The vibe at Bank Street Hostel is friendly, laid-back, and communal, so if you’re not, this isn’t the place for you. But if you don’t mind dorm-style beds and a shared bathroom, this is an excellent—and the only—budget option in Old City ($22 for Hostelling International members, $25 non-members).

Floor space is available at a reduced rate if beds are full, and no one is turned away—aside from locals, who are not allowed to stay at the hostel. The three floors are divided by sex, except for the 3rd floor, which becomes co-ed when the hostel is full.

A communal kitchen, dining area, reading room, pool table, and nightly videos are available. Internet access, lockers, and laundry are available for a fee. There is a curfew of 12:30 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. This is sometimes extended to 2:30 a.m. in summertime, which allows you just enough time to grab a slice of pizza after the bars close at 2 a.m.

No keys are provided, so this is strictly enforced. Check-in 8 a.m.–10:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m., and bags can be left at the front desk on the morning of check-out if you still have sightseeing left to do.