New York is probably the most popular city in the world. The ‘Big Apple’ is a goldmine of sights, sounds, foods, and experiences that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on earth!
But looking for a great place to sleep in America’s coolest city can be a challenge and quite expensive, which is why I wrote this guide to the 5 best hostels in New York.
Our handy guide is unlike anything else on the web, as I have organized the hostels based on YOUR travel needs. So whether you are looking to save as much money as possible, or party as hard as possible, whether you want a private room in Midtown Manhattan or a dorm within walking distance of Columbus Circle, no problem! I’ve got you covered and will help choose the perfect hostel for you.
So let’s dive right in and take a look at some of the very best hostels in New York City!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in New York
- Best Overall Hostel in New York – Chelsea International Hostel
- Best Hostel in New York for Solo Travelers – NY Moore Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in New York – Q4 Hotel
- Best Party Hostel in New York – Hi NYC Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in New York – The Local
Check out our top New York hostels for an epic stay in the Big Apple. From the best cheap hostels in New York to digital nomads and the ultimate party hostel go-ers, you’re sure to find the NYC hostel that’s perfect for you in this list!
1. Chelsea International Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in New York
- Dorm (mixed): 75$/night
- Private rooms: 95$/night
- Location: 251 West 20th Street, New York
One of the biggest independent New York City hostels, Chelsea International Hostel is a top place to meet new friends and have fun. There are some insane freebies too—in addition to the free continental breakfast each morning and the free Wi-Fi, travellers can beat the midweek blues by tucking into free pizza every Wednesday evening! I mean, free NYC pizza? You’ve got me sold!
There are free in-room lockers to use too at Chelsea, though you’ll need your own padlock. The hostel is in a great location and is one of the best places to stay in Manhattan. The subway is right outside and you’re just a few steps from Grand Central station, the Empire State Building and Central Park. It’s got to be one of the most conveniently located New York City hostels! In fact, this was the first place I stayed at when I visited as a poor-ass student back in the day, and the location was second to none! Close to public transport and many sights, but also close to heaps of cheap places to eat too which was super helpful on the pocket.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Manhattan Location
- Free Pizza
- Free Wi-Fi
There’s a bathroom on every floor at Chelsea International Hostel, and other facilities include outdoor seating in the courtyard, a lounge, two kitchens, and a dining area. It’s one of the cheapest New York City hostels, and our pick for the overall best hostel in New York. The Manhattan location takes Chelsea to the next level and makes it honestly unbeatable!
The property might be a proper hostel with vibes to match, but it doesn’t just offer dorms but private rooms too, so it’s got something for everyone. Also, the dorms are single beds rather than bunks so you won’t feel overcrowded, and each room comes with AC in the summer, which is awesome. There are plenty of bathrooms to go around too so no waiting in line when you need to hit the head!
2. NY Moore Hostel – Best Hostel in New York for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): 50$/night
- Private rooms: 180$/night
- Location: 179 Moore Street, New York
NY Moore Hostel is the perfect spot for solo backpackers travelling the USA. Not only is this hostel in the heart of Williamsburg but NY Moore Hostel has a sociable vibe and small dorm rooms. So why does NY Moore stand out?
NY Moore Hostel is in Williamsburg which has an artsy vibe with fun bars, music venues, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and vibrant nightlight. You’re just a short walk from the subway making it easy to explore the sights of New York like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. The hostel has mixed and female-only dorms sleep from 3 to 6, and each dorm has its own bathroom.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Located in Williamsburg
- Free Wi-Fi
- Games room with Pool Table
There is a friendly, social vibe making it easy to meet new friends in the comfy common room or out in the courtyard. They have a wicked games room where you can play a game of pool or foosball, a board-game playoff, or PS3, a great way to break the ice with fellow backpackers.
There’s a tour desk to assist with your New York day trips and sightseeing and other facilities include a communal kitchen (complete with a dishwasher so no need to wash up), a book exchange, bike parking, free Wi-Fi, lockers, and luggage storage. Other perks include 24-hour security and housekeeping services.
3. Q4 Hotel – Best Cheap Hostel in New York
- Dorm (mixed): 62$/night
- Private rooms: 180$/night
- Location: 2909 Queens Plaza North, New York
The best budget hostel in New York City, Q4 Hotel offers plenty of bang for your buck and is suitable for students and backpackers alike. Located in a lively part of Queens, the newly renovated hostel offers a different experience to being in Manhattan and going through a typical New York itinerary. Out here you get to see a much more local side of NYC and at the same time save money. It’s also less frantic if you want to escape some of that New York madness whilst still being in a vibrant area.
Q4 has a communal kitchen and dining area as well as a brightly coloured den with comfy seating, a book exchange, and a movie area with a large screen. With the free Wi-Fi and games area with a pool table and ping-pong, you’ll never be bored if you decide to spend the evening in. That’s got to make Q4 one of the most kitted-out youth New York hostels.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Located in Queens
- Free Wi-Fi
- Games Area with Pool Table and Ping-Pong
All dorm guests have a large locker and access to the hostel is by key card. There are single-sex and mixed dorms in various sizes so you can be sure to always feel safe and secure when staying at this top hostel. There are also private double rooms with their own private bathroom on offer if that’s more your thing. Most dorm rooms also have their own bathrooms, so no hopping from foot to foot in the morning while someone takes a long shower!
You will have access to a kitchen at Q4 as well as to tea and coffee-making facilities so you can save even more money and make your own food. Being outside of Manhattan, though, you will be sure to find some affordable local spots to eat if you do decide to head out for food instead. There’s also air conditioning for the hot New York summers and heating for the cold winters, so no matter what time you visit New York you’ll always be super comfy here!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Hi NYC Hostel – Best Party Hostel in New York
- Dorm (mixed): 60-70$/night
- Location: 891 Amsterdam Avenue, NY 10025-4403, New York
Hi NYC Hostel might not be an actual real castle, but the cool building certainly does a good impression of one. The varied program of events each night makes it the top party hostel in New York for sure! Imagine—partying in a castle, heading out on a free bar crawl every night and then joining clubbing tours over a happening New York weekend. Mind = blown!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Castle-like Hostel Building
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Bar Crawls and Clubbing Tours
There are in-house events most nights of the week too at Hi NYC Hostel, including variety shows, music, and comedy. The daytime tours are affordable too. Chill out and mingle in the impressive common area—there are over two floors dedicated to your fun times! With a huge kitchen (complete with a staggering 36 burners!), a spacious patio, a movie room, games room, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour lounges, what more could you ask for?
5. The Local – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in New York
- Dorm (mixed): 57$/night
- Private rooms: 194$/night
- Location: 13-02 44th Avenue, Queens, New York
Probably the coolest hostel in New York, the award-winning ‘The Local’ is also the top hostel in New York for digital nomads. There’s a computer room where you can put your head down and get cracking on those deadlines in a quiet environment, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Computer Room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bar, Roof Terrace, and Movie Lounge
When all your work’s done, mingle with other travellers in the bar, watch the sunset from the roof terrace, or chill in the movie lounge. This family-run hostel hosts various events too such as comedy evenings and wine tasting. There are also kitchen and laundry facilities, so you can save money!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic New York Hostels
Not happy with your options yet? Have no fear, I’ve got loads more epic New York hostels coming for you! Make sure you know what kind of travel needs you have in order to find the perfect place for you.
6. The Brooklyn Riviera
- Dorm (mixed): 40$/night
- Location: 781 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Riviera is one of the best hostels in Brooklyn and one of the cheapest hostels in New York, making it a great choice for travellers and students who are looking for a budget backpackers’ pad in Brooklyn. Despite being out in Brooklyn, you’re close to the JFK airport, Brooklyn Bridge and just a 10-minute walk from the A Train and C Train lines so you can get anywhere you want to from here.
Dorms can accommodate 4 or 6 people, and there are separate dorms for females as well as mixed dorms, so there are plenty of options at The Brooklyn Riviera. A basic breakfast is included in the price (with BBQs each week) and there is free Wi-Fi too. There’s a common room with a TV and a Wii, or you can relax outdoors in the yard. When wondering where to stay in Brooklyn you get a bit more of a local feel and the hostel is still only a 30-minute train ride to places like the Empire State Building, Central Park and Manhattan’s historical Gramercy Park.
7. The Nolita Express Hostel
- Private rooms: 67$/night
- Location: 220 Bowery, New York
For a true authentic New York City experience, you have to stay at the Nollita Express hostel. Nestled in the heart of Nolita, one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighbourhoods, This New York City hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms that provide a cosy retreat after a busy day exploring. The communal areas are perfect for meeting new travel buddies and they have a shared kitchen, ideal if you want to cook your own meals and save some dolla’.
The location of Notlia Express hostel is unbeatable. You’re just steps away from boutique shops, mouthwatering restaurants and the best NYC brunch spots. The subway is nearby subway making exploring the rest of Manhattan a breeze, it’s an ideal base for your New York City adventures.
8. American Dream Hostel
- Private rooms: 141$/night
- Location: 168 East 24th Street, between Lexington and 3rd Av, New York
Wake up! American Dream Hostel is a terrific base to explore New York! The family-run youth hostel in New York can be found in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, with many of the city’s most iconic sights just a short walk away. There are bathrooms on each floor and bunk beds in private rooms for 2 and 3. Of course, the single rooms have just one bed—no need to climb a ladder!
Start each day with a filling and free breakfast, cook up a treat in the communal kitchen, surf the free Wi-Fi, keep your stuff safe in security lockers, chillax in the common room, and challenge your pals to a board game.
9. Freehand New York
- Private rooms: 209$/night
- Location: 23 Lexington Avenue, New York
Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighbourhood, Freehand New York is an award-winning swanky hotel–hostel that is a recommended New York hostel for couples seeking something that’s a bit more than just a standard NYC hostel, which is slightly more than the average price you might pay.
You can choose between private rooms or dorm-style accommodations, and all rooms feature a private en-suite bathroom. You will have access to the property’s renowned on-site restaurant as well!
With a smart TV, coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping services, the fancy Freehand New York certainly offers hotel-quality service at hostel prices!
10. Nap York Central Park Sleep Station
- Dorm (mixed): 79$/night
- Private rooms: 215$/night
- Location: 940 8th Ave, New York
Alright, backpackers, Nap York Hostel is the ideal place to perch up if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat from the chaos of the city. This hostel has super cool sleep pods that offer you your own privacy and a crackin’ nights sleep. Each bed comes with your own charging station and a place to store your bags. They have a shared kitchen if you want to cook your own meals and save some money as well as having New Yorks incredible restaurants and cafes on your doorstep if you’re feeling lazy. Located in the Upper West Side, just a short walk from Central Park, you couldn’t be in a better location to explore the city.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting New York
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ About Hostels in New York
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in New York.
What to Pack for Your New York Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in New York?
Hostel prices in New York City range from $15–28 for dorms (mixed or female-only), while the average price for a private rooms cost around $45–55.
What are the best hostels in New York for couples?
Freehand New York is the recommended hostel for couples in New York. It’s comfy and in a convenient location in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighborhood.
What are the best hostels in New York near the airport?
Q4 Hotel, our best budget hostel in New York, is 4.3 miles from LaGuardia Airport. It’s budget-friendly, has a communal kitchen and dining area, and is located in Queens.
Final Thoughts on New York’s Hostels
If you are going to travel to New York, plan to have the time of your life! But as a budget traveller, don’t lose track of your spending!
With the help of this guide, we hope you’ll be able to book your cheap New York hostel quickly so you can focus on what’s important—eating as much New York pizza as humanly possible!
And remember, in case you can’t decide, we recommend booking Chelsea International Hostel—our top pick for the best overall NYC hostel!
Heading to New York and looking for something epic to do? My friend Jessie runs New York City Photography Tours and Broke Backpacker readers get $10 off—just use the code BROKEBACKPACKER 🙂
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in New York has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
Don’t wait, just pack your bags for NYC and take a nice big bite of the Big Apple already!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in New York for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in New York covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in New York before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
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