhattan Stay | Best Airbnb in Manhattan for Families
This townhouse in Harlem has two bedrooms and is perfect for a family, no matter what age. It was renovated in 2019 and has modern conveniences and furniture that you’ll be pleased to come back to after a day of exploring NYC. As well as the two listed bedrooms with queen beds, there’s a sofa bed in the spacious living room.
Shelter in an Incredible Place | Best Loft in Manhattan
High ceilings and enormous windows are one of the key features of any New York loft apartment. This one offers both those and much more. If you’ve spent the day walking or cycling through Manhattan, you’re probably going to be a bit achy. What better to sort that out than by spending some time in the soaking tub, or your own private sauna?! Though the restaurants in the neighbourhood are amazing, put your own cooking skills to the test with the fully equipped chef’s kitchen.
5 Million Dollar Townhouse | Best Townhouse in Manhattan
Thankfully, five million dollars refers to the build cost, not how much it is to rent this townhouse per night! With space for up to 13 guests, this is perfect for any large gathering of family or friends. Set over four floors, there are five bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms (not sure how you get half a bathroom, but there we go). You even have your very own backyard oasis – and gardens are rare in Manhattan!
Near Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen | Best Private Room in Manhattan
We’ve already seen a couple of private rooms in Manhattan, but this is our favourite. It’s so versatile: it can be used for a solo traveller, couple, or even a family with a baby or toddler, thanks to the small crib included. You’ll have access to your host’s kitchen when you stay, and though you’re just a block from Times Square, it’s surprisingly quiet.
Clean and Classy Central Park Studio | Best Airbnb for a Weekend in Manhattan
When it comes to spending a weekend in New York, location is the most important thing. We’ve chosen one right by Central Park, so you’ve got access to the city and its most loved green space. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in this cute studio, it’s a lovely place to come home to. There’s an indoor fireplace, and that queen bed is super-comfy!
Apartment with Amazing Rooftop | Best Airbnb with a View in Manhattan
If you look at that view above and think, nah, I don’t fancy it, there can only be one conclusion – you’re afraid of heights! From the rooftop terrace of this condo, you can pick out the most iconic buildings from the most famous skyline of all. The apartment isn’t bad either, offering a fully equipped kitchen, three bedrooms, and access to a gym.
Unique Village Apt | Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Airbnb in Manhattan
Lots of Manhattan is LGBTQ+ friendly, but nowhere more so than Greenwich Village. This apartment is on the doorstep of the NYC gay scene, and you can visit many important LGBTQ cultural sites from here. You can also chill out and enjoy the apartment, which comes with complimentary toiletries and an eat-in kitchen.
Super Luxury Apartment | Best Airbnb in Manhattan with a Pool
It’s harder than you might expect to find a Manhattan apartment with a pool. However, it’s far from impossible. Here, you’ll be able to swim lengths to your heart’s content and make the most of a workout in the gym too. That’s before you even get through the door of your luxurious apartment with space for up to 12 guests. Like games? There are pool and ping pong tables too!
Walk to Central Park | Best Airbnb in Manhattan for a Group of Friends
If you’re staying with friends, the most important thing is that you have somewhere to spend quality time together. The large living room should do that, but if you want to breathe in some fresh air, you have Central Park on your doorstep! There’s space for up to seven here across four beds, and though it’s technically a shared space, you’ve got a private bathroom, living room, and kitchen.
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
What To Pack For Manhattan
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Manhattan Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Manhattan Airbnbs
Well, there you have it. Those are the 15 best Airbnbs in Manhattan, along with some cool experiences you can make the most of during your trip. Whether you want to be in a 5th Avenue loft apartment, a flat with a view of Central Park, or you just want the cheapest option possible, there’s an Airbnb in Manhattan for you.
And if you’re still struggling to make your mind up on where to stay, check out our favourite Airbnb in Manhattan. That’s the Amazing East Village XL Studio. The stylish apartment looks amazing while having an unbeatable location.
We hope that wherever you choose to stay in Manhattan, you have an excellent vacation. And be sure to take out a travel insurance policy with World Nomads to take care of you and your belongings.
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Manhattan guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in the USA too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
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