11 Best Hostels in New York City

New York City, also called the Big Apple, is a goldmine of sights, sounds, food, and experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. The city may never sleep, but trust us, finding an affordable place to sleep here is hard. Hotels in NYC can take a big bite out of your budget, leaving you with less money for other fun activities. Thankfully, there are many alternatives to costly chain hotels, such as hostels! Even though there aren’t hundreds of cheap hostels in New York City, there are enough for you to consider which best hostel in New York City suits your needs and preferences. To help make your decision-making process easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best options available. From the best family to student hostels in NYC, here are our top picks!

Nap York Youth Hostel

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Kicking off this list is the Nap York Youth Hostel. This best hostel in New York City is set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. It grants easy access to some of New York’s most essential hotspots. It’s set within a five-minute walk to Central Park and a 10-minute walk to Times Square. Even better, this hostel is surrounded by various food options from different cuisines, ranging from McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Popeyes, Wendy’s to highly-rated local Thai, Japanese, Indian, and Italian restaurants. Of course, there are plenty of bars and grocery stores too!

This hostel’s newly renovated quiet floor includes a kitchenette, air conditioner, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and keyless entry. Meanwhile, each guestroom is fitted with a bathroom, shower, lockers, individual air conditioner controls, linens, and towels. Some rooms even come with a private balcony. Of course, they cost a little bit more. But it’s a nice place for you to unwind, and spending extra dollars for that won’t hurt! With everything it offers, this is indeed the space to have fun and restore your energy!

American Dream

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The American Dream is without a doubt one of the best cheap hostels in New York City. It’s an excellent base to explore everything New York has to offer. This hostel is set in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, with many of the city’s most iconic sights only a stone’s throw away. They include the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and Union Square. Apart from that, you can also easily spot crowded restaurants, bars, and specialty shops that dot the surrounding neighborhood. There’ll never be a dull moment at this best hostel in New York City.

At this Manhattan hostel, all guestrooms feature a shared bathroom, and bunk beds are arranged through the private rooms for two or three. As with other cheap hostels in New York City on this list. You can start your beautiful day with a filling and complimentary breakfast, cook up a treat in the communal kitchen, surf the free Wi-Fi, keep your stuff safe in security lockers, chillax in the lounge area, and challenge your newfound pals to a board game!

Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel

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The Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel‘s sociable atmosphere, sense of fun, terrific location, and top-notch facilities make this accommodation one of the top backpacker hostels in New York City. Tons of attractions are within walking distance from this best hostel in New York City, such as Central Park, and the subway is only a few steps away. That way, you can easily get to places like the Empire State Building, Columbus Circle, and others. Whether you’re going sightseeing, eating out, or hitting the bars, you’re never too far from where you want to be!

We also love the cool lounge and coffee bar, as they’re great places to swap traveling tales with fellow travelers. If you’re here in the summer months, the BBQs are sure to put a big smile on your face! This hostel is just like other cheap hostels in New York City in terms of sleeping arrangements. It offers some great dorm rooms of different sizes, and they’re clean and super comfy. Even better, there are single and double private rooms, perfect for those who need the space. In addition to that, bathrooms are located on each floor, and they’re spotless!

NY Moore Hostel

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The NY Moore Hostel is worth considering for those searching for affordable student hostels in NYC. This best hostel in New York City is conveniently located in East Williamsburg, an increasingly trendy and up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood with easy access to Manhattan. This hostel’s vibrant surroundings are bursting with fun bars, music venues, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and shops. This means you’ll never run out of things to do in New York City! You can also take advantage of the hostel’s free public parking if you’re traveling by car. Making the hostel better is the friendly and helpful staff that’s more than happy to show you around the place.

The hostel is a fully-renovated loft with a bright and colorful atmosphere, perfect for youths. Unlike many other cheap hostels in New York City, the walls at this hostel are adorned with street art and murals from artists from all over the world. Its rooms are comfortable and spacious. The same goes for the private bathrooms! After a long, tiring day of walking and exploring New York, you can relax and use the free Wi-Fi in the hostel’s cushy common room or have a beer out in the Courtyard.

Q4 Hotel and Hostel

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Those looking for cheap hostels in New York City should consider spending their trip at the Q4 Hotel and Hostel. Yes, apart from the dorm rooms, there are also private rooms available at a low price. This makes them one of the top family hostels in New York City. Located in Queens, this newly renovated hostel is a great launching pad for exploring one of the best food neighborhoods in town! It’s a stone’s throw from the Queens Plaza station, where you can take the E line into Manhattan. Out here, you’ll 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 while still being in a vibrant area.

While the rooms are pretty basic, we have to admit that the beds are comfy and there’s plenty of light, which is always a good thing. Like other family hostels in New York City, there’s also a communal kitchen and dining area and a brightly colored den with comfy seating, a book exchange, and a movie area with a large screen. It is also considered one of the best student hostels in NYC; it boasts free Wi-Fi and a games area with a pool table and ping pong. You’ll never be bored if you decide to spend the evening at this best hostel in New York City.

Central West Park Hostel

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Located on the Upper West Side, the Central West Park Hostel is one of those cheap hostels in New York City that’ll blow your expectation. This newly renovated hostel has one of the best locations yet. How come? Well, this best hostel in New York City is only walking distance from practically everything. It’s two minutes away from the nearest subway, four minutes away from some of the most popular bars and pubs in the area, and five minutes from numerous shops, restaurants, and movie theaters. And in less than 15 minutes, you’ll be able to reach Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, Riverside Park, and much more! Here, you’ll be able to save tons of money and enjoy the city’s best spots!

Since it’s been renovated, this hostel looks incredible. Each room is surprisingly spacious, and some of them include a huge private bathroom. As with other backpacker hostels in New York City, each room in this hostel boasts bunk beds. There’s also a working area that’s perfect for digital nomads. Apart from that, there’s a private lounge intended for guests only, an on-site cafe, luggage storage, and a soon-to-come roof deck! This hostel is the place to be!

Chelsea International Hostel

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Another best hostel in New York City that you should consider is the Chelsea International Hostel. This accommodation is seen as one of the biggest student hostels in NYC. This hostel has been operating since 1992, and it’s located in a prime location in the heart of Manhattan. From here, you can conveniently walk to most of the big attractions New York has to offer. For example, there’s Times Square! While many pricey hotels in Times Square allow you to stay in that neighborhood, this hostel allows you to enjoy Times Square on a budget! Follow the lights, and you’ll arrive in Times Square after a 15-minute walk. Or, you can hop on any of the many subway lines! You can get virtually anywhere in the city in just a few minutes.

Moreover, the hostel’s functional rooms can sleep one to six guests in single or double-size beds. Unlike many cheap hostels in New York City, this one has no bunk bed, which is a huge plus for those who don’t like sleeping at heights. In addition to that, stays at this hostel include complimentary continental breakfast and free pizza on Wednesday nights! With a courtyard, lounge area, two kitchens, and dining area, it’s not surprising that it’s also deemed one of the top backpacker hostels in New York City.

Chelsea Cabins

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Most student hostels in NYC require you to share your room with other travelers. To some, that is a plus. But for introverts and those who need a quiet me time, the Chelsea Cabins is going to be their best hostel in New York City. The single rooms are more than spacious for most backpackers, and we also love how there’s plenty of light. The bed isn’t the biggest, but it’s certainly one of the comfiest. Guests are also offered luggage storage space, and you can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning. It includes a wide selection of organic teas, coffee, bread, cereal, milk, almond milk, and fruits. Free Wi-Fi is also available in all areas!

Another great amenity is the shared bathroom, which is pretty big and spotless. Plus, the staff is kind and super friendly! At this vegetarian and non-smoking property, you’ll be able to get to know one of New York’s hippest neighborhoods. After a good night’s sleep, get ready to be bouncing around Midtown. The Empire State Building is only a few minutes’ walk away. Meanwhile, Times Square is just as close, and with Penn Station only two blocks away, you’ll never have a boring day!

Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel

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The Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel is among the cheapest hostels in New York City. Unlike the best hotel pools in New York City and the best spa hotels in New York City, this hostel doesn’t boast fancy amenities. After all, it’s a budget accommodation. However, we appreciate everything it brings to the table. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom that comes complete with a shower, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, and free Wi-Fi so you can update your socials anytime you want. The bed is surprisingly comfortable, and we love how spotless the room is! Not to mention, some units feature a private balcony where you can relax with your newfound friends.

Other notable amenities include daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, vending machines, a shared lounge area, lockers, and many more. Another thing that makes this accommodation one of the best cheap hostels in New York City is its convenient location. It’s only two blocks away from the Columbus Circle, with Central Park next to it, which is a notable site to visit in New York if you consider moving there. On top of that, the hostel’s neighborhood is surrounded by affordable shops and restaurants, with the Time Warner Center shops and restaurants being a major hotspot.

The Local NY

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The Local NY bills itself as everyone’s best friend. It’s named one of the best family hostels in New York City because of its affordable double rooms and also deemed one of the top student hostels in NYC because of its low-cost dorm rooms. With what it offers, it’s hard to argue. Befitting such a relationship is hospitality in the form of a fully stocked bar, an all-day café, and access to this best hostel in New York City’s laundry room and rooftop terrace, the perfect place to make new friends. Of course, as the best hostel in New York City, free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Other great amenities include a games room, library, and art galleries.

We have to admit; the double rooms would rival those at any hotel in the city, with Crittall windows, glossy tiled bathrooms, and artwork by Steve Keene. Meanwhile, the dorms are modern and spacious, with abundant storage. There are male-only, female-only, and mixed-gender dorms to house up to 6 guests. Located in trendy Long Island City, Queens, this hostel also boasts insider knowledge of what’s happening in one of New York’s hottest neighborhoods, including a list of their favorite spots in the area!

HI NYC Hostel

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The numbers speak for themselves at HI NYC Hostel (short for Hosteling International). More than 8,000 travelers have stayed and recommended this Upper West Side hotel, capable of hosting more than 670 guests only two blocks away from Central Park. This means you’ll always be near many top attractions like the Central Park Zoo, Central Park Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Hallet Nature Sanctuary, and many more! It’s also only a block away from Broadway Street!

Amenities at this best hostel in New York City are equally staggering. They include the largest private green space in Manhattan, a kitchen featuring a whopping 36 burners, plus rare features like an on-site laundry room and full-service café. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available so you can keep in touch with your friends at all times. When your body is tired, relax in the cozy bunk room with bold turquoise and lime green walls. As one of the best backpacker hostels in New York City, we’re impressed by the room’s cleanliness. This hostel knows what it’s doing, so you should take advantage of the hostel’s free itinerary planning to guarantee a great trip.

Where to Stay in New York City

One of the top neighborhoods that you should consider is Midtown. It’s the neighborhood at the center of Manhattan. Stretching from the Hudson River to the East River, this area is home to famous architecture, vibrant streets, and world-renowned landmarks. It’s also one of the best places for first-timers and home to some of the cheap hostels in New York City.

If you’re a student, we’re sure you’ll love Williamsburg. It isn’t just the coolest area in New York City. Williamsburg routinely ranks as one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the world. It’s characterized by its thriving arts scene and vibrant nightlife. This is the place to see and be seen in New York! You don’t have to spend a lot to stay here, as there are some fantastic student hostels in NYC around this area.

Families also love the Upper West Side, a classic New York neighborhood. With its iconic architecture, tree-lined streets, and quintessential Brownstone townhomes, this is the New York that most people recognize from movies and TV.

Then, there’s Brooklyn. Brooklyn isn’t only an excellent place to base yourself on a trip to New York City; it’s also a destination in and of itself. If you want to stay here, don’t miss the chance to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play at MCU Park, have a picnic in Prospect Park, wander the gardens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and admire masterpieces at the Brooklyn Museum. Though it’s one of the priciest neighborhoods in the entire borough, there are still some cheap hostels that you can find.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in New York City

• FieldTrip – The first affordable restaurant in NYC that you should visit is the FieldTrip. The rice bowls taste amazing, and they’re supper filling. Meanwhile, Chef JJ Johnson’s take on crab rangoon packs a generous helping of crab with garlic-herb cream cheese inside a perfectly crispy wonton skin.
• Mamoun’s Falafel – This is a reliable haven for anyone seeking good food at below-average prices. You can dig into 3.5 USD falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, or baba ganouj sandwiches. Even the shawarma, chickemn kebob, shish kebab, or kofta kebab cap out at a mere 6 USD.
• Gaia Italian Cafe – If you’re craving Italian dishes at shockingly low prices, this place should be your go-to option. Many of its menu, including a bowl of hearty pappa al pomodoro soup, salami, and meatballs cost less than 10 USD!

Recommended Activities in New York City

• New York: Harbor Lights Night Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office – Climb aboard for a two-hour twilight cruise of New York Harbor! Relax with your favorite cocktail as you enjoy the incredible sunset views of Manhattan and listen to your expert guide’s commentary about the sights of interest.
• NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – Get up close to one of the world’s most famous monuments and the emblematic entrance to New York’s harbor! You’ll have the chance to sail around the Statue of Liberty on a sightseeing cruise that also journeys under the Brooklyn Bridge and over to Ellis Island.

• NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Timed-Entry Ticket – Get this ticket and discover some of the world’s most inspiring and creative art exhibits! To help you enjoy the collection better, use the free MoMA app or mobile site to listen to free audio guides available for download to your personal mobile device! Oh, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum too!