9 Best Hostels in New York City

9 Best Hostels in New York City

Written by Nomadic Nina | Last update: Aug 28, 2023

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New York City is home to some of the world's best hostels, offering affordable and comfortable accommodations for travelers from all around the globe. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, there's a hostel for everyone.

Whether you're a solo traveler or a group of friends, these hostels offer a unique and fun experience, making your trip to New York City to remember. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the city with our list of the best hostels in New York City!

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in New York City

  1. The Brooklyn Riviera - best for Quiet Rest
  2. Freehand New York - best for Couples, Digital Nomads, Female Solo Traveller
  3. NY Moore Hostel - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
  4. The Local NY - best for Couples, Digital Nomads, Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel
  5. American Dream Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  6. HI New York City Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
  7. Nap York Central Park Sleep Station - best for Party Hostel
  8. Selina Chelsea - best for Couples, Digital Nomads, Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
  9. International Student Center New York - best for Solo Traveller

How much are hostels in New York City?

Let us talk about prices. Here is a graph showing you average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.

Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.

Average Dorm Price per Month in New York City

Average Dorm Price Graph

Average Private Room Price per Month in New York City

Average Private Price Graph

Full List of best Hostels in New York City

1 The Brooklyn Riviera

#1 Top Rated Hostel in New York City! Rating: 8.5

The Brooklyn Riviera is the perfect hostel for travelers who want to experience the best of New York City while staying in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Book your stay now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

The common area is filled with comfy couches and funky artwork, making it the perfect spot to relax and mingle with other travelers. There's a fully equipped kitchen where you can cook up a storm and impress your new friends with your culinary skills.

The rooms at The Brooklyn Riviera are bright and colorful, with each one decorated with a unique theme. Whether you're staying in the "Surf's Up" room or the "Tropical Paradise" room, you're guaranteed a fun and comfortable stay.

Prices start from $30.60 for a dorm.

Freebies/Included

Breakfast

Other Amenities

Lounge Area

Book here The Brooklyn Riviera
Check: Hostelworld | Get the Best Deal

2 Freehand New York

Rating: 9.1

Located in the heart of Manhattan's Flatiron District, Freehand New York is just a stone's throw away from some of the city's top attractions, including the Empire State Building, Madison Square Park, and the iconic Flatiron Building. And with a range of private rooms and shared dorms, there's an option to suit every budget and travel style.

But Freehand New York is more than just a place to lay your head at night. This hostel offers a range of on-site amenities and activities that are designed to make your stay as fun and exciting as possible. Start your day with a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, then head up to the rooftop bar and terrace for breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Hungry? Freehand New York's award-winning restaurant and bar, Simon & The Whale, serves up delicious seasonal fare that's inspired by the city's diverse culinary scene. And when you're ready to unwind, the hostel's cozy lobby lounge is the perfect place to relax with a book, a board game, or a cocktail.

Prices start from $121.54 for a private room.

Extra Services

Bike Rental

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Gameroom

Laundry

Lounge Area

Nightclub

Book here Freehand New York
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

3 NY Moore Hostel

Rating: 8.5

Get ready for the ultimate adventure at NY Moore Hostel! This vibrant and unique hostel offers an unbeatable location in the heart of one of New York City's coolest neighborhoods.

Nestled in the heart of Bushwick, NY Moore Hostel is just steps away from some of the best street art, bars, and restaurants in Brooklyn. And with easy access to public transportation, you can easily explore all that the city has to offer, from the trendy shops of Williamsburg to the iconic landmarks of Manhattan.

But NY Moore Hostel is more than just a great location. It's also a comfortable and welcoming home away from home, with a variety of private and shared rooms to choose from, all featuring colorful and quirky decor that reflects the spirit of Brooklyn. And with its friendly and welcoming staff, it's easy to feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Prices start from $45.47 for a dorm and $125.03 for a private room.

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Board Games

Darts

Gameroom

Kitchen

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Walking Tours

Book here NY Moore Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

4 The Local NY

Rating: 8.5

The Local NY offers an affordable and exciting place to stay in the heart of New York City. Located in the trendy Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, this hostel is just a short subway ride away from many of the city's top attractions. With private rooms and shared dorms to choose from, there's an option to suit every budget and travel style.

What sets The Local NY apart is its sense of community. The hostel hosts regular events and activities, including group dinners and walking tours, making it easy to meet other travelers and make new friends. Additionally, the hostel offers a range of on-site amenities and activities, including a co-working space, common areas, and games such as ping pong and foosball.

Prices start from $48.28 for a dorm and $164.56 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Live Music/Performance

Lounge Area

Book here The Local NY
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

5 American Dream Hostel

Rating: 8.5

American Dream Hostel offers a range of private rooms and shared dorms, making it easy to find an option that suits your budget and travel style. And with a friendly and welcoming staff who are always happy to offer tips and recommendations, you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

But what really sets the American Dream Hostel apart is its sense of community. The hostel hosts regular events and activities, from group outings to local museums and landmarks to potluck dinners and movie nights, making it easy to connect with other travelers and make new friends.

And when you're ready to explore the city, the American Dream Hostelis just a short subway ride away from some of New York's top attractions, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. But don't forget to take some time to explore Harlem too - this vibrant neighborhood is home to some of the city's best food, music, and culture.

Prices start from $116.96 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

Breakfast

Other Amenities

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Book here American Dream Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

6 HI New York City Hostel

Rating: 8.1

HI New York City Hostel is not just a place to rest your head - it's an experience in itself. With its prime location on the Upper West Side, the hostel is just a short walk from some of the city's top attractions, including Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and Lincoln Center.

But HI New York City Hostel is more than just a great location. It's a hub of community and culture, where travelers from all over the world come together to share stories, swap tips, and forge lifelong connections.

HI New York City Hostel offers a variety of room options to fit every budget and travel style, from dorms to private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. And with its wide range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and stress-free stay.

Prices start from $51.29 for a dorm and $191.74 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

City Tours

Pub Crawls

Extra Services

Breakfast (varies)

Other Amenities

Evening Entertainment

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Walking Tours

Book here HI New York City Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

7 Nap York Central Park Sleep Station

Rating: 8.5

Nap York Central Park Sleep Station features a variety of sleep pods, each equipped with comfortable bedding, mood lighting, and soothing soundscapes to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber. And with its prime location just steps away from Central Park, you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore all that the city has to offer.

But Nap York Central Park Sleep Station is more than just a place to catch some sleeps. It's also a hub of wellness and relaxation, with an array of amenities designed to help you unwind and recharge. From meditation rooms to yoga classes, you'll find everything you need to nourish your mind, body, and spirit.

And if you need a little pick-me-up, Nap York Central Park Sleep Station has got you covered. The hostel features an onsite cafe serving up delicious and healthy snacks, as well as a variety of wellness services, including massage therapy and acupuncture.

Prices start from $71.01 for a dorm and $156.00 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Kitchen

Book here Nap York Central Park Sleep Station
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

8 Selina Chelsea

Rating: 8.2

Selina Chelsea offers a variety of room options to suit every travel style and budget, from cozy private rooms to spacious dorms. Each room is uniquely decorated with a mix of vintage and modern touches, creating a stylish and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

But Selina Chelsea is more than just a place to sleep. The hostel also features a range of on-site amenities, including a bar and lounge, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city skyline. And with its regular calendar of events, from live music to art exhibitions, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other travelers and experience the city's vibrant cultural scene.

What really sets Selina Chelsea apart, however, is its commitment to sustainability and community. The hostel has implemented a number of eco-friendly practices, from energy-efficient lighting to water conservation. And through its various social impact initiatives, the hostel is dedicated to supporting local communities and promoting positive change.

Prices start from $281.48 for a private room.

Extra Services

Bike Rental (Fee)

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Evening Entertainment

Live Music/Performance

Lounge Area

Nightclub

Swimming Pool

Themed Dinner Nights

Walking Tours

Not Offered

Kitchen

Book here Selina Chelsea
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

9 International Student Center New York

Rating: 8.2

Get ready to explore one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world, all while staying in a friendly and welcoming community of fellow travelers. International Student Center New York offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from cozy dorm rooms to private suites that will make you feel like a New Yorker.

But it's not just about the rooms - International Student Center New York has a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient, including a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and a chill common room where you can hang out and meet new friends.

And speaking of friends, International Student Center New York is home to a diverse and inclusive community of students from around the world. With a range of events and activities designed to help you explore the city and connect with other travelers, you'll never be bored at this hostel.

Prices start from $48.69 for a dorm and $149.76 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Board Games

Kitchen

Lounge Area

Book here International Student Center New York
Check: Hostelworld | HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

On the map: Hostel Locations in New York City

We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in New York City. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!

slp name

Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character

🏆 Overall Best Hostel:

Freehand New York

🙋‍♀️ Female Solo-Traveler:

Freehand New York

🤹 Solo-Traveler:

NY Moore Hostel

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel with Kids:

HI New York City Hostel

👩‍❤️‍👨 for Couples:

Freehand New York

🎉 Party Hostel:

NY Moore Hostel

Still not sure? Pick this!

#1 Top Hostel in New York City: The Brooklyn Riviera

This is the overall best rated hostel in The Brooklyn Riviera. The overall rating is 8.5. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at The Brooklyn Riviera starts from $15.30.

Book The Brooklyn Riviera here

#1 Best Hostel in New York City
The Brooklyn Riviera

FAQ about New York City Hostels

We've collected the most common questions for hostels in New York City. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?

Unleash the Power of Hostel Price Comparison

Welcome to Hostelz.com, your reliable gateway to finding the best prices for hostels worldwide! Our platform allows you to compare prices from major booking portals, saving you valuable time and money in the process.

Rest assured, there are no hidden costs or fees - our services are completely free for you to use. We take pride in maintaining transparent and unbiased pricing information, and we never manipulate prices or rates.

So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in New York City with us!

Looking for hostels in a special neighborhood or near a popular landmark? Check out our special guides:

More New York City Guides for you

Hostel Blog Writer Nomadic Nina

About the author: Nomadic Nina

I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.

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Best Hostel in New York City is...

The Brooklyn Riviera!

The Brooklyn Riviera, New York City

Book The Brooklyn Riviera here

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