Vacation Rentals in Manhattan, New York

Manhattan Vacation Guide

If you've always fancied yourself a would-be urbanite, there's nowhere better to test your city rigor than the Big Apple's most densely populated borough, Manhattan. Sure, life in a city of 8.2 million isn't for everyone - but its hard to resist the area's big-city lights. Look for authentic and luxury Manhattan vacation condo and apartment rentals that will allow you to live like a local and soak up the city's style.

Midtown Rentals

To witness the city's glamorous appeal first-hand, consider Midtown vacation rentals. Not only is this area home to some of New York's most iconic buildings, busiest neighborhoods and most legendary attractions, it serves as a home away from home to the nearly 60 million adventurers that visit the city annually. The Empire State Building, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, Chrysler Building and Theater District on Broadway are all located in Midtown, giving the area a sense of romance that native New Yorkers often forget to appreciate.

Some of the most buzzworthy neighborhoods in Midtown include Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea, the Garment District (a must-see for aspiring fashionistas) and Union Square.

Upper East/West sides, Central Park Rentals

Central Park may be New York's most talked about (semi)natural attraction, but it isn't the only must-see in this part of the city. If you are able to find Manhattan lodging close to the park, you'll be rubbing elbows with some of Manhattan's most notable residents. The Upper East and West sides of the city are known for their residential architecture, high population density and close proximity to some seriously fun activities.

Within Central Park itself, you can visit the Blockhouse (a fort dating back to the War of 1812), the Obelisk (one of the oldest public monuments in North America), the Central Park Zoo & Wildlife Center, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and the Bethesda Fountain. In the winter, you'll want to strap on your skates and test your skills at the quintessentially New York Wollman Ice Skating Rink. Outside of the park, though, there's also plenty to see: Visit the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Historical Society and the Trump International Tower on the Upper West Side. On the Upper East side, check out the Guggenheim, Jewish Museum and Whitney Museum of American Art.

SoHo/The Village/Tribeca Rentals

As you head south toward New York's Financial District vacation rental apartments, you'll come across some neighborhoods with serious popularity: SoHo, Greenwich Village and Tribeca. These trendy areas are home to New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds, and many of New York's most wealthy residents reside here.

Though these three neighborhoods are unique and distinct, their cool factor is their main draw. Visit the area's many high-end shops, unique boutiques and hip restaurants. There are also a variety of museums and attractions peppered throughout the area (most of them related to art), such as the Morrison Hotel Gallery, the Goethe-Institut, the Cherry Lane Theatre and the Tribeca Film Center.

Financial District Rentals

Finally, at the southernmost tip of Manhattan, you'll be standing in the heart of America's financial hub. New York's Financial District is home to the New York Stock Exchange and, of course, Wall Street. However, the area is also close to Battery Park, which sits on the edge of Manhattan overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. While you're here, you should also visit Ground Zero, the former home of the World Trade Center.

Manhattan Vacation Deals

Want to score a great NYC condo or apartment deal? You're in luck. There's no better place to find affordable Manhattan vacation rentals than right here. Here are some tips for keeping your trip to the Big Apple in a small budget:

• A view of Times Square is exciting, but if you stay a little outside the major tourist centers, you can save money on your rental. It can be much more fun to stay in a unique, less trafficked area of the city, anyways!
• Take advantage of a last minute deal. Searching for Manhattan vacation rentals for a trip that's fast approaching? You may benefit from last minute cancellation specials and more - just keep a lookout!
• Pack along bottled water, snacks, and ponchos or jackets (depending on the weather), so you're not caught out and about "without" and then forced to spend way too much money on must have items.
• Avoid the trendiest and shiniest shops and stick to street vendors for the best buys.
• Eating in NYC can get expensive pretty quickly. However, food trucks, and other cheap NYC restaurants offer up plenty of tasty food at an affordable price. You just have to know were to look for them!
• Going to a Broadway show? Hunt for discount tickets online. Purchasing tickets last minute at the door can also bring you savings, especially if you're okay with standing room only.
• In general, spend your money outside the major crowd draws like Times Square and you'll likely spend a whole lot less of it.
• Enjoy NYC's free attractions - from riding the Staten Island Ferry to listening in on a street musician.
• Staying for more than a few days? Consider investing in a New York City Pass.