Look, I’m gonna be real with you. As far as capitals go, Colombo gets a bad rep, and honestly, it’s not entirely undeserved. It doesn’t hold a candle to Sri Lanka’s lush northern landscapes or those dreamy southern beaches. But hey, maybe that’s part of its charm.
That said, Colombo isn’t all chaos and concrete. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find crumbling colonial buildings, vibrant Buddhist temples, and markets bursting at the seams with life. Pettah’s a whirlwind of noise and colour, Fort has its colonial relics, and Galle Face Green is the go-to for sunset snacks and prime people-watching. Plus, the food scene slaps—street-side kottu, fresh hoppers, and a few solid cafés if you’re already over rice and curry.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—the city’s loud, messy, and far from the tropical paradise you probably flew here for. If you’re planning on catching your breath before heading deeper into Sri Lanka, you’ll want a hostel that’s more chill zone than chaos.
Lucky for you, I’ve done the legwork. Whether you’re chasing culture, a spot to unwind, dirt-cheap dorms, or a cosy corner to set up your laptop, my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Colombo has got you covered.
So, let’s get to it and sort out your digs—because I’m already dreaming of that first plate of roti and dhal.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Colombo
- Best Overall Hostel in Colombo – Drop Inn Hostels
- Best Hostel in Colombo for Solo Travellers – Ceylon StayZ
- Best Cheap Hostel in Colombo – Clock Inn Dehiwala
- Best Party Hostel in Colombo – Seconds Hostel – Colombo
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads In Colombo – C1 Colombo Fort
The 5 Best Hostels in Colombo
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Colombo’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. Drop Inn Hostels – Best Overall Hostel in Colombo
- Dorm (mixed): From $8
- Private Room: From $41
- Address: No.7, Esther Place, Park Road, Colombo – 5., Colombo, Sri Lanka
Drop Inn Hostels sits in a peaceful corner of Colombo, making it the ultimate first stop on your Sri Lankan adventure. It’s got Big Bali Vibes written all over it—from the relaxed outdoor hangout spots to the open-air bathrooms. All the facilities are wrapped up in that effortlessly cool boho-chic style that makes the dorms feel properly cosy.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stylishly Designed
- On-site Bar
- Family Dinners
The family dinners are where it really comes alive, bringing backpackers together over great food. Between you and me, Sri Lankan food is the way to my heart anyway. The staff go above and beyond too, sorting you out with all the info you need to tackle the chaotic train routes and bus stations if it’s your first time in Sri Lanka.
But it’s not just the chilled vibes and dreamy design that’ll hook you—the bar here is buzzing. Fresh drinks, tasty food, and live music sessions that turn casual evenings into full-on events. With good tunes, even better convos, and a community feel, Drop Inn Hostels is the best way to start your Sri Lankan adventures.
2. Ceylon StayZ – Best Hostel in Colombo for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $32
- Address: 24 1/2 Albert Crescent, Colombo 7, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ceylon StayZ, founded by a family of wanderlusters in October 2023, is a true traveller’s oasis. Right in the heart of buzzing Colombo, where history and hospitality collide, this hostel is tucked inside a charming century-old building that oozes cosy vibes.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stylishly Designed
- On-site Bar
- Family Dinners
The area is packed with things to do—whether you’re exploring museums, chilling in lush parks, checking out art galleries, or hitting up trendy cafes and restaurants. The highlight for you will definitely be the Sri Lankan breakfast, it’s unbelievable!
The communal areas are perfect for meeting fellow travellers, and honestly, it’s one of the cleanest hostels you’ll find in the country. It’s even got female-only dorms if you’re a gal travelling solo like me wanting to feel safe in Sri Lanka! Whether you’re flying solo or rolling with friends, Ceylon StayZ is the ideal base for your Sri Lankan adventure.
3. Clock Inn Dehiwala – Best Cheap Hostel in Colombo
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $27
- Address: 40, Hill Street, Dehiwala, Colombo, Sri Lanka
If you’re a backpacker on a tight AF budget, you know that saving those pennies wherever you can counts. Luckily for you, Clock Inn Dehiwala will sort you out. With free breakfast, free tea and coffee plus access to the pantry all day to keep you fuelled, you can really cut corners on your food costs here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Near the Beach
- Friendly Staff
- Free Pantry Access
Clock Inn Dehiwala puts you right near the action with easy access to Mount Lavinia’s beaches and nightlife. This spot is all about giving you the best Colombo experience close to all of the beautiful spots. Kick off every morning with the free brekky before deciding where to head next. Whether it’s the beach or downtown, you’re smack bang in the middle of it all, so getting around is a breeze.
The hostel’s layout is all about space, with plenty of room to chill out and plan your Sri Lanka itinerary. Airy common areas, a comfy lounge, balconies, and a peaceful courtyard make it the perfect spot to crack open a couple of beers before heading out or to nurse a hangover after a wild night.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Seconds Hostel – Colombo – Best Party Hostel in Colombo
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $34
- Address: No. 44 Kirulapona Ave, Colombo, Sri Lanka
As far as hostels in Sri Lanka go, Seconds Hostel is the only boutique hostel in Colombo that nails that homey chill vibe that I always look for. It’s got everything—a refreshing jacuzzi pool, board games, an outdoor garden, and a cracking café. As with most hostels in Colombo, you shouldn’t expect nights here to turn into full-on ragers (wait for that until you get to the South of the country). But for some good vibes and a couple of beers, this place fills the spot.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Artisan Homegrown Coffees and Teas
- Board Games
- Restaurant Discount for Guests
Everything is pretty spic ‘n span here and a swimming pool at a hostel in Colombo is a rarity! The location is spot on too. It’s in a residential area so you’ve got a fresh fruit and veg market, grocery stores, ATMs, bus stations, pharmacies, and even police stations, all just a stone’s throw away. Cafes and local diners are right on the same block, making it super convenient.
Make sure you try the food on offer at the hostel though—it’s absolutely banging, plus you get a cheeky discount as a guest too. You can sip on artisan homegrown coffees and teas while digging into some proper authentic Sri Lankan grub no matter what time of day. Sounds pretty good to me.
5. C1 Colombo Fort – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads In Colombo
- Dorm (mixed): From $16
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: No 37, Mudalige Mawatha, Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Although they may call themselves a hostel, C1 Colombo Fort gives off way more hotel vibes. While this means you may not have crazy pub crawls and beer pong every night, you will get a good night’s sleep and an extremely clean hostel! It’s perfect for digital nomads needing a base in the city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Chill Vibes
- Rooftop Terrace
- Clean and Modern Amenities
The plethora of communal spaces can be used to bang out some work and have some R&R after a day’s work. The rooftop is also really nice and you can bring back beers to keep your costs down. Sunset beers here is definitely the vibe.
Other than getting some peace and quiet, the location of C1 Colombo Fort is what will really make you want to stay at this hostel! Putting you right smack in the centre of the action, you will be minutes from the train station, Galle Face Green, tons of cool cafes, and the famous historical sites in the city!
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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 Colombo Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Colombo below.
Heading to Sri Lanka with the gang? Why not get your own place and book one of the best Airbnbs in Colombo?
Colombo Beach Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $35
- Address: 30, De Saram Road, Mount Lavinia, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Although Colombo is a massive concrete jungle, let’s make sure you are not confined to the city. You will be just minutes away from feeling the sand between your toes when you check yourself into Colombo Beach Hostel!
Not only will you be escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, but the neighbourhood around this backpackers hostel is also well known for some pretty buzzing nights. They host their very own cocktail nights to make sure you’re never without a drink!
Hostel at Galle Face
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Address: 41 1/1 Galle Face Terrace, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Most people don’t quite take a liking to Colombo, but if you stay at Hostel at Galle Face you might just give yourself the chance to fall in love with the city. Located downtown, you’ll be just minutes from all of the best historical sites, bars, and restaurants.
Hostel at Galle Face is cosy and intimate, meaning its lounges are the perfect place to just kick back and meet other backpackers. Needing to head out early to explore or catch your plane/flight? This backpackers hostel will make sure you’re fuelled with a cooked breakfast in the morning before your onward travels. Now that’s Sri Lankan hospitality baby!
Hitchhike Backpackers
- Dorm (mixed): From $9
- Private Room: From $30
- Address: 50/3A Templers Road, (Colonne Place), Colombo, Sri Lanka
At Hitchhike Backpackers, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive. The lovely lady who runs the place is a gem, always going above and beyond to make your stay special. The hostel’s got a spotless, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax.
While it’s not smack bang in the city centre, it’s close to the beach and isn’t too far to the city in a tuk tuk anyway. You’re also near plenty of shops and insane local food you need to try. It’s also just a short walk from a peaceful beach where you can grab a bite, watch the sunset, and soak up the chill atmosphere.
CityRest Fort
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $26
- Address: 46 Hospital Street, Fort, 00100 Colombo, Sri Lanka
CityRest Fort is another backpackers hostel which gives off more of a hotel feeling. They have their very own cafe serving up delicious dishes, a bar where you can crack open that cold beer, lounges, and even a rooftop terrace offering skyline views of the city.
They have a range of air-conditioned rooms from dorms, twins and doubles and they’re all fairly affordable. If you want to treat yourself to a private room after an eternity of dorm living, this might be the place to do it. The location is the real winner of this place though—literally everything will be at your fingertips.
Colombo Lavinia Beach Hostel
Needing to have that perfect night’s sleep and not willing to gamble having a snorer in your hostel? Why not check yourself into a private room? At Colombo Lavinia Beach Hostel they will put you up in a single air-conditioned room which won’t bleed your wallet. This backpackers hostel has homey vibes, complete with its very own outside terrace, garden, shared kitchen, and even a swimming pool!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Colombo
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 Colombo.
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 Colombo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Colombo.
What to Pack for your Colombo 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 do hostels in Colombo cost?
This all depends on whether you would prefer a private room with a private bathroom, or a bed in a shared dorm. The average price of a bed in a dorm is USD$9 for a bed in a shared dorm room. Expect to pay roughly USD$11+ for a private room.
Where are the best places to stay in Colombo?
When deciding where to stay, you gotta figure out if you want to be in the city or by the beach. Colombo Fort is pure organised chaos—colonial buildings, wild markets, street food galore, and the city’s main train and bus hubs right on your doorstep.
Mount Lavinia on the other hand is all about beachside chill, sunset views, and the perfect spot to escape Colombo’s madness for a while.
What is the best hostel in Colombo near the airport?
Hitchhike Backpackers is just 4.4km from the Colombo International Airport.
Final Thoughts on Colombo’s Hostels
Colombo’s a bit of a mixed bag—it won’t be the highlight of your Sri Lanka trip, but it’s a decent spot to kick things off. It’s not going to knock your socks off like the beaches down south or the lush landscapes up north, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a few gems hidden beneath the chaos.
The upside? Starting in Colombo means everywhere else will feel like a breath of fresh air. No matter which direction you head next, it’s only going to get better from here.
If you’re still unsure of where to stay, Drop Inn Hostels is a solid bet. Laid-back vibes, comfy digs, and exactly what you need to recharge after a day of travel.
So, dive into the madness, eat your weight in kottu, and get out while you’re still grinning. The real Sri Lanka is waiting beyond the city limits—Colombo’s just the warm-up act.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Sri Lanka for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Sri Lanka covered.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
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