International Student Center

Upper West Side & Central Park


Set in a rambling converted brownstone just steps from Central Park, ISC has 40 beds in simple dorm rooms (some female-only) and a cozy, if well-worn, lounge with full kitchen. Only guests aged 18 to 35 are generally accepted. The facilities are basic, but the location is outstanding, and there's no curfew (a small deposit gets you a front-door key).

Note that large suitcases can't go up to the rooms but must be kept in a secure area by the front desk (carry-ons and backpacks are fine, though).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Upper West Side & Central Park attractions

1. Central Park

0.36 MILES

One of the world’s most renowned green spaces, Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways,…

2. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir

0.38 MILES

Don’t miss your chance to run or walk around this 1.58-mile track, which draws a slew of joggers in the warmer months. The 106-acre body of water no…

3. Children's Museum of Manhattan

0.4 MILES

This small museum features interactive exhibits scaled down for the 0 to 10-year-old set, including toddler discovery programs and exhibits that stimulate…

4. Great Lawn

0.43 MILES

Located between 79th and 85th Sts, this massive emerald carpet at the center of Central Park is many a New Yorker's unofficial backyard. Created in 1931…

5. American Museum of Natural History

0.47 MILES

Founded back in 1869, this venerable museum contains a veritable wonderland of more than 34 million objects, specimens and artifacts – including armies of…

6. New-York Historical Society

0.57 MILES

As the antiquated hyphenated name implies, the Historical Society is the city’s oldest museum, founded in 1804 to preserve historical and cultural…

7. Guggenheim Museum

0.63 MILES

A New York icon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, more commonly known as the Guggenheim, is an internationally-renowned art museum and one of the most…

8. Neue Galerie

0.63 MILES

This restored Carrère and Hastings mansion from 1914 is a resplendent showcase for Austrian and German art, featuring works by Paul Klee and Ernst Ludwig…