3 Best Hostels in Brooklyn – Sleeping on a Budget in the City That Never Sleeps

Best Hostels in Brooklyn

If you’re looking for the best hostels in Brooklyn New York, we got you covered.

Brooklyn is a great pick for people who want to either discover NYC on a budget or base themselves in a less popular and touristic area of the city. This district allows travelers to discover a side of New York with which only some get acquainted.

But the area is massive, so you will need Brooklyn hostels recommendations that are well-located, safe, near a subway – so you can explore the rest of New York – and with friendly staff that will encourage you to explore their borough.

Our guide does precisely that.

Our favorite hostels in Brooklyn are:

  1. NY Moore Hostel - best for Social Butterflies
  2. The Brooklyn Riviera - best for Backpackers
  3. Hotel RL Brooklyn - best for Friend Groups and Families

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

We also have a guide on the best hostels throughout all of NYC and one of the best hostels in Manhattan.

 If you’re traveling in other states, our guide on the best hostels in the USA might also come in helpful. 

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

What we cover in this article?

  • cheapest hostels in Brooklyn
  • best hostels in Brooklyn for solo traveler
  • more hostels in Brooklyn worth a mention
  • discounts and promo codes
  • How to book?
  • All hostel and sights on a map
  • FAQ
  • Flights
  • You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

    Quick Introduction to Brooklyn

    Average price for a bed: Hostels in Brooklyn cost $39 – $64 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $170 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.

    Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.

    Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

    Brooklyn Vs. Manhattan: While you’ll find the most popular and famous sights in Manhattan, staying in Brooklyn is an excellent option because you’ll discover things you might not have since people typically don’t spend that much time exploring this borough.

    Another thing to note is that the NYC subway is very accessible, so most of the Brooklyn NY hostels on our list are a 10 to 30 minutes ride to Manhattan (and they are almost half the price of most hostels in Manhattan)

    Transportation: The cheapest and most efficient way to travel is by using the subway. If you’re on a budget, one backpacking tip for Manhattan would be to buy a 7-day or 30-day MetroPass with unlimited rides on it.

    The price for 7 days is 33$ and the one for 30 days is 127$ (please double-check the price, of course).

    Partying on a budget in Brooklyn: happy hour will be your best friend if you don’t want to break the bank. Usually, happy hour is from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on weekends.

    🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

    The 3 Best Hostels in Brooklyn are …

    Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Brooklyn.

    1. NY Moore Hostel – best for Social Butterflies
    2. The Brooklyn Riviera – best for Backpackers
    3. Hotel RL Brooklyn – best for Friend Groups and Families

    These are our favorite hostels in Brooklyn. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

    Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

    👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: Hotel RL Brooklyn
    🦸 Solo Traveler: NY Moore Hostel
    👩‍❤️‍👨 Couple Hostel: Hotel RL Brooklyn
    👯For Groups:Hotel RL Brooklyn
    👫 For Socializing:NY Moore Hostel
    🎒 for Backpacker:The Brooklyn Riviera

    1. NY Moore Hostel

    NY Moore Hostel is the perfect pick if you’re traveling solo and you’re looking forward to meeting new people.

    We have read a lot of NY Moore Hostel reviews and we can say that this is perfect for social butterflies. 

    On-site, you’ll find:

    • 24/7 Reception
    • Common Room (that hosts Movie Nights)
    • Coffee Lounge (with FREE hot drinks)
    • Courtyard with seating area
    • Shared Kitchen
    • FREE towel
    Book NY Moore Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    NY Moore Hostel Patio NY Moore Hostel Library

    We really like the warm and social atmosphere, and their common facilities all promote easy socialization between guests.

    Their dorms are also very comfortable, although note that most are ‘single bed’ dorms, which means you won’t really get any privacy.

    The hostel’s interior is very hip (do people still use that word?), as all the walls are adorned with street art and murals from artists from all over NYC.

    Location: Brooklyn hostel in East Williamsburg. The neighborhood is known to be a ‘hippie area’ of the city and is surrounded by fun bars, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and music venues. This hostel is also near a subway that will get you to Manhattan in around 16 minutes.

    The best choice in Brooklyn for

    • Solo Travelers
    • Social butterflies
    Book NY Moore Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    NY Moore Hostel Dorms NY Moore Hostel Game NY Moore Hostel Kitchen

    2. The Brooklyn Riviera

    Let us take a look at another hostel in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Riviera is our top Brooklyn New York hostel pick for backpackers.

    Brooklyn Riviera Hostel has the following facilities:

    • FREE Breakfast
    • FREE towels
    • Common areas
    • Outdoor terrace (with a BBQ)
    • 24/7 reception
    • Laundry facilities
    Book The Brooklyn Riviera here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

    The Brooklyn Riviera The Brooklyn Riviera Terrace

    Note that this hostel only allows International guests to book a stay (you can’t be a US passport holder)

    We really like their terrace/backyard area as they tend to host small barbecue gatherings when the weather permits it. 

    Their dorms are also comfortable, with small shelves, personal lights, and privacy curtains.

    The overall atmosphere is very friendly, and the staff is very nice. 

    One issue is that this hostel has only one shower and one toilet, so it can get busy in the early morning or late at night.

    Location: This Brooklyn hostel is a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the A and C train or the #3 train. A 30-minute ride will get you to midtown Manhattan. Restaurants and bars surround the area.

    A great choice for:

    • Backpackers
    Book The Brooklyn Riviera here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

    The Brooklyn Riviera Dorms The Brooklyn Riviera Patio

    3. Hotel RL Brooklyn

    Looking for cheap hostels in Brooklyn? Hotel RL Brooklyn is a great option for couples on a budget that want to discover New York City. It’s also a good choice for Families and Friend groups.

    Here, you’ll find:

    • 24/7 reception
    • A game room
    • Laundry facilities
    • A bar/Karaoke with live music
    Book Hotel RL Brooklyn here

    Check prices at:
    Booking.com |

    Hotel RL Brooklyn Bar

    This is a very lively place to stay with great common spaces to meet fellow travelers, even though it is a hotel. 

    Our only complaint is the noise: the bar gets very loud on the weekends, and the subway is nearby as it passes in front of the hotel. This, combined with thin walls, means that you might get annoyed if you’re a light sleeper, but it’s nothing a good pair of earplugs can’t fix.

    Location: Brooklyn hostel that is close to the subway (it will take about 20 minutes to get to Manhattan on the J line). The area is full of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

    This is one of the best hostels in Brooklyn for

    • Couples
    • Family groups
    • Friend groups
    Book Hotel RL Brooklyn here

    Check prices at:
    Booking.com |

    Hotel RL Brooklyn Room Hotel RL Brooklyn Kitchen

    Best Hostels in Brooklyn for Solo Travelers?

    The best hostel for solo travelers in Brooklyn is NY Moore Hostel

    It has awesome facilities, free towels, and a 24/7 reception that should come in handy if you face any issues during your trip and you’re alone. 

    It’s also very well linked to the rest of the city, with a 16-minute subway ride away from Manhattan

    Book NY Moore Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    NY Moore Hostel Library

    More Hostels worth a mention

    We sure listed the best hostels Brooklyn New York has to offer, but if you are still looking, we got you!

    If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to travel the world without sacrificing comfort or style, we have listed the best of the best hostels in Brooklyn NY. But if you are looking for more hostels, we got you. 

    Take a look at the best hostels worth a mention that we have compiled for you. 

    Union Hotel Brooklyn

    The Union Hotel Brooklyn is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Gowanus, one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The hotel boasts 41 stylishly designed guest rooms, each featuring a unique and modern aesthetic with thoughtful touches that create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

    From the moment you walk through the door, you’ll be greeted with warm and friendly service from the hotel’s attentive staff. The lobby is bright and airy, with plenty of cozy seating areas where you can relax and catch up on work or connect with friends and colleagues.

    If you’re looking for a delicious meal or a refreshing drink, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar, called the Rooftop at Union Hotel, offers a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes and craft cocktails, as well as stunning views of the Brooklyn skyline.

    Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this hotel is the perfect place to call home during your stay in New York City.

    Location: The Union Hostel Brooklyn New York is also conveniently located near several popular attractions, including the Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Museum, and Prospect Park. It is 19 minutes away from Brooklyn Bridge.

    Book Union Hotel Brooklyn here

    Check prices at: HostelworldHostelz.com

    Union Hotel Brooklyn Private Bedroom

    What about the cheapest hostels in Brooklyn?

    Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Brooklyn.

    1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Brooklyn
    2. add your dates
    3. Order the listings by price

    Simple as that.

    Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

    Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

    Any Discounts?

    You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.

    It is completely free to join!

    How to book?

    The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

    We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

    Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

    We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Brooklyn best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

    The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

    Download the Hostelworld App here

    QR Code to Download your Hostelworld app with one scan
    Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

    The best way to find hostels: Hostelgeeks website and Hostelworld App

    Need an eSIM Card for Brooklyn?

    Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.

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    Need an eSIM Card for Brooklyn?

    Our Favorite Hostels in Brooklyn put on a map + sights

    Any questions about hostels in Brooklyn? 🤔

    Join our Facebook Group!

    Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

    FAQs

    Here we share with you the most asked question:

    What are the best hostels in Brooklyn?

    The best hostels in Brooklyn are:

    What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Brooklyn?

    The best hostel for solo travelers in Boston is:

    NY Moore Hostel

    Any questions about hostels in Brooklyn?

    🤔

    Join our Facebook Group!

    Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

    Flights to Brooklyn?

    We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

    Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.

    Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

    review of Skyscanner flight searches

    Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Brooklyn.

    Here are all our US Hostel Guides:

    Party hostels in the US:

    Over in nearby Canada, you can also discover:

    You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.

    We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.

    Over to you

    Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

    Your question will help us to improve this Brooklyn guide.

    Last note: Our commitment

    This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

    Safe travels,
    The Hostelgeeks

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