Where to Stay in New York City for the First Time: A Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in New York City

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve rocked up to New York with a backpack, a half-charged phone, and a dream of coming across a cheap slice of pizza before sunrise.

Every arrival felt different—sometimes I sprinted out of JFK like a caffeinated pigeon, other times I crept in on a midnight bus—but one lesson stuck: the neighborhood you choose can make or break your trip faster than you can say “next stop, Delancey.”

So pour yourself a bodega coffee, and let’s map out where a first-timer should drop their bag in the city that twinkles, honks, and occasionally smells like warm pretzels and questionable decisions.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in New York City

Best for Hostel Newbies

International Student C...9.0

from $38.58 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

The Local NY8.7

from $23.66 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

NY Moore Hostel8.6

from $24.30 | 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%

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in New York City

Midtown West

Midtown West is the postcard in motion—Times Square glare, Broadway marquees, and sidewalks that move like conveyor belts. Hostels sit inside renovated warehouses and proudly offer rooftop views of neon chaos.

• Vibe: Fast, flashy, safe even at 3 a.m.
• My take: I loved stumbling back from a late show without deciphering night-bus schedules.
• Best for: First-timers who fear missing iconic sights.
• Trigger warning: Souvenir hawkers will shout “selfie stick?” more than your mom texts “are you alive?”

Lower East Side

If grungy street art married vintage boutiques and birthed a ramen baby, the Lower East Side would be it. Think bagel shops that open at dawn, bars that close at dawn, and graffiti that deserves its own Instagram account.

• Vibe: Edgy but friendly, loud but lovable.
• My take: I spent an entire day café-hopping on $1 refills and met fellow wanderers at every sticky counter.
• Best for: Night owls, thrift hunters, and budget diners.
• Heads-up: Weekend noise levels may cause existential dread—pack earplugs.

Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

Cross the East River and land where craft coffee flows like poetry. Williamsburg hosts riverside parks, flea markets, and more man buns than a yoga retreat.

• Vibe: Trendy, creative, marginally ironic.
• My take: I joined a free hostel art crawl and accidentally became background décor in a music video.
• Best for: Solo travelers craving community without Manhattan prices.
• Caveat: The L train naps on some late nights, so double-check schedules after midnight.

Upper West Side

Tree-lined streets, brownstones, and the gentle hum of jazz drifting from basement bars. Central Park waits two blocks away, ready for sunrise jogs or existential strolls.

• Vibe: Calm, classic, slightly scholarly.
• My take: I felt safe enough to wander with headphones, which is rare for my over-caffeinated paranoia.
• Best for: Female solo travelers who prefer cafés to club lines.
• Reality check: Dorm beds are scarcer and can cost more than Brooklyn equivalents.

Harlem

Harlem radiates history and soul food aromas that make dieting impossible. Gospel brunches, jazz clubs, and fast subway connections round out the appeal.

• Vibe: Warm, cultural, community-driven.
• My take: A hostel potluck turned into a street-corner dance lesson with locals—it was wholesome chaos.
• Best for: Travelers hungry for culture and collard greens.
• Note: Nights are energetic; stick to well-lit avenues after shows.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in New York City

1. American Dream Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
2. Big Apple Hostel
3. The Pod Hotel - POD 51 Hostel - best for Capsule Hotels, Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller
4. HI New York City Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
5. International Student Center New York - best for Couples, Family-Friendly Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel

American Dream Hostel

8.6

Manhattan - Midtown East

"…This was my first time at a hostel. Stairs at entrance can prove difficult when carrying heavy more

from

$65.57

Big Apple Hostel

8.1

Manhattan - Midtown West

"…I was on a shopping trip with four other girlfriends so having a private room to ourselves was more

The Pod Hotel - POD 51 Hostel

8.1

Manhattan - Midtown East

"…Public transportation of buses and subways (trains) only one block from Hotel. All rooms are more

from

$97.62

HI New York City Hostel

8.5

Manhattan - Upper West Side

"…I had no idea where I would stay. This hostel was at the top of my list -- the first place I more

from

$23.98

International Student Center New York

9.0

Manhattan - Upper West Side

"…You can rent a locker downstairs (with a 5$ deposit) but you can't bring your luggage to your room more

from

$38.58

Top 10 Tips for Your First Time in NYC

1. Buy a 7-day MetroCard even if you’re staying five days—unlimited swipes equal unlimited spontaneity.
2. Walk across at least one bridge; sunset on the Brooklyn Bridge feels like a screensaver come to life.
3. Eat from street carts—pretzels, halal plates, and churros cost less than museum coffee.
4. Join hostel walking tours on day one; orientation plus new friends equals win-win.
5. Keep small bills for tipping; service staff survive on those folded thank-yous.
6. Avoid empty subway cars—there’s always a reason they’re empty.
7. Hydrate with public-park fountains; bottled water prices can fund Broadway.
8. Use free museum days (MoMA Friday evenings, Cooper Hewitt Saturdays).
9. Carry a power bank; Google Maps drains batteries like NYC drains wallets.
10. Look up—Art Deco facades outshine half the galleries, and they’re totally free.

9 Hidden Gemz in New York City (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Hostels in NYC Are the Best Option — Here’s Why

Hotels might give you crisp sheets, but hostels give you stories. Dorm life in New York means rooftop BBQs, midnight pizza runs, and roommates from every continent swapping metro hacks.

Social events—think comedy-club outings or free yoga—turn strangers into brunch buddies. Plus, you’ll save enough cash for an extra bag of thrift-store treasures.

Final Recommendations

Choose Midtown West if you need icons at your doorstep, the Lower East Side for nightlife with attitude, Williamsburg for artsy thrift vibes, the Upper West for peace near the park, or Harlem for culture served hot.

Pack earplugs, comfy shoes, and an appetite for both food and conversation.

Remember: New York rewards the curious—step outside the hostel, follow the music, and let the city teach you its rhythm. Your first visit won’t be perfect, but it will be unforgettable. See you on the subway.

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!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.