Manhattan might be the obvious answer, but here's a travel secret worth knowing, you don't actually have to sleep in Manhattan to experience the best of New York.

Just across the Hudson River, Hoboken gives you something rather special: easy access to NYC when you want the buzz, plus a more relaxed neighborhood to return to when you've officially hit your daily limit of Times Square crowds.

And with an apartment-style stay at Novia, you can experience both sides of the Hudson without sacrificing the comforts of home.

Reaching Manhattan from Hoboken is Easy 

If most of your New York plans are in Manhattan, getting there from Hoboken is pretty straightforward. The PATH train connects Hoboken Terminal with Manhattan stops including Christopher Street, 9th, 14th, 23rd and 33rd streets, plus World Trade Center. 

NYU’s Washington Square campus is within walking distance of the PATH’s 9th Street station, which is also close to Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park. You can also take the NY Waterway ferry to Manhattan, including Midtown, depending on the service. It costs more than PATH, but you get those Hudson River skyline views along the way.

Hoboken Is a Destination, Not Just a Place to Sleep 

You might also hear Hoboken described as the "Mile Square City." That's because the city is compact enough that you can explore a lot of it on foot. 

History fans can explore Hoboken's connection to Frank Sinatra or follow the city's historical walking tour. Baseball lovers can visit the area associated with Elysian Fields and Hoboken's place in early baseball history.

Then there's Washington Street and the surrounding neighborhood, where grabbing coffee, brunch, dinner or a drink can easily become part of the itinerary rather than simply something you do between sightseeing stops.

It feels local and lively without trying to compete with Manhattan.

Your NYC Trip Can Actually Feel Like a Vacation 

One of the easiest things to underestimate when planning a New York trip is how tiring New York can be. After you've walked for hours, been through the subway, and stood in museum queues, the Hoboken waterfront gives you a chance to slow down without leaving the city experience completely behind.

Walk along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway. Sit at Pier C Park. Look back at Manhattan as the lights come on. And instead of returning to a conventional hotel room, you can settle into an apartment-style suite designed to make longer and shorter stays feel more natural. 

Our luxury apartments at Novia include a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, high-speed Internet, and a yoga mat. You get Wi-Fi and additional space to settle in.

It's Especially Smart for Longer Stays

The longer your NYC visit, the more valuable everyday conveniences become. A kitchen means you don't have to eat every single meal out. In-suite laundry means you can pack lighter. Reliable internet makes workdays easier, while an apartment-style setup gives you room to settle into a routine instead of living out of your suitcase.

That's one reason apartment-style and extended-stay accommodations have become particularly relevant for business travelers, relocating professionals, families, and guests spending a week or more in the New York area. You can still have your spontaneous Manhattan nights, just with clean laundry waiting back home.

Get the Best of Both Worlds

Ultimately, choosing Hoboken isn't about choosing Hoboken instead of New York City. It's about getting both. Spend the day exploring Manhattan's museums, landmarks, restaurants, shops and neighborhoods. Then cross the Hudson and trade the city's constant motion for waterfront walks, skyline views, and a little more breathing room.

And at our Novia property, you can finish the day somewhere that feels less like a room you're borrowing and more like your own New York-area home. Manhattan when you want it. Hoboken when you need it. And Novia waiting when you're ready to recharge.

Explore our furnished Dharma Home Suites apartments in Hoboken, New Jersey, to find your perfect home in NYU.