From its iconic skyline to its pizza, its buzzing 24-hour energy to its unbeatable music scene, New York is unlike anywhere else. But the world’s greatest city isn’t cheap. Hostels are a great accommodation option to have the most affordable trip. Here’s our list of the best hostels in New York based on real backpackers’ reviews.
How to find the best hostels in New York
Hostels in New York are forced to operate under hotel laws which means there are less options than in other cities. Hostelworld has lobbied for this change and we’re on a mission to bring more hostels to New York. The good news is that hostels in New York are great quality and have fantastic amenities.
Manhattan is the best option if you want to stay somewhere close to the key tourist attractions. Check out the best hostels in the trendy Flatiron and Chelsea districts. Brooklyn on the other hand is perfect if you want to experience more authentic New York vibes with easy access to amazing nightlife, underground music venues, galleries, gourmet coffee and trendy restaurants.
You can expect to pay around $75 for central hostels and $55 out in Brooklyn but look out for hostels that include free breakfast, towels and lockers to save some money.
Here is our list of the best hostels in the Big Apple, from the best party hostels to the best hostels for solo travellers we guarantee you’ll find the perfect hostel for your trip.
Best hostels in Manhattan
Manhattan is the backdrop for 99% of every movie, postcard and tv show that portrays NYC. Known as ‘The City’, it’s a small area by size, but vast when it comes to experiences. If you’re making your first trip to the Big Apple, then it’s likely you’ll be making a bee-line to Manhattan and so here’s our guide on where to park your backpack or suitcase. We think these are the best hostels in Manhattan.
Jazz on Columbus Circle
Jazz on Columbus Circle is small but clean and what it lacks in size it makes up for in convenience with a great location near Central Park and Times Square and easy access to train lines. Modern bathrooms, friendly staff, cool décor and lockers (bring your own padlock) make for a comfortable stay. The common rooms are small and breakfast is basic but for location it’s unbeatable. Dorms have three to six beds and private rooms are available. Free in-room lockers, 24-hour reception and washing machines are all available.
Highlights:
- Central location
- Modern bathrooms and decor
- Lounge on every floor
- Free housekeeping
Address: 940 8th Avenue, Manhattan
Neighbourhood: Manhattan
Nearest Station: 57th Street
American Dream Hostel
American Dream Hostel is a great value family-run hostel, located in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park and Flatiron District neighbourhood and is walking distance to great restaurants, shops and public transport. A hearty breakfast, AC and linen are all included in the price. The hostel has private rooms with shared bathrooms located on each floor.
Highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Central location
Address: 168 East 24th Street New York
Neighbourhood: Manhattan
Nearest Station: 23rd Street
Book your stay at American Dream Hostel now
Best hostels in Brooklyn
NY Moore Hostel
NY Moore Hostel is conveniently located in East Williamsburg, a lively up-and-coming neighbourhood, a haven for artists and musicians, with a great bar scene, trendy shops and street art. This is a great location to experience New York like locals do. NY Moore Hostel has large loft-style rooms that include full beds – no bunking here. Colourful common spaces, a courtyard and a full size kitchen gives you lots of opportunities to mingle with other travellers.
Highlights:
- Outdoor courtyard
- Common room with movie nights
- Full size kitchen
Address: 179 Moore Street, Brooklyn
Neighbourhood: Brooklyn
Nearest Station: Flushing Avenue
Adventureresidence JFK/NYC
This small, intimate hostel is homely and quiet, located in a quiet neighbourhood in Brooklyn. There are big common areas including a well-equipped kitchen and two balcony terraces. Friendly staff will help you to plan your trip and are willing to give recommendations.
Highlights:
- Homely feel
- Free wifi
- Security lockers
Address: 538 East 86th street #3 Brooklyn
Neighbourhood: Howard Beach
Nearest Station: Howard Beach JFK Subway
Book your stay at Adventureresidence JFK/NYC now
Best hostel in New York for solo travellers
The Local NYC
The Local NYC has regular movie nights, live concerts, stand-up comedy and wine tastings to help you connect with other travellers as well as an amazing roof terrace overlooking the New York skyline. The friendly local staff will help you to plan the best itinerary to get you off the beaten path. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, luxury linens and towels included. Reading lights, bed dividers and locked storage space means you have plenty of privacy and space to yourself.
Highlights:
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Regular events and social atmosphere
- Outdoor terrace
- Tour desk
Address: 13-02 44th Avenue, Queens
Neighbourhood: Queens
Nearest Station: Court-Square 23 st station
Best hostel in New York for couples
Freehand New York
Freehand New York is a stunning hostel that fuses incredible interior design with hotel-like amenities. Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron neighbourhood, Freehand New York has both traditional rooms and dorms. Couples who want to feel like they’re in a home away from home can upgrade to a suite which includes a living room. All room types include private ensuite bathrooms. Staying in a private room doesn’t mean missing out on the fun though. Freehand New York offers monthly fitness, cultural and musical activities on-site for you to meet and mingle with other guests, not to mention the the rooftop bar, cafe and restaurant on-site.
- Luxury suites and private rooms
- On site all-day cafe and restaurant
- Fitness Centre
Address: 23 Lexington Avenue, Flatiron
Neighbourhood: Flatiron
Nearest Station: 23rd Street Station
Best party hostels in New York
HI NYC Hostel
Sporting an incredibly social vibe and located in a historic, castle-like building a short distance from Central Park and Times Square, HI NYC is the perfect place for party people. The social areas in this hostel are awesome, even boasting the largest outdoor patio in Manhattan don’tcha know?! Throw in free activities every single night making it easy to meet fellow travellers and an in-house movie theatre and you can see why HI NYC is one of the best hostels in NYC!
Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Nightly social events and activities
- Large outdoor patio
- Funky interior
Address: 891 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
Nearest Station: 103rd Street
Best hostels in New York with private rooms
Q4
Q4 is a fully renovated hostel in western Queens. This vibrant area is a great alternative for those looking to escape the craziness of Manhattan. Although Q4 is great for those looking for private rooms, this hostel also offers a selection of dorm rooms, each with a private bathroom. With a friendly 24 hour reception there’s always someone to welcome you!
Highlights:
- Daily housekeeping
- Lockers
- Game and TV lounges
Address: 230 West 101 Street, Broadway
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
Nearest Station: 103rd Street
Broadway Hotel and Hostel
Broadway Hotel and Hostel’s cosy private rooms are some of the most charming in NYC. A hostel / boutique hotel hybrid, this trendy Upper West Side residence has travellers visiting time and time again.
Highlights:
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- Trendy location
- Chic, modern interiors
- 24 hour reception
- Airport shuttle service
Address: 230 W 101st St, New York, NY 10025, USA
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
Nearest Station: 103rd Street
Book your stay at Broadway Hotel and Hostel now
More best hostels in New York
Flushing YMCA
Conveniently located in Downtown Flushing, Queens, Flushing YMCA is a short subway ride from Midtown Manhattan. With its swimming pool, fitness training centre, sauna and steam rooms you can work off all those bagels. Daily housekeeping, 24-hour security and free wifi are all included.
Highlights:
- Fitness centre and pool
- 20 minutes from JFK International Airport
- Close to Queens Botanical Gardens and other attractions
Address: 138-46 Northern Blvd, Flushing NY
Neighbourhood: Queens
Nearest station: Main Street
