Thanks for the responses.
RoedGroed -> I found some decent places on that website too, I think we're gonna go with a place from that site. It seems like most people aren't too fond of renting out their place to young europeans as I got rejected without reason from the first 4 or so that were supposed to be available. I did find 2 good ones though,so now we're just choosing between some times square apartment or soho loft.
And Brooklyn Zoo, thanks for that too. Im sure we'll fit in just fine but I dont want to be all naive and think everythings good and then get fucked up when we leave the apartment late or something, haha.
How sure are you?
I think that wherever you are, tourists tend to stick out. That's the thing about being a tourist. If I went to Sweden, even if I respected and upheld the local customs, you, your boys, people in general, would probably know that I was not from around there.
New York is not so hairy anymore, although as the other dude said, anything can happen anywhere, at anytime. If you are nervous about something along these lines happening, some decent advice would be to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Meaning, always have a decent idea of what is happening a block ahead and behind you and if you're not a complete moron you should be fine. I guess this advice can be applied anywhere, but especially in NY, as it is so densely populated, and one block can be pretty nice, but walk a couple more blocks and you're in the projects.
As far as where to stay...in Manhattan... if your two options are Times Square and Soho, I would go with Soho.
Yes, Midtown (Times Square area) has so many amazing spots, but security is very rigid. You may be able to hit spots, but probably not post up and session spots. And, you're probably just looking at night sessions. It would be better for you to just take the subway there, as it is a pretty god-awful place to be if you are not actively riding a skateboard at that particular second. For example, wake up in the morning and want to sit at a decent cafe, not a chain/fast-food restaurant, grab a bit of breakfast and enjoy a decent cup of coffee? I'm not saying that this could not happen here, but it is not so likely...
Whereas downtown, in your case Soho, is also in close proximity to a lot of spots, and has a lot more going on, pre- and post- skateboarding hours, in every way imaginable, pretty much. Soho also probably has one of the highest concentrations of ridiculously hot women in the US, although I'm guessing that will be more on an eye-candy level for you guys. Not commenting on your player-status, just saying, generally speaking, these types of chicks may be more impressed by a black credit card that a few sweaty dudes on skateboards. Yes, I'm throwing around a lot of stereotypes, but hey, that's how people generally navigate the world.