Beer, bikes and boats.
This should be the slogan for Copenhagen – one of the coolest, and hippest cities in all of Europe (You’ll understand exactly what I mean once you get there!)
But as with all of Northern Europe, Copenhagen comes at a hefty price tag and can be a challenging destination for a budget traveller.
So to help, I’ve done the hard work – boots on the ground and fingers to the keyboard (you’re welcome). I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Copenhagen and *spoiler alert* Copenhagen has some of the coolest hostels in Europe!
Whether you are trying to get your history buff on, unwind in style, sleep cheap, or find a comfy spot to call your office, this list will sort you out.
Are you ready? Let’s get into it.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Copenhagen
- Best Overall Hostel in Copenhagen – Steel House
- Best Hostel in Copenhagen for Solo Travellers – Generator Copenhagen
- Best Cheap Hostel in Copenhagen – Urban Camper Copenhagen
- Best Party Hostel in Copenhagen – Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads Copenhagen – Urban House Copenhagen by MININGER
The 5 Best Hostels in Copenhagen
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Copenhagen’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. Steel House Copenhagen – Best Overall Hostel in Copenhagen
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $78
- Address: Herholdtsgade 6, Copenhagen, Denmark
Steel House hands down blows most other Copenhagen hostels out of the water! This luxurious hostel offers travellers an incredibly modern and chic environment to hang out in. It really is one of the best places to stay in the whole city.
It also has a chill social vibe, with people always milling about and ready to swap travel tips of stories, so it’s a great place to meet fellow travellers! The free Wi-Fi is also great for catching up with folks back home.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bike rentals
- Free entry to RUST nightclub
- Super friendly staff!
For the crazy ones, there is a morning run that you can join in with! There is also an indoor pool and free yoga classes every morning. It’s true that the Danes really care about your health!
They have their own cafe serving up snacks and light bites throughout the day and also have beautiful kitchen space for you to take advantage of and whip up your own meals. The dorm rooms here are the best I’ve seen in Copenhagen’s hostel scene. There are heaps of places to hang out and meet fellow travellers, including on the old-fashioned leather sofa. The dorms and privates are cosy, and clean and have private bathrooms.
Lying right in the city centre just a five-minute walk away from the Tivoli Gardens and the City Square Hall, Steel House puts travellers right at the heart of Copenhagen’s best bits, making exploring this amazing city as easy as can be! It’s also within walking distance of Copenhagen Central Station.
2. Generator Copenhagen – Best Hostel in Copenhagen for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $95
- Address: Adelgade 7, Copenhagen, Denmark
As one of the biggest, most established youth hostels in Copenhagen, Generator is the go-to for solo travellers in the Danish capital city.
It is a hop, skip and jump away from the city’s best sights and there are always other travellers around so it’s easy to meet your next travel buddy! You’re centrally located so places like Tivoli Gardens, City Hall Square and Central Train Station are all within walking distance. Make sure to ask the staff for their hidden gems of the city—you’ll be feeling like a local in no time.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Permanent ice bar
- 24-hour reception
- Super helpful, friendly staff!
Generator Copenhagen is vibrant and buzzing, serving amazing drinks in their bar. You can meet other travellers here, as well as in their gorgeous common areas. The design is pretty cool as well, and it all adds to the authentic Danish experience here! The Generator bar is the perfect place to share a few beers with your other Copenhagen backpackers and swap tips on travel in Denmark.
When you’ve had a few drinks, head over to the kitchen and show off your cooking skills to your new friends! When you’ve done partying the night away, there are great dorm rooms that all have private bathrooms; no queuing for the shower in the morning! If you need some more privacy though, you can always get a private.
3. Urban Camper Copenhagen – Best Cheap Hostel in Copenhagen
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: Lygten 2C, Copenhagen, Denmark
Urban Camper is a fantastic budget spot in the city. It allows you to stay in a hostel with fab amenities without blowing your budget in Copenhagen. They have a range of accommodation options, from privates, family rooms, mixed and female-only dorms to even the option of staying in a tent!
The hostel is in the vibrant Norrebro neighbourhood, so you are well-poised to find your way around on your adventures through the city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Onsite cafe
- Inclusive atmosphere
- Table Football
There is a kitchen available so you can save even more money on food! Urban Camper also has great common areas and a lovely bar, so all the makings of a great hostel at an amazing budget price!
The staff also go above and beyond to make sure your stay is amazing. They are full of insider tips for getting around Copenhagen, and also the best things to do while you are here.
There’s even free brekkie so you can save even more of your budget and when you want to chill head for the table football or pool table in the games room. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a cheaper hostel than this!
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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. Copenhagen Downtown Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Copenhagen
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: Vandkunsten 5, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel is known for its edgy and lively vibes. Manager Kim runs a smooth operation here at CDH and people have such a great time while staying here. It’s also got a great central location within walking distance of Copenhagen Central Station, City Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens. You’re also close to heaps of city centre bars and clubs.
As a live music venue and popular bar, CDH is the place to party in the Danish capital. There’s no arguing that Copenhagen Downtown Hostel has one of the cheapest bars in the city and is the best budget hostel if you plan on hitting the town. Teaming with retro style and incredible vibes CDH is THE place to stay if you wanna party in Copenhagen!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Onsite bar
- Excellent walking tours
- Funky Scandinavian aesthetic
This place nails the balance between great beers and a lively atmosphere, but it knows when to dial it down for a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re crashing in a dorm or treating yourself to a private or one of the family rooms, they’ve got the respect for your shut-eye so you can wake up ready to go.
They also have great kitchen space for you to make your own wonderful meals. There’s good free Wi-Fi throughout the property and cosy common areas to chill in which are ideal for solo travellers backpacking Scandinavia. They might know how to party but they also know how to rest, recover, and explore this epic city!
5. Urban House Copenhagen by MININGER – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Copenhagen
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $85
- Address: Colbjørnsensgade 5-11, Copenhagen, Denmark
Digital nomads will love staying at Urban House Copenhagen because they have comfy privates tucked into a hostel that still has a vibrant atmosphere. So you can socialise and get that work done! You get to have a hotel experience with hostel prices!
They also boast a central location so it’s a great place to base yourself while exploring Copenhagen and it’s super close to places like Tivoli Gardens.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Onsite bar
- Upbeat, social atmosphere
- Friendly staff
The team are always on hand to point you in the right direction or get you excellent rates on Copenhagen experiences through their tours and travel desk. You can get local knowledge, tips and tricks to make your stay extra great! They have plenty of well-lit spaces to work, and great wifi too!
They have a cracking range of local craft beers at the hostel bar and often have free live music nights for their guests; not to be missed! This is an awesome way to meet other travellers while you are staying here.
Their kitchen is also lovely, so you can save money by making your own meals. The private rooms are super cosy, and there is also a designated quiet room to retreat to once you have partied yourself out! Couples can enjoy a super social atmosphere while having their own space at this bomb-ass hostel!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Copenhagen Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, I’ve got even more coming your way! Make sure to also come up with a Copenhagen itinerary before you start your travels so you’ll get the most out of your trip.
Travelling with a big group? Definitely check out my favourite Airbnbs in Copenhagen—they often end up being cheaper than hostels, and you get a bit of luxury thrown in too!
a&o Copenhagen Sydhavn
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $75
- Address: Sydhavns plads 4, Copenhagen, Denmark
a&o Copenhagen Sydhavn is perfect for a quick weekend escape. Situated in the lively Sydhavnen area, it offers an affordable base to make the most of your time in Copenhagen. While it’s not smack bang in the centre, you’re just a short walk from transport links that’ll have you zipping around the city in no time.
The place is clean, the reception is open 24/7, and the kitchen’s ready for you to whip up something if you’re not feeling Copenhagen’s overpriced food scene. It’s more family-friendly than your typical solo backpacker vibe, but if you’re after something chill and low-key, a&o Copenhagen Sydhavn could be your jam.
Danhostel Copenhagen City
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $147
- Address: H.C.Andersens Boulevard 50, Copenhagen, Denmark
As Europe’s biggest hostel, Danhostel Copenhagen City is the best hostel in Copenhagen for digital nomads for sure! Sleek and minimalist but providing everything digital nomads could need and more, Danhostel City is a highly recommended hostel in Copenhagen.
Danhostel Copenhagen City offers free, fast and unlimited free Wi-Fi to all guests. Their hostel cafe and bar doubles as the perfect digital nomad office. Perfect for getting shit done. After cracking on with some work, you can use the fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities too. What more could a digital nomad ask for in a youth hostel in Copenhagen? Central location? Check. Loads of transport links nearby? Double check. This spot is truly set up for working travellers who want all the essentials (and a bit of style) in the heart of Copenhagen.
Sleep in Heaven
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $107
- Address: Struenseegade 7, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sleep in Heaven is a favourite amongst backpackers in Copenhagen, and it’s not hard to see why. Offering free walking tours of Copenhagen and running a happy hour at the hostel bar every night, you get a lot of bang for your buck here. Located in the uber-trendy Nørrebro neighbourhood, it’s perfect for those wanting to base themselves out of a neighbourhood that always has something going on.
There is a super chilled vibe to Sleep in Heaven and all who stay here are keen to meet fellow travellers and make new friends. The rooms are newly renovated, all guests have key card access for extra security and there’s free Wi-Fi too, not bad for one of the cheapest hostels in town!
Where to Sleep
- Dorm (mixed): From $74
- Private Room: From $52
- Address: Reventlowsgade 10A, Copenhagen, Den
Copenhagen Backpackers Hostel is a great youth hostel in Copenhagen for travellers of all flavours! There is a really friendly and welcoming vibe to the place and cosy and intimate in comparison to many other backpackers in Copenhagen—backpackers have a blast here. Whether you pitch up at the hostel bar and get chatting or hang out in your dorm, Copenhagen Backpackers is a great hostel for chatty and cheerful travellers who wanna meet and mingle.
Next House Copenhagen
Next House Copenhagen is hands down one of the most luxe hostels in Copenhagen, and trust me, it’s worth every penny. Boasting a central location, it’s wrapped in a sleek, modern design that’ll make you feel like you’ve just checked into a fancy resort. From a gym and movie room to a game room, pool, restaurant, and bar—Next House Copenhagen has it all.
With daily activities to keep the social travellers entertained (and free beer to help with that), you’ll never be short of things to do. The staff are friendly, the dorm pods offer some much-needed privacy, and it’s spotless, safe, and comfy. Plus, there are plenty of spots to hang out and meet people.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Copenhagen
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 Copenhagen.
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 Copenhagen
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Copenhagen.
What to Pack for your Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen?
The average prices start at USD$30 for a bed in a shared dorm room (mixed or female-only), heading up to USD$90 for a private.
What are the best hostels in Copenhagen with private rooms?
Urban House Copenhagen by MININGER has some swanky AF private rooms, perfect for couples backpacking around Denmark. With hotel-like amenities and a short walk away from the metro station, it’s a winner from me.
What is the best hostel in Copenhagen near the airport?
Copenhagen Go Hotel is a highly-rated budget hotel near the Copenhagen Airport. It’s comfy and near the Tårnby Station.
Final Thoughts on Copenhagen’s Hostels
That’s a wrap on Copenhagen’s best hostels—from stylish budget spots to places that feel like a design dream. Sure, it’s a pricey city, but these picks make it way easier to experience Copenhagen without breaking the bank.
From canal-side cafés to world-famous street food markets and design everywhere you look, it’s a city that’s as cool as it is cosy.
Still undecided? Steel House will aaaaaalways be my favourite. The amenities won’t make you feel like you’re living the usual dingy hostel life—far from it. The chill social vibe can’t be beaten either.
So, lock in your hostel, dive into the city’s history, and for the love of all things holy, try aaaaaaall the local beers. Goddamn, they’re good.
Get that bag packed, get on your bike, and dive into all that Copenhagen has to offer—you’ll be living the Danish dream in no time! Happy travels!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Copenhagen for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Copenhagen covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Copenhagen if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Copenhagen before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Scandinavia backpacking guide.
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