How to Choose a Hostel in New York City in 2025 (What to Expect)

This guide is part of our main page where you can compare all hostels in New York City. Instantly find the best-rated hostels and real-time prices from Hostelworld and Booking.com. Compare prices side-by-side and save money every time. Learn how we compare prices.

Find your Perfect Hostel in New York City

To spare you any potential mental breakdown, here’s my honest and hopefully helpful take on how to choose a hostelin New York City.

Types of Hostels in New York City

NYC dorms come in three main flavors:

• Party Hostels:On-site bars, pub crawls, rooftop DJs. Great for extroverts. Con: earplugs become life support.
• Social-But-Sane Hostels:Cozy lounges, walking tours, game nights. Fun friends plus real sleep.
• Quiet & Budget Hostels:Fewer activities, cheaper beds, often in outer boroughs. Perfect if a hostel is just a charging dock.
• As for Female-Only Dorms:Common in NYC. A few extra dollars buy extra peace of mind and larger lockers.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in New York City

Best for Hostel Newbies

International Student C...9.0

from $38.01 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

The Local NY8.7

from $23.58 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

NY Moore Hostel8.7

from $24.20 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

What to Expect From Hostels in New York City

Space is precious, so bunks stack like Tetris blocks. Bathrooms are shared, kitchens are usually microwave + mini-fridge, and rooftops—when available—double as instant friend factories.

Cleanliness ranges from hotel-tidy to college-dorm-Sunday; check recent reviews. Security is strong: key cards, lockers, and 24 h desks are the norm.

What NOT to Expect:

• Huge common areas—square footage costs gold here.
• Full gourmet kitchens—NYC prefers you sample its street food.
• $10 dorms—this city makes wallets sweat; even “cheap” feels pricey.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in New York City

1. Nap York Central Park Sleep Station - best for Party Hostel
2. Chelsea Center East
3. Highbridge House
4. International Students Residence - best for Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller
5. Brighton Beach Guesthouse

Nap York Central Park Sleep Station

8.0

"…Please note: - Valid passport and credit card required for check in. - A $50 USD credit card more

from

$48.45

Chelsea Center East

8.0

Manhattan - Lower East Side

"…First, the dorm advertised as containing six to twelve people actually contained fourteen. Another more

Highbridge House

8.0

Uptown - Manhattan

"…Highbridge House screwed this up and just gave me a room with just a bunk bed. The person on staff more

International Students Residence

8.0

Brooklyn

341 Broadway... more

Brighton Beach Guesthouse

8.1

Brooklyn

"Really good hostel - it a really good hostel, the only its a little far from manhattan but you can more

Best Location for Hostels in New York City

• Midtown West:Best area for backpackers who crave landmarks and endless subway lines.
• Upper West Side:Leafy, museum-rich, safe. Fewer hostels but peaceful nights.
• Long Island City (Queens):Budget champ—dorms with skyline views and quick trains to Manhattan.
• Williamsburg (Brooklyn):Street art, cafés, nightlife. Dorm beds sell out fast.
• Areas to Avoid:Isolated industrial blocks in far-flung boroughs—night buses are nobody’s vacation dream.

How Much Do Hostels Cost in New York City

Brace yourself: NYC dorms can cost more than European privates. Blame rent, not reception.

Prices leap on holiday weekends, during Fashion Week, or whenever Taylor Swift hits town. Bigger dorm = cheaper bed; book early if you want female dorms or small rooms.

How to Book a Hostel in New York City Without Overpaying

I start withhostelz.combecause it compares Booking.com and Hostelworld in one shot and lets me filter for women-only dorms, top solo-traveler ratings, or flat-out party spots.

Mid-week check-ins are cheaper, refundable rates add breathing room, and anything without recent reviews is a gamble I skip.

Hostel Safety and What to Watch Out For

• Lock your stuff—even if bunkmates look like Disney heroes.
• Pick subway cars with people; empty cars equal sketchy vibes.
• Times Square “free CD” dudes want money; smile and glide away.
• Stick to lit avenues late at night; shortcuts down silent streets are not worth the spook.

Final Thoughts

New York hostels might dent your budget, but they repay you with skyline rooftops, instant friends, and 24-hour front-desk gurus. 

With the right hostel, you’ll get great stories, savings, and maybe a new travel buddy for that sunrise stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Backpacking New York City? Here's What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

Must-Read

I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in New York City

My experience and what you can expect

Solo Travel New York City

My experience and what you can expect

Where to Stay in New York City as a Solo Traveler

Best Areas and how to get around

Backpacking New York City

All those cool and unique experiences we are looking for!

Where to stay in New York City for First Time

My experience and what you can expect

About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.