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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In a hurry? Here are my top hostel picks in New York
Let’s take a closer look at each hostel
Ready to get into the nitty-gritty? Here are why these hostels in New York are my fave – you’re sure to find a budget spot for you in no time.
1. Chelsea International Hostel: Best Overall Hostel
- Price tier: $$
- Best for: Budget and solo travellers
- Highlights: Operating since 1992, 24-hour reception, two blocks from the High Line
- Dorms from: $70
- Private rooms from: $100
- Location: 251 West 20th Street, Chelsea, Manhattan
Chelsea Hostel is a no frills spot but has the basics locked in: a clean, safe base with a banging location. It isn’t winning any awards for it’s social vibe, but it’s sure to provide you a comfortable bed, clean bathrooms and staff that know the city like the back of their hand. The subway is right outside and you’re just a few steps from Grand Central station, the Empire State Building and Central Park. This was actually the first place I stayed at when I visited as a poor-ass student back in the day, and the location was second to none! Close to public transport and many sights, but also close to heaps of cheap places to eat too which was super helpful on the pocket.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 15-minute walk to Times Square
- No bunk beds
- Multiple subway lines on the doorstep
There’s a bathroom on every floor at Chelsea International Hostel that are kept spick and spam, and other facilities include outdoor seating in the courtyard, a lounge, two kitchens, and a dining area. My favourite part of this hostel is the lack of bunk beds. No climbing up rickety steps here, just single beds that keep the room from feeling overcrowded. Also, the dorms are single beds rather than bunks so you won’t feel overcrowded. Each room comes with AC in the summer, which is awesome – a complete non negotiable to me, but you’d be surprised how many hostels in NYC don’t come with them.
2. NY Moore Hostel: Best in Williamsburg
- Price tier: $$
- Best for: Solo travellers and Brooklyn explorers
- Highlights: 20,000 sq ft renovated loft building, street art and murals throughout, coffee lounge with free hot drinks
- Dorms from: $50
- Private rooms from: $180
- Location: 179 Moore Street, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
NY Moore sits in East Williamsburg, which means you’re in the middle of one of Brooklyn’s most creative neighbourhoods: street art on every corner, decent bars, live music venues, and cafés that haven’t been ruined by tourists yet. The L, J, and G subway lines are a short walk away, putting Manhattan and the rest of the city within easy reach. The hostel itself is a 20,000 sq ft renovated loft with high ceilings, natural light, and murals throughout. Dorms sleep three to six and every room has its own private bathroom, which at this price point in New York is worth noting. Female-only and mixed options available.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Located in Williamsburg
- Co-working space
- Games room with Pool Table
Social spaces are spacious and easy to settle into. The games room has pool, foosball, and a PS3 for breaking the ice, there’s a common room for movie nights, and a coffee lounge with free hot drinks. The communal kitchen comes with a dishwasher, which feels like a dream after one too many times cleaning up in a dingey hostel kitchen.
3. Q4 Hotel: Best for Public Transport
- Price tier: $
- Best for: Backpackers prioritising transport links
- Highlights: 4-6 bed dorms with private en suite bathrooms and lockers, communal kitchen, linens and towels included
- Dorms from: $55
- Private rooms from: $180
- Location: 2909 Queens Plaza North, Long Island City, Queens
Q4 is in Long Island City, just across the East River from Midtown Manhattan, and that’s a deliberate choice worth making. Queens gives you a more local side of New York, cheaper food, less tourist noise, and a bit of breathing room from the Manhattan grind. One block from Queens Plaza subway station with seven lines on your doorstep, you’re ten minutes from Midtown when you want it and comfortably removed when you don’t.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- One block from Queens Plaza subway station with seven lines nearby
- 10-minute commute to Midtown Manhattan
- Games Area with Pool Table and Ping-Pong
The hostel itself is well set up. There’s a communal kitchen, a brightly coloured common room with comfy seating, a book exchange, a large screen movie area, and a games area with pool and ping-pong. Dorms come in single-sex and mixed options, most with their own en suite bathrooms, and each bed has a large locker. Access throughout is by key card. Private double rooms with en suite are available too if you’d rather have your own space. Air conditioning in summer, heating in winter, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee on tap. It’s no-frills but it covers the bases well.
4. HI New York City Hostel – Best Party Hostel in New York
- Dorm (mixed): 60-70$/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!
6. The Brooklyn Riviera: Best Budget Spot
- Dorm (mixed): 40$/night
- Location: 781 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, New York
The Brooklyn Riviera is one of the best hostels in Brooklyn and one of the cheapest hostels in New York, making it a great choice for travellers and students who are looking for a budget backpackers’ pad in Brooklyn. Despite being out in Brooklyn, you’re close to the JFK airport, Brooklyn Bridge and just a 10-minute walk from the A Train and C Train lines so you can get anywhere you want to from here.
Dorms can accommodate 4 or 6 people, and there are separate dorms for females as well as mixed dorms, so there are plenty of options at The Brooklyn Riviera. A basic breakfast is included in the price (with BBQs each week) and there is free Wi-Fi too. There’s a common room with a TV and a Wii, or you can relax outdoors in the yard. When wondering where to stay in Brooklyn you get a bit more of a local feel and the hostel is still only a 30-minute train ride to places like the Empire State Building, Central Park and Manhattan’s historical Gramercy Park.
10. Nap York Central Park Sleep Station
- Dorm (mixed): 79$/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 (like a capsule hotel) 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
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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.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
