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The best hostels in Cape Town

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cape Town

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Free parking is available, a tour desk can help to organise any day excursions and an airport shuttle at a charge. THE BIG is centrally located just a 5 minutes' walk to V&A Waterfront and Sea Point Promenade, The BIG offers a choice of modern private room or dormitory room accommodation. It features a pool, braai facilities and free Wi-Fi and a free breakfast.

I liked everything, especially how friendly, polite and helpful the staff was there, Ntombi and Joceline have helped me at all times regarding the hostel, and also advising me places of interest in the city, the area around the hostel is quiet and pleasant, the hostel is about 25 minutes from the airport, 20 minutes away is a large shopping center and also very close to the hostel there are restaurants and supermarkets. The rooms are cleaned daily. I really recommend it 100%,

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9.1
Superb
576 reviews
Price from
US$30
per night

Situated in Cape Town, 300 metres from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a bar, as well as barbecue facilities. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.

great staff, good location, easy in/out security gate w/ code. They even let me store my kiteboard bag for a month, while traveling around Africa to come back and pick it up on my way out of capetown. A lifesaver, not dragging a kitebag around

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9.7
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
US$47
per night

With minimalistic and modern design, the hostel offers en-suite private and dormitory rooms as well as a unique air-conditioned pod accommodation. Features include extra long beds, reading lights, electric plugs and lockable storage space. Linen and towels are provided.

The comfort and friendliness of the staff makes you feel relaxed and cared for.

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8.3
Very good
1,986 reviews
Price from
US$14
per night

The property offers modern, private rooms or dormitory accommodation. Most rooms have an en-suite bathroom while others share a communal bathroom. Each room is air-conditioned and the dormitories are fitted with bunk beds, international charging points, a compartment locker and reading lights on each bed.

Everything was really good except for the WiFi and a guy in my room that pissed in the middle of the night on someone else's stuff

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8.8
Fabulous
1,135 reviews
Price from
US$19
per night

Table Mountain is 5.3 km from Zebra Crossing Backpacker, while CTICC is 6.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 21 km from the hostel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Everything, easy to get to from airport, easy to find, accommodating staff. All were very helpful, even the guests. I do recommend that you have Uber of Bolt app if you don't have a vehicle. For those that are used to city noise and cars, my tiny room was perfect. It is the cold season so warm PJs and slippers would have been 🙂

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8.5
Very good
366 reviews
Price from
US$17
per night

Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Centre, Longstreet Backpackers features BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Free WiFi is available.

The Company’s Garden is 300 metres from Longstreet Backpackers, while Long Street Supermarket is 77 metres away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 21 km from Longstreet Backpackers.

Amazing people, good times! Staff are the best!

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8.1
Very good
973 reviews
Price from
US$8
per night

The property offers modern, private rooms or dormitory accommodations. All rooms have a private bathroom. Each room has a ceiling fan and the dormitories are fitted with bunk beds, international charging points, a compartment locker, and reading lights on each bed.

Superb value for money! Very clean & comfortable for an overnight stay. Perfect location for fab food and a good vibe in the evening right on the doorstep. And offstreet parking!

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8.3
Very good
657 reviews
Price from
US$19
per night

A Victorian mansion style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and the garden of the hostel offer views of the landscape.

Accommodations include bright dormitory rooms and private rooms. Some features normal bed or iron wrought bunk beds. All have a decor with designer touch.

The staff was very friendly and we liked having our room off to the side of the hostel. The internet worked well and the room was cozy.

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8.4
Very good
235 reviews
Price from
US$17
per night

The brightly coloured rooms have a South African décor. All rooms include a tea-and-coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. They also have safety deposit boxes, a hair dryer, and heaters for cold nights.

I felt very safe as a solo traveler, and loved the convenience of having restaurants and laundromat at walking distance. The heating pad/blanket kept me very warm at night!

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8.7
Fabulous
341 reviews
Price from
US$42
per night

Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common. With free Wi-Fi throughout, it has an outdoor pool and offers private and shared accommodation.

Sunflower rooms include lockers and simple furnishings. Some rooms include a private bathroom with a shower. Full linen is supplied and each room is cleaned daily.

Our registration into the property was seamless and we were ushered into our bunker beds with all the details we needed.. For a moment, we thought it was a little cramped but then it was our luggage panniers that took the place 😂 Great and friendly staff, good place to park my motorcycle and a very pleasant stay...

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8.2
Very good
761 reviews
Price from
US$16
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.
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  • THE BIG - Luxury Backpackers
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 575 reviews

    THE BIG is a newly renovated Luxury Hostel in Green Point, Cape Town and is the first of its kind.

    The staff and the vibe at the hostel were exeptional.

  • 91 Loop Boutique Hostel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,985 reviews

    Located in the city centre of Cape Town, 91 Loop is just a stroll away from Long Street and Green Market Square.

    The Staff was so respectful, helpful and welcoming

  • Never at Home Green Point
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,135 reviews

    Located in the trendy suburb of Green Point, never@home is a 5-star hostel situated within 800 metres of the Cape Town Stadium and 1 km from the V&A Waterfront.

    Great location and a lot of activities to choose from.

  • Zebra Crossing Backpacker
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 366 reviews

    Set in Cape Town, 3.1 km from Robben Island Ferry, Zebra Crossing Backpacker offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar.

    So relaxed and peaceful. Always a good atmosphere.

  • Never at Home Kloof Street
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 657 reviews

    Located on Kloof Street, we are within walking distance of a variety of parks, restaurants, bars, fashion boutiques, grocery stores, and of course, the famous Long Street!

    Lovely stay and Peter at reception was so helpful.

  • Ashanti Lodge Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 235 reviews

    A Victorian mansion style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and the garden of the hostel offer views of the landscape.

    It’s in a safe area and the property is very clean

  • A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 761 reviews

    Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common.

    proximity to delicatessen hotel’s & waterfront

  • WunderLux
    Budget options available
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 223 reviews

    Providing free WiFi throughout the property, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, garden and shared lounge, WunderLux is located in Cape Town.

    Location is very good and swimming pool area was okay

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Cape Town

  • Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge
    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 6 reviews

    Situated in Cape Town, 300 metres from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

  • House on the Hill
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 341 reviews

    House on the Hill is an eco-conscious, owner managed guest house located in Green Point, Cape Town, just 1 km from the V&A Waterfront. Tours including skydiving and shark cage diving can be arranged.

    Friendly and helpful staff. Clean room. Central location.

  • Serenity Shores Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 19 reviews

    Located in Cape Town and with Blouberg Beach reachable within 600 metres, Serenity Shores Backpackers provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Great location. Very clean. Everyone very friendly and helpful.

  • Long Street Backpackers
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 974 reviews

    Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Centre, Longstreet Backpackers features BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Free WiFi is available.

    All the staff, are warm, friendly, and very accommodating.

  • Urban Hive Backpackers
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,077 reviews

    Located within a heritage building with Victorian style architecture, Urban Hive Backpackers is set on buzzing Long Street in central Cape Town. Free WiFi is available throughout.

    Really nice staff and orientation - great location

  • The Lenox
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 122 reviews

    Set in Cape Town, 3.7 km from Robben Island Ferry, The Lenox offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

    Wow the bed was comfortable ..the staff the welcome me with a smile

  • Big Blue Backpackers
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 706 reviews

    Big Blue Backpackers is located in Green Point and within 10 minutes' walk from the famous V&A Waterfront. The Victorian mansion offers free WiFi connection, and it has an outdoor swimming pool.

    Rooms were clean and comfortable. Excellent location.

  • MoTown by Mojo
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 844 reviews

    Centrally located in Sea Point, MoTown offers free WiFi throughout and is just a 5-minute walk from the Mojo Market. The Sea Point Promenade and beach is 500 metres away.

    Everything, really cool spot. Staff are helpful and friendly.

  • Green Elephant Backpackers
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 467 reviews

    Located in the heart of Observatory in Cape Town, a lively student area, Green Elephant Backpackers offers budget accommodation. It features an outdoor pool and barbecue facilities.

    Loved the privacy and safety including bar on site

  • Auberge Gardens
    6.2
    Scored 6.2
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 229 reviews

    Situated in Cape Town, 3.8 km from Robben Island Ferry, Auberge Gardens features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a garden.

    I liked the layout of the room and the roof top bar

  • Kimberly Backpacker Hotel
    6.1
    Scored 6.1
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 16 reviews

    Boasting a shared lounge, a restaurant as well as a bar, Kimberly Backpacker Hotel is set in the centre of Cape Town, 3.2 km from Robben Island Ferry.

  • M & B Backpackers
    4.7
    Scored 4.7
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 3 reviews

    Conveniently located in Cape Town, M & B Backpackers offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

  • Home Away From Home
    3.6
    Scored 3.6
    Poor
    Rated poor
     · 10 reviews

    Featuring free WiFi, Home Away From Home offers accommodation in Cape Town, 3.8 km from V&A Waterfront and 1.6 km from CTICC.

  • Jerusalem Backpackers

    Conveniently set in the Woodstock district of Cape Town, Jerusalem Backpackers is set 4.4 km from Robben Island Ferry, 6 km from V&A Waterfront and 10 km from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

FAQ about hostels in Cape Town







Hostels that guests love in Cape Town

  • Avg. price/night: US$98.80
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 363 reviews
    Great location a couple of minutes' walk from the beach Comfortable, clean, corner room with private balcony and fantastic views of beach and mountains Private secure parking Huge comfortable bed Safe area Easy cheap Uber ride to Cape Town
    Kevin
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$43.91
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,093 reviews
    Felt very safe here! There was 24/7 security guards, and they were very nice, just like all the other staff at this hostel. The staff organised a transfer from the airport to hostel for me. This is definitely one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in! Easy to make friends; spacious dorm beds with privacy curtains; and in a good location, with a Woolworths within walking distance.
    Emily
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$50.84
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 366 reviews
    I don't even know where to start, but this is the best hostel I have ever been to. The staff is super nice, my room was super clean, they had enough bathrooms that I felt like I had my own, and their tour office has such a nice selection of activities at a reasonable price. Being a solo traveler, I felt safe and well treated, if not protected. Thank you for making my trip unforgettable.
    Margherita
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$76.84
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 575 reviews
    Best hostel I have been at so far. Nice design that feels like home. I felt safe 24/7 in this property and neighborhood. It is great for solo traveler as you might meet other people like you. The staff is amazing - kudos to you! Thank you for making my stay incredible! :)
    Manuela
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$50.84
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 366 reviews
    Nice general vibe, closed patio, kitchen available, hostel is rather cheap but rooms are also *very* basic in standard. Very close, may be 200 m, to main street with shops and restaurants. Nice and helpful owners. Reasonable WiFi. Good safety, everything behind double doors.
    Janusz
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: US$142.71
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,071 reviews
    Great location, walking distance from a small mall with shops like dischem, clicks and Woolworths which are great for essentials. Heated pool and Spa are divine. Both restaurants serve really lovely food. rooms are spacious and clean, staff are very helpful. And the overall area is very safe, perfect place for tourist looking to visit capetown as everything is a cheap, Uber away.
    Deloris
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$25.36
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 974 reviews
    I just had a wonderful stay at Longstreet backpackers. If you are looking for a safe, cozy and friendly place, this hostel and its amazing staff will deliver in abundance. Special shout out to Sofia and Kaya, hurry up and you might enjoy an extra dose of fun in a karaoke night with this beautiful pair of globetrotters.
    Joaquin
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$50.84
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 366 reviews
    Nice staff. Central and safe locations with lots of restaurants and bars in walking distance. Clean rooms, decent breakfast for a backpackers hostel.
    Tim
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$43.86
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 254 reviews
    We had the garden studio room. Technically everything we used "worked" and was functional. Good location. Also priced cheaply. So if you are traveling on a budget and need somewhere to crash for a night or two (similar to a hostel) then this is fine.
    D
    Daniel
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$67.05
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,135 reviews
    One of the best hostels i have been, friendy staff, facilities and rooms look new, private car park (50 rand), the bed and the room were big. Great location, 15 mins walk from waterfront. Felt super safe. It has a bar/restaurant inside, good vibe. It has some areas for working. Excelent
    carlos
    Solo traveller

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