The Big Apple for less: 5 of the best hostels in New York

Find cheap hostels in NYC, including bargain favourites and arty options, with our expert guide to budget accommodation in the city

Looking for a city break to New York? The Big Apple has never been famous for its affordable accommodation options, but if you book a hostel, you can save a fortune during your stay.

New York City hostels are clean, friendly and located near subway stations, and are MUCH cheaper than the average price of a hotel room in NYC - which is about $225 per night.

Dorm beds in a hostel will cost about $40-50 a night if you book with HostelsClub. This is a fraction of the price of a hotel and is certainly your best option for an affordable stay in New York unless you want to sleep in the subway.

NY Moore Hostel

Situated in Brooklyn’s most artistic neighbourhood, covered in street art and murals by both local and international artists. The hostel offers clean bedrooms and dorms, free Wi-Fi and a warm, international atmosphere for all new arrivals to the city.

The hostel is only a short walking distance from various subway lines. It’s a quick 15-minute commute to Union Square (Manhattan) and a five-minute ride to the heart of Williamsburg.

Jazz On Columbus Circle

The hostel lies adjacent to Central Park and is only a brief walk from Columbus Circle traffic circle. Offering free Wi-Fi, lockers and a free light breakfast you’ll save a small fortune here and have all the benefits of staying in central Manhattan.

The hostel is a few blocks away from The Lincoln Center, and you can catch a bus or one of five subway lines (A.B.C.D&1) to anywhere in the city.

Chelsea International Hostel

As one of the largest independent NYC hostels, this property is local institution in Manhattan. Open 24/7 with a front desk team comprised of multi-lingual locals with an expert knowledge of the city, this clean and spacious hostel is an excellent way to make friends while staying in NYC.

Situated close to the Chelsea subway, this is one of the safest districts in NYC, centrally located north of Greenwich Village and south of Midtown Manhattan.

HI NYC Hostel

Situated on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the HI NYC Hostel is two blocks away from Central Park and minutes away by subway from Times Square. The hostel has been recently renovated with cosy beds, free Wi-Fi and the largest private green space in New York.

Vanderbilt YMCA

Situated on the East Side of NYC, the hostel has clean, secure dorms with free Wi-Fi and access to two swimming pools and a gym! Close to the United Nations, Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal and Madison, Fifth and Park Avenues, the location of this hostel is nothing short of exceptional.

*Header image by Anthony DELANOIX (Unsplash)