Image of entrance to Times Square – 42nd Street station in Times Square, New York City.

Are you ready to experience New York City’s infectious energy from a one-of-a-kind vacation rental? (Photo credit: Miguel Angel Sanz via Unsplash)

Anyone who has ever fallen in love with New York City understands the allure of the city’s fast-paced energy, awe-inspiring skyscrapers, world-famous sightseeing, trendy shopping, and unique dining. NYC’s spirit is so unparalleled by any other city that the best way to truly experience it is by fully embracing the lifestyle.

For this reason, a vacation rental in an authentic NYC apartment is the ideal way to experience the city for anyone who loves New York. You can search for your ideal vacation rental by browsing our website, but why not start with our top-rated vacation rental apartments, as determined by travelers like you? See what features others have loved about living like a local in a furnished vacation apartment to determine what you should seek in your own search.

If you want to make NYC your home for a month or longer, check out our top-rated furnished apartment sublets to start your search for a home away from home!

Exclusive and chic Gramercy 1-bedroom

Image of bedroom in NY-12330 with king-sized bed, side tables, and artwork.

Experience life in an elite area of Manhattan from a posh, top-rated Gramercy vacation rental! (Rental ID: NY-12330)

It’s no secret that it’s expensive to live in New York City, particularly in Manhattan. Vacation rentals can often be an appealing option for those enamored with the Big Apple because of the rare opportunity they present to live independently in a prime NYC location. Nowhere is this truer than in this sophisticated 1-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Gramercy!

If you’re unfamiliar, Gramercy is a historic district and neighborhood in downtown Manhattan near the Flatiron Building. The neighborhood itself is centered around Gramercy Park, a super-exclusive gated park to which only select Gramercy residents have a key to enter.

Image of living area in NY-12330 with grand piano, windows and artwork.

The charming character of this vacation rental’s décor has left a positive impression on past clients. (Rental ID: NY-12330)

Maybe it’s the exclusive location that’s so loved about this top-rated vacation rental, maybe it’s the location in a converted loft warehouse building with elevator, maybe it’s the comfortable amenities like a dishwasher, laundry, and a king-sized bed, or maybe it’s the fine, curated furnishings that give this space its New York character!

What better way to find out than to take the word of one of our former clients? Christine A. of France praises the vacation rental’s welcoming atmosphere, saying:

“Apartment was really great, extremely well-located, very comfortable and tastefully decorated. The landlady is adorable, very easily reachable (by email or on the phone) and very receptive. A home away from home! An exceptional place in NYC!”

If you want a vacation rental with decorative panache, a welcoming host, an exclusive Manhattan address, and a homey, lived-in feel, don’t miss this top-rated Gramercy vacation rental.

Fun and family-oriented Harlem 2-bedroom

Image of living and kitchen area in NY-15593 with spiral staircase, dining table and chairs, and refrigerator.

Find New York style, expansive space, and a family-friendly atmosphere in this Harlem vacation rental. (Rental ID: NY-15593)

Another wonderful benefit of a vacation rental, particularly in a city with limited space like New York, is that you get more space for your dollar, which is a welcome alternative for families who don’t wish to squeeze into a hotel room.

It’s New York Habitat policy to only list vacation rentals that are in strict legal compliance with the restrictions set forth by the New York City Illegal Hotel Law. This means that many of our vacation rentals are located in classic brownstones and townhouses, which provides the triple benefit of peace of mind, additional space, and the authenticity of a rental that’s truly “New York!”

One such rental where these benefits are truly on display is in this 2-bedroom duplex vacation rental in Harlem! If you’re planning a family trip to New York City, this space is really worth considering. The apartment comfortably accommodates a family of four with thoughtful features like a sectional sofa, a four-person dining table for family dinners, and separate sleeping areas. Adventurous kids will absolutely love climbing the whimsical spiral staircase to reach a bedroom with single-sized bunk beds. There’s even a private backyard space where the whole family can hang out and kids can play safely.

Image of bedroom 2 in NY-15593 with twin-sized bunk beds.

Bunk beds are an added fun bonus for kids (or kids at heart!) (Rental ID: NY-15593)

Our past clients love this apartment, giving it a 4.6-star rating with 25 reviews. Past client Melissa G. of the United States testifies to the family-friendly nature of this rental, saying,

“We were a family of 6 traveling to NYC for a week and found this apartment. The neighborhood was amazing and the location and price were perfect for us. The express train got us anywhere in NYC within 15 minutes. The neighborhood was very safe and it was great for the kids to experience neighborhood living in the middle of a huge city… we managed to cook a Father’s Day meal and all eat together around the table.”

Go ahead and bring the whole family to New York City! With flexible accommodations like this top-rated Harlem vacation rental, everyone can rest comfortably and enjoy their personal space.

Stylish and modern 2-bedroom for sophisticates staying in Harlem

Image of living area in NY-12274 with large red sofa, artwork, and coffee table.

The extra-large sofa and stylish space in this Harlem vacation rental are great for socializing! (Rental ID: NY-12274)

The vibrant neighborhood of Harlem is also one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Manhattan, meaning that you can have the best of both worlds: rich experiences and a great price! Nowhere is that balance better embodied than in this 2-bedroom vacation rental. If you come to New York for the world-class cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Apollo Theater or the Guggenheim Museum, you’ll love this rental. It’s decorated in an artistic contemporary style that mirrors the sophisticated nature of NYC, and as an added bonus, its location puts you close to all those attractions and more!

The décor and location aren’t the only things that give this vacation rental an edge on the competition. The apartment also comes stocked with great amenities like a private balcony, a Jacuzzi, an office area, and a mini bar. The flexibility of this apartment means it’s ready for anything, from business to pleasure. The ability to explore highbrow cultural institutions and then settle down for a cocktail at the end of the day makes this space great for adult travelers and groups of friends. Our past client Pontus P. of Sweden sums it up, saying:

“The apartment was very nice and held a good standard with a nice personal touch. All things needed where available and it was a homey feeling. We really liked it. The host was available and personally welcomed us when arriving.”

Travelers might want to check out this Harlem rental if they’re looking for the flexibility, additional space, and style that are hard to find in a traditional hotel, as well as a warm welcome from a friendly host!

A new side of NYC with a 2-bedroom in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Image of living and kitchen area in NY-15411 with leather chair, sofa, small dining table, and stove.

The rustic style of this Williamsburg vacation rental and its spacious layout are great for tourists seeking a little more independence. (Rental ID: NY-15411)

New York Habitat is dedicated to serving first-time visitors and New York travel veterans alike, and we’re proud to offer apartments all across the five boroughs of New York City. Just across the East River from Manhattan is this 5-star-rated 2-bedroom Williamsburg vacation rental that we highly recommend to return visitors to New York! The apartment is located in a turn-of-the-century townhouse that comes furnished with all the essentials and offers space that’s atypical of the more cramped apartments in Manhattan. Williamsburg has been reputed as a trendsetting neighborhood for the past 2 decades, and the whimsical, rustic décor of this rental fits right in with the neighborhood’s vibe.

Image of backyard patio outside NY-15411 with grill and table and chairs.

Enjoy a summer day on this rental’s shaded patio and grill a home-cooked meal for a truly unique and unforgettable New York experience! (Rental ID: NY-15411)

Travelers seeking more independence will love the full contemporary kitchen in this rental that allows them to cook their own meals. Summer vacations to New York will also receive a boost in this apartment! The rental features air conditioning and a spacious backyard area with a patio and a barbecue right off the kitchen, perfect for grilling out. Our guess is that if you’re looking to forge your own path, you’ll also love a list of alternate attractions you may not have explored before.

You can also discover why this Brooklyn apartment is a great option for more intrepid travelers with the words of our past client Carol F. from the United States:

“Having always stayed in mini suites in mid Manhattan, was looking for a less hectic yet convenient location with restaurants and shops nearby. This fit the bill. Excellent hosts who supplied far more than expected.”

If you fall in love with Williamsburg, you can also book this apartment rental as a monthly furnished sublet. Check out this two-bedroom to escape the chaos of Midtown for a vacation rental that lets you explore the city like a local and still provides the comfortable furnishings of home.

Receive a personalized welcome to NYC with a New York Habitat vacation rental

Image of bedroom in NY-16328 with queen-sized bed, side table and windows.

This cheery Boerum Hill vacation rental is highly rated for having an extra hospitable host. (Rental ID: NY-16328)

Of course, one of the biggest benefits to renting a vacation rental apartment with New York Habitat is the extra level of personalization that comes with the territory. Vacation rentals are managed by owners who will usually meet you upon check-in and be available for any questions throughout the rental process. Our owners are often praised as much as the apartments themselves, such as Nick, the owner of this top-rated 1-bedroom vacation rental in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn!

Having the knowledge of a local can be invaluable to make the most of your trip, whether it’s your first or fiftieth time in New York. That’s why it’s also great to rent with New York Habitat. We can put you in touch with a licensed real estate agent who will help you find the perfect apartment for you. Our unique approach has taken us through 30 years in the New York real estate market and left thousands of clients satisfied.

We hope this list has left you with some new ideas about where to stay on your next trip to New York. Whether you choose one of our top-rated vacation rentals or rent something entirely new, our agents are here to help. Which of these top-rated vacation rentals is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!