Top 10 Best Hostels for Backpackers — Travel Top 10 List

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen / Unsplash

Hotel

Top 10 Best Hostels for Backpackers

Proof that a $15 bunk bed can deliver more memorable experiences than a five-star suite — these hostels have launched lifelong friendships, romances, and questionable tattoo decisions.

202699 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

Top10Grid rankings are decided by votes, not algorithms — use the buttons below to move this list.

Be the first

Top10Grid Editorial

Editorial team

Current Rankings

0
#1
Kex Hostel, Reykjavik
Kex Hostel delivers the most dynamic social experience in Reykjavik, transforming a former biscuit factory into a cultural hub with live music, craft beer, and northern lights viewing parties. Its craft beer bar features 15 Icelandic brews, and nightly events attract over 60 guests—outperforming the quieter atmosphere of Generator, Amsterdam. At $45 per night, it remains cheaper than the average Reykjavik hostel by 20%.
Visit →
Details →
0
#2
Abraham Hostel, Jerusalem
Abraham Hostel stands out for fostering the most inclusive community in Jerusalem, where travelers of every nationality gather over shared hummus and rooftop dinners. Over 30 nationalities stay each week, and the hostel's free walking tours run daily, attracting 15 participants on average.
Visit →
Details →
0
#3
Lub d, Bangkok
Lub d Bangkok sets the standard for budget luxury in Southeast Asia, with pod-style bunks featuring privacy curtains, a cinema room seating 20, and a rooftop pool. Dorm beds cost just $12 per night, 40% cheaper than the average Bangkok private room. The rooftop pool is open until 10 PM, drawing 30 guests nightly.
Visit →
Details →
0
#4
Generator, Amsterdam
Generator Amsterdam delivers the most stylish budget accommodation in the city, with industrial-chic interiors in a former university building overlooking Oosterpark. Rooms start at $30 per night, 15% cheaper than the average Amsterdam hostel. Its canal-side location and preserved design elements outperform the standardized pod layout of Lub d Bangkok. The on-site bar attracts 40 guests nightly for craft cocktails.
Visit →
Details →
0
#5
Selina, Medellín
Selina, Medellín is the undisputed hub of Colombia's digital nomad explosion, attracting over 200 remote workers every month. With a rooftop offering panoramic views of the Aburrá Valley, it combines co-working spaces, yoga classes, and high-speed internet averaging 50 Mbps. Dorm beds start at just $12 per night, a fraction of local coworking fees.
Visit →
Details →
0
#6
HI Banff Alpine Centre, Canada
The hostel gathers travelers from 30 countries around a massive fireplace, offering a truly international atmosphere. With ski storage, a communal kitchen, and guided hikes, it's a steal compared to local hotels that charge $200+ for a room. At this price, you get direct access to Banff National Park's 2,500 km of trails.
Visit →
Details →
0
#7
Zostel, Varanasi
Overlooking Manikarnika Ghat, where over 200 cremation pyres burn daily, Zostel Varanasi offers the most intense cultural immersion any backpacker will ever encounter. The hostel's rooftop meditation sessions provide a unique perspective on the sacred Ganges, a stark contrast to the party atmosphere of typical backpacker spots.
Visit →
Details →
0
#8
The Yellow, Rome
The Yellow, Rome, is the best base camp for conquering the Eternal City on a budget, with free walking tours that save €25 per person and an on-site nightclub that runs until 3 AM. A dorm bed costs just €22 per night, and the hostel's location near Termini station gives you 15-minute access to the Colosseum.
Visit →
Details →
0
#9
Oasis Backpackers' Hostel, Lisbon
A rooftop terrace with panoramic views, free dinner every night, and a location in Marquês de Pombal make this Lisbon's most beloved backpacker institution.
Visit →
Details →
0
#10
Nui. Hostel, Tokyo
A converted toy warehouse in Kuramae with a ground-floor craft beer bar where locals and travelers actually mix — something almost no other Tokyo hostel achieves.
Visit →
Details →

Current Rankings

Share this list

99 views

Get ranking updates

Get the weekly travel rundown

Only lists published since the last email. Join the early readers.

Only Top 10s published in the last 7 days
One email a week — and none at all in a week with nothing new
Unsubscribe in one click

No spam. One email per week. Unsubscribe anytime.

Readers Also Ranked

More Lists Like This

Top 10 Experiences in Johannesburg

#1Apartheid Museum
#2Soweto Township Tour
#3Maboneng Precinct

Top 10 Most Dangerous Mountains in the World

#1Annapurna I
#2K2
#3Nanga Parbat

10 Most Beautiful Cities in Spain to Visit in 2024: A Traveler's Guide

#1Barcelona
#2Madrid
#3Seville

Top 10 Things to Do in Seoul 2026

#1Gyeongbokgung Palace
#2Bukchon Hanok Village
#3Gwangjang Market

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when choosing a hostel for backpacking?

Focus on location (proximity to attractions and transport), safety features (lockers, 24-hour reception), social atmosphere (common areas, organized activities), and essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, laundry, and kitchen access.

Are hostels safe for solo backpackers, especially at night?

Most reputable hostels prioritize safety with features like keycard access, personal lockers, security cameras, and 24-hour front desk, making them generally safe for solo travelers—just read recent reviews and choose well-rated properties.

Do backpacker hostels provide private rooms or only dorms?

Many hostels offer both shared dormitories (with varying bed counts) and private rooms; private rooms are more expensive but provide more privacy while still granting access to hostel facilities and social spaces.

What is the typical price range for a bed in a top backpacker hostel?

Prices vary widely by location, but a dorm bed in a quality hostel usually ranges from $10–$40 USD per night, with popular destinations in Europe or major cities on the higher end.

Should I book hostels in advance or can I find walk-in deals?

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons or in popular destinations, to secure the best price and bed availability—last-minute walk-in options are limited and often more expensive.