The 4 Best Hostels in Manhattan According to The TBB Team!

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You may still be a little unsure about the idea of budget accommodation in Manhattan that’s actually budget-friendly, and listen, I totally get it. Manhattan is known for being expensive and for attracting the rich and famous. But, I’m telling you, times have changed, and there are people in the city who understand that some travellers in the USA want to be able to experience the Big Apple in all its glory without bankrupting themselves at the same time.

So, I’m here to convince you that these places exist, and I’m going to start off by telling you all about the top affordable hostels in this popular NYC county. Let’s do it!

1. HI New York City Hostel | Best Overall Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Social backpackers looking to make new friends
• Highlights: Pub tours, comedy nights, and yoga sessions.
• Dorm Room: From $49
• Address: 891 Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side, New York, NY 10025, United States

This place is awesome as it has a lot going on, it’s one of the best hostels in NYC. Normally hostels that pack in a ton of activities and amenities cost a little more than the basic ones, but HI New York City Hostel happens to be one of the cheapest. You think I’m saying this place is suitable for a broke backpacker budget AND has a lot of cool social stuff thrown in too?? Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying!

Located just a few blocks from Central Park, I’m a huge fan of how close it is to one of my fave NYC hotspots. It will take a little longer to reach Times Square, but even that isn’t too bad: 70 minutes if you walk, and 23 minutes if you’re willing to brave the grotty metro system.

Why we love this hostel:

• Comedy nights: Wanna go to a comedy show in New York? No need, they host them right here at your hostel!
• Very clean: New York is pretty rough in some parts, and the cheapest places can be run-down, so this is refreshing.
• Silence from 11pm: I love this rule as it meant I could sleep in peace here.

They do have a fair few amenities. You can leave luggage for $5 after you check out. Yeah, I know it’s free in many places, but in LA there’s a hostel charging $30 for this. Welcome to the US baby! Towels are provided, Wi-Fi works well, there’s a shared kitchen, and even a cafe you can use.

They have several events here (some free, some paid) including free walking tours, yoga, games nights, yoga, pub crawls, and much more. Bargains and boredom? You’ll only find one of those on offer here, and it’s certainly not boredom!

2. International Student Center | Best Hostel for Solo Travellers

• Price: $$
• Best for: Solo travellers and friend groups
• Highlights: Peace and quiet in a popular location
• Dorm Room: From $90
• Address: 38 West 88th Street, Manhattan NY 10024, New York

If you’re looking for a hostel that strikes a balance between social fun and homey comfort, this is the place to be. The vibe here is warm and welcoming. The space offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can kick back after a day of sightseeing. The social scene is top-notch, especially for solo travellers or anyone looking to meet other like-minded explorers. You’ll find yourself swapping stories, comparing sightseeing tips, and maybe even heading out together to grab some pizza at 3 AM.

But it’s not just about being social – this hostel also provides a comfy, safe space to recharge, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the city’s bustle without missing out on some good sleep. It’s the kind of place where you feel more like a local than a tourist – plus, it’s all about value for money, and that’s pretty important, if you ask me.

Why we love this hostel:

• Central yet peaceful: Not just a good location, but a rare escape from the wild noises outside.
• Rooms clean and practical: They’re basic, but you’ll have everything you need.
• Communal areas: I found this one of the better NYC hostels for socialising during my visit.

The hostel is located in a quieter area of the city, it’s just a stone’s throw away from some iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building and Times Square. But it’s surprisingly quiet given the location.

The hostel’s charm lies in its simple, no-frills approach. It’s not about flashy amenities or over-the-top décor – it’s about offering a comfortable place to rest, relax, and meet other travellers. The rooms are basic but clean, and the communal areas make it easy to strike up a conversation with fellow explorers if that’s the kind of thing you’re looking for.

3. Kama Central Park | Best Party Hostel

• Price: $$
• Best for: Luxury feel on a low budget
• Highlights: A great location close to Broadway and Times Square
• Dorm Room: From $80
• Private Room: From $349
• Address: 36 West 106th Street, New York, USA

The Kama Central Park Hostel is the perfect blend of city energy and chill relaxation. You’re right next to Central Park, one of the best areas in NYC, so imagine waking up, grabbing a coffee, and taking a leisurely stroll or run through the park before you hit the tourist trail – I mean, you’re basically living in Sex and the City. The vibe here is modern and sleek, but without all the pretentiousness of an overpriced hotel. It’s got that effortlessly cool feel – comfortable and clean, but not too flashy.

You won’t find any rowdy crowds or late-night noise if you don’t want to, but if you’re looking for a party, that’s definitely on the cards too. Check out Kama’s funky coffee bar, weekly pub crawls, and summer BBQs if you feel like being social.

Why we love this hostel:

• Great for both chilling and partying: It’s not ultra rowdy like some party hostels, but you can still let loose here!
• Weekly pub crawls: Met some of my best friends from hostel pub crawls, so I highly recommend this.
• Free breakfast: They literally say “breakfast not included”, so I was shocked to find it was. Perhaps a cunning marketing tactic to surprise you in a pleasant way and draw better reviews from you!

Here you’ll be staying in style without the sky-high prices of some nearby hotels. This hostel gives you easy access to Central Park’s vast green space, whether you’re looking to rent a bike, take a leisurely walk, or just find a quiet spot to read. The rooms are clean, simple, and comfortable – nothing over the top, mind you, but still everything you need to feel at home.

The hostel is also close to some of Manhattan’s best attractions – we’re talking Broadway, Times Square, and the Museum of Modern Art which are roughly 25 minutes away by bus/metro. With a solid mix of comfort, value, and location, Kama Central Park is an ideal base for anyone ready to dive into the New York experience.

4. Nap York Central Park Sleep Station | Best Hostel for Digital Nomads

• Price: $$$
• Best for: Remote workers looking for a quiet workspace without paying hotel prices
• Highlights: A perfect digital nomad setup with good workspaces + free coffee and tea
• Dorm Room: From $125
• Address: 940 8th Ave, New York, USA

As a remote worker, I sometimes struggle to find good workspaces for cheap prices. Places assume “person makes money, person is rich”. But noooo, we’re broke backpackers here amigo! Nap City has great digital nomad facilities, including a lounge area with several wall sockets I could work from.

The Wi-Fi is solid, so I was able to cook up some of the hottest travel info going for you guys reading this, fresh from NYC itself. And the pods here are sleek and stylish, relaxing to nestle into after a long day busting out fresh travel content.

Why we love this hostel:

• Rooms have AC: As a Europoor, I’m used to sweltering in 35C+ heat come summertime since we weirdly lack AC. Thankfully, this NYC hostel has learned from our mistakes and keeps rooms nice and cool in the hotter months.
• The location: It’s just south of Central Park putting it in a highly sought after area for affordable (by NYC standards) prices.
• Free tea and coffee: As a remote worker, these free little energy boosts were very welcome.

It has little pod-style beds. I won’t lie, they could do with proper curtains. They feel more private than the average shitty $5 bunk you might find in Mexico or Southeast Asia, but for the price I paid, I would appreciate a little more privacy.

Overall though, they made me feel welcome, I was able to get a lot of work done, and it wasn’t bad value with all things considered. I wouldn’t recommend staying here if your primary goal is to party or make friends, but for digital nomads and anyone looking for a quiet place to stay, it’s great.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Manhattan

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to the Big Apple.

Sort out your insurance before you go. There are several good options, but our overall pick is SafetyWing. Most of the Broke Backpacker team has used it at one point or another, and we’ve filed claims for rabies jabs in Bali, a hospital stay in Mexico, and a clinic visit for a stomach bug that wouldn’t quit. All paid out.

It’s month-to-month, no lock-in, no itinerary required, and you can buy it after you’ve already left. A little over $2 a day if you’re under 40.

New SafetyWing customers: use code BROKEBACKPACKER for 8 free weeks of electronics theft coverage. You have to scroll down and click the pink camera on their landing page to enter it, and you have to do it before creating your account.

If you haven’t found the right spot to meet all your preferences and needs just yet, don’t worry – we’ve got a few more options that I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy.

So yeah, Manhattan is NOT cheap, but it does still have some affordable (by NYC standards) hostels, and I would say the quality isn’t bad. Like the Hilton? No, but they aren’t like some $3 craphole you might find in Bolivia for example.

If I had to pick one place to stay, it would be HI New York City Hostel. It’s the only place that has a true backpacking vibe with constant events and activities, whilst also being the cheapest spot here, AND being located in a great area near Central Park. Win, win, win!

Ultimately, Manhattan is one of the most popular places in the world, which also makes it one of the most expensive. And you’re gonna have to splash out way more than you would in Latin America, South/Southeast Asia, or Eastern Europe here. In fact, even Western Europe is comparatively cheap. But these hostels make your trip to the city that never sleeps a little easier on the budget, in the primest of prime locations.

With so much to see in New York, you would need weeks to cover large chunks of it. But as budget backpackers, you’re best off focusing on the highlights, and I’d say 3-5 days is enough to do purely that.