Ah, the Windy City. From Millennium Park to killer culture, friendly locals, and a food scene that’ll have you loosening your belt, it’s no surprise people flock to America’s third-largest city.
Backpackers find themselves coming to Chicago for that unique vibe that hits different. But let’s not sugarcoat it—this city is pricey. You’ll need to watch your wallet (looking at you, deep-dish pizza), but if you play it smart, Chicago’s blend of culture, history, and edge is worth every penny.
Here’s the kicker: despite being one of the busiest cities in the US, Chicago’s got only a handful of hostels. And like most of America’s hostel scene, some are a bit… well, less shiny than you’d like. They also tend to fill up fast.
But don’t panic—I’ve done the legwork (boots on the ground, fingers on the keyboard). My ultimate guide to the best hostels in Chicago is here to get you sorted in no time.
Ready? Grab a slice of pizza for the road and let’s dive in.
Photo: Sasha Savinov
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Chicago
- Best Overall Hostel in Chicago – Freehand Chicago
- Best Hostel in Chicago for Solo Travelers – Stay 424
- Best Cheap Hostel in Chicago – HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Chicago – Wrigley Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chicago – Chicago Getaway Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Chicago
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Chicago’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring the city ASAP.
1. Freehand Chicago – Best Overall Hostel in Chicago
- Dorm (mixed): From $39
- Private Room: From $129
- Address: 19 E Ohio Street, Chicago, USA
The award-winning Freehand Chicago is one of the best hostels in the USA, let alone in Chicago! Freehand has been operating since 2015, and its team KNOWS what backpackers really want and need.
Housed in a 1927 building, Freehand is filled with modern decor along with a nice dose of old-school charm. The hostel has plenty of amenities that will satisfy virtually all travelers and even boasts a cocktail bar.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Located near Michigan Avenue
- Insta-worthy design
- Cocktail bar
Freehand caters to all travelers, and most likely has at least something that appeals to you. Free breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and other facilities like a laundry room, luggage storage, and bicycle rentals are just some of the things that you’ll find during your stay. Key card access keeps this top hostel in Chicago secure and reception is staffed around the clock. With an onsite café, a bar, and a shared kitchen, there’s certainly no reason for you to go hungry (or thirsty) here. Feeling active? Just hit up the on-site fitness center!
Digital nomads will also appreciate the trendy common area which also features a TV and plenty of couches for your quintessential hostel jam-seshes. Plus, its location in the city center makes it the perfect place to kick off virtually any Chicago itinerary as Millennium Park is just around the corner.
You can choose between two options: dormitory-styled rooms or private rooms. Keep in mind that the 4-person dorms are small, with both mixed and female-only sleeping arrangements. There are also private rooms, which are spacious and comfortable but will absolutely take the “budget backpacker friendly” part out of the deal.
2. Stay 424 – Best Hostel in Chicago for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $67
- Private Room: From $95
- Address: 1415 N. Ashland Ave, Suite #424, Chicago, USA
Branding itself as a space for creators, Stay 424 is a creative space in the city for those who want to be around like-minded souls. Tucked in Chicago’s eclectic creative district, this hostel combines affordable comfort with a buzzing social atmosphere, making it easy to connect, create, and dive into the city’s energy.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Social
- Cool Artsy Vibes
- Creative District
The space itself is beautifully designed with a modern, artistic edge that’s a joy to hang out in, with clean, comfy rooms that cover all the essentials. It’s got tons of great transport links nearby too, making exploring other parts of the city a breeze.
The common area and onsite restaurant are ideal places to hang out and strike up a chat with fellow travelers. Wi-Fi is also free, and the common areas are the best way to kick it back and connect with other creatives after a day of working or exploring the city.
3. HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Chicago
- Dorm (mixed): From $40
- Private Room: From $89
- Address: 24 E Ida B Wells Drive, Illinois, Chicago, USA
HI Chicago Hostel is the best choice for those backpacking Chicago on a budget! The design is on point, and the common rooms make it a breeze to meet fellow travelers from across the globe. Ideal for a mix of co-working and laid-back hangs with other travelers, HI Chicago has the perfect setup. With pool and ping pong tables and tons of activities, this place truly understands solo backpacker life—a rarity in the U.S., to be honest.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible common spaces
- In the city center
- Plenty of activities to choose from!
HI also has a pretty sweet cafe and restaurant on-site, along with daily free breakfast so you can save those precious dollars. There are single-sex dorms with space for anywhere from four to ten people as well as private rooms for two (with shared bathrooms). It’s also a fantastic choice for solo female travelers as dorms are split by gender, which always adds a layer of security when bunking it with strangers.
The location is super central too; just a short walk away from Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Halsted Street. If you want to decompress after a day of city living, Lake Michigan is a short walk away too. Forget splashing out money on ubers, all you need is your own two feet.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Wrigley Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Chicago
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $121
- Address: 3514 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, USA
The hip and happening Wrigley Hostel is the best party hostel in Chicago, and it’s easy to see why. Located in Wrigleyville, the party center of the Windy City, Wrigley Hostel is but a short swagger from the best of Chicago’s bars, clubs, and restaurants.
It’s also right across the street from Wrigley Stadium, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to hit up a ball game. What’s more, is that the Red Line metro is only a 2-minute walk away, so you can easily explore other parts of the city too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super social vibes
- Incredible location
- Funky design
Whether you’re looking to grab some happy hour beers with new mates or party the night away at a fancy club, you can get started right in the hostel as it has its own on-site bar!
Plus, you can enjoy a game of pool, ping pong, or darts in the common areas. Wrigley also offers social events like BBQs on their epic outdoor deck as well as energetic pub crawls.
Want to see more of the city by day? Rent a bicycle! Another sweet amenity is the free Sunday breakfast to help you feel better after a wild weekend in Chicago.
5. Chicago Getaway Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Chicago
- Dorm (mixed): From $41
- Private Room: From $76
- Address: 616 West Arlington Place, Chicago, Chicago, USA
The award-winning Chicago Getaway Hostel is a large hostel in the Lincoln Park area that’s the absolute best choice for digital nomads. The massive hostel can accommodate more than 450 guests—so needless to say, there are certainly plenty of opportunities here to meet new friends in Chicago! While it might not be the cheapest Windy City hostel to choose from, the amazing amenities and spacious chill areas make it ideal for almost anyone–but especially for those living the digital nomad life.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- It’s HUGE!
- Free Wi-Fi and computer stations
- Movie nights
Chicago Getaway Hostel is the best choice for digital nomads thanks to its highly social atmosphere and amazing workspaces. You for sure won’t find a better place to be productive than here, AND you’ll likely get to meet other nomads doing the same.
This extra-large hostel features a modern and airy design in one of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods: Lincoln Park. Its huge kitchen has plenty of space to cook your own meals in, and makes it easy to be able to chill with popcorn at daily movie nights. Breakfast is filling and free, and you can also utilize laundry services and bicycles for an additional fee. Do note that while lockers are provided in the dorms, locks aren’t so bring your own travel lock to avoid an upcharge for the ones they sell.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Chicago Hostels and Budget Stays
Not happy with the top picks? Don’t worry–a few more Chicago youth hostels are comin’ at ya! Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into your city adventures without wasting time.
Are you rallying up the troops for a big ‘old getaway to the Windy City? Why not check out my favorite Airbnbs in Chicago too? If there’s enough of you you might even find it to be cheaper than hostels!
Found Chicago powered by Sonder
- Private Room: From $138
- Address: 613 North Wells Street, River North, Chicago, 60654, United States
Alright, so this place isn’t technically a hostel, but if you’re rolling with a crew, Found Chicago powered by Sonder has two-to-four-bed rooms that can actually work out cheaper than hostel beds—and you still get those hotel perks. This stylish boutique hostel-hotel hybrid is close to downtown Chicago and the Magnificent Mile, giving you prime access to Chicago’s best spots. Keycard access keeps things secure, and the staff are friendly and always willing to give you their hidden gems for the city.
Plus, there’s a killer restaurant, a bar, and even a karaoke lounge when nights get a little wild. Free airport transfers mean no stressing about finding a place near the airport—just a sweet bonus on top of a great stay!
Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace
- Private Room: From $159
- Address: 3434 North Broadway, Lakeview, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
If the Chicago youth hostels above didn’t quite do it for you, the Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace might be your perfect budget pick in the city. It’s affordable, with a wide range of rooms and suites with private bathrooms, plus all the guest perks you could ask for. Each room comes with a microwave, fridge, tea and coffee setup, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and even a hairdryer—some rooms even throw in a hot tub for a bit of extra flair.
Free breakfast kicks off each day, and there’s a fitness center, sauna, and Jacuzzi on-site to help you unwind after a day of exploring. The garden’s a chilled-out spot to unwind, making this a solid budget option if you’re traveling with a mate or your other half.
Chicago Parthenon Hostel
Chicago Parthenon Hostel is up there with the best cheap hostels in the Windy City—it has absolutely everything backpackers could want. Cheap prices, a chill common room with plenty of books, a city center location, and even a pub in the lobby! Dorm beds roll in at wallet-friendly prices, as Parthenon is one of the cheapest hostels in Chicago.
While it might not be as fancy as some of the city’s other top hostels, it’s affordable, cozy, and easy to venture out from as it’s located in the quiet and safe Greektown West Loop area.
Hollywood Sensation Home
Hollywood Sensation Home is a budget hotel in Chicago that offers everything you need for a good night’s sleep. Rooms share bathrooms and there’s also a shared kitchen. Wi-Fi is free. Each cozy room has storage space and plenty of homey touches. Entry to the house is by a keypad.
Holiday Jones
Holiday Jones is a recommended hostel in Chicago that can be found in Wicker Park, a trendy area that’s within easy reach of public transit. Grab an empanada from the small cafe located inside the hostel or recharge your batteries in the sociable common area. After a long day of exploring Chicago, veg in front of the TV or have a game of foosball to break the ice with other travelers.
There’s a small kitchen if you want to keep costs down and cook your own grub and the lobby area is a great place to sit and check emails and keep in touch with people back at home.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Chicago
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Chicago.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Chicago
Here are some of the most common questions (and their answers!) that backpackers ask about hostels in Chicago:
What to Pack for your Chicago Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Chicago?
A dorm bed (mixed or female only) can cost anything between $28-$50. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $80-$115.
Where is the best place to stay in Chicago?
If you’re traveling to Chicago on a budget, The Loop has you smack bang in the middle of Chicago’s main sights so you’re never far away from the city’s best bits. If an artsy vibe and buzzing nightlife are more your thing, River North has you covered.
What are the best Chicago hostels with private rooms?
Check out HI Chicago, The J.Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel if you’re travelling with a partner. It has some swanky private rooms and a central location that serves as a perfect base for city exploring.
Final Thoughts on Chicago’s Hostels
Chicago may not be the cheapest city on the block, but for backpackers who know where to look, it’s a city that delivers big-time rewards.
Your only danger (aside from going too hard on a food tour) is missing out on a killer hostel! With so few hostels on the scene, they get booked up FAST. So don’t sleep on it, get in there.
Still unsure on where to stay? Freehand Chicago has my vote every time. Its location can’t be beaten, it’s clean, modern AND has a pretty good social scene. I think that’s more than you can ask for of 99% of hostels in America.
So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and dive into the Windy City—it might just surprise you. And if you find a hidden gem of a pizza spot drop me a comment below, I’m always looking for the next best spot. Happy travels!
Photo: Sasha Savinov
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Chicago for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Chiang Mai covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Chicago if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Chicago before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
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