Best Party Hostels
in New York

HI NYC Hostel

New York doesn’t sleep, and neither do its party hostels. HI NYC Hostel is in Williamsburg, which puts it at the start of that circuit. Hi NYC Hostel Bar on 891 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side. The starting point for Hi NYC’s free Thursday bar crawls. At €30 a night and rated 9.1. At 9.1, it's near the top of New York's hostel field without being the standout leader.

Chelsea International Hostel NY

New York doesn’t sleep, and neither do its party hostels. Chelsea International Hostel NY is in Williamsburg, which puts it at the start of that circuit. Hi NYC Hostel Bar on 891 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side. The starting point for Hi NYC’s free Thursday bar crawls. The Dead Rabbit on 30 Water St, Financial District is the fallback option if the first place is packed. The hostel runs free breakfast, useful for people arriving without a plan. At €30 a night and rated 8.1. Rated 8.1, which is adequate. Not the city's best, but not the worst either.

The Local NYC

The Local NYC is a fantastic party hostel that offers comfortable rooms, fantastic common spaces, and an incredible staff that ensures guests have a memorable experience. Its standout feature is its incredible common space, which includes a roof terrace with stunning views of the city, a bar where guests can grab a drink and meet other travellers, and much more. It's an excellent choice for travellers looking to have a fun and unforgettable experience in New York City.

Lower East Side

The epicentre of New York’s dive bar scene. Streets like Ludlow and Orchard are lined with places like The Dead Rabbit and Bar Goto, where you can find $5 beers and $10 cocktails. The area is also home to some of the city’s best late-night eats, like Vanessa’s Dumpling House. It’s loud, crowded, and unapologetically grungy.

Williamsburg

Brooklyn’s answer to Manhattan’s nightlife, but with a more local feel. Bedford Avenue is the main drag, packed with bars, clubs, and music venues like Output and Bembe. The crowd is younger and more alternative, and the vibe is less touristy. It’s a 10-minute subway ride from Manhattan, but it feels like a world away.

Gramercy

A quieter neighbourhood with a mix of upscale bars and backpacker-friendly spots. Freehand New York City is here, along with places like The Garret and Bar Goto. It’s a good base if you want to be close to the action but not in the middle of it. The area is also home to some great parks, like Gramercy Park, which is perfect for a daytime recovery session.

A short walk from Hi NYC, this pub is famous for its Irish coffee and historic cocktails. The ground-floor taproom is rowdy and packed by 10pm, while the upstairs bar is quieter and more cocktail-focused. Drinks start at $12, but the atmosphere makes it worth it. Go early to avoid a queue.

A Bushwick institution that feels like a circus-meets-nightclub. The venue hosts themed parties, aerial performances, and DJ sets that go until 6am on weekends. Entry is usually $20–30, but the experience is unforgettable. Dress creatively: this isn’t a place for jeans and a T-shirt.

A former warehouse turned electronic music hub in Williamsburg. The sound system is legendary, and the crowd is serious about their techno and house. Entry is $10–20, but it’s free before midnight on weekdays. The outdoor patio is a great spot to catch your breath between sets.

A hidden bar above the Washington Square Diner, accessible via a secret staircase. It’s small, so it gets packed quickly, but the $8 cocktails during happy hour (4–8pm) are a steal. The crowd is a mix of NYU students and young professionals, and the playlist is a solid mix of indie and throwback hits.

A Latin bar in Williamsburg that’s all about salsa, reggaeton, and rum cocktails. The dance floor is tiny but always packed, and the crowd is a mix of locals and travellers. Entry is free before 11pm, and drinks start at $10. If you don’t know how to salsa, don’t worry: someone will teach you.

A rooftop bar and club on the 18th floor of The Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District. The views of the Hudson River are stunning, and the crowd is a mix of tourists and fashion types. Entry is free before 11pm, but drinks are pricey: expect to pay $16 for a cocktail. The music is a mix of house, disco, and pop.