New York for a month holiday

[Happyflower12345]

I have the fabulous opportunity to take a sabbatical next year and would love to live out a dream to live in New York for a month in May 2026. Thinking of booking an Airbnb for a month, where would people recommend staying? Bonus points for locations with local coffee shops and low key bars.

How’s your budget? It will be pricey.

My parents have done this albeit with a serviced apartment rather than an AirBNB. They stay on the upper west side but I think it’s a pricey neighbourhood - as is anywhere in Manhattan really.

As far as I'm aware I'm New York "entire place" listings are banned on Airbnb, the host has to stay with you the entire time. So just bear that in mind if you wanted your own contained space. I also think (but may be incorrect) is that minimum stays at 30 days.

id love it too OP but Air B and B is banned in NYC.

Not exactly. There are just restrictions.

That's going to be insanely expensive! Not just the accomodation but to 'do' New York for a month, phew!!

^^ this! No more Airbnb in NY

Quick look on t'internet: anything from $4k to $20k per month! I saw one in Battery Park for $7k a month. (Faints) 😱💀

So, Central London prices then (and some)

Booking.com has got apartments in new York and some of the hotels offer studios with kitchen etc

Restrictions which effectively prevent AirBNB operating in the 5 boroughs unless the ‘renter’ is willing to share an apartment with the owner (so in the original sense of AirBNB when it first started) as the owner must live on the premises and be present during the rental.

AirBNB operates ‘normally’ in NJ so I guess Jersey City or Weehawken is an option and get the train/ferry into Manhattan but staying in New Jersey for a month is hardly living the NYC dream.

Am I the only person who heard “Everything’s legal in New Jersey” in my head when I read this?

To answer the OP. I hope you find a way to make this happen, even if you have to stay a little outside the city.

I’m not familiar with New York, but love to read about other people’s trips. Please let us know if you manage to make it work.

Yes I know, as per my previous post.

Ah yes, your hugely helpful post of “ There are just restrictions.”

Maybe try considering just this once that the world doesn’t revolve around you and perhaps giving the OP some actual facts might be helpful for her given that she clearly isn’t aware of the issues with AirBNB in NYC.🙄

I’ve no advice to give but have to say that this sounds amazing! I hope you can make it work.

@HundredMilesAnHour

They mean this post.

“As far as I'm aware I'm New York "entire place" listings are banned on Airbnb, the host has to stay with you the entire time. So just bear that in mind if you wanted your own contained space. I also think (but may be incorrect) is that minimum stays at 30 days.”

Anyway… This thread made me go and google the restrictions in NYC. Turns out that as long as OP is staying for 30 days or longer, there are no restrictions. The restrictions only apply to stays of less than 30 days. If they stay for the whole month then they can rent an Airbnb and live out their dream.

New York 1-Month Holiday Rough Plan

Week 1 – Manhattan (Main City Life.

Times Square (raat ko lights dekhna must
Central Park (cycling / picnic
Empire State Building & Rockefeller Center (city view
Broadway Show (agar pasand ho)
9/11 Memorial & One World Trade Center

Week 2 – Culture & Museums

Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum of Natural History (din bhar lag jata hai)
MoMA (modern art)
Chinatown & Little Italy (food explore
Fifth Avenue shopping

Week 3 – Outer Boroughs

Brooklyn Bridge walk
Brooklyn Dumbo area (coffee + photos)
Queens for diverse food
Bronx Zoo or Yankee Stadium (agar sports pasand ho)
Staten Island Ferry (free ride + Statue of Liberty view

Week 4 – Relax & Explore Hidden Gems**

Coney Island (beach + rides
Roosevelt Island (tram ride)
Chelsea Market & High Line (food + walk)
Nightlife spots, ya jazz clubs
Day trip: Niagara Falls (bus/train se possible hai

Costs Rough Idea (per person, 1 month):

Flight (Pakistan–NYC return): $900–1200 (PKR 2.5–3.5 lakh)
Stay (budget hotel/hostel/Airbnb): $1200–2000
Food: $600–1000
Transport (subway/unlimited metro card): ~$130
Sightseeing & shopping: $500–1000

Total: ~$3500–5000 (PKR 10–14 lakh), depend karta hai aapke lifestyle pe.

Reference site :

Hi OP
In 2024 I relocated to nyc for 9 months I’m not sure where people get that Airbnb are illegal, they are for longer term stay. We stayed in the UWS and had the most wonderful time. Be aware we had a three (more 4 as we had a dining room) bedroom place and paid $9.5k a month. That included a gym. We loved the UWS (we brought our dog and flew in and out of Paris in cabin) and honestly it was wonderful. So close to Central Park.

Message me if you’d like more advice.
Good luck!

"just this once" - as if youre familiar with all my posts?

Read the entire thread and look at my previous posts. Then enjoy a nice slice of humble pie.

Ps, you sound like a condescending twat.

I'm fully aware there are restrictions with Airbnb. From what I can tell from research, Airbnb is legal for bookings over 30 days with properties that are registered. That would be my plan - book for 30 days so it fits legislation. I have quite a well paid job, good savings and will have paid sabbatical and am single with no children so budget can be healthy. Accomodation budget £3-5k. Completely realise that I'm privileged in being able to do this.

Great to hear you had a great experience! Will definitely follow up with you once my plans are more tangible if that's ok :)

another one recommending the Upper West Side here.

wonderful supermarkets (Fairway, Zabar’s), and lots of lovely shops and restaurants along Columbus Avenue.

you will be able to enjoy lovely walks in Central Park and Riverside Park.

there are express subways that will take you down to midtown or the west village in no time.