11 Best Hostels in Time Square New York

Times Square – the beating heart of New York City. We’ve been there a few times, and we know exactly why it manages to captivate people worldwide. It’s a kaleidoscope of flashing billboards, Broadway marquees, and street performers vying for everyone’s attention. But where do you stay in the midst of it all, especially if you’re on a budget? Fear not! This guide unlocks the door to the best hostels in Time Square New York. The following hostels didn’t disappoint us; we’re sure they won’t let you down either. They’re more than a dorm. We’re talking vibrant social hubs, buzzing with backpackers from across the globe. Think rooftop terraces overlooking the city, cozy common rooms for late-night talks, and friendly staff who know the hidden gems. Buckle up, and let’s find your perfect hostel!

The Brooklyn Riviera

11

The Brooklyn Riviera may not be exactly in Times Square, but it’s still pretty near. This hostel is the ideal choice for weary travelers in search of a comfy crash pad. As your home away from home, it’s buzzing with the energy of fellow explorers, all seasoned with a dash of Brooklyn grit. What stole our hearts? Let’s count the ways. First, there’s that backyard, a sun-dappled oasis for grilling up feasts and sharing stories over cold brews. The staff? They were our Brooklyn guides. And the living area? It’s the place to mingle with new friends that feel like old pals.

Sure, the dorm rooms here can only hold a maximum of four travelers, and the bunk beds are nothing like the ones you find at Times Square’s 5-star hotels. But let’s be real, who spends all their time staring at the ceiling? Also, our stay was made convenient by the reading light, phone charger, and storage space – the essentials for a peaceful pre-adventure snooze. The best part? Start your day with the hostel’s hearty free breakfast! Speaking of which, have you read our list of the best cheap hotels in Brooklyn?

• Distance to Times Square: 7.5 mi (12 km)
• Time to Times Square: 35 minutes by car

Incentra Home Chelsea

10

Best for Privacy. Most Time Square New York hostels offer shared dormitories, and some feature private rooms. However, at Incentra Home Chelsea, you’re only offered private accommodations at a super affordable rate! What’s the catch? Well, you have to share your bathroom, but at least you can sleep without worrying whether other travelers hear you snore or not. That’s not all, though. We also loved the shared kitchen and used it a lot to save more money instead of eating at a restaurant.

Incentra really surprised us when it comes to cleanliness. Not a single dust was found throughout our stay. Plus, it boasts an on-site garden, too. It was our favorite spot to unwind and feel the warmth of the sun. Spend a minute there, and we bet you’ll make some lifelong friends. What about the location? Penn Station is only a stone’s throw away, and the hostel is also close to iconic landmarks like Times Square, Madison Square Garden, and the Flatiron Building.

• Distance to Times Square: 1.6 mi (2.5 km)
• Time to Times Square: 9 minutes by car, 7 minutes by bike

Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel

9

Sure, Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel may not be the most budget-friendly hostel in the Upper West Side. But here’s the thing: sometimes, spending a little extra unlocks a whole new level of travel joy. During our stay, we were only steps away from Central Park, our getaway to endless outdoor escapades. We would start our day sipping coffee on a sunny terrace, followed by a stroll to the nearby station, which would take us to the iconic Empire State Building in a heartbeat. Jazz lets you be in the heart of the action, no matter what your itinerary entails.

It’s not just a location, though. This hostel is the place where strangers become travel buddies. You can choose between shared dormitories or private rooms depending on your preferences and budget. We stayed in the former and think it was the right decision. It was compact but super comfy. We even had our own locker to keep our belongings safe. And if your luggage is too big, the hostel offers luggage storage for your convenience. Also, the bathrooms are located on each floor, so you don’t have to rush up and down when you want to shower. For more options in this area, check out these best hotels in the Upper West Side!

• Distance to Times Square: 3.4 mi (5.4 km)
• Time to Times Square: 16 minutes by car, 17 minutes by bike

Q4 Hotel and Hostel

8

Say no to those overpriced tourist traps! If you’re searching for budget hostels in New York Times Square, consider the Q4 Hotel and Hostel. Only 15 minutes away from Times Square, this hostel is set in Queens. It’s the perfect neighborhood to savor delicious ethnic eats and experience the genuine pulse of the city. Aside from its location, it’s also loved for its inviting common areas. When we were tired, we would curl up with our book in the living area or catch a movie on the big screen. For something more exciting, you can even challenge your friends to a game of pool or ping-pong.

Though cheap, the accommodations here are nothing you should underestimate. As the name suggests, Q4 is both a hotel and a hostel. So, if you can’t share your space, opt for a private room. But since we’re here to show you the budget options, you should check out the dormitories, too. There are no mixed dorms here, and each has its en-suite bathroom. Though on the smaller side, our 6-bed dorm was highly comfortable. Our beds weren’t squeaky, and the people we shared the room with were also very friendly.

• Distance to Times Square: 3.6 mi (5.7 km)
• Time to Times Square: 16 minutes by car, 21 minutes by bike

American Dream

7

Looking for no-frills, budget hostels in NYC near Times Square? Take a look at the American Dream! While it won’t compete with the expensive hotels in NYC, it ticks all the right boxes for budget-conscious travelers. Set in Gramercy and 12 minutes away from Times Square, exploring the city is easy as public transportation is readily available. Many spots are also within easy walking distance. During our trip, we never splurged on taxis. Simply lace up your shoes and explore the bustling city streets!

Whether you’re a social butterfly or a solo explorer, this hostel caters to both. The shared spaces on the property have a friendly atmosphere, and we actually made new friends throughout our stay. Our bedroom, though small, was nothing short of cozy. The bed was comfy, and the shared bathroom was cleaner than we expected. We also managed to save a lot by cooking in the shared kitchen. Also, bonus points for free Wi-Fi throughout the property.

• Distance to Times Square: 1.8 mi (2.8 km)
• Time to Times Square: 12 minutes by car, 12 minutes by bike

Interfaith Retreats

6

Best for Vegetarians. The Interfaith Retreats isn’t your typical hostel. Nestled in the vibrant center of Chelsea, this hostel is a vegetarian sanctuary. What does this mean? This place embraces healthy living, catering perfectly to vegetarians and health-conscious travelers. This also means no egg, fish, or meat is allowed. Bonus? Your stay here will help feed the local community as profits go towards providing hot meals for New Yorkers in need. We truly had a great time staying here. It made us feel good knowing that we could help the locals in need while also being able to explore the Big Apple easily.

The accommodations here are available in the form of cozy pods. The shared bathroom, though small, was spotless and not slippery at all. Bless the one who cleaned the bathroom daily during our stay! However, don’t let the “pod” label fool you. While the individual rooms are snug and designed for restful sleep, the heart of the hostel lies in its vibrant shared lounge. This open space was our favorite spot to unwind and connect with other people. Also, did you know that Interfaith Retreats is featured on our list of the best hostels in Manhattan?

• Distance to Times Square: 1.2 mi (1.9 km)
• Time to Times Square: 9 minutes by car, 5 minutes by bike, 20 minutes on foot

The Local NY

5

Best for Digital Nomads. Among all of the hostels in NYC Times Square, The Local NY is a standout. One of the main reasons why we added it to this list was because of its dedicated computer room. You can finally ditch the coffee shop grind by spending your nights here. We kid you not; while we were there, the Wi-Fi was blazing fast, even when we were in the toilet. With deadlines met, you’ll be able to enjoy the New York fun more. Speaking of fun, you have to visit the on-site bar. It’s the best spot to mingle with a glass of cocktail. For us, we loved to chill on the roof terrace and watched the cityscape sparkle.

Additionally, the hostel also features a cozy movie lounge. And if you’re a social butterfly, you’ll love the fact that the hostel often holds events like trivia nights, wine tastings, and music performances. Want to save your precious pennies? Whip up culinary creations in the shared kitchen! Also, thanks to the laundry facilities, we packed light and left more room for souvenirs. Last but not least, the dormitory rooms are what you’d expect from regular hostels. Ours was compact but bright and cozy. We loved the big lockers as we had so many things with us.

• Distance to Times Square: 3.3 mi (5.3 km)
• Time to Times Square: 15 minutes by car, 24 minutes by bike

HI New York City Hostel

4

Best Activities. Of course, our list of the best hostels in New York near Times Square won’t be the same without the award-winning HI New York City Hostel. But what sets this hostel apart from the rest is its festive nights and free fun. Throughout the year, the hostel hosts special events that reflect New York’s infectious energy. Think lively Christmas markets, costume parties, and many more. During our stay, we joined the rooftop BBQ. It was so much fun. The people were friendly, the food tasted fantastic, and the skyline views took our breath away. Best of all, most nights, there are in-house events like music and comedy to keep everyone entertained.

“HI New York City Hostel is the hostel to be for a stress-free, social, and budget-friendly NY adventure.”

WOW Travel

Aside from those activities, the hostel also boasts plenty of other amenities. Those wanting to whip up something nice can go to the oversized kitchen with 36 burners. Can’t sleep? Why not watch something in the movie room or compete with your friend in the games room? And when it’s time to call it a day, head to your dormitory. Every room here is immaculately clean and features huge lockers. There are female-only, male-only, as well as mixed dorms.

• Distance to Times Square: 3.2 mi (5.1 km)
• Time to Times Square: 18 minutes by car, 18 minutes by bike

West Side YMCA

3

Best Facilities. The place for comfort and connection is only minutes away from Times Square, so it’s easy to see why the West Side YMCA is so popular. Aside from its location, the hostel’s biggest selling point is undeniably its facilities. For one, there are two swimming pools on-site, allowing you to swim for laps and make a splash as often as you want. During our stay, we joined a few classes, including yoga and pilates. It was a nice experience, and we were able to swap some travel hacks with other travelers. Apart from that, we also loved working out in the huge 65,000 sq ft fitness center. It features a sauna, a steam room, and modern equipment. Mindblowing!

While we were there, we stayed in the dormitory room. It was honestly much better than we expected. Our room was clean, the bed was extremely comfortable, and the people that we were sharing the room with were awesome. The bathroom down the hall was also clean. If you want to unwind in the privacy of your own, you can opt for a single room instead.

• Distance to Times Square: 1.0 mi (1.6 km)
• Time to Times Square: 7 minutes by car, 8 minutes by bike, 20 minutes on foot

Freehand New York

2

Calling all digital nomads and budget travelers! If you’re looking for a New York stay near Times Square that’s equal parts swanky and social, the Freehand New York is the place to be. This hotel-hostel hybrid truly redefines the budget-friendly travel experience. Guests of Freehand can fill their tummies at the renowned on-site restaurant. We’ve eaten there before, and the food was fantastic. It offers delectable fare and a buzzing atmosphere. We also had the chance to mingle with other travelers at the trendy bar and enjoy the live music in the intimate lobby. However, our favorite thing to do was probably taking in the views of the skyscrapers from the rooftop.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Freehand Hotels (@freehandhotels)

When it comes to accommodations, you can choose between lively dormitory rooms or plush private rooms. Each room here comes with a private en-suite bathroom and all the trimmings. Since you’re looking for a budget option, we highly recommend the dormitory. Based on our experience, we can confidently tell you that it’s cozy. It’s the perfect choice for meeting fellow travelers. And to top it all off, the daily housekeeping services will ensure your space stays spick and span throughout your stay. No wonder it’s also named one of the best hostels in New York!

• Distance to Times Square: 1.7 mi (2.7 km)
• Time to Times Square: 12 minutes by car, 11 minutes by bike

Nap York CeTimesl Park Sleep Station

1

Best Distance to Times Square. We think no other Time Square New York hostels can beat the Nap York Central Park Sleep Station. Its location is simply unmatched. Stepping out of the hostel, we were only a 10-minute stroll to the bright lights of Times Square. In addition to that, Central Park’s green escape was only a 5-minute walk away. When our stomach started to rumble, McDonald’s was there for a quick fix, and the aroma of local Thai, Japanese, and even Italian restaurants around the corner invited us for deeper culinary adventures. Grocery stores and bars dotted the streets, too, promising everything we needed to refuel and unwind.

Now, let’s talk about the hostel itself, where complete comfort awaits. Every dormitory room on the property has its own bathroom. There are also secure lockers for your valuables and luxurious linens and towels. We were lucky enough to stay in the dorm that offered us a private balcony. It’s the perfect space to savor a quiet morning coffee. There are mixed and female-only dorms, and those who prioritize privacy can opt for the private cabin instead.

• Distance to Times Square: 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
• Time to Times Square: 5 minutes by car, 2 minutes by bike, 10 minutes on foot

Our Verdict!

No matter which hostel you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a blast. However, not all hostels are the same; some are better than the rest, especially in the following categories. Take a look at the following favorites!

• Best Distance to Times Square: Nap York Central Park Sleep Station
• Best Facilities: West Side YMCA
• Best Activities: HI New York City Hostel
• Best for Digital Nomads: The Local NY
• Best for Vegetarians: Interfaith Retreats
• Best for Privacy: Incentra Home Chelsea

Where to Stay Near Times Square?

Of course, the best place to be your base if you want to be near Times Square is Times Square itself. Set in Midtown Manhattan, you’ll be able to experience the iconic neon lights and vibrant energy 24/7. It’s also convenient for seeing Broadway shows and other nearby attractions. Aside from endless options of restaurants, there are so many hotels in Times Square, too.

If you don’t mind traveling by car or bike, you can consider staying in Lower Manhattan. It’s still near Times Square and offers tons of things to explore. From the New York Stock Exchange to the One World Trade Center, there are so many things to see and do here. Foodies can also rejoice as it’s home to a wide variety of restaurants.

Apart from that, you can consider other areas like Brooklyn or Queens. They’re trendy neighborhoods with lower accommodation prices and more local character. They require longer commutes to Times Square, but they’re worth considering.

For more accommodation options near New York’s most iconic plaza, check out our lists of the best boutique hotels and the best cheap hotels in Times Square!

How old do you have to be to stay in a hostel in NYC?

It depends on the hostel’s rules and regulations. However, most hostels require you to be at least 18 years old to be a guest.

What is Times Square famous for?

Times Square is famous for several things, making it a true icon of NYC. Some of them include its dazzling billboards, broadway shows, and busy pedestrian areas. It has also been featured in countless movies, shows, and music videos, making it a symbol of entertainment and pop culture.

Is Times Square in Manhattan or Brooklyn?

Times Square is set in Manhattan, specifically Midtown Manhattan, not Brooklyn.