FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Manhattan

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Safe💰 Budget: USD 150/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: May, Sep, Oct

Our pick for backpackers

Stay in Lower East Side

Provides more affordable accommodation options and a vast array of budget-friendly food choices, alongside a buzzing atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Manhattan

1

Lower East Side

Mid-range

A dynamic neighborhood blending historic immigrant roots with a hip, artistic, and energetic modern scene.

nightlifefoodiessolo travelersbudget
  • +Incredible concentration of bars, clubs, and live music venues
  • +Diverse and affordable food scene
  • +Vibrant street art and galleries
  • -Can be noisy and crowded, especially on weekends
  • -Accommodation options are more limited and can be basic
🏨 The Ludlow Hotel🏨 Sago Hotel🏨 Hotel Indigo Lower East Side New York
2

Midtown

Luxury

The bustling heart of commerce and entertainment, packed with iconic landmarks and endless energy.

first-timerscouplesnightlifeluxury
  • +Central location with easy access to major attractions
  • +Abundant dining and shopping options
  • +Excellent public transport connectivity
  • -Can be overwhelmingly crowded and noisy
  • -Lacks a strong residential feel
🏨 The St. Regis New York🏨 Moxy NYC Times Square🏨 Pod Times Square
3

Greenwich Village

Mid-range

Bohemian charm meets historic brownstones, with a vibrant arts scene and lively nightlife.

couplesfoodiesculturenightlifesolo travelers
  • +Charming streets with unique shops and restaurants
  • +Rich history and vibrant cultural scene
  • +Excellent live music and comedy venues
  • -Can be expensive
  • -Hotels can be smaller and older
🏨 The Marlton Hotel🏨 Walker Hotel Greenwich Village🏨 Washington Square Hotel
4

Upper West Side

Mid-range

A family-friendly, residential neighborhood known for its cultural institutions and proximity to Central Park.

familiesculturecouplesfirst-timers
  • +Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere
  • +Excellent access to museums and parks
  • +Good selection of family-friendly restaurants
  • -Further from some downtown attractions
  • -Fewer nightlife options compared to other areas
🏨 The Lucerne Hotel🏨 Hotel Belleclaire🏨 Arthouse Hotel New York City

Daily Budget (Budget)

USD 150/day

Hostel dorm bed at HI New York City HostelUSD 60
Bagel with cream cheese from Ess-a-Bagel, slice of pizza from Joe's Pizza, dinner from a food truck (e.g. Halal Guys)USD 35
7-day unlimited MetroCard (cost amortized over a week, so daily is roughly)USD 4
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Central Park, visit the New York Public Library, walk through Times SquareUSD 10
Entry to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (pay what you wish for NY residents, standard for others)USD 25
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Manhattan

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Union Square Greenmarket

FREE

More than just a farmer's market, this is a culinary hub where locals shop for the freshest produce, artisanal cheeses, and baked goods directly from farmers. The energy and quality are unmatched.

marketUnion Square
⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Manhattan

More Manhattan Guides

Full Manhattan guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers