Skip to main content

The 10 Best Hostels in Cape Town, South Africa

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cape Town

Filter by:


Review Score

Wonderful: 9+ Very Good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
Our top picks Lowest Price First Star rating and price Top reviewed

See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates.

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%,

Show more Show less
9.1
Wonderful
559 reviews
Price from
$43
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

Show more Show less
9.7
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
$45
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.

Friendly staff and great location, pretty close to the hostel lots of food options(my favorite was Pescerado, a Portugese Fish and chips option) One of the best shower experiance of the continent.

Show more Show less
8.3
Very Good
1,919 reviews
Price from
$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.

Private room was excellent: daily fresh towels, super clean, Netflix, aircondition, coffee/tea. What’s app group for social stuff with other guests, which was brilliant! Organized tours with hostel. Cheap and good burgers and beer in the bar.

Show more Show less
8.7
Excellent
1,122 reviews
Price from
$18
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.

Beautiful place , clean and very peaceful

Show more Show less
8.5
Very Good
359 reviews
Price from
$15
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.

What shall I say? Sometimes its not the materialistic what makes a stay beautiful - no the people are. I had a wonderful time on longstreet. This special vibing street with its wonderful people. But beware Longstreet makes addictive. Once there you never want to leave and out of a sudden you find your mind drifting away in thoughts about moving to SA.

Show more Show less
8.1
Very Good
946 reviews
Price from
$7
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.

Amazing place! Excellent location, wonderful staff and very clean environment.

Show more Show less
8.3
Very Good
645 reviews
Price from
$20
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.

Bed was great, shower was fantastic!

Show more Show less
8.4
Very Good
231 reviews
Price from
$16
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.

Family room is cozy, is equipped with all the essentials, and comfy!

Show more Show less
8.7
Excellent
342 reviews
Price from
$40
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.

Spacious rooms, very friendly and helpful staff, clean, wooden framed bunk beds, great location

Show more Show less
8.2
Very Good
760 reviews
Price from
$15
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.
Search hostels in Cape Town

Most booked hostels in Cape Town this month

Save money on hostels in Cape Town – budget options available!

  • THE BIG - Luxury Backpackers
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 559 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
     · 1,919 reviews

    Located in the city center 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
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,121 reviews

    Located in the trendy suburb of Green Point, never@home is a 5-star hostel located within 2625 feet of the Cape Town Stadium and 0.6 mi from the V&A Waterfront.

    Awesome friendliness of all staff. Clean at all areas.

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

    Located in Cape Town, 2 miles from Robben Island Ferry, Zebra Crossing Backpacker has accommodations 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
     · 645 reviews

    Located on the vibrant Kloof Street. Offering free Wi-Fi, it is 1640 feet from De Waal Park and 1.2 mi from the Castle of Good Hope. Kloof Street offers single beds in dorms with a shared bathroom.

    Lovely stay and Peter at reception was so helpful.

  • Ashanti Lodge Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 231 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

  • Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 17 reviews

    Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and water sports facilities in Cape Town.

    Great hostel vibe that made me feel at home instantly.

  • Auberge Gardens
    Budget options available
    6.1
    Scored 6.1
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 202 reviews

    Located in Cape Town, 2.3 miles from Robben Island Ferry, Auberge Gardens has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and a garden.

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

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

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

    Located in Cape Town, a 4-minute walk from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

  • Serenity Shores Backpackers
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 18 reviews

    Located in Cape Town and with Blouberg Beach reachable within a 6-minute walk, Serenity Shores Backpackers provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

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

  • House on the Hill
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 342 reviews

    House on the Hill is an eco-conscious, owner managed guest house located in Green Point, Cape Town, just 0.6 mi from the V&A Waterfront.

    Friendly and helpful staff. Clean room. Central location.

  • A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 760 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

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

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

    The place was nice and best of all It's very convenient.

  • Urban Hive Backpackers
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,068 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

    Located in Cape Town, 2.3 miles from Robben Island Ferry, The Lenox provides accommodations 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
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 696 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
     · 829 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 1640 feet away.

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

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

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

    Loved the privacy and safety including bar on site

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

    Featuring a shared lounge, a restaurant as well as a bar, Kimberly Backpacker Hotel is located in the center of Cape Town, 2 miles from Robben Island Ferry.

  • M & B Backpackers

    Located conveniently in the center of Cape Town, M & B Backpackers has air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

FAQ about hostels in Cape Town







Hostels that guests love in Cape Town

  • Avg. price/night: $46.51
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,060 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $54.86
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 359 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $62.19
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 559 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $54.86
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 359 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: $180.29
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 2,083 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: $24.14
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 946 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $54.86
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 359 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
  • 7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 256 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: $63.84
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,121 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $39.19
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,068 reviews
    Best hostel experience ever! Great location with cool people. And the staff was amazing. They cared about the guests so much. We could leave our luggage after check out for almost one more day, we could use their printer for our boarding pass and we could even borough an adapter for European plugs. Will come back :)
    Catharina
    Young couple

Research, refine, and make plans for your whole trip