39 Staycation in NYC Ideas to Fall for the City Again in 2025
A staycation in NYC is the perfect way to get away without the stress of airports, packing or traffic. And what better city is there in the world to explore than New York City? Even TripAdvisor is on board with Big Apple love, naming NYC this year’s top U.S. travel destination. So it’s the perfect time to remember what drew you to the city in the first place.
Whether you’re planning a romantic staycation in NYC for couples, a kid-friendly weekend or a budget reset, the five boroughs (and quick escapes upstate) make it easy to rediscover what you love about the city.
Jump to Section
- Romantic Staycation in NYC for Couples
- Staycation NYC With Kids
- Affordable Staycation in NYC
- NYC Staycation With a Pool
- Staycation in NYC Activities
- Staycation Ideas Just Outside the City (Upstate NY)
- Staycation in NYC FAQs
Romantic Staycation in NYC for Couples
1. Soho Grand Hotel
Let’s get started with some creativity and sophistication at the Soho Grand Hotel, the self-professed “Hotel that Made Soho Grand.” The hotel offers spacious guest rooms and terrace suites that set the mood for a romantic staycation in NYC. You don’t even have to leave the hotel to enjoy on-site dining and nightlife activities; just stay in and savor the atmosphere.
2. The Beekman
Experience timeless luxury in downtown Manhattan at The Beekman. This 19th-century landmark hotel blends historic architecture and vintage decor with modern elegance, providing a unique way to experience the city. With rainforest showers, in-room cocktail bars and a swanky lounge that harkens back to the Prohibition era, it’s the perfect excuse to kick back and enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Or, you can step out and enjoy some of the most well-known attractions the financial district has to offer, like Brookfield Place, the Charging Bull at Bowling Green, the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. All within walking distance from the hotel.
3. The Wall Street Hotel
The Wall Street Hotel pairs Old World charm with modern comforts, offering couples a romantic base in the city’s historic financial district. Spend a day enjoying the high-energy atmosphere of the financial district, then return to the hotel to experience the real staycation experience. Enjoy rooftop cocktails, steakhouse dining or an intimate coffee lounge. And if you book the Carnegie or Otto suites, you can enjoy their bespoke bath turndown service.
4. Pendry Manhattan West
If you’re looking for a couple’s staycation in NYC with relaxed, California vibes, Pendry Manhattan West is the place for you. While the Midtown oasis is laid-back, it's still remarkably elegant and stylish. Floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms and plush linens make this hotel perfect for staying in.
5. The Ned NoMad
Housed in a century-old Beaux Arts building, the Ned NoMad doubles as a posh hotel and club on Broadway. The hotel channels the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, which really comes through in the design of the rooms. See a show, sip classic cocktails at the hotel bar or book a cooking class in NYC to make your romantic staycation truly unforgettable.
6. Soho House Hotel
In the heart of the Meatpacking District in a century-old former warehouse, Soho House Hotel offers the perfect blend of Manhattan elegance and the gritty charm of Prohibition-era NYC. You can enjoy a cozy staycation with spacious rooms, walk-in rainforest showers and a private 44-seat theater.
7. Kimpton Hotel Eventi
Fresh from renovations, the Kimpton Hotel Eventi offers a stylish Chelsea staycation with artsy design, tech-forward amenities and sweeping views. It’s housed in a modern skyscraper after all. Even if you’ve stayed here before, it’s worth another visit since it’s been transformed it into a whole new experience. And just a few steps from the hotel, you’ll find famous NYC art galleries, high-end boutiques and world-class culinary experiences.
Staycation NYC With Kids
8. The Muse Hotel
Located in the Theater District, The Muse makes a family staycation in NYC easy with spacious rooms, kid-friendly amenities and Broadway just steps away. With plenty of family-friendly restaurants and attractions nearby, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city together.
9. Rooftop Cinema Club
Held on the third-floor terrace of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Midtown, Rooftop Cinema Club is a seasonal attraction showing everything from cult classics to family favorites. Everyone gets a pair of headphones, so you can all lose yourselves in the film with the city skyline in the background.
10. Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan or the American Museum of Natural History
Visiting one of the city's museums is a great activity if you're planning a staycation in NYC with kids. They’re fun, educational and keep the kids entertained for hours. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History are both great options for families, and many of the hotels listed here are located nearby.
11. Have a Park Day
Exploring the city’s green spaces is a perfect activity for a staycation in NYC with kids. Let them burn off some energy on a stroll through Central Park, or head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a ride on the iconic Jane’s Carousel. Stay in a nearby family-friendly hotel, such as the Plaza Hotel or 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, for a trip everyone will love.
12. The High Line Hotel
The High Line Hotel is an excellent choice for a family staycation in NYC because of its prime location near High Line Park, Hudson River Park and Chelsea Market.
13. Loews Regency New York
Loews Regency New York offers families a luxurious staycation experience on the Upper East Side. From welcome gifts to babysitting arrangements, this hotel makes it easier for parents to relax while the whole family enjoys the city.
14. The Plaza Hotel
This legendary Fifth Avenue icon brings storybook magic to a family staycation. Kids will love spotting Eloise references, while parents can appreciate the spacious suites, exceptional service and a prime location. With Central Park across the street and plenty of attractions nearby, it’s the perfect spot for creating lasting memories.
15. Explore the Bronx Zoo
A trip to the Bronx Zoo is a quintessential activity for a staycation in NYC, especially for families. It’s one of the country’s largest zoos, housing over 4,000 animals from 650+ species. As for accommodations, the Hotel Beacon is conveniently located just a 30-minute subway ride away.
Affordable Staycation in NYC
16. Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village pays homage to New York’s Golden Age, featuring Art Deco touches that evoke timeless elegance. It’s within walking distance of SoHo, Chelsea, Union Square and Washington Square Park, making for the perfect staycation in NYC. And it’s on the more affordable side for the city, too, with rates often under $300.
17. Smyth Tribeca
Smyth Tribeca embodies luxury and sophistication, with midcentury-modern design, floor-to-ceiling windows and high-end amenities like marble baths with rainfall showers. And it’s just minutes from the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center. You can enjoy this hotel’s understated luxury at a fraction of the cost of NYC’s top hotels — usually around $350 per night.
18. Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg
Colorful, artsy interiors and a rooftop bar set the tone at Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg. With easy subway access and nightly rates on the friendlier side, it’s a stylish, budget-friendly base for exploring the city.
19. The Box House Hotel
In the heart of Greenpoint, the Box House Hotel provides warm and inviting loft-style rooms that make you feel right at home. You’ll get incredible views of the city and you’ll be close to galleries, parks, and quirky neighborhood restaurants, all for roughly $200 a night.
20. Boro Hotel
Boro Hotel in Queens brings industrial-chic style and Manhattan skyline views for under $200 a night. With its Long Island City location, you’ll easily be able to reach iconic Long Island attractions, such as beaches, the Montauk Lighthouse or the Vanderbilt Museum for day trips.
21. Hotel Beacon
If you’re looking for an affordable staycation in NYC on the Upper West Side, Hotel Beacon is it. The apartment-style rooms and suites go for roughly $350 per night (that’s cheap for NYC!), and you’ll be conveniently close to attractions like Central Park, MoMA and the Lincoln Center.
22. The Jane Hotel
Quirky, ship cabin-style rooms and a prime Hudson River (on the eastern shoreline) location make The Jane Hotel a charming low-cost staycation pick. At under $200 a night, you’ll be within walking distance of the High Line, Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District.
NYC Staycation With a Pool
23. Gansevoort Meatpacking
Gansevoort Meatpacking is top pick for a staycation in NYC any time of year because its rooftop pool is open year-round (it’s heated in the winter and has a retractable roof). Sip cocktails as you take in 360-degree views of the city. Situated between the West Village and Chelsea, it has easy access to Chelsea Market, the High Line, art galleries and other iconic downtown attractions.
24. The Dominick Hotel
The Dominick is an obvious choice for a NYC staycation with a pool. A terrace on the 7th floor offers unparalleled skyline views, complemented by Hawaiian-inspired food and drinks. Spend the day exploring all SoHo has to offer, from the High Line and Washington Square Park to world-class restaurants, shops and galleries, then come back for some much-needed R&R.
25. ModernHaus SoHo
Formerly The James New York, ModernHaus SoHo boasts a rooftop view that offers next-level skyline views, complemented by cocktails and comfortable lounge chairs. You’ll have easy access to SoHo’s trendiest film centers, galleries and bakeries for a memorable staycation in NYC.
26. The William Vale
If you’re looking for an epic NYC staycation with a pool, Brooklyn’s William Vale Hotel delivers. Its 60-foot rooftop oasis offers sweeping views of the skyline and lounge chairs, cabanas and daybeds for relaxing. There’s also a poolside food and cocktail menu. And when you aren’t swimming, you can enjoy the local art scene by attending a show or taking a walk to admire street murals and graffiti.
27. The Peninsula
Conveniently located on Fifth Avenue just a stone’s throw from Central Park, The Peninsula boasts an indoor pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to observe the city’s beautiful chaos without getting caught up in it.
28. Royalton Rooftop
The rooftop pool at the chic (and aptly-named) Royalton Rooftop gives you a front row seat to the Empire State Building in all its majestic glory. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
29. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
With its rooftop plunge pool, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers a relaxing staycation spot. Overlooking the East River, you’ll enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline while you swim or lounge. When not in the pool, you can enjoy waterfront walks right outside the door.
Staycation in NYC Activities
30. Take a Class and Let Your Creativity Shine
NYC is a place where art is not just celebrated, but exalted. And a staycation’s the perfect time to explore your creative side. Dance classes, photography classes and candle making classes in NYC offer different ways to express yourself and create something beautiful. Thinking of the best experience gifts in NYC? Give a gift where they’ll walk away with new skills.
31. Get Cultured at Local Museums
NYC is an arts and culture hub, with over 170 museums to expand your horizons. Take the kids to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, pay your respects at the 9/11 Museum & Memorial or experience art through the ages at The Met or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
32. Rejuvenate at AIRE Ancient Baths
With locations in Tribeca and the Upper East Side, a visit to the AIRE Ancient Baths will make your staycation in NYC even more relaxing. Located in historic buildings, this candlelight sanctuary feels worlds away from the city’s frenetic energy. Soak in thermal baths, book a massage, and leave feeling like you’ve been on vacation without leaving the city. Looking to tack on a date idea in NYC, this is a great activity to add.
33. Discover NYC’s Culinary Delights
With nearly 18,000 restaurants, NYC is a foodie’s playground. Use your staycation to discover a new neighborhood’s best bites, from hidden dumpling spots to Michelin-star dining. Whether you need ideas for a birthday dinner in NYC or you just want to sample different flavors, NYC is a foodies paradise.
34. Immerse Yourself in the Buzz of Times Square
No matter how long you’ve lived in NYC, Times Square never loses its magic. So why not play tourist for the day and embrace the bright lights? See a show, watch street performers, take a bus tour or enjoy the view from a rooftop bar. You could even have a Times Square scavenger hunt if you need team building activities in NYC.
Staycation Ideas Just Outside the City (Upstate NY)
35. Mohonk Mountain House
36. Belhurst Castle & Winery
Why have a staycation in NYC when you could spend the night in a castle instead? Belhurst Castle & Winery is a historic resort on Seneca Lake, in the Finger Lakes wine region. Visiting the castle is like taking a step back into Medieval times, but with the bonus of modern amenities. With an on-site winery, direct lake access, a spa and two restaurants, it’s the ultimate getaway.
37. Mirror Lake Inn
Tucked away in the Adirondack Mountains, Mirror Lake Inn is one of the best alternatives to a staycation in NYC. This Lake Placid oasis offers a private beach, spa services, and year-round experiences for all ages. Whether you’re looking to hike in the Adirondacks, spend time on the water or partake in winter activities (including dog sled rides on Mirror Lake!), the inn is at the center of it all.
38. Firelight Camps
For a different kind of staycation in upstate NY, Firelight Camps in Ithaca offers a glamping experience in luxury safari tents. Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region, it’s the perfect basecamp for exploring natural wonders like Watkins Glen and Taughannock Falls State Parks and visiting area wineries.
39. The Point
The Point is the only Forbes five-star property in upstate New York, an Adirondacks retreat that exudes rustic charm with resort-style amenities. Cozy up by the fireplace and soak in a clawfoot tub in between leisurely paddling excursions on the placid waters of Lake Saranac.
Staycation in NYC FAQs
How To Have a Staycation in NYC?
A staycation in NYC is all about seeing the city through the eyes of a tourist. There’s no better place to do that — with five boroughs, nearly 8,500,000 people, and 470 square miles, even lifelong residents haven’t seen everything. Book a hotel in an area of the city you don’t spend much time in, and plan your trip around nearby events and attractions. Check out a new exhibit at a local museum, see a Broadway or off-Broadway show, or treat yourself to a fancy dinner. A staycation in upstate NY is another option if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where To Stay Cool in NYC?
Indoor activities in NYC, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (better known as The Met) and the American Museum of Natural History, are perfect for beating the heat. You could also spend time at the New York Public Library or take in views of the city skyline at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Rooftop pools, such as the one at the William Vale Hotel mentioned above, are another great way to stay cool.
What To Do in NYC With No Walking?
Although the Big Apple is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the country, you can still enjoy your staycation in NYC without doing a lot of walking. Attractions that allow you to remain seated, such as Broadway and comedy shows, are great because they’re iconic NYC experiences anyway. People watching in Central Park never gets old, or you could take a boat cruise or a ferry ride to cover more ground without walking. If you’re a foodie, take an Uber or a taxi to different restaurants and turn your staycation in NYC into a food tour.
Are Staycations Cheaper?
Yes, staycations are generally cheaper because they eliminate significant expenses, such as flights and resort hotels. It’s also easier to find affordable attractions and cheap eats in a city you’re familiar with. With that said, NYC’s high cost of living, even a staycation in the city, often comes with a high price tag if you don’t plan carefully. That’s why we’ve included ideas for an affordable staycation in NYC, because a hotel room alone can go for upwards of $1,000 a night.
A staycation in NYC isn’t about how far you go — it’s about how differently you see the city you call home. Switch up your surroundings, try something you’ve never done, and let the Big Apple surprise you all over again.
For even more things to do in NYC, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
