Cape Town is many things to different travellers, but it’s fairly universally considered one of the most beautiful cities on planet Earth. Cape Town has a lot to offer, from Table Mountain and the natural wonder to the quirky, backpacker-friendly city streets.
But with so many accommodation options, it can be difficult and overwhelming to know which hostel to book. And, the average price of hostels here is pretty steep (depending on where you’re comparing it to, obviously), but I’ve got you…
This is exactly why I made this list of the best hostels in Cape Town.
Organised by YOUR travel needs, this list of the best hostels in Cape Town will show you some of the finest properties on offer. Cape Town hostels are definitely the way to go when you are backpacking South Africa. There is a great selection of Cape Town hostels spread throughout the city centre, the V A Waterfront and some with views of Table Mountain.
Whether you are looking to party, chill, get some work done, or get some privacy, this is the list of the best hostels in Cape Town. I will show you the best options so you can book your hostel quickly, and focus on what matters – backpacking Cape Town!
Let’s get into it!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Cape Town
- Best Overall Hostel in Cape Town – The B.I.G.
- Best Hostel in Cape Town for Solo Travelers – 91 Loop
- Best Cheap Hostel in Cape Town – Ashanti Lodge Gardens
- Best Party Hostel in Cape Town – Long Street Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cape Town – Never At Home Green Point
Photo: @rizwaandharsey
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The 5 Best Hostels in Cape Town
Different people look for different things in a hostel. Luckily, Cape Town’s hostel scene caters to everyone! These are the best hostels in Cape Town to check into while you’re backpacking South Africa.
1. The B.I.G. – Best Overall Hostel in Cape Town
- Dorm (mixed): From $43/night
- Private Room: From $96/night
- Address: 18 Thornhill Road, Green Point, Green Point, 8005 Cape Town
My top Cape Town hostel, The B.I.G. is a boutique hostel in Green Point, ideally located close to all the best places in Cape Town. The small dorms have large lockers, big enough to fit your whole backpacks inside, for your security. The hostel has a spacious and well-organised shared kitchen and a cosy common room that feels just like you’re sitting in your mate’s living room.
The many arty touches will appeal to creative characters. The swimming pool can be hard to ignore on a hot day – why not have a poolside BBQ? Plus there are freebies, holla!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Free Breakfast
- Outdoor Pool
The BIG has air conditioned rooms which is a serious rarity in Cape Town hostels! So if you’re someone who doesn’t handle heat well, spend that extra money and check in here. The outdoor pool is also fantastic for a cool down if you run hot.
There’s an epic social common room where you can find friends to climb Table Mountain or just chill and play board games with. If you’re on a saving money spree, the supermarket is close by, most things are within walking distance – epic for keeping fit while travelling. Green Point Stadium is 10 minutes walk away and if you have a big night out, rest easy in anticipation of free breakfast every morning!
The doms range in size and style so you’re sure to find a bed to suit your travel needs at The BIG. What I love about the rooms here is that each room has a bathroom en suite – luxury compared to some hostels! The crowd here is social but it’s definitely not a party hostel so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.
2. 91 Loop – Best Hostel in Cape Town for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $19/night
- Private Room: From $40/night
- Address: 91 Loop Street , Cape Town CBD, 8001 Cape Town
A sociable and comfortable Cape Town backpackers hostel, 91 Loop has heaps of facilities and freebies. Modern and clean, it’s right in the centre of vibrant Cape Town. Funky artwork covers the courtyard walls and inside you’ll find a restaurant-cum-bar (where guests enjoy discounts!) and a tour desk.
With the epic central location, you’re in a great position to wander the V&A Waterfront with your new hostel mates. Whether you choose to park up on the waterfront with a pint or peruse the cool and quirky streets of the city, it’s accessible. Long Street and Bree Street are backpacker favourites and hot places to be if you’re travelling solo and looking to be social.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Airport Transfers
- Free Wifi
- 24 Hour Reception
The dorms here range in accommodations from pods, with lockers, reading lights, and individual power outlets, to private rooms. The rooms vary in configuration so if you’re travelling solo and want the social buzz, you can feel safe and secure in a pod… Or, you can book a private room, your choice to make bedtimes more comfortable during your stay in Cape Town.
Free Wi-Fi and inclusive breakfasts sweeten any stay and add into the mix the amazing staff, you’ll be in – love with – the loop! The chatty staff members arrange various fun events and competitions throughout the week, such as free walking tours, drinking games, quizzes, and live music. All in all, this is the best hostel in Cape Town for solo travellers.
3. Ashanti Lodge Gardens – Best Cheap Hostel in Cape Town
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $50/night
- Address: 11 Hof Street, Gardens, 8001 Cape Town
Ashanti Lodge Gardens is a cool backpackers hostel in Cape Town, offering comfort, class, fun, and antics. Unwind by the swimming pool or in the TV room, sunbathe on the deck or grab a cue, rack the balls (!!!) and play some pool. Or, you can live it up large at the onsite bar.
Although, if you’re looking at my cheapest hostel in Cape Town you’re probably not going to be throwing dollars around drinking… Now that I read that sentence back, actually, you’re probably staying in the cheapest hostel so you can do exactly that! While it’s not the cheapest hostel, it’s marginally higher than the average price of Cape Town hostels, but the freebies make up the difference.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Outdoor Pool
- Save money with the shared kitchen
- Magnificent views of Table Mountain
Dormitory beds have private lockers, power outlets, and reading lights, and there’s a female-only dorm in addition to the mixed rooms. Mix up mealtimes between the onsite restaurant/bar and busting out your best MasterChef moves (and save money!) in the kitchen. Breakfast is free too so woohoo, thank you Ashanti Lounge for hooking it up for the broke backpackers!
With the location in the city centre, views of Table Mountain and an incredible 30-year tenure, you can trust you’ll be in safe hands. These guys want to support you on your quest to travel the world and enjoy the beauty of Cape Town while helping you save money. Ashanti Lodge has an amazing staff, renowned for making their guests feel safe and at home, without discrimination.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Long Street Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Cape Town
- Dorm (mixed): From $12/night
- Private Room: From $44/night
- Address: 209 Long Street, Cape Town CBD, 8000 Cape Town
If you’re backpacking Cape Town and looking for the best party hostel, look no further my friends. Long Street Backpackers know how to have fun. It’s the way they roll.
Slap bang in party central, Long Street is bursting with bars, clubs, and places to grab a bite to eat. Don’t eat out on Sundays though—everyone at Long Street Backpackers gets free stew! The onsite bar keeps the cheap beer flowing and the people make everything way too beautiful.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- City centre party central location
- Board games and daily activities
- Amazing staff!
Safe and secure, the hostel provides everything you need to recharge your batteries too. There’s a pool table, chill-out room, kitchen so you can save money and stick to your budget, and outdoor areas to meet people. The amazing staff at Long Street Backpackers go above and beyond to help their guests enjoy their time in Party Central.
Dorms range from bunk beds to private rooms and have a very budget-friendly average price… Especially when you take into account the free Sunday dinners and group activities, from karaoke to beer pong to board games!
Staying at Long Street Backpackers, you’ll be within walking distance of all the wonderful hubbub of Cape Town’s city centre. Cape Town Hostels are an absolute mixed bag but Long Street Backpackers is one for the books – trust me on this.
5. Never At Home Green Point – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Cape Town
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $72/night
- Address: 107 Main Road, Green Point, 8051 Cape Town
Great staff, great location, great dorms, what more could you ask for during your stay in one of the great Cape Town hostels?! Never at Home Green Point is a bomb destination for digital nomads and there are even air conditioned rooms, it’s part of the charm. This Cape Town hostel is super secure and has reliable electricity – a necessity for digital nomads.
The location is perfect, in the city centre on the V&A Waterfront, within walking distance to all the amenities you need to feel at home. There’s an on-site bar which is known as a top backpacker bar for good reason which means you’ll have plenty of fun after hours. While there’s fun to be had, there’s also plenty of space to set up and work and it’s easy enough to find a quiet corner.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great location a stone’s throw from the FIFA Cape Town Stadium Green Point
- Private rooms with space to work
- Outdoor pool
This hostel is a great option for solo travellers living the digital nomad life, there are so many spots to hang out. Whether you want to tuck yourself away in the large lounge and chill out with a book from the book swap after your work day… Or make the most of the extensive amount of workspace and on-site restaurant and dig deep to get that work done, anything’s possible!
Whether you prefer to mingle and have a bed in a dorm room or have your space and sleep in a private room, you choose. The dorms range in size from four to 12 beds so if you like to balance work and pleasure, this place can be party-central. There’s a TV room too if you just want to kick back.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Cape Town Hostels
Need a bit more inspiration? I’ve got you covered with more of the best of the Cape Town hostels. There’s definitely plenty to choose from!
6. Zebra Crossing
- Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
- Private Room: From $48/night
- Address: 82 New Church Street, Gardens, 8001 Cape Town
The tranquil Zebra Crossing is a place for peace and Zen-like calm. The family-friendly pad is ideal for backpackers who value time and space to chill. Privacy-seeking solo travellers can check in to a single room, and there are also private rooms for two or three as well as an eight-bed dorm.
You’ll definitely be able to find your happy place between the two lounges and the large courtyard. Whip up a feast in the kitchen or the outdoor BBQ or grab something tasty from the café. Wi-Fi is free and there’s a tour desk.
7. Cape Surf Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $45/night
- Address: 29 Dolphin Drive, 7441 Cape Town
Just 100 metres from Bloubergstrand beach, endless days of soaking up the sun, swimming, and riding the waves await you at Cape Surf Hostel. This could be the coolest, and one of the best cheap hostels in Cape Town. You can really bond with new buddies, with just eight people per house.
Each of the three spacious houses has its own bathrooms, kitchen, and lounge, so you have plenty of your own space… But everyone can come together at the swimming pool, BBQ area, and outside social areas. There’s no Wi-Fi, but travellers benefit from lockers, luggage storage, bike parking, and useful travel advice.
8. Villa Viva Cape Town
- Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
- Private Room: From $50/night
- Address: 74 New Church Street, Gardens, 8001 Cape Town
Villa Viva Cape Town has a long-standing reputation, a great location, sense of community spirit, that welcomes backpackers. There are eco-friendly ideas, friendly vibes, and top-class facilities at this Cape Town Hostel. The hostel can sleep up to 100 people through its trendy dorms and rooms, and housekeeping services are provided.
Tuck into a filling, free breakfast and savour tasty dishes from the restaurant if you don’t dig cooking. Other awesome stuff includes a swimming pool, community gift shop, tour desk, ATM, and free Wi-Fi.
9. A Sunflower Stop
- Dorm (mixed): From $17/night
- Private Room: From $57/night
- Address: 179 Main Road, Green Point, Green Point, 8001 Cape Town
Situated in the city centre, A Sunflower Stop is one of the all-round best hostels in Cape Town. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed and people meet and mingle at the swimming pool, in the bar, and in the lounge. Buddy up with like-minded souls to cook dinner or head out with your new pals for days and nights about town.
A sunny place in Cape Town, A Sunflower Stop isn’t lacking when it comes to handy amenities… There’s free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and all-day coffee, laundry facilities, a tour desk, book exchange, currency exchange, bike hire, and more!
10. Aloha Lodge
- Private Room: From $50/night
- Address: 6 Algoa Road, 7441 Cape Town
The cheerful and helpful staff members are a huge plus point for Aloha Lodge, the staff make sure all guests are having a wonderful time. Watch a stunning sunset from the beach, cool off in the swimming pool, and cook up a storm in the kitchen.
Outside, you can perfect your BBQing skills, socialise in the bar, and challenge new buddies to a game of pool. There are also laundry facilities (got to be done at some point!) a book exchange, and free Wi-Fi at this recommended hostel in Cape Town.
11. Big Blue Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $16/night
- Private Room: From $40/night
- Address: 7 Vesperdene Road, Green Point, Green Point, 8005 Cape Town
The Big Blue Backpackers does not have air conditioned rooms but they do have a sweet outdoor pool that you can get fresh in! If ya know what I mean? Jokes aside, there are board games in case you get bored, and the combination of the vibe and the on-site bar makes that unlikely.
The dorms range from six to 11 beds and there are mixed and single gender options. There’s a slightly below average price which is always welcome on the road and The Big Blue Backpackers know the road. As a very longstanding one of the Cape Town hostels, The Big Blue Backpackers is a great hostel in the city centre on the waterfront.
12. Light House Lodge
The budget prices don’t mean that they scrimp here; facilities include an outdoor pool, café, terrace, common room, book exchange, and kitchen. You can catch up with your dirty washing here too. Wi-Fi is free and the jobs board comes in handy if you’re planning to stick around and work for a while.
Dorms range from four to 14, and there are private twin, double, and family rooms too. Add Light House Lodge to your list of great Cape Town hostels.
13. Atlantic Point Backpackers
An award-winning accommodation, Atlantic Point Backpackers is a terrific youth hostel in Cape Town. There’s breakfast and Wi-Fi are free and the modern and chic hostel has a well-equipped kitchen, BBQ and travel desk. There’s a TV lounge, and entertainment room with a pool table and board games too.
The bar is a great place to meet other guests and the swimming pool lets you cool off in the scorching South African sunshine. Sleeping options include mixed and ladies-only dorms and various-sized private rooms. Airport transfers are easily arranged; you don’t need to hunt down a Cape Town hostel near the airport.
14. Bohemian Lofts Backpackers
The child- and pet-friendly Bohemian Lofts Backpackers has heaps to put a smile on your face. Clean and comfy, the amazing double rooms are like accommodation from a boutique hotel, making it one of the best Cape Town hostels for couples. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi help you save money in addition to cooking your own meals in the communal kitchen.
Relaxed and friendly, there’s a tour desk and steam room to get sweaty together – interesting combo but there it is. The location, in Observatory, is terrific, with shops, restaurants, bars, and more nearby, making it one of the best of Cape Townhostels. If you’re travelling as a couple and like the look of this spot, check out these guesthouses in Cape Town – they’re super affordable!
15. Awesome Backpackers
Free Wi-Fi combined with plenty of places to sit and work makes Awesome Backpackers, a great hostel for digital nomads in Cape Town. Heck, you could even check your emails and make some money while sitting right by the swimming pool.
Isn’t that just the stuff that travellers’ dreams are made of?! Don’t just work, though; treat yourself to a soak in the Jacuzzi and let your hair down in the evenings with the fun parties.
16. 33 South Backpackers
An energetic hostel, 33 South Backpackers knows how to party! One of the coolest hostels in Cape Town, there’s something fun every night of the week. Fridays are especially popular with the lively BBQ and plenty of meaty deliciousness.
Free walking tours show you the sights of the surrounding youthful area—Observatory—and you can easily book tours and surf lessons onsite too. Freebies include breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi and home comforts include laundry facilities, a shared kitchen, a terrace, and a book exchange. All guests have a locker and the dorms have bags of style.
17. The Surf Shack
A top one of the Cape Town hostels for sporty souls and travellers who crave adventure, The Surf Shack excels at thrills and excitement. Mellow and carefree, live the beach life in comfort and discover the nearby beach and vibrant local area. Surfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding are just a few ways to get the adrenalin pumping.
Outside there’s a swimming pool and patio, hammocks, BBQ, and sun loungers, while indoors you can relax in two cosy lounges. TVs, music, a pool table, PS3, and a dart board well and truly send boredom packing. Other top-notch facilities include a kitchen, laundry facilities, parking, and secure storage for sports gear, it’s an epic one of the fabulous Cape Town hostels.
18. Cape Town Backpackers
The award-winning Cape Town Backpackers hostel has everything you need for a home-from-home in Cape Town, plus a huge selection of rooms. There are mixed and female-only dorms ranging from four to seven as well as private rooms. You can cook for yourself in the kitchen or BBQ or help to support local projects by eating delicious local fare in the café.
There are many shared spaces to chill and mingle, and there are heaps of trendy shops and cafes almost outside the door. Free Wi-Fi, a tour desk, laundry facilities, and lockers make this a recommended hostel in Cape Town.
19. Simon’s Town Backpackers
Located 40 kilometres from Cape Town, Simon’s Town Backpackers is close to nature and exploring the gorgeous Cape Peninsula. There are tons of cool adventures to be found, including hiking, biking, whale-watching, fishing, caving, surfing, and diving. Not to mention touring vineyards and hopping between bars.
While there are only private rooms, you’ll find a great sociable atmosphere in the lounge and on the terrace, AND you’ll sleep better! And, there’s no Wi-Fi for a reason—it’s time to disconnect from tech and reconnect with life. While you’re out of town why don’t you brave a drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive?
20. House on the Hill Backpackers
A top hostel in Cape Town for buddies travelling together, House on the Hill has affordable rooms for two, three, and four. It’s great for couples too. Rooms are spread between two gorgeous homes, both with attractive African-themed décor.
All rooms are en-suite and have tea and coffee making facilities, a hairdryer, a TV, and free Wi-Fi. All guests can make full use of the kitchen and BBQ and meet other travellers in the common room. Make sure you take the time to look up at the stars in Cape Town – they’re SO stunning here!
21. HomeBase Cape Town Backpackers
The themed rooms at HomeBase Cape Town Backpackers are comfortable and lockers are provided. This is a place that takes shared sleeping arrangements to the extremes, though, the smallest dorm sleeps four, while the biggest dorm accommodates 36 people. Yikes, that’s more than 70 eyes, ears, and feet in one room!
There’s also a female-only dorm for six and private rooms for two, three, and four. The rooftop bar provides the perfect setting to try and remember all your roomies’ names (or not … !). Other shared areas include the kitchen and TV lounge so give this youth hostel in Cape Town a try!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Cape Town
Everyone needs good travel insurance, especially in Cape Town, you never know what’s around the corner!
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 Cape Town
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Cape Town.
What to Pack for your Cape Town 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 Cape Town?
It all depends on whether you prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom or a bed in a shared dorm. The average prices start at USD$15 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$19+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Cape Town for couples?
Bohemian Lofts Backpackers is my pick for the best hostel for couples in Cape Town. It’s child- and pet-friendly and near shops, restaurants, and bars so actually it’s great for the whole family.
What are the best hostels in Cape Town near the airport?
Light House Lodge, my pick for the best cheap hostel in Cape Town, is 14 km from Cape Town International Airport. It offers a paid airport shuttle service. Getting in touch with your hostel in a new country is a great way to get the best advice on travelling to and from the airport.
Final Thoughts on Cape Town’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Cape Town has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Cape Town might just be one of the coolest cities in the world: a place where art, culture, and vibrant nightlife coincide with nature. You have beautiful beaches and a national park at your doorstep, as well as enough restaurants and bars to fill your calendar for months.
In case you’re still on the fence about where to stay, here are my two top ultimatum choices…
The B.I.G. – it’s my overall best hostel for a reason – I love the location, the staff are amazing and the rooms are beautiful. This hostel is a little spendy but there’s free breakfast, an outdoor pool and air-conditioned rooms which make it all worthwhile. Plus the people here are generally lovely and fun to be around.
If this is a bit out of your budget, I’d book in at Ashanti Lodge Gardens. While this isn’t the cheapest Cape Town hostel, there are heaps of freebies and it’s a safe place to stay and pretty comfortable. Sometimes it’s worth the micro splurge – trust me on this one.
Hopefully, that seals the deal and gets the business of finding the best hostel in Cape Town for YOU out of the way. Now you can pack your backpack and hit the road, adventure awaits and is abundant in this diverse city.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @rizwaandharsey
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in South Africa for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Cape Town covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Cape Town before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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