38 Best Hostels in Manhattan, New York, USA

About New York

The beating heart of New York, Manhattan, is home to many of the city's most iconic attractions. You might feel like you've been there before, as while walking through the streets, you often stumble upon filming locations from movies and TV shows. Whether you want to relax with a picnic in Central Park, shop in the flagship stores on 5th Avenue or sip cocktails in Chelsea speakeasies, this massive melting pot has plenty to keep you entertained.

Hostels in Manhattan often have common spaces with bespoke artwork and themed rooms. Many are set inside traditional brownstone buildings and have interesting histories – you can even find a nautical-themed Manhattan hostel where Titanic survivors once stayed. Outdoor space is a premium in Manhattan, so look out for hostels with roof terraces: you'll get some seriously enviable views of that famous skyscraper skyline. Some Manhattan hostels have on-site gyms for a workout after indulging in the city's diverse food.

Exploring Manhattan's neighbourhoods is one of the joys of visiting New York. The busy Financial District is on the tip of the island, with a waterfront promenade and the 9/11 Memorial. Greenwich Village, with its cobbled streets and low-rise brick buildings, is known for its jazz bars, comedy clubs and off-Broadway shows. No visit to Manhattan is complete without a stroll through bustling Times Square, a short walk from the Broadway theatre district.

For one of the best panoramic views in Manhattan, head to Top of the Rock, an observation deck on the Rockefeller Center – this way your photos will include the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. You can get closer to the Statue of Liberty with a trip on the free Staten Island Ferry, which also has great views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. New York's famous food scene thrives in Manhattan – try steamed dumplings in Chinatown, learn how to make pasta in Little Italy or head to a diner for classic American cuisine.

New York City's subway system is a quick and easy way to get around Manhattan, although it's worth flagging down a yellow taxi at least once for the experience. New York City has three major airports – John F Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. They all have public transport links to Manhattan, but Newark is the closest with trains 21 hours a day between the airport and Penn Station. Express buses are also available.