Forget the Manhattan mayhem and venture across the East River, where you’ll find Brooklyn. It’s one of our favorite parts of New York. It always welcomes us with its hip cafes, eye-catching street art, trendy boutiques, and maybe a slice of pizza. And while there are so many accommodations in the area, today, we want to dedicate this post to budget-conscious travelers. Below are the best hostels in Brooklyn, New York City. These hostels allowed us to mingle with locals and fellow travelers and embrace the borough’s vibrant spirit one friendly conversation at a time. They may not be the fanciest options, but we’re you’ll be surprised by the unique experiences they offer. So, ditch the guidebooks and pack your bags as we’re about to uncover our favorite hostels where affordability meets authenticity.
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Williamsburg Hostel
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Best Budget. Kicking off our list is the Williamsburg Hostel, one of the top cheap hostels in Brooklyn, NY. One of the main selling points of this hostel is its location. It offers a vibrant Brooklyn experience just minutes from Manhattan, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking a social atmosphere and convenient location. A quick 15-minute drive brought us to Grand Central Terminal and Broadway, while local gems like the Barclays Center and NYU were also equally close. Don’t worry if you don’t drive, as public transportation is even closer. Two subway stations within a 5-minute walk make exploring the city a breeze.
“You won’t believe how comfortable this hostel is. Though cheap, we always had a good night’s sleep, and every corner of the hostel was surprisingly clean.”
WOW Travel
Despite its affordable rates, this hostel still offers its guests a touch of luxury. For one, there’s a seasonal outdoor pool on-site. It offers a fun, social atmosphere ideal for meeting other globetrotters. We can’t function without caffeine, so we were thrilled when we found out there’s an on-site cafe, too. You can stay in one of the presidential rooms or the shared dorms for the accommodations. The former is better for solo travelers or couples, with choices ranging from one to two-bed options. For the dorms, there are gender-specific and mixed dorms. We stayed in the mixed dorm, and while it was small, it was well-appointed, and we loved the industrial-chic vibes.
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The Brooklyn Riviera
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Best for Backpackers. Immerse yourself in Brooklyn’s spirit with The Brooklyn Riviera. This isn’t a sophisticated or well-decorated hostel. However, if you want a comfortable and cheap place to rest your weary head, this is the place to be. There are a few things that made our stay enjoyable. First, there’s a backyard perfect for grilling and kicking back with a brew. The staff was also very friendly during our stay and kept things chill and secure. We always spent our spare time in the living area, which was ideal for hanging out and meeting fellow travelers. The vibe was homey and welcoming, which felt like a refreshing escape from the usual backpacker scene.
The dorm rooms on the property can comfortably sleep up to four travelers. Though simple, the bunk beds are functional. You shouldn’t expect hotel-quality beds, but they were comfy enough for us. Each nook has a storage space, reading light, and phone charger – everything you need for a peaceful slumber. Craving privacy? Book the basic private room instead! We also loved how we were able to kick off our day with a free breakfast. After all, nothing beats a free morning boost. Then, we would grab a coffee, gather intel from the helpful staff, and hit the pavement. This gem will have you feeling like a local in no time. Oh, by the way, this is an international guest-only hostel, meaning US passport holders can’t stay here.
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Pod Brooklyn
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Most Modern. Who says you can’t stay in a modern and sleek hostel without paying more? Pod Brooklyn offers budget travelers everything they need from a hostel, but in this case, it does everything better than most. While we were there, we were always connected with the free high-speed Wi-Fi. The concierge services were also a welcome bonus. For food, we would always head to the on-site Clinton Hall. It offers a diverse menu from breakfast to dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Our favorite, though, was the rooftop terrace from where we could enjoy our meal and the Insta-worthy cityscapes. The mezzanine lounge space, complete with snacks and coffee, was our go-to spot to catch up on emails and grab a quick bite.
Living up to its name, this place features compact, pod-style rooms, ideal for minimalist and budget travelers. Think sleek, modern design with just the essentials: a comfy bed, flat-screen TV, and spotless bathroom. We didn’t expect sprawling suites, but the pods did offer us everything we needed for a comfy sleep. But what’s unique is that the rooms are set in four interconnected buildings separated by a courtyard. Can’t sleep? The vibrant music scene at Music Hall of Williamsburg and the scenic East River State Park are both only around a 10-minute walk away.
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NY Moore Hostel
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Best Value for Money. Looking for cool and trendy hostels in Brooklyn, New York City? Well, the NY Moore Hostel is the place for you. With upcycled furnishings and funky finds, we were startled when we first arrived at the hostel. It gave us this authentic Brooklyn vibe that we couldn’t find elsewhere. It wasn’t just about the looks – the hostel also offered us some of the best hostel amenities in the borough. Here, you’re encouraged to start your day with a free hot drink, make new friends in the common room where you can catch a movie, or just relax. If the weather is nice, head out to the backyard and soak up the Brooklyn sunshine! We loved the common area the most. As the heart of the hostel, it boasts a pool and football table. Heck, there are even free computers, too.
When it comes to the dormitory rooms, each is uniquely decorated and immaculately clean. You can choose from female-only or mixed dorms; there are private rooms, too, if you need extra space. Compared to other dorms, the ones here are much more spacious. But as comfy as they are, don’t spend too much time on your bed. The hotel’s ideal location in Williamsburg is perfect for budget-conscious explorers and culture vultures. While we were there, we found tons of artsy cafes and hip hangout spots around the hostel. Accessing public transportation was also easy. Plus, the neighborhood itself, with its edgy vibe and unique character, is a cool attraction. For more hostels, check out these best hostels in New York City!
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Our Verdict!
No two hostels are the same, and each attracts different kinds of travelers. Thus, we’ve categorized the hostels in Brooklyn, NYC, above based on the following criteria so you’ll have an easier time choosing the one that suits you.
- Best Value for Money: NY Moore Hostel
- Most Modern: Pod Brooklyn
- Best for Backpackers: The Brooklyn Riviera
- Best Budget: Williamsburg Hostel
Where to Stay in Brooklyn
There are several popular areas in the borough, and choosing which is the best for you depends entirely on your preferences. One of the most recommended neighborhoods in Brooklyn is Williamsburg, a hipster haven known for its shops, trendy bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s the place to be for those who love vibrant nightlife and youthful energy. Some cheap Brooklyn, NY, hostels are in this neighborhood, too.
If this is your first time visiting Brooklyn, you may want to stay somewhere downtown. It’s a huge neighborhood, and its location is hard to beat. Set across the East River, the views here are among the best in the borough. Expect fancy restaurants, trendy shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Another popular area among travelers is Greenpoint. It has a mix of Polish heritage and hipster vibes. You’ll find waterfront green spaces, cafes, bars, and shops here. Also, there’s Bushwick. It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood with a burgeoning art scene, affordable eats, and vibrant street art.
For more accommodations, take a look at our specially curated lists of the best cheap hotels in Brooklyn and the best hotels in Brooklyn!
Does Brooklyn have hostels?
Yes, it does. As you can see from our list above, the hostels in Brooklyn, New York City, are affordable and boast amenities designed for budget travelers.
Is Brooklyn cheaper than Manhattan?
If you’re a budget traveler, Brooklyn is more budget-friendly. The accommodations there are slightly cheaper, and there’s a wide range of cuisines to choose from that are generally cheaper than in Manhattan.
Why is Brooklyn so popular?
Aside from its thriving art scene, Brooklyn is also popular because of its hip cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and affordability.
