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Photograph: Courtesy The Plum Guide / Airbnb
Photograph: Courtesy The Plum Guide / Airbnb

9 most unique Airbnbs in NYC you should know about

These surprisingly cute houseboats, luxe apartments, and charming cottages are perfect for an extraordinary New York City stay

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When it comes to staying in a super-fancy Airbnb, who says you have to be a tourist? Even New Yorkers can indulge in a change of scenery every once in a while. And Airbnb is the perfect place to explore your own city.

The site is full of rentals that are whacky and glorious, that give you a chance to live an entirely different life for a day (or a few). Below we’ve picked out some of NYC’s most fascinating and brilliant Airbnb rentals.

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Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines

Unique NYC Airbnbs

1. The beautifully restored houseboat in Queens

This unique houseboat, called Ziggy Stardust Surf House, has undoubtedly undergone a very loving restoration with quirky and fun interiors. Located in the Jamaica Bay area of Rockaway Beach, the boat overlooks Marina 59 from the land and is close to the surf break. The host will gladly recommend local surf schools, making this a great summer break. Keep in mind there's no toilet on board, but the marina bathroom is located nearby. Inside, you'll find a super Instagrammable and well-designed space. There's also a hammock with huge sweeping views, which looks like an ideal place to spend time. 

The mood? Four bedrooms. Sleep eight guests. 
Location perks? Jamaica Bay has a cool art and surf scene – freespirits fit right in here. 
Budget range? Not too bad for a few nights. 

2. The funky treetop terrace in Brooklyn

This treetop terrace will make all your NYC main character dreams come true. With pop art lining the walls, funky plants and some seriously cool decor, you’ll feel right at home straight away. But the highlight is the rooftop terrace, lit up by fairy lights, with a huge dining table to eat at. Oh, and the best part? The whole thing is solar-powered. 

Rooms? Five bedrooms. Sleeps seven guests, 
The mood? Contemporary, clean and cosy. 
Location perks? This boujee brownstone is based in a vibrant residential area and is a great option for families or large groups.
Budget range? A hefty price, but pretty decent when you split the bill. 

3. The waterfront cottage in Queens

A romantic cottage in Howard Beach awaits you with a sundrenched dining room by the water. Surrounded by large windows and skylights, it'll almost feel more like a cruise than a two-bedroom cottage. While you're there, be sure to keep an eye out for curious neighbors—the host says ducks and swans have a habit of dropping by to say hello.

Beds? Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests. 
The mood? Close to The Rockaways–it's the perfect staycation spot to recharge your batteries.
Location perks? Antique and gorge. 
Budget range? An affordable trip for a group of pals. 

4. A design-led treehouse in Brooklyn

Design-minded folks can enjoy a stay at this beautiful, bright, and creatively designed Williamsburg loft. Making the most out of just 350 square feet, the hosts describe the apartment as a homey, tucked-away cabin that's ideal for escaping the city's bustling streets. Aside from all the pretty furniture and eclectic decor, this little beauty has one secret showstopper: a pull-down screen complete with a projector offers guests the perfect excuse to stay inside for movie night.

The mood? A mashup of urban vintage and earthy vibes. 
Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
Location perks? With this one, you can escape the bustle without actually having to leave. In fact, you're right off the L, giving you easy access to the city wherever the night leads. 
Budget range? An affordable weekend getaway. 

5. The charming carriage house in Brooklyn

It doesn’t get much cuter than a carriage house (and we mean that literally—they’re often quite small). These squat abodes once housed things like buggies and horses centuries ago but have mostly been reimagined as charming apartments throughout the city. And that’s certainly the case for this precious rental tucked in leafy Boerum Hill—the carriage house is now an itty-bitty studio with 20-foot-high wood-beamed ceilings, a surprisingly equipped kitchenette, and even a renovated bathroom and shower. Not too big and not too small, we'd call this Airbnb just right

The mood? One bedroom. Sleeps three guests. 
Location perks? Shack up in one of Brooklyn's coolest neighborhoods where you fall in love with local coffee spot, Blue Bottle Coffee among other things. 
Budget range? In the mid-high ranges. 

6. The penthouse suite with a hot tub in Brooklyn

Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and stay at this fantastic penthouse in the central DUMBO, where you can relax into a hot tub with spectacular views of the Manhattan Bridge skyline. And we mean serious views - these are floor-to-ceiling windows for optimal city-viewing. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Non-stop spectacular views. 
Location perks? This glamorous apartment is just a three-minute stroll to the waterfront if you ever manage to leave the jacuzzi that is. 
Budget range? An affordable weekend getaway ft the most breathtaking views.

7. The sweet pea cottage on Staten Island

It's not often you find a cottage in NYC. This little space has its own "mystical" garden with privacy for guests and a basket with continental breakfast provided daily for "a true bed and breakfast experience," the host says. It may be a quaint stay, but it has all the modern amenities, including wifi, access to streaming services, a fully-equipped kitchenette, and more. There's a bedroom with a queen-size bed and a loft with its own queen bed, too. It's splendidly decorated, so it'll feel just like home.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests. 
The mood? Rinky-dink. 
Location perks? Fulfil all your cottage-core fantasies at this charming and secluded cottage with complimentary homemade banana bread and good transport links to the city via Battery Park.
Budget range? A cheap and cheerful staycation. 

8. The European-style apartment in the East Village

Missing your trip to Paris and feeling down about it? We'd venture to guess that staying in this East Village home, aptly named the Louvre Apartment, might help a bit—it's decorated and furnished to "represent the charming and historical lifestyle of European culture," and you’ll find paintings and classic touches in every room. The one-bedroom apartment can comfortably fit four, and it's south-facing so you'll have loads of natural light. It's also right in the heart of East Village, yet is nicely tucked away from all the noise of New York's city streets. 

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps three guests. 
The mood? Decadent and chic. 
Location perks? This sweet dig is situated in one of the hippest parts of NYC, much-loved for its buzzy nightlife, community gardens and food scene. 
Budget range? Middle of the road. 

9. The ultra-luxurious loft in Soho

Live the high life at this really, properly special corner loft space in Soho. Not only is this obviously a classic, supremely nice old-school NYC apartment but it even comes with its own sauna and soaking tub, plus space for six guests. Sure, most of us can’t afford to live like this all the time–but every once in a while it’s nice to pretend.

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests. 
The mood? Urban and minimalist. 
Location perks? SoHo is your best port of call if you're after luxury. We're talking designer brands, high-end galleries, fancy restaurants and quirky installs like the Museum of Ice Cream.
Budget range? All this glorious space comes with a luxury price. 

Want more great Airbnbs?

  • Hotels

For someplace to stay with a little more character than the typical hotel, book one of the best Airbnbs in New York City. This list includes something for every budget and neighborhood, from Brooklyn Airbnbs to modern Manhattan apartments. Not to mention every sense of style, ranging from sleek minimalism to boho chic to mid-century modern.

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