Buddhist Centers and Meditation in New York City

There are 6 Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers in New York City in our directory that welcome English speakers, across Insight, Zen and Tibetan traditions. Many offer free or donation-based (dana) teachings and retreats; check each center's website for dates and guidelines.

Insight (vipassana) centers

Community Meditation CenterNew York City (Upper West Side) · Insight Reviews and questions
New York Insight Meditation CenterNew York City · Insight Reviews and questions

Zen, Chan and Seon

Brooklyn Zen CenterBrooklyn, New York · Soto Zen Reviews and questions
The Village ZendoNew York City · Zen Reviews and questions
Zen Center of New York CityBrooklyn, New York · Zen Reviews and questions

Tibetan centers

Diamond Way Buddhist Center New York CityNew York City · Tibetan (Karma Kagyu, Diamond Way) Reviews and questions

First visit? How to stay at a Buddhist monastery. See all centres worldwide. Run a center? Add it free. Links last checked November 2026.

Questions people ask

Can beginners visit a Buddhist monastery in New York City?

Yes. Most monasteries and meditation centers in New York City welcome beginners for talks, group sittings or retreats. Contact the center first and follow its guidelines.

Do Buddhist retreats cost money?

Many monasteries run on donations (dana) and ask nothing fixed. Lay-run retreat centres usually charge for food and lodging, often with a sliding scale.