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Gibraltar is without a doubt the hottest part of the United Kingdom. That’s right! The British Territory is just a few miles North of the African coast, which means it has gorgeous weather pretty much every day of the year. This is certainly the number one reason people come to Gibraltar.
Not only that, but Gibraltar is steeped in culture and history, blessed with stunning scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. It is also an animal lover’s dream, with a rich and amazing sea life, hundreds of different species of birds, and of course, we simply can’t forget about the Barbary apes monkeys – the most famous residents.
Staying in Gibraltar doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. The truth is, there aren’t that many hostels in Gibraltar you can choose from, BUT a private room in an Airbnb is just as affordable and even more luxurious. WHAT! Did we just say that? It’s true! Read on to learn more.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
The Best Hostel in Gibraltar
Emile Hostel
If you’re looking for the best hostel in Gibraltar for its price to comfortability ratio, you shouldn’t look any further than Emile Hostel. It’s within walking distance to Gibraltar’s top tourist attractions such as the Main Street, Orange Bastion, Wellington Front, the Promenade, and Casemates Square.
It’s also within close proximity to the shopping areas, a wide array of top-notch restaurants, pubs, and supermarkets. You can get whatever you need within walking distance.
If it’s your first time in Gibraltar, no sweat, the hostel’s friendly staff are more than happy to assist guests who need recommendations on where to go and what activities to do while in the area. They can arrange excursions in nearby areas, such as Morocco and Spain, though it’s best to scout around companies to get the best prices.
The hostel also has luggage storage facilities so should you want to continue sightseeing after check out, you can simply leave your luggage in their secured luggage area and enjoy the sites without lugging around a big, heavy backpack with you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bicycle parking
- Outdoor terrace
- Café on-site
The hostel offers dorms for those traveling on a budget, as well as single rooms and double rooms, for those who value privacy and are willing to shell out extra. If you’re really looking to save money, you can buy ingredients from the local supermarket and cook using the hostel’s fully-equipped kitchen.
There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and an on-site café that is perfect for digital nomads wanting to sit down and do some work with a hot meal and snacks at an affordable price. And, if you want to cycle around Gibraltar’s beautiful sights there is secure bicycle parking provided, though you’ll need to rent your own bike.
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!Other Epic Budget Stays in Gibraltar
Aside from hostels, Gibraltar’s rental properties won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The hotels and Airbnb rentals are not only affordable, but they also provide a little more convenience and amenities that you might not find at your hostel. Let’s check em out.
Private room in the centre
If you’re on a strict budget, this is one of the cheapest private rooms in the area. This centrally-located private room is close to all your basic amenities such as supermarkets and restaurants, where you can either shop for your own supplies and cook in the apartment’s fully-equipped kitchen, or quickly grab a bite to eat nearby.
The room has access to a balcony where you can sit and sip your morning coffee while watching the locals go about their daily business. It’s the best place to relax after a day of excursions. The property is also in close proximity to the Rock of Gibraltar.
The reason guests love this place is they can have access to clean shared shower rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge, and of course, the balcony.
Luxury Sunrise Oceanview Balcony
Hard to believe this place comes at this price. It’s sleek, modern, and downright comfortable. Wake up, pull back the curtain, and boom—sea views that make mornings actually worth getting up for.
The kitchen’s kitted out with everything you need—fridge, freezer, microwave, grill, hob, kettle, toaster, even a citrus juicer because apparently, fresh OJ is a non-negotiable here. Oh, and did I mention the spa access? Because yeah, you can ditch the backpacker life for a hot second and live it up in luxury.
Engineer Lane House
This B&B nails it for an affordable stay in Gibraltar. The room’s got heaps of charm with a stylish touch, tucked away in the old town just a two-minute stroll from Casemates Square. Shops, bars, and restaurants are all within walking distance, and the cable car to the top of the Rock is just a 20-minute wander away.
The beds are comfy, the shower’s spot on, and while there’s no AC, the ceiling fan does the job—even in the summer heat. You’ve got the essentials covered with a kettle, tea, coffee, milk, a toaster, and a microwave. Simple, convenient, and full of character.
Studio in the centre
Located in the heart of town, this Airbnb in Gibraltar is perfect for people who are traveling alone and don’t need too much space or want to spend a lot of money on accommodation. Located within Main Street, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Gibraltar.
The apartment is close to everything. Name it, and you will be able to get to it within walking distance. You can have satisfying meals, a few drinks, and perhaps even splurge a bit in the shops. If you fancy trying your luck in a game of cards or Russian roulette, you can go to the nearby casino.
The bus stop is just a few minutes away, which is a cheap and easy commute to all the nearby tourist attractions. As an added bonus, the airport is quite near too.
What to Pack for your Gibraltar 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!
Gibraltar Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Gibraltar cost?
Private rooms in hostels range from $70 to $100 while the price of dorm rooms ranges from $40 to $60 per night.
What are the best hostels in Gibraltar for couples?
With an exceptional well equipped apartment, CP luxury studio is the best accommodation to stay in with your partner. The local host is very accommodating, the location is spot on and there’s even a fitness centre! That is if you still have energy with all the buzzling activities that you can do!
What is the best hostel in Gibraltar near the airport?
Emile Hostel may be the only hostel in the area but it’s also just a few meters away from Gibraltar International Airport. It’s strategically located in the city center where beaches, parks, restaurant is within reach.
Travel Safety Tips for Gibraltar
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.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Gibraltar
As a place full of sun, sand and silly monkeys, it’s no wonder why Gibraltar welcomes millions of visitors each year.
If you’d like to be one of those visitors, you should start scrolling through the hostel recommendations and get planning!. After all, memorable vacations just don’t happen by accident.
So, what’s our favourite? We personally like Emile Hostel. It’s centrally located so you are near the most famous tourist attractions, pubs, restaurants, and other amenities that will make your stay comfortable.
Do you have a favourite hostel in Gibraltar? Let us know in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in the UK for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places in the UK covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Gibraltar before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Europe to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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