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Choosing the right neighborhood
In any city, your hotel's location matters more than the cheapest nightly rate. Here's how to choose an area close to the sights and to public transport.
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Map what you want to see
Before looking at hotels, pin the sights, beaches and restaurants on your itinerary. The best area is usually the one in the middle of those points.
Stay near the metro or public transport
A station within a 10-minute walk makes a big difference: you save time and money on taxis and ride-hailing.
Work out the real cost
Add your daily transport to the room rate. A slightly pricier, well-located hotel often works out cheaper overall.
Check the area at night
Busy streets, open restaurants and good lighting make getting back to your hotel easier. Reviews often mention this.
Use the booking site's map
Sites like Booking show hotels on a map with the distance to the center and the sights. Filter by highly rated location.
Tourist center or residential area?
The tourist center puts everything within walking distance but is usually pricier and noisier. A well-connected residential area can be cheaper and quieter.