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The 10 Best Hostels in San Francisco, USA

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Francisco

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Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Samesun San Francisco features air-conditioned rooms with cable flat-screen TV in the Marina District district of San Francisco. This 2-star hostel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.6 km from Crissy Field East Beach.

location, staff and accesability

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8.4
Very Good
3,060 reviews
Price from
$34.20
per night

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this Fisherman’s Wharf hostel features free WiFi throughout the property. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests and daily activities are offered.

Shared bathroom facilities are offered for both dormitory-style guest rooms and private guest rooms at HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel. Towels and linens are provided.

Amazing location, near every hot spot in the city, either walk or bike. Beakfast was ok. The beds were confy and the room was quite clean. I'll stay here again if I ever go back to SF.

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8.3
Very Good
1,642 reviews
Price from
$33.08
per night

Each room at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel showcases large windows. All rooms are decorated in cool tones and modern furnishings. Select rooms include an en suite bathroom, a sink and a mirror.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is 7 minutes’ walk from the Chinatown Gates. Shopping at Westfield Mall on Market Street is 5 minutes’ walk away.

No breakfast. Convenient location. Appreciate free coffee.

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8.4
Very Good
3,698 reviews
Price from
$39
per night

Located in San Francisco and within 1.4 km of San Francisco City Hall, Chapter San Francisco features a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 1.8 km from Union Square, 2.7 km from Ghirardelli Square and 3.1 km from Moscone Center. The accommodation provides a concierge service, and luggage storage for guests.

At the hostel each room includes a shared bathroom and bed linen.

Amazing Hostel in good location. Close to everything Helpful for late Check in

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8.9
Excellent
514 reviews
Price from
$37.40
per night

Boasting a shared lounge and free WiFi, ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is situated in San Francisco, 1 km from Union Square and 1.1 km from Coit Tower. The property is located 1.5 km from Moscone Center, 2 km from Pier 39 and 2.4 km from Ghirardelli Square. The accommodation features karaoke and a shared kitchen.

Oh man, this is by far my best ever hostel experience! The best location, the best staff, the best comfort, the best roommates, they have it all. Apart from the usual things like cleanliness, amenities and all where the hostel checks all marks, there were a few things I was concerned about before booking - => I've 3 bags will it be comfortable or not. While I was staying only 2 - 5 beds out of 8 in my room were occupied, so there was plenty of room for me. Even when full it has huge lockers that can have your backpacks inside and you can keep your trolley bag besides your bed. => There are too many stairs. The quiet dorm is on the third floor (second floor for me as I am used to having the ground floor as floor zero back home) which wasn't too many stairs at all. There are also chairs placed on every floor in case you need a breather before heading up. => Being an introvert will I be able to talk to people and spend good time in the city since I know no one there. A great aspect of this hostel is that most of the staff are volunteers and they are world travelers themselves. Which brings about a totally different perspective and it makes it so easier to have conversations with them. => What do I do in the city The hostel folks have so many interesting activities planned for each day of the week, that you'll definitely find something to do. They have an answer to almost all your touristy queries. => I'm traveling in Thanksgiving week and I don't have friends here. What would I do? The hostel manager (who's a gem of a person himself) and the staff arranged an amazing Thanksgiving dinner for us all. Made me feel like I was sitting among friends that I've known for so long and made my stay memorable. If people at the hostel are reading this, thank you so much for all that you do! Hoping to run into you amazing folks someday somewhere soon!

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8.8
Excellent
268 reviews
Price from
$36.58
per night

Music-themed, boutique lifestyle hotel & hostel, now with onsite bar & restaurant and newly renovated common areas. Stay comfortably in a private or shared room and take advantage of our capsule sleeping pods. Sleep with the stars in the home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame! Guests get access to free live entertainment six nights a week in our multiple music venues.

I was only here for one night. The staff went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable and address my needs. I felt cared for. I slept in the girls room. I had the top bed and it was sturdy and fairly quiet as I went up and down. Showers had hot water, internet was fast for video calls, decor of the place very nice.

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8.1
Very Good
851 reviews
Price from
$39
per night

Shared dormitory accommodation is offered by Green Tortoise Hostels San Francisco. Our Grand Ballroom is the heart of the hostel where people play music, make friends and unforgettable memories. The ballroom, where musicians are always invited to play, has a pool table, ping pong table, books, games, and complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. We also have a new designated quiet "Digital Nomad work space" We provide free Wi-Fi. Just off of the ballroom we have a fully equipped kitchen that is open 24 hours a day for you to use. We provide a guest fridge for you to store food, liquor, whatever you want!

I enjoyed my stay, i would recommend it if you want to be in a centric area. I took the bus literally everywhere. Also, I meet a lot of cool people from Germany, South Korea, Mexico, England, and Spain;There is a good vibe. The common area is very nice to hangout or work. I also liked the breakfast system. Don't be shy, literally almost everyone there is kind. They have fun activities going on during the week that you can participate and meet people on the bars near the hostel.

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8.8
Excellent
850 reviews
Price from
$36
per night

Located in Central San Francisco, Orange Village Hostel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. A fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi access are featured at this hostel.

Private rooms and male and female only dormitory rooms can be found at this hostel. All rooms have hardwood flooring, and dormitory rooms have backpack-sized lockers.

great stay, excellent staff, clean room

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7.8
Good
2,389 reviews
Price from
$37.80
per night

Conveniently located just 8 minutes' walk from San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square, Amsterdam Hostel places guests in Central San Francisco. Chinatown is 13 minutes' walk away, while entertainment venue The Masonic is just 5 minutes' walk away.

It's great hostel.... very close in my opinion to everything. Lovely restaurant very close too. Its extremely ideal for your stay in San Francisco

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7.5
Good
1,160 reviews
Price from
$28.75
per night

Built in 1907, this San Francisco hotel is 10 minutes’ walk to Union Square. Free WiFi and a TV with HBO film channels are offered in all guest rooms. Ferry Building Marketplace and Fisherman’s Wharf are just 2 miles away.

Everything was great and very welcoming. Very good location, close to the bus stops. I’ll come back there for sure!

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7.4
Good
157 reviews
Price from
$71.10
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travelers know there's 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 little more.
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  • Orange Village Hostel
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,389 reviews

    Located in Central San Francisco, Orange Village Hostel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. A fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi access are featured at this hostel.

    Best relation location/clean/comfy/price

  • Perramont Hotel
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 163 reviews

    A 5-minute walk from Duboce Park, this San Francisco hotel is in the Castro District. The Castro Theatre, shops and cafes are a 10-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi is provided in rooms.

    Friendly staff , great location, and value for the money

  • European Hostel
    Budget options available
    4.6
    Scored 4.6
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 543 reviews

    This San Francisco hostel is located 3 blocks from cable cars and the Civic Center. The hostel features a full-service kitchen and rooftop balcony with views of downtown.

    Nick is the best host! Made the stay great! Thanks!

  • Luz Hotel
    Budget options available
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 157 reviews

    Built in 1907, this San Francisco hotel is 10 minutes’ walk to Union Square. Free WiFi and a TV with HBO film channels are offered in all guest rooms.

    the staff. nicest staff I ever bump into!! no doubt

  • Pyramid Nightly Stays
    4.7
    Scored 4.7
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 3 reviews

    Well situated in the Financial District district of San Francisco, Pyramid Nightly Stays is located a 13-minute walk from Union Square, 0.7 miles from Coit Tower and a 19-minute walk from Moscone...

Great access to the city center! Check these hostels in San Francisco

  • ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 268 reviews

    Featuring a shared lounge, ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is located in San Francisco in the California region, a 12-minute walk from Union Square and 0.7 miles from Coit Tower.

    The guy was really helpful and considerate to my needs

  • Green Tortoise Hostel
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 849 reviews

    Located in the lively North Beach Little Italy district, this San Francisco hostel is just 3 minutes’ walk to the renowned City Lights Bookstore and the entertainment district. Free WiFi is provided.

    Shared breakfast with people from all over the world

  • HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 3,697 reviews

    Centrally located in San Francisco just 5 minutes’ walk from shopping and dining in Union Square, Each bright room is practically furnished.

    Everything was great, awesome vibe, free breakfast!

  • Samesun San Francisco
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 3,060 reviews

    Well located in the Marina District district of San Francisco, Samesun San Francisco is located 1.6 miles from Crissy Field East Beach, a 10-minute walk from Ghirardelli Square and 1.2 miles from Coit...

    Big room, quiet at night. Friendly staff. Great value.

  • Music City Hotel - Home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 851 reviews

    Music-themed, boutique lifestyle hotel & hostel, now with onsite bar & restaurant and newly renovated common areas.

    The dorms are nice, since you get a lot of privacy.

  • Adelaide Hostel
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 925 reviews

    This San Francisco hostel is conveniently located within 5 minutes’ walk of Union Square. Each guest room includes free Wi-Fi.

    Everything was good. Beds were comfortable and clean.

  • Amsterdam Hostel
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,160 reviews

    Conveniently located just 8 minutes' walk from San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square, Amsterdam Hostel places guests in Central San Francisco.

    Good beds, good location. Good kitchen. Good people.

FAQ about hostels in San Francisco







Hostels that guests love in San Francisco

  • Avg. price/night: $133.96
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 724 reviews
    Easily walkable to the train station and cable cars to connect to other parts of the city. Lots of restauratns and china town nearby. Felt safe. Room was simple, but all as expected. Mattresses were surprisingly comfortable. Wifi was very good. Parking costs extra but it was the cheapest parking rate by a lot that we saw while walking around nearby.
    Emma
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $116.31
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 977 reviews
    It was located right close to my conference, which was handy, but for a fraction of the cost. Front desk staff (at the other hotel) were reasonably responsive and helpful. It was the only place within my budget (that wasn’t a hostel), so here we are.
    Taylor
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $109.10
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 3,697 reviews
    Great location, easy to walk around and really safe. The facilities are great. And the hostel was very clean. I would stay there again for sure.
    Thais
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $109.16
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 268 reviews
    This place is one of the best hostels I've ever stayed at. The staff were so helpful and friendly. The location of the hostel is perfect and it’s in a nice and safe place. I would definitely be back to this place in the future.
    Shelby
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $80.61
    5.8
    Scored 5.8
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 726 reviews
    Super convenient location and affordable price are the only pros. Better than a bunk bed in a shared room in the hostel, so will do for a couple of nights if you are young, on a very tight budget and NOT a light sleeper.
    Gari
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $97.09
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,768 reviews
    This is literally the best hostel I have stayed at in over 4 months of travelling around the world. Its free amenities, fair prices for a central San Francisco area location and immaculately clean facilities make it the best budget open in San Fran.
    Jamie
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: $161.94
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 303 reviews
    Excellent. What a budget hotel should be. Staff was great, all 4 of them, even the security guy was nice. Room was clean, bathroom was clean despite of being shared. Great location. they kept my bags locked safely before and after check in and out for no extra charge.
    gilles
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $109.10
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 3,697 reviews
    Listen up solo travelers: this hostel is perfect for you. I felt safe all the time and had an awesome week here in San Francisco. You’ll meet so many new people in the hostel and together (or alone) you can discover the beautiful city. If you need more input HI downtown hostel also provides a lot of information about awesome activities! I loved it here and will definitely come back!
    A
    Anonymous
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $109.10
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 3,697 reviews
    Bunk beds are great: not shaky even the top one) and équipes with USB and regular power sockets as well as a small shelf (Very convenient to put glasses, phone and other small valuables when sleeping). Great kitchen, living room, lobby. Great location. Staff helpful and friendly. Built-in laundry with good Quality machines and cheap prices. 10/10 recommend
    Michael
    Solo traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $152.88
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,007 reviews
    Old fashioned with all the pluses and minuses from that. Helpful staff, almost feels like family. Old-fashioned decor. No A/c but ceiling fan. Best shower in SF. Big safe. Continental breakfast on each floor from 7.00am. 12.00pm check-out. Happy to keep luggage before and after stay. Avis/budget across the street. And GREAT location for Union Square etc. Altogether fantastic value for the modest price.
    Candid Mark
    Solo traveler

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