About New York
New York is a global hub for fashion, food, art, culture, music and more. People from all over the world have made it their home, which gives the city an energy that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The Big Apple is well-known for sky-high property prices, but there’s still a lot of cheap accommodation to choose from in the city centre. There are youth hostels in NYC that cater to backpackers or solo travellers in search of a good night out, or boutique hotels that offer private rooms for less. And you can't go wrong with the best hostels in New York.
New York offers everything from converted loft buildings with their own basement bars to a more laid-back bed and breakfast experience that puts you within 25 minutes of JFK airport. No matter what your budget, you’ll be able to book the perfect NYC youth hostel within easy reach of downtown.
In Manhattan, you'll find youth hostels near Times Square and all of the best shopping. Brooklyn on the other hand is perfect if you want easy access to amazing nightlife, underground music venues, galleries, gourmet coffee and trendy restaurants. Check out some of New York's best budget restaurants if you want to cut back on costs.
Where to start? See the city from the top of the Empire State Building, take a stroll across Brooklyn Bridge, or watch the world go by from a bench in Central Park. There’s also Fifth Avenue for any aspiring fashionistas who want to do a bit of window shopping and get a taste of the luxury lifestyle.
Most international visitors will arrive at JFK airport, which is served by a train that takes you straight to Grand Central Station. If you’re travelling from other parts of the USA, you’re more likely to arrive at Laguardia airport, which runs a number of shuttle buses from the airport to Manhattan.
Even though yellow cabs is an iconic part of the New York experience, it’s also the most expensive way to get around. A better option would be to grab a MetroCard, which gives you a cheaper way to get around the city on the subway or one of the many New York buses used by locals.
Want more accommodation options? Hotels in NYC