The boom of fireworks, red and blue streamers scattered on the grounds of parade routes, the sizzle of burgers at backyard barbecues – these are the familiar sights and sounds of the 4th of July and they are right around the corner. However, if you want a change of scenery for Independence Day weekend, while saving your money for the festivities, Hostelworld.com has compiled a list of hostels with great 4th of July travel deals in the historic cities of New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Boston that will help you unleash your inner Patriot without breaking the bank.

Tone on Lex, New York
Situated in a quiet neighborhood on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Tone on Lex is blocks away from everything the Big Apple has to offer on the 4th of July: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island, Brooklyn’s Independence Day Parade, a free performance by Sonic Youth in Battery Park or the Pre-Fireworks Presidential Walking Tour in Greenwich Village. When night falls, tilt your head to the sky and watch the spectacular Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. If you need a break from the festivities and you’re craving culture, take a walk down Museum Mile which includes The Metropolitan Museum, The Solomon Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum and The International Center of Photography.
Rates start at $22 per night.

Apple Hostel, Philadelphia
Follow in the footsteps of great Americans: Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, William Penn and of course, ROCKY. No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a quick run up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky’s signature leap in the air. Once that is out of the way, make your way to the Apple Hostel. Tucked away on South Bank St, Apple Hostel keeps you close to the celebrations but away from the raucous crowds. Guests are a short walk to Independence Hall where the Welcome America Festival takes place, featuring an array of performances from musicians to acrobats. From there, enjoy the nationwide bell-ringing Let Freedom Ring celebration, and watch the 4th of July parade before the fireworks back at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Other special events include a 4th of July exhibit at the National Constitution Center and a celebration at City Tavern, a replica of a popular hot spot of our founding fathers.
Rates start at $27.65 per night.

William Penn House, Washington D.C.
Show off your red, white, and blue spirit in the nation’s capital while staying at the William Penn House. The hostel is within walking distance to the Capitol and the Metro, D.C.’s subway. On the big day, traverse the National Mall for the Washington D.C. Independence Day Parade to see impressive floats, marching bands, and military personnel. Afterwards, head to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, for musical performances, cooking demonstrations, storytelling and more. Finally, get a great view for the fireworks and enjoy A Capitol Fourth Concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and multiple pop artists on the West Lawn.
Rates start at $29.90 per night.

H.I. Boston, Boston
Where better to celebrate the 4th of July than the city known for the birth of the revolution. Greeted with a free gift and a Boston city map, H.I. Boston hostel immediately prepares you for the festivities on the 4th of July. Boston Harborfest, a week long celebration, offers delights for the whole family with parades, historic tours, delicious food and more. H.I. Boston also offers discount tickets to the New England Aquarium where harbor seals are planned to give a special show on the 4th. For the grand finale of events, enjoy the famous nationally broadcast Boston fireworks orchestrated by the Boston Pops at the Hatch Shell where hundreds gather and line the streets.
Rates start at $29.89.