Short answer: The three best hostels in New York City are Freehand New York (a design-led 5-star pick for couples and backpackers), The Local NYC (social, and the easy choice for solo travelers), and NY Moore Hostel (arty, with a female-only dorm and zero bunk beds, great for solo women and groups). Compare live prices for all three on Hostelz before you book, because real NYC hostel beds are limited and rates jump around.
Time to wave an excited hello to the Statue of Liberty, because we’re heading for the best hostels in New York City.
That’s right, we’ve been searching high and low. Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park are calling. We found three great budget places to stay, and we genuinely love them. You will too.
Your shortcut:
- Freehand New York City – 5 star hostel for backpackers & couples
- The Local Hostel NYC – one for solo travellers
- NY Moore Hostel – top pick for female solo travellers
Bonus: we’ve also handwritten a big guide on cool things to do in New York City.
Any questions about hostels in New York City?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Manhattan, Brooklyn and Broadway are all waiting to be explored, and there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re a solo female traveler after a bit of comfort or a backpacker counting every dollar, this guide has you covered. We’ve also got guides to the best hostels in Manhattan and the best hostels in Brooklyn.
This guide is perfect for YOU when you’re:
- tired of bad and crappy hostels
- keen to avoid the “young party kids”
- happy to spend a euro or two more for a better experience
One more thing. We’ve put together an epic guide to the 45 best hostels in the USA, with all the top destinations included.
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- cheapest hostels in New York City
- best hostel in NYC for solo travellers
- fun party hostels in New York City
- Best hostels in NYC for older travellers and adults
- Best hostels in NYC for backpackers
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostels and sights on a map
- Plan your trip: when to go, how long, getting around, safety
- FAQs
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here, plus every “Best Hostels In” guide we’ve written.
Looking for 5 star hostels in the USA?
- The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel in Chattanooga is awesome
- Freehand New York, NYC
- The Bivvi Hostel in the Rocky Mountains
Quick Introduction to New York City
Average price for a bed: Hostels in New York City run about €32–35 per night for a dorm bed. A private room starts around €74 and climbs to €156. That’s a rough guide, not a promise. Prices swing with season and holidays, so always check live rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com, or compare both at once on Hostelz so you’re not stuck flicking between tabs.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), with check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places store luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just ask whether storage is free or costs extra, since it varies.
Tourism tax: In almost all the NYC hostels in this article, tax isn’t included in the headline price. Expect city and state tax of 14.75% plus an occupancy tax of $3.50 per person per night, added on arrival.
The NYC hotel law: Here’s the thing most people don’t know. New York has far fewer hostels than other big cities, because a hotel law limits how many people can stay in a single room. The upside? Shared dorms here are small and cosy, usually around 4 beds max. No 20-bed bunk caverns.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in New York City
Let’s jump straight into the boutique hostels.
We put all three on the map at the end of the article. Makes planning a whole lot easier, right?
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Freehand New York City |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | NY Moore Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | The Local Hostel NYC |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Freehand New York City |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Hi NYC Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Freehand New York City |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | NY Moore Hostel |
Best Hostels in New York City Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehand New York | Couples, backpackers | Design-led, social, 5-star | Flatiron, Manhattan | Rooftop bar, fitness center, free water and apples in rooms |
| The Local NYC | Solo travelers, friends | Industrial, social, rooftop | Long Island City, Queens | Skyline roof terrace, on-site bar, games nights |
| NY Moore Hostel | Female solo travelers, groups | Arty, homey, calm | East Williamsburg, Brooklyn | No bunk beds, female-only dorms, courtyard and free yoga |
| American Dream Hostel | Older travelers, quiet stays | Family-run, basic, homely | Gramercy Park, Manhattan | All private rooms, free breakfast with homemade waffles |
| HI NYC Hostel | Solo travelers, groups | Big, classic, social | Upper West Side, Manhattan | Huge common spaces in a castle-like building near Central Park |
| Chelsea International Hostel | Backpackers, groups | Simple, budget, central | Chelsea, Manhattan | Walkable to Times Square at a low price |
How to Pick the Right New York City Hostel
Not sure which one is you? Here’s the shortcut.
- Couple: Freehand New York
- Want a design-led, social, 5-star feel: Freehand New York
- First solo trip, want to meet people: The Local NYC
- Female solo traveler: NY Moore Hostel (female-only dorms, no bunks)
- Travelling as a group: NY Moore Hostel or Chelsea International
- Older traveler who wants quiet and privacy: American Dream Hostel
- Classic big hostel near Central Park: HI NYC Hostel
- Tightest budget: Chelsea International Hostel
- Cheapest bed, full stop: compare all of them live on Hostelz
Hostelgeeks Tip: Because of that hotel law, real hostel beds in NYC are limited and the good ones sell out, especially in summer and around the holidays. Run your dates through Hostelz early to compare what’s actually available across Hostelworld and Booking, then lock it in.
1. Freehand New York City (our favorite)
Once home to creatives, musicians and writers, this former George Washington Hotel is now a properly hip, artistic hostel.
Say hello to Freehand New York City, our only 5 star hostel in NYC.
From fitness workshops to live music, this is one of the best hostels in New York for actually meeting people.
There’s a bunch worth flagging here, including:
- Studio restaurant & rooftop bar
- Smile to Go Cafe
- 24hr on-site fitness centre
- 24hr front desk
- Super fast Wi-Fi
It’s the details that make a stay in NYC, and Freehand gets them right.
But our #1 isn’t only about the small touches. The big stuff lands too.
The rooms, for one, are lovely in design, space and comfort. It just depends what you’re after: queen and king-size privates, independent suites, triples, or the good old shared dorms.
When the dorms have sturdy wooden bunks and a TV, you know standards are high throughout. And they are. Rooms even come with free water and apples. Sweet.
Alongside daily happy hours in the bar, there’s usually something on for locals and guests alike. Have a chat with the friendly, bilingual staff and they’ll keep you in the loop. They’re great for tips around the city, too.
Read more in our full review of Freehand New York.
Location: Manhattan’s Flatiron District, less than 200m to the nearest subway. Madison Square Park is within walking distance, and shops, cafes and restaurants are right there.
This is one of the best hostels in New York City for:
- Backpackers
- Couples
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Full Review | Hostelz.com
2. The Local Hostel NYC
Live like a local in one of New York’s most fun hostels. The Local Hostel NYC is an industrial building with floor-to-ceiling windows and a genuinely social feel.
First thing to do on arrival? Head straight up to the rooftop terrace. The views across the NYC skyline are about the best welcome to the Big Apple you could ask for.
Then dump your bags in your room of choice:
- 4-bed dorms (single gender available)
- Private quad
- Private twin/double
Each room has its own bathroom, AC and heating, and premium bedding. Dorms add under-bed storage and personal reading lights.
What next? Well, it’s never too early for a drink when you’re on holiday.
Head to the bar, where there’s breakfast and coffee in the morning and locally made beer in the evening. There’s also a computer lounge and board games to keep you busy.
Now and again the hostel runs a Thursday games night. A solid way to make friends, no doubt. Or drop in on the live music, movie nights and wine and beer tastings. No room for boredom here.
Reception is open 24/7, the Wi-Fi is free, and there’s luggage storage.
Location: up-and-coming Long Island City, just a couple of stops from Brooklyn and Manhattan, surrounded by cafes, galleries and museums.
This is one of the best hostels in New York City for:
- Solo travellers
- Friends
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz
3. NY Moore Hostel
NY Moore Hostel has you feeling right at home thanks to high ceilings, open spaces and loads of light.
Run by three traveling brothers, Moore was built with a traveler’s actual needs in mind. Think cost-efficient but a little bit luxurious.
The creative, ever-changing design is a real highlight. Paintings bring each room to life and give the place some personality.
The best part, though? No bunk beds in the dorms.
Instead you get single beds in spacious rooms. Personal space, and zero squeaking in the night.
Dorms come in a female-only option and stay cosy at 3 to 4 beds per room. A genuinely good women’s hostel in NYC. There are also 3 private rooms, each with its own bathroom, beds from twin to queen, linen included.
Note: groups are welcome here and actively encouraged.
Make the most of the outdoor courtyard and common room, both great for chilling or watching a film with a free tea or coffee.
Beyond movie nights, Moore puts on a comedy show every Wednesday that’s worth catching, plus a free morning yoga class to kick off the day.
Keen to cook after a long day? There’s a fully equipped kitchen open to everyone. Or lean on the many good restaurants within walking distance.
Reception is open 24/7, so don’t sweat your arrival time. No curfew either, so go enjoy the nightlife.
Location: East Williamsburg, 25 minutes by train from Manhattan. Surrounded by good places to eat and drink, which makes it a treat for foodies and anyone who’d rather skip the main tourist drag.
This is one of the best hostels in New York City for:
- Female solo travellers
- Groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz
What About the Cheapest Hostels in New York City?
There are always cheaper hostels, sure.
Honestly, though, we don’t think the very cheapest is worth it.
Why? The difference is usually a euro or two ($1–2) per night, and you often lose amenities like breakfast or linen in the trade.
That said, if you’re on a shoestring and want to save every penny, there are two reliable ways to find the cheapest beds in New York City.
- Open Hostelworld for the full list of budget places to stay in New York City
- Sort the listing by price
Or compare hostel prices first with Hostelz:
- Open Hostelz
- Add your dates and number of travelers
- Let Hostelz compare all the offers available for your dates
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Then use the other filters and rank by price. And keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the extreme ones, the best and the worst. Those tell you the most about what you’re really walking into.
Best Hostels in New York City for Solo Travellers
So, what makes a good hostel in New York City for solo travelers?
Truthfully, the whole shortlist above works well for going solo. But each one has a sweet spot.
Here’s the quick overview:
- Best hostel for social solo travellers: The Local Hostel NYC
- Best hostel for female solo travellers: NY Moore Hostel
- Best hostel for introverted solo travellers: Freehand New York City
Our favorite? If we had to pick one, Freehand New York City wins hands down. It’s got lovely private rooms for when you want alone time, plus great spaces for mingling. Meet people at the bar, then disappear for a quiet coffee in the in-house cafe.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Party Hostels in New York City
As big and busy as NYC is, of course there’s a party scene. But what about actual party hostels?
We’d point you to The Local NYC Hostel.
It’s not strictly a party hostel, but it has all the right ingredients for a good night with new friends.
Soak up the city from the rooftop, join the beer and wine tastings, and dance to the live music. Reception never closes, so no curfew, and the location is a couple of stops from both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Worth saying: in New York the real nightlife is out in the bars and clubs, not the hostel lobby, so this is more of a great launchpad than a rave.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Hostels in New York City for Older Travellers and Adults
Where we can, we love pointing older travelers and adults to the right spots.
Good news: NYC is huge, so the hostel scene has room for every kind of traveler.
Here’s the quick overview:
- Best hostel for a quiet, homely stay: American Dream Hostel
- Best hostel for solo travelers and groups: HI NYC Hostel
American Dream Hostel
Let’s introduce American Dream Hostel.
This is a family-run place that’s basic but homely. Everyone gets a private room (single, twin, double or triple) with shared bathrooms.
To balance the privacy, there’s a social side over free breakfast and snacks through the day. We’re talking homemade waffles and cookies.
There’s also a kitchen, games rooms and a TV. Wi-Fi is free and reception runs 24 hours.
Location: Gramercy Park District. Grand Central is a 20-minute walk away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
HI NYC Hostel
The HI NYC Hostel is great for solo travelers and groups alike. It’s got big communal areas across two floors, with modern common spaces built for socializing.
Free Wi-Fi, plenty of room for events, and a guest kitchen. This is about as good as classic youth hostels in New York City get.
Location: a historic, castle-like building a few minutes from Central Park and Times Square.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostels in New York City for Backpackers
Alright, backpackers of the world, this one’s for you.
Here’s the quick overview:
- Best budget option (now closed): Jazz on Columbus Circle
- Best hostel for groups of travellers: Chelsea International Hostel in NYC
We used to send budget travelers to the Harlem YMCA for a basic, affordable bed in a great location.
Update: the Harlem YMCA no longer offers accommodation. It’s now exercise equipment, a pool and kids’ programs, so cross it off your list. We’ve kept the notes below for context.
It was a good shout if you cared less about hostel frills and more about getting out to the sights. Sitting near a quieter stretch of Central Park, you could be at Times Square, the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center within about 10 minutes. The pool, sauna and gym were a nice bonus after a long day.
A second no-frills pick was Jazz on Columbus Circle.
Update: Jazz on Columbus Circle has closed. We’ve kept this content here for your information.
Rooms ran from 3, 4, 5 and 6-bed dorms to private options. Simple but solid, with linen and a towel included, though no privacy curtain.
Other perks included:
- 24-hour reception
- Lounge on every floor
- Ensuite bathrooms for every room
- No curfew
Location: two blocks from Columbus Circle, right by Central Park, in a neighborhood full of shops and restaurants.
Last but not least, Chelsea International Hostel in New York City.
You can choose from single rooms, shared rooms and private twins. Each building has a bathroom that’s kept very clean.
Location: the heart of Manhattan, less than a 15-minute walk from Times Square.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
How to Book?
We recommend Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations. Hostelworld is still the most popular site for hostel bookings.
Read: our step-by-step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
On both platforms your card is fully protected and the booking is confirmed straight away. We’ve added handy links to each recommended hostel, just click the name to check prices and availability.
Here’s the overview:
- Freehand New York City: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- The Local Hostel NYC: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- NY Moore Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- American Dream Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Hi NYC Hostel: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Chelsea International Hostel in NYC: Hostelworld
Book as early as you can. All of New York’s best hostels get popular, especially in high season, so secure your room or bed as soon as your dates are fixed.
Any Discounts?
Right now we’ve got no special hostel discounts for New York City. A pity, I know. You can subscribe to our newsletter to get the newest hostel discounts straight to your inbox.
You’ll find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
How to Score the Best Price for New York Hostels
We found a really handy way to get the best hostel offers for a trip. If you want the best price on a New York hostel every single time, just do this:
- Open Hostelz
- Add your dates and number of guests
- Let Hostelz compare all the offers available for your dates
Three steps, and you’ve got the best price in a single click.
Our Favorite Hostels in New York City put on a map + sights
Let’s take a look at the map. Below we’ve pinned all three of the best New York City hostels.
Personally, we plan every trip with a map like this, all the sights and possible hostels in one view. Figured it would help you plan too.
We’ve also added the main attractions you’ll want on your radar:
- Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Central Park
- Empire State Building
- Rockefeller Center
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Times Square
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Grand Central Terminal
- One World Trade Center
- 9/11 Memorial
(activate and deactivate the different layers in the left sidebar.)
Any questions about hostels in New York City? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Remember, we wrote a big guide on 29 fun things to do in NYC, without the touristy filler.
Plan Your New York City Trip
When to Visit
Spring (roughly April to June) and fall (September to November) are the sweet spots, mild weather and the city at its best. Summer gets hot and humid, and the streets feel it. Winter is cold, but December has its own magic with the lights, the markets and the holiday crowds. Pick your season by what you can handle, because New York leans into all of them.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Four to five days lets you hit the big sights without sprinting: a day or two in Manhattan, a slice of Brooklyn, a park, a museum, and at least one slow morning with a bagel and a coffee. You could spend a month and not finish the city, so don’t try to cram it. Pick a few neighborhoods and actually enjoy them.
Getting There and Around
Three airports serve the city: JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens, and Newark (EWR) across the river in New Jersey. From JFK, the cheapest route is the AirTrain plus the subway, around $10–11 with OMNY. A yellow cab from JFK runs a flat $70 to Manhattan before tolls, surcharges and tip, so budget closer to $90 or more. Once you’re in town, the subway is your friend: a flat $3 per ride, tapped with OMNY contactless (MetroCards are gone as of January 2026), and your fares cap for the week after 12 rides. It runs 24/7, which not many cities can say.
Is New York City Safe?
For a city this size, the tourist areas are genuinely safe, and the hostels above sit in well-connected, busy neighborhoods. Apply normal big-city sense: keep an eye on your bag in crowds, stay aware on the subway late at night, and ignore the costumed characters and “free” CD hustlers around Times Square. Petty theft and pickpocketing are the realistic risks here, not much else. Solo and solo female travelers do New York all the time without trouble.
FAQs
The questions travelers actually ask before booking New York, answered fast.
What is the best hostel in New York City?
It depends on your trip. Freehand New York City is the best all-rounder for couples and backpackers, The Local Hostel NYC is the social pick for solo travelers, and NY Moore Hostel is best for solo women and groups thanks to its female-only dorms and no bunk beds.
How much does a hostel in New York City cost?
Dorm beds run roughly €32–35 per night and private rooms start around €74, before city taxes are added. Prices jump in high season, so compare live rates on Hostelz before you book.
What is the best area to stay in New York City on a budget?
Manhattan (Flatiron and Midtown) is the most central but the priciest. Outer-borough spots like Long Island City and Williamsburg are cheaper and only a short subway ride from the action.
Are hostels in New York City safe?
Yes. The recommended hostels are in safe, well-connected neighborhoods, and the city's tourist areas are secure with normal precautions. Watch your bag in crowds and ignore Times Square hustlers.
Is New York safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, and plenty do it. NY Moore Hostel has female-only dorms if you want extra peace of mind. Use the subway with normal awareness and a bit more caution late at night.
What is the best party hostel in New York City?
The Local NYC, with its rooftop, tastings and live music. That said, NYC's nightlife lives in the bars and clubs, so treat the hostel as a great launchpad rather than the party itself.
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in New York City?
The Local NYC for socializing, Freehand for a quieter kind of mingling, and NY Moore for solo women. Honestly, all three of the top picks work well solo.
How many days do you need in New York City?
Four to five days covers the main sights at a sane pace. You'll never "finish" the city, so pick a few neighborhoods rather than racing the whole map.
When is the best time to visit New York?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for weather. Summer is hot and humid, winter is cold but festive, especially around the December holidays.
How do I get from JFK airport to the city?
The cheapest route is the AirTrain plus the subway, around $10–11. A yellow cab is a flat $70 to Manhattan before tolls and tip. LaGuardia and Newark also serve the city, with similar AirTrain, bus or subway connections.
Do New York hostels include tax in the price?
Usually not. Expect city and state tax of 14.75% plus an occupancy fee of $3.50 per person per night, added when you arrive.
Should I book New York hostels in advance?
Yes. Beds are limited thanks to the hotel law and sell out fast in high season. Compare and book early on Hostelz to lock in the best price.
Sorted your hostel? Time to look at flights. New York is one of the most connected cities on earth, so you’ll find routes from just about anywhere, often into JFK, Newark or LaGuardia.
Flights to New York City?
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.
More guides
Alright, that’s your answer to where to stay in New York City. Here are all our US hostel guides:
- best hostels in the USA
- Our hostel guides to Manhattan and Brooklyn
- best hostels in California
- best hostels in Washington DC
- best hostels in Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Honolulu and Oahu
- best hostels in Los Angeles
- best hostels in San Diego
- best hostels in San Francisco
- best hostels in Hollywood
- best hostels in Key West
- best hostels in Seattle
- best hostels in Boston
- best hostels in Chicago
- best hostels in New Orleans
- best hostels in Portland
- best hostels in Denver
- best hostels in Houston
- best hostels in Dallas
- best hostels in Miami
- best hostels in Las Vegas
- best hostels in Boulder
- best hostels in Anchorage
Party hostels in the US:
- coolest party hostels in the US
- coolest party hostels in Miami
- coolest party hostels in San Francisco
Over the border in Canada, you can discover:
You’ll find all our new and updated Best Hostels In articles here.
We also put together a huge guide to hostels, covering how to build lifelong friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to You
Was this useful? Got questions or doubts?
Then please, leave us a comment. This list of New York City hostels should be as useful as it can possibly be, and your question helps us spot what we’ve missed.
So drop us a comment. We’re keen to help.
Last note: our commitment
This is a genuine guide to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget. We only recommend places we’re confident you’ll enjoy.
We’ll never point you to a spot we haven’t evaluated or aren’t convinced by. These are places we’d happily send our own friends and family.
Enjoy the selection, and have a look at all the 5 Star Hostels while you’re at it.
