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Hostels in New York

  • 3 days ago
  • 5 min read

New York City attracts millions of visitors every year, from solo travelers to groups seeking an affordable yet vibrant place to stay. Hostels offer a budget-friendly way to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods while meeting fellow travelers. This guide covers the top 20 hostels across different areas of New York, highlighting what makes each unique and practical for your stay. Whether you want to be close to Times Square, explore Brooklyn’s artsy vibe, or enjoy the Lower East Side’s nightlife, there’s a hostel here for you.


Eye-level view of a cozy hostel dorm room with bunk beds and warm lighting
Cozy dorm room in a New York hostel


1. HI New York City Hostel – Upper West Side


Located near Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, HI New York City Hostel is one of the largest and most popular hostels in Manhattan.


Highlights:

  • Spacious dorms and private rooms

  • Free Wi-Fi and daily activities

  • On-site café and communal kitchen

  • Outdoor terrace with city views


Facilities:

  • 24-hour reception and security

  • Laundry service

  • Lockers for personal belongings




2. The Local NYC – Long Island City, Queens


Just a short subway ride from Manhattan, The Local NYC offers a relaxed atmosphere with a rooftop bar and stunning skyline views.


Highlights:

  • Rooftop bar with panoramic views

  • Weekly events including live music and trivia

  • Comfortable common areas for socializing


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Private and shared bathrooms

  • Bike rentals available




3. Jazz on the Park Hostel – Upper West Side


This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to stay near Central Park without breaking the bank.


Highlights:

  • Walking distance to Central Park and Lincoln Center

  • Friendly staff and social atmosphere

  • Free breakfast included


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 24-hour front desk

  • Lockers and luggage storage




4. Q4 Hotel – Long Island City


Q4 Hotel offers a modern, boutique-style hostel experience with easy access to Manhattan via the 7 train.


Highlights:

  • Stylish rooms with private bathrooms

  • Rooftop terrace with city views

  • Close to MoMA PS1 and waterfront parks


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • On-site café

  • 24-hour security




5. NY Moore Hostel – East Williamsburg, Brooklyn


NY Moore Hostel is a favorite among creative travelers who want to explore Brooklyn’s arts scene.


Highlights:

  • Located in a vibrant neighborhood with galleries and cafes

  • Free breakfast and coffee

  • Social events and tours organized regularly


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Kitchen access

  • Laundry facilities




6. Chelsea International Hostel – Chelsea


Close to the High Line and Chelsea Market, this hostel is ideal for those wanting to explore Manhattan’s trendy west side.


Highlights:

  • Walking distance to art galleries and nightlife

  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi

  • Friendly, multilingual staff


Facilities:

  • 24-hour reception

  • Lockers and luggage storage

  • Communal kitchen




7. The Bowery House – Lower East Side


This hostel offers a unique, vintage vibe in one of New York’s most historic neighborhoods.


Highlights:

  • Stylish, cabin-style rooms

  • Rooftop garden with city views

  • Close to nightlife and cultural spots


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Shared bathrooms

  • 24-hour front desk




8. HI Brooklyn Hostel – Brooklyn Heights


Set in a historic brownstone, HI Brooklyn Hostel offers a quiet retreat with easy access to Manhattan.


Highlights:

  • Located near Brooklyn Bridge Park

  • Free walking tours and social events

  • Spacious common areas


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Kitchen and lounge

  • Laundry service




9. Jazz on the Park Hostel – Upper West Side


Known for its friendly atmosphere and proximity to Central Park, this hostel is a great choice for budget travelers.


Highlights:

  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi

  • Social events and tours

  • Close to subway stations


Facilities:

  • 24-hour reception

  • Lockers and luggage storage

  • Communal kitchen




10. The Local NYC – Queens


A lively hostel with a rooftop bar and regular events, perfect for travelers looking to meet others.


Highlights:

  • Rooftop with skyline views

  • Weekly live music and trivia nights

  • Comfortable social spaces


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Private and shared bathrooms

  • Bike rentals




High angle view of a rooftop terrace with city skyline in the background
Rooftop terrace with New York skyline


11. Broadway Hotel and Hostel – Upper West Side


This hostel combines affordability with a great location near Lincoln Center and Central Park.


Highlights:

  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi

  • Friendly staff and clean rooms

  • Close to subway and bus stops


Facilities:

  • 24-hour front desk

  • Lockers and luggage storage

  • Communal kitchen




12. Urban Cowboy Hostel – East Village


Urban Cowboy offers a laid-back vibe in the heart of the East Village, known for its nightlife and food scene.


Highlights:

  • Free breakfast and coffee

  • Social events and tours

  • Close to bars and restaurants


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Kitchen and lounge areas

  • 24-hour reception




13. The Gershwin Hotel – Midtown East


Though technically a budget hotel, The Gershwin offers hostel-style dorm rooms for travelers wanting to stay near Grand Central.


Highlights:

  • Central location near major transit hubs

  • Clean, modern rooms

  • On-site café and bar


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 24-hour front desk

  • Luggage storage




14. Pod 51 – Midtown East


Pod 51 offers compact, affordable rooms with a modern design, ideal for solo travelers.


Highlights:

  • Rooftop garden and café

  • Close to Rockefeller Center and Times Square

  • Clean, efficient rooms


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 24-hour reception

  • Laundry service




15. The Jane Hotel – West Village


The Jane has a historic charm with small, cabin-like rooms and a lively bar scene.


Highlights:

  • Unique vintage decor

  • Popular bar and restaurant on-site

  • Close to the Hudson River Park


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 24-hour front desk

  • Luggage storage




16. HI NYC Hostel – Upper West Side


Another mention for HI NYC due to its size and excellent facilities, perfect for travelers wanting a social atmosphere.


Highlights:

  • Large dorms and private rooms

  • Daily activities and tours

  • Outdoor terrace


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Kitchen and café

  • Laundry service




17. BKLYN House Hotel – Williamsburg, Brooklyn


This boutique hostel offers a stylish stay in one of Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods.


Highlights:

  • Close to bars, restaurants, and shops

  • Modern rooms with private bathrooms

  • Friendly, helpful staff


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Breakfast available

  • 24-hour reception




18. The Pod Hotel – Williamsburg


Pod Williamsburg offers compact, affordable rooms with a rooftop bar and easy access to Manhattan.


Highlights:

  • Rooftop bar with skyline views

  • Modern, clean rooms

  • Close to subway and ferry


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 24-hour front desk

  • Laundry service




19. Jazz on the Park Hostel – Upper West Side


A popular choice for budget travelers wanting to stay near Central Park with a social vibe.


Highlights:

  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi

  • Social events and tours

  • Close to subway stations


Facilities:

  • 24-hour reception

  • Lockers and luggage storage

  • Communal kitchen




20. The Local NYC – Queens


Known for its rooftop bar and social atmosphere, The Local NYC is great for travelers wanting to explore Queens and Manhattan.


Highlights:

  • Rooftop with skyline views

  • Weekly live music and trivia nights

  • Comfortable social spaces


Facilities:

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Private and shared bathrooms

  • Bike rentals




Eye-level view of a hostel common room with comfortable seating and natural light
Hostel common room with seating and natural light


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