New York is the hostel capital of the United States. You’ll find big, purpose-built hostels in Manhattan, smaller design hostels in Brooklyn and a few budget options in Queens. Your choice comes down to location versus price.
Our top pick: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Skyline Small-Group Tour
Manhattan or Brooklyn?
| Manhattan | Brooklyn | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel to Midtown | Walk or a few stops | About 20–30 min by subway |
| Price | Higher | Usually lower |
| Feel | Busy, central | Local, cafés and street art |
| Best for | First visit, short stays | Longer stays, repeat visits |
Best areas in Manhattan
- Upper West Side: quieter streets, Central Park on one side, the 1, 2 and 3 subway lines on Broadway. Home to HI New York City, one of the best-known hostels in the country.
- Midtown and Hell’s Kitchen: walk to Times Square and Broadway; noisier but very convenient.
- Lower East Side and Chinatown: small hostels, good food on a budget, close to Brooklyn.
Read the house rules: some New York hostels don’t accept New York residents, and most require guests in dorms to be 18 or older with a valid photo ID and a card in their name.
Check hostel prices in Manhattan
Cheap things to do in New York
Many of New York’s best sights are free: Central Park, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge walk and the Staten Island Ferry. For paid tours, these are among the best-reviewed:
Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO and Skyline Small-Group Tour
Walk the bridge with a guide. 4.8/5 from over 220 reviews.
Central Park Bike Rental
See the whole park in a few hours. 4.7/5 from over 2,200 reviews.
75-Minute High Line Walking Tour
History and design of the elevated park. 4.9/5 from 45+ reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
Also on Viator
Central Park NYC Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour
About 2 hours, classic bike or e-bike.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a hostel in New York?
Dorm beds in New York are cheaper than hotel rooms but among the most expensive hostel beds in the US, and prices rise sharply in summer and December. Check the live prices for your dates in the search box on this page.
What is the best area for a hostel in New York?
For a first visit, Manhattan, ideally Midtown or the Upper West Side near a subway line. For better value and a local feel, Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Williamsburg or Bushwick, about 20–30 minutes from Midtown by subway.
Can New York residents stay in NYC hostels?
Often not. Several New York hostels, including HI New York City, only accept travelers who live outside the city. Read the house rules before booking.
Are New York hostels safe?
Well-reviewed hostels with 24-hour reception, key-card access and lockers are generally safe. Bring a padlock for your locker and keep your passport locked away.
HI NYC Hostel
HI New York City hostel at 891 Amsterdam Ave and W 103rd St: location, who can stay, dorm types, house rules and how it compares with other NYC hostels.
Read guide
Brooklyn
Hostels in Brooklyn, New York: Williamsburg, Bushwick and Downtown Brooklyn compared, subway times to Manhattan, what to check before booking and live prices.
Read guide
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