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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in New York City

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

🛡️ Safe💰 Budget: USD 120/day🚶 Very Walkable☀️ Best: May, Sep, Oct
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Quick Answer

Stay in Lower East Side

Features more affordable accommodation options and a plethora of budget-friendly food choices, combined with a lively atmosphere.

See full New York City neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in New York City

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

Colorful graffiti and urban scene on a street in the Lower East Side, NYC, showcasing vibrant street art.
Marcelo Gonzalez / Pexels
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Lower East Side

Gritty, hip, and historically diverse, offering a vibrant mix of dive bars, trendy boutiques, and live music venues.

Our top picks in Lower East Side

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The Allen Hotel$$

Stylish boutique hotel offering a comfortable stay in a lively neighborhood.

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Sago Hotel$$

Chic and modern boutique hotel with a focus on design and comfort.

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Public Hotel$$$

Ian Schrager's trendy hotel with a popular rooftop bar and buzzing lobby.

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🛡️ Generally safe, but like any u...Mid-rangenightlifesolo travelers
View Hotels in Lower East Side
Street corner cafe in New York City with outdoor seating, typical urban architecture, and foot traffic.
Sarah O'Shea / Pexels
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Greenwich Village

Bohemian charm meets historic brownstones and lively street life.

Our top picks in Greenwich Village

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The Marlton Hotel$$$

Chic, Parisian-inspired boutique hotel with a popular lobby bar.

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Washington Square Hotel$$

Art deco hotel with a prime location directly across from Washington Square Park.

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The Jane Hotel$

Historic, quirky hotel offering small, cabin-like rooms and shared bathrooms for a budget-friendly experience.

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🛡️ Generally very safe during the...Luxurycouplesfoodies
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A busy street view of Midtown Manhattan with historic and modern buildings, pedestrians, and traffic.
Abhishek Navlakha / Pexels
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Midtown Manhattan

The bustling heart of NYC, dominated by skyscrapers, theaters, and iconic landmarks.

Our top picks in Midtown Manhattan

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The Plaza Hotel$$$$

Iconic luxury hotel at the corner of Central Park South, offering unparalleled elegance and service.

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Hyatt Centric Times Square New York$$$

Modern hotel with a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the city.

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Pod Times Square$$

Budget-friendly hotel with compact, well-designed rooms and communal spaces.

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🛡️ Generally safe due to high pol...Luxuryfirst-timersfamilies
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Lower East Side
Mid-rangeGritty, hip, and historically diverse, offering a vibrant mix of dive bars, trendy boutiques, and live music venues.
nightlifesolo travelers
Greenwich Village
LuxuryBohemian charm meets historic brownstones and lively street life.
couplesfoodies
Midtown Manhattan
LuxuryThe bustling heart of NYC, dominated by skyscrapers, theaters, and iconic landmarks.
first-timersfamilies
Brooklyn Heights
LuxuryCharming and historic residential neighborhood with stunning Manhattan skyline views.
familiescouples
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Find budget-friendly hostels in New York City

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in New York City

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in New York City. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in New York City

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting New York City

1

Lower East Side

Mid-range

Gritty, hip, and historically diverse, offering a vibrant mix of dive bars, trendy boutiques, and live music venues.

nightlifesolo travelersbudgetfoodies
  • +Excellent and affordable food scene
  • +Thriving nightlife and live music
  • +Authentic New York atmosphere
  • -Can be noisy at night
  • -Accommodation options are more limited and can be basic
🏨 The Allen Hotel🏨 Sago Hotel🏨 Public Hotel
2

Greenwich Village

Luxury

Bohemian charm meets historic brownstones and lively street life.

couplesfoodiesculturenightlife
  • +Abundant dining and nightlife options
  • +Beautiful, historic architecture
  • +Central and well-connected
  • -Can be very crowded
  • -Expensive accommodation
🏨 The Marlton Hotel🏨 Washington Square Hotel🏨 The Jane Hotel
3

Midtown Manhattan

Luxury

The bustling heart of NYC, dominated by skyscrapers, theaters, and iconic landmarks.

first-timersfamiliesbusiness travelersluxury
  • +Close proximity to major attractions and theaters
  • +Excellent public transport links
  • +Wide range of hotel options
  • -Extremely touristy and crowded
  • -Lacks local neighborhood feel
  • -Can be noisy
🏨 The Plaza Hotel🏨 Hyatt Centric Times Square New York🏨 Pod Times Square
4

Brooklyn Heights

Luxury

Charming and historic residential neighborhood with stunning Manhattan skyline views.

familiescouplesculturedigital nomads
  • +Incredible views of Manhattan
  • +Tranquil and picturesque streets
  • +Excellent access to Brooklyn Bridge Park
  • -Limited dining and nightlife options compared to Manhattan
  • -Accommodation is scarce and expensive
🏨 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge🏨 The Boxer Brooklyn

Daily Budget (Budget)

USD 120/day

Hostel dorm bed at The Local NYUSD 50
Bagel and coffee from Ess-a-Bagel, dollar pizza slice for lunch, street cart hot dog for dinnerUSD 30
7-day Unlimited MetroCardUSD 33
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Central Park, visit the Staten Island Ferry for Statue of Liberty viewsUSD 7
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in New York City

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Arthur Avenue

Often called the 'Real Little Italy', this vibrant neighborhood boasts authentic Italian bakeries, delis, butchers, and restaurants. It's a fantastic place to experience genuine Italian-American culture and delicious food.

foodBronx
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Grand Central Market

While Grand Central Terminal is famous, many miss its bustling lower-level market filled with artisanal food vendors. It's a perfect spot to grab a delicious bite from a variety of high-quality purveyors.

marketMidtown Manhattan
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Bushwick Collective

FREE

This outdoor art gallery features a rotating collection of vibrant and thought-provoking murals by local and international street artists. It's an ever-evolving canvas that transforms the neighborhood into an open-air museum.

streetBushwick

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in New York City

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
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New York City Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover New York City on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details
Local street food and cuisine
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New York City Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through New York City with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details
Famous museum and attraction entrance
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Best of New York City: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into New York City's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details
Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from New York City: Scenic Excursion

Escape New York City for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details
Local cultural experience and traditions
5

New York City Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with New York City's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in New York City

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for New York City

Backpackers in New York City: FAQ

What is the best area in New York City for backpackers?
Lower East Side is our top pick for backpackers in New York City. Gritty, hip, and historically diverse, offering a vibrant mix of dive bars, trendy boutiques, and live music venues. It is a mid-range area known for nightlife, solo travelers, budget.
Is New York City safe for backpackers?
New York City is rated "safe" overall. Most tourist areas are well-lit and populated, making them relatively safe. However, be cautious in less-trafficked streets, especially in outer boroughs. Use ride-sharing services or taxis if unsure. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in New York City for backpackers?
Expect to spend around USD 120 per day in New York City as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit New York City?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in New York City?
The most affordable hostels in New York City are typically found in Lower East Side. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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More New York City Guides

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