11 Best Hostels in Manhattan

Manhattan, the beating heart of New York, is home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Thus, it’s only normal for The City to be a highly popular area for travelers to visit. That said, it can also be overwhelming to look for affordable hotels in Manhattan. So, if you want to enjoy this borough without emptying your bank account, it’s time to consider staying at one of the best hostels in Manhattan New York City! Yes, chances are you won’t be able to have that overly spacious guestroom or that much-needed me-time at night. However, with what you pay for, these best hostels in Manhattan NY will ensure you can have the most enjoyable trip ever! Plus, some of these cheap hostels in Manhattan New York have some unexpected amenities that’ll blow your mind! Can’t wait to see our recommendations? Keep scrolling!

West 30th Street Guest House

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There are plenty of great hostels in Manhattan New York City, but we think it’s only fitting for us to start this list with the West 30th Street Guest House. Conveniently located in the Chelsea district, this hostel is set less than 1 mile from Macy’s and only a 15-minute walk away from the Madison Square Garden. There are so many exciting places to visit that you won’t ever have a boring day during your trip. And if you have a car, you can park your vehicle at the on-site parking garage! This is a huge plus as some of the cheapest hostels in Manhattan don’t offer any parking facilities.

At this hostel, each room is fitted with a closet and round table that you can use for many things. It also has a kettle, while selected rooms offer a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a stovetop. But if you don’t want to upgrade your room, you don’t have to worry as there’s a shared kitchen as well. Other in-room amenities include air conditioning, a plush bed, and free high-speed Wi-Fi that allows you to stay connected with your family. But if your family is coming with you, check out the best family hotels in Manhattan instead!

Vanderbilt YMCA

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With a fabulous location in Midtown Manhattan, everyone will be happy to spend their nights at the Vanderbilt YMCA. As one of the best hostels in Manhattan New York City, it’s close to the United Nations, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal. Besides that, some of the most exciting shopping streets in the world, like Madison, Fifth, and Park Avenues, are also near this hostel. Since you’ve saved some money by staying at this affordable hostel, don’t hesitate to spoil yourself a little bit by shopping! You can make the most of your trip from this posh, central establishment.

The guestrooms at this hostel are private, with single or bunk beds and shared facilities located down the corridors. The rooms have free Wi-Fi, cable TVs, air conditioners, housekeeping service, and safe-deposit boxes. Another thing that we like is the spacious, shared kitchen, where you can cook your breakfast! That’s not all, as you’ll also have access to the on-site fitness center, steam room, sauna, and indoor swimming pools! No, we’re not kidding. If you want to stay at one of the best hostels in Manhattan NY, with hotel-like amenities, this should be your go-to option.

Nap York Youth Hostel

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Another accommodation that made it into our list of the best hostels in Manhattan NY is the Nap York Youth Hostel. This hostel 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 undoubtedly one of the best hostels in Manhattan NY. 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. You’ll never have a boring day when you stay at this hostel.

Back at the hostel, all guestrooms feature a shared bathroom, and bunk beds are arranged through the private rooms for two or three. Even though it’s one of the cheap hostels in Manhattan New York, it’s spotless. 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 pals to a board game!

Interfaith Retreats

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Remarkably located in the heart of Chelsea, the Interfaith Retreats is one of the top hostels in Manhattan New York City that’s sure to make everybody happy, peaceful, and safe. What’s unique about this hostel is that it’s a vegetarian place. What does it mean? There’s no smoking, alcohol, and no meat/fish/egg products here. If you’re a vegetarian or someone who’s living a healthy lifestyle, we can guarantee that no other cheap hostels in Manhattan New York suit you better than this one. What’s more, this hostel will use its profits to provide a free hot meal for homeless people in the streets of New York! What an excellent way to experience the happiness of giving!

Deemed one of the best hostels in Manhattan NY, the guestrooms are fabulous. The pod rooms are simple, cozy, and super clean. Although small in size, they’re centered around a spacious shared lounge area with free Wi-Fi, which is the perfect place for you to chillax and make some new friends. Of course, fresh, clean sheets, pillow towels, and blankets are there for you too. Want to explore Manhattan? This Chelsea hostel is within walking distance from Central Park, MSG, and the world-famous Manhattan Theater District. On top of that, the subway station is only a two-minute walk away. We’re sure you’ll love staying in this area, as it’s known for its unique restaurant, shops, and art galleries.

Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel

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Although the Jazz on the Park Youth Hostel isn’t among the cheapest hostels in Manhattan, the sociable atmosphere, sense of fun, terrific location, and top-notch facilities make this a top contender for solo travelers. Sometimes it’s worth spending a few extra dollars to be in the right location and get a vibe that matches your personality and travel style. Tons of attractions are within walking distance, 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 hostels in Manhattan, NY, 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, which are perfect for those who need the space. In addition to that, bathrooms are located on each floor, and they’re spotless!

Central Park West Hostel

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Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the Central Park West Hostel is one of the best hostels in Manhattan NY that’s worth your money. This newly renovated hostel has one of the best locations yet. How come? Well, this hostel 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 most cheap hostels in Manhattan New York, 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 also 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! For more accommodation in this neighborhood, check out the best Upper West Side hotels!

Chelsea International Hostel

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Just a couple blocks from the High Line, Chelsea International Hostel is considered one of the biggest hostels in Manhattan NY. 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. Don’t like to walk? Feel free to 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. There’s 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! That way, you can still enjoy Manhattan with a full stomach and full wallet! With a courtyard, lounge area, two kitchens, and dining area, this hostel is particularly popular among backpackers as a great place to meet fellow travelers.

Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel

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The Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel is among the cheapest hostels in Manhattan. Though it doesn’t boast fancy amenities like a fitness center or swimming pool, budget travelers will appreciate this hostel! 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 hostels in Manhattan New York City is its convenient location. It’s only two blocks away from the Columbus Circle, with Central Park next to it. 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.

West Side YMCA

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Are you looking for the best hostels in Manhattan New York City, with features offered by luxury Manhattan hotels? Look no further than the West Side YMCA! Situated steps away from Central Park and Lincoln Center, this hostel’s most valuable amenity is perhaps the 65,000 square-foot fitness center! If you can’t live a day without working out, other cheap hostels in Manhattan New York won’t be able to beat this accommodation. Even better, free group exercise classes, including yoga and pilates, are offered to guests weekly! But if you don’t lift weights or do yoga, you can have fun in the indoor swimming pool instead!

Meanwhile, the guestrooms at this hostel are private single and double rooms with either single or bunk beds. As with other best hostels in Manhattan NY, each room is equipped with a TV, air conditioner, free Wi-Fi, as well as linens and towels. Shared bathrooms are in the hall, and they’re immaculate. Guests will also have access to locker room facilities. That’s not all! A 24-hour security desk means that you can check in overnight and are free to come and go without worrying about curfews. Need something to munch? Visit the on-site shop that’s open from 8 AM to 7 PM for some snacks or a hot cup of coffee.

HI NYC Hostel

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There might be a lot of nice hostels in Manhattan NY. But when it comes to popularity, the HI NYC Hostel is unbeatable. Housed in a Victorian-reminiscent red-brick building, this hostel is all about providing a welcoming space for its waves of nomads. It’s set only a short stroll away from the rustic joys of Central Park, which means you’ll 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!

Regular activities like free walking tours fuse city exploration with social mingling, while you can spend evenings unwinding on the private patio. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available so you can keep in touch with your friends at all times. When you’re body is tired, relax in the cozy bunk room with bold turquoise and lime green walls before you head down to enjoy dinner in the big and bustling shared kitchen. Then, end the day by playing billiards with your fellow travelers or having a movie night at the movie lounge.

Where to Stay in Manhattan

If this is your first time in Manhattan, you should certainly stay in Midtown. Apart from its luxury hotels, there are also many cheap hostels here. As the heart of Manhattan, this area has everything you need and nothing you don’t! Its famous attractions include the Empire State Building, Broadway, and Times Square.

Apart from Midtown, you can also stay in Chelsea. It’s Manhattan’s art district, and you can spend days here wandering galleries that show work from established and emerging artists. There’s also the High Line, a park built on an abandoned elevated railroad track, and some fashionable shops. Of course, many cheap hostels in Manhattan New York are here too.

Another great area worth considering for budget-conscious travelers is the Upper West Side. It’s still close to the central action but without Midtown’s same crazy tourist vibe. Sandwiched between The Hudson River and Central Park, this area also has more options for green retreats to escape city traffic.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Manhattan

• Cotenna – Set on the west side of Manhattan, Cotenna is one of the few Italian restaurants that serve delicious food without breaking your wallet. Despite offering you budget-friendly foood, the restaurant looks moders and nice. Some of its most popular menu include the Olive e Feta, Fettuccine ai Funghi, and Insalata Nizzarda. You can leave this restaurant with a happy stomach by spending less than 20USD!
• Los Tacos No.1 – Located in the heart of Chelsea Market, this place’s offerings are all made-from-scratch from its salsas and marinades to its flour and corn tortillas. It also serves tostadas, quesadillas, mulas, and vampiro’s. When you want to have authentic flavors of Mexico for lunch or dinner without spending so much, this is the place to go.
• Tasty Dumpling – This eatery offers what it says: cheap, tasty dumplings! You can get quick dumplings to go, find a seat in its small indoor venue, or buy bulk frozen dumplings! Apart from that, the wonton soup and scallion pancake are also amazing.

Recommended Activities in Manhattan

• 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!
• 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! Sail around the Statue of Liberty on a sightseeing cruise that also journeys under the Brooklyn Bridge and over to Ellis Island.

• NYC: Guggenheim Museum Entry Ticket – When in Manhattan, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic architectural masterpiece, housing one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art. By getting this ticket, you’ll also have access to exclusive special exhibits alongside the museum’s famous permanent collections.