The 5 Best Hostels in Goa: 2024 Edition

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• Best Overall Hostel in Goa – Tranquillo Arambol
• Best Hostel in Goa for Solo Travelers – The Funky Monkey
• Best Cheap Hostel in Goa – Hostel Mandala
• Best Party Hostel in Goa – Pappi Chulo
• Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Goa – House of Memories

In this post, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Goa. Organised by YOUR needs, my list of the best hostels in Goa will help you find the best hostel to fit your travel style. Whether you want a boujee namaste stay or are down for driving a psychedelic rickshaw around the place Goa is a magical place.

1. Tranquillo Arambol – Best Overall Hostel in Goa

• Dorm (mixed): From $6
• Private Room: From $19
• Address: Yameli house 460, Madhalawada, Arambol 403512, Goa, India

The best overall hostel in Goa is Tranquillo in Arambol, North Goa, an essential stop if you’re backpacking India. I think I would go so far as to say it’s one of the best hostels in India. Tranquillo knows exactly what Goa backpackers are looking for and delivers it in full. 

First up, this hostel is not really within walking distance of Arambol Beach (it takes maybe 25 minutes on foot). But to be honest, the beachside hostels are not great, Tranquillo is located just off Pernem Road. Still, there are plenty of shops and eateries nearby and scooters can be rented on-site.

They’re one of those hostels that hear what backpackers want and provide. Wash your clothes, transfer from the airport with ease, hire a bike, whatever you need. Bookworms will squeal with joy at their packed bookshelf too.

The hostel itself is cool, clean, and community-oriented. There are plenty of communal spaces to hang out in and there’s always someone in the kitchen cooking up something great for everyone. It’s an absolute banger of an option for where to stay in Goa.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• The best vibes!
• Cheap drinks at the on site bar with cool people 
• Extra security for safe travels 

The Tranquillo bar is awesome. How many hostels can offer you an ice-cold Kingfisher whenever you want it?!

If you’re down to downward dog and chill in Goa and meet other travellers, you’ll surely love ‘Quili. It’s also a great hostel for solo travellers; you’ll find lots of people like you. The vibe alone makes it the best of the Goa hostels. 

Don’t worry if they’re fully booked, they’ll pitch a tent for you in the garden! Beggars can’t be choosers, right?! Though you might be grateful for one of those air conditioned rooms from time to time. 

2. The Funky Monkey – Best Hostel in Goa for Solo Travelers

• Dorm (mixed): From $6
• Private Room: From $21
• Address: 773, San Minguel Vaddo, South of Anjuna Beach, 403509 Anjuna, India

The best hostel for solo travellers in Goa is The Funky Monkey! It’s much loved by all who visit and it’s not hard to see why. There are few hostels in the world with ratings this high. 

Nestled away in North Goa, just a four-minute walking distance to Anjuna Beach, and other great places to visit in Goa. The Funky Monkey has all the modern amenities you’d want from a hostel. But still, it has all the hippy vibes you’re heading to Goa to experience. 

The huge garden area is The Funky Monkey’s best feature, so sun trapped, it’s safe to say you won’t be straying very far once you’ve checked in! Take advantage of yoga classes, set up your workspace, or just chill right out and chat with other cool solo travellers. 

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Great, hardworking staff 
• Beautiful chill spaces 
• All amenities for a comfy stay 

This colourful hostel provides free wifi, bike rental, taxi hire, laundry, flawless security, and a hot shower! I mean, come on – nothing beats a hot shower. 

It’s a great place to get down too. You’re right close to world-class festival and party venues and beautiful day trips. I highly recommend that you check out Hill Top. And, if you’re heading to Goa as a solo traveller, you won’t be alone for long when you’re staying at The Funky Monkey.

A trip to Goa wouldn’t be complete without bagging some beautiful boho treats too – so check out Anjuna’s bohemian markets on your doorstep. You won’t miss anything with their tours & tickets services too. Head to pristine, white sandy beaches, some of the best music jams in India, and flirt with all of Goa’s hidden gems.

3. Hostel Mandala – Best Cheap Hostel in Goa

• Dorm (mixed): From $7
• Private Room: From $26
• Address: Prias Waddo, Anjuna Beach, Anjuna, Bardez, Goa, India

Why not live the dream at Hostel Mandala? Considering it’s one of the cheaper hostels in Goa (a state known to be cheap), it still provides the best experience for travellers. 

Hostel Mandala has been open for a couple of years and they’re humming. That’s because they provide the best of quintessential Goa hostels: a reasonably priced bed, friendly vibes, creative inspiration, and round-the-clock security. 

With hippy vibes in no short supply, free wifi, and super nice dorm rooms there’s a lot to love about Hostel Mandala. Choose between a variety of room options; mixed or female-only dorms, private rooms, and ensuites – all the rooms are air conditioned rooms. 

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Beautiful setting with a garden 
• Awesome crowd of travellers 
• Welcoming spaces to chill or work

There’s a shared kitchen if you’re cooking your own food (India has some of the best street food, so make the most of it, but safely!). This boutique hostel has air conditioned rooms at very affordable prices which include housekeeping and luggage storage so you can stash your stuff safely. Make the most of your time in Goa at Hostel Mandala, and meet fellow travellers in the shared lounge backpacker hostels are famous for.

Beach lovers will love Hostel Mandala – 250m from the beach, this hostel offers a terrace where you can hang out with fellow travellers. You can eat a meal, look out to sea, hang out with your new mates and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Goa.

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4. Pappi Chulo – Vagator – Best Party Hostel in Goa

• Dorm (mixed): From $5
• Private Room: From $46
• Address: Ozran Beach Road, Next to 9 Bar, Goa, India

The myth, the legend, and Goa’s nightlife reputation precede it. International backpackers have been making Goa – well, Goa – by living free, loving hard, and partying harder, for years. 

So who can blame you for dreaming of partying in Goa? With that dream, you’ll want a good party hostel! And that’s absolutely why you need Pappi Chulo Hostel. 

Pappi Chulo is a buzzing and vibrant party hostel in Goa. If you’re seeking party vibes, community vibes and amazing hostel vibes all in one place – you’ll just love Pappi Chulo. I always say that the best hostels are the ones that travellers love enough to put their art on every wall. 

For starters, you’re just five minutes from Ozran Beach and Morjim Beach. They have their own bar in the garden, a great sound system, and an even better taste in music. Off to a great start!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Extra colourful and arty
• The staff and guests are super friendly! 
• Best bar vibes in Goa

Pappi Chulo is the coolest hostel in Goa that party that people fall head over heels in love with. They arrive and they stay way longer than they expected. It’s places like this – that attract people like this – that make Goa one of the best places in the world to party. 

The dorm rooms are clean, airy and bright. The beds are super comfy; the perfect place to nurse a hangover before you do it all again, let’s be honest, you’re going to do it again. Amirite?!

Cook up a storm in the kitchen or get the BBQ lit. Everyone is welcomed into the community at Pappi Chulo, by great staff and friendly guests. Take a day trip to Morjim Beach and get yo tan on, rest, reset, rinse and repeat.

5. House of Memories – Candolim – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Goa

• Dorm (mixed): From $7
• Private Room: From $26
• Address: #1116, Anna Vaddo, Ximer, Candolim, Goa, India

Surely it’s the digital nomad’s dream to be able to live and work just steps away from dreamy beaches? The digital nomad life in Goa can be a tough balance to strike. But that isn’t the case at House of Memories Hostel in Goa. 

This hostel in central Goa has everything you need to get focused and efficient – while still living in paradise. The best hostel for digital nomads in Goa must have lightning-fast free wifi – and that’s exactly what they have. 

They also have loads of communal spaces all over, perfectly equipped to get the best out of your workday. Or, you know, maybe you just want to cosy down with a film night… that’s cool too. 

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

• Great communal workspaces 
• Extra friendly staff 
• Walking distance to Candolim Beach

Though it’s not often the first place people think of when they’re going to Goa, Candolim makes a great base to explore. This cute little town has plenty of cafes and bars to keep you busy and social. But the best part about this hostel is the connections to the rest of Goa.

It’s a perfect location to explore North Goa as well as South Goa. Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds? 

Some rooms are air-conditioned. All of them are clean and fully prepared for the tired traveller and you can get a hot shower after a long day. Use the laundry facilities to get your whole kit clean, you’ll be ready from head to toe!

If you don’t want to leave the hostel, I don’t blame you. Take advantage of the cafe and bar to get settled at your new home… For awhile, but don’t miss exploring the beautiful places India has on offer!

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So there at the five absolute top, best, sexiest of the Goa hostels! But, of course, choosing just five is difficult; Goa is full of backpacker hostels. If you’re planning a trip to Goa, here are some more fantastic options to consider.

6. U.R.D.Ki Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $6
• Private Room: From $28
• Address: 1715/2, Anjuna Mapusa Rd, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa, India

U.R.D.Ki Hostel is an epic budget friendly accommodation in Goa that is in a brilliant location, easy access to the beach for beach lovers. There’s also a supermarket and a wine shop nearby so you know, the essentials are covered. If you book a private room, you can get a free breakfast which is always a win – or a bonus, maybe not always a win.

While there isn’t a fitness centre on-site, you can do some callisthenics on the beach, then come in and get a burger from their on-site cafe. The shared lounge at this boutique hostel is sweet with books, games and even a cinema set up. This hostel offers a lively atmosphere and is a great place to meet fellow travellers.

7. JUNGLE by Sturmfrei – Anjuna

• Dorm (mixed): From $6
• Private Room: From $17
• Address: 486/3, Vagator Beach Road, Coutinho Vaddo, Vagator, Goa, India

JUNGLE HOSTEL is one of the top backpacker hostels when you’re choosing a hostel to stay in Goa. In Vagator, in the north, they offer free wifi, complimentary breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, clothes washing facilities, and excellent security. 

The onsite bar and cafe attract a lot of cool people, especially beach lovers. So even if you’re a solo traveller, you’re going to have plenty of company. As well as all that, you’re within walking distance of Vagator Beach, this combination makes it one of the best hostels in Goa.

8. The Bucket List – Vagator

• Dorm (mixed): From $5
• Private Room: From $31
• Address: 562/1, Next to Baskin Robbins, Coutinho Vaddo, Vagator, Goa, India

When you’re travelling as a couple, you don’t just want to stay at any of the backpacker hostels. Although The Bucket List hostel is also a fantastic hostel for all travellers, for couples, it is exquisite.

This backpacker hostels made up of individual bamboo cabins. With extra comfy beds, you can nest down with your loved one in the extra comfy beds. Imagine all the amazing sexy times!

If you’re lucky (and check it in advance!) you can snag a private apartment where you can also enjoy all the modern amenities… The swimming pool, fitness centre, kitchen, and balcony – all exclusively for you. This has to be the ultimate in backpacker hostels in Goa.

9. goSTOPS Goa Baga

• Dorm (mixed): From $16
• Private Room: From $69
• Address: Treehouse Serviced Apartment, 526, Baga- Arpora Beach Road, Arpora, Baga, Goa, India

goSTOPS Goa Baga is one of the best up-and-coming backpacker hostels. The beautiful design and comfy and clean rooms make you feel at home right away. You’re surrounded by beauty by the creek in Baga and just you’re in walking distance down to Tulum and Baga Beaches. 

This is a great hostel for female travellers too with the female-only dorms. The ensuite bathrooms are ideal – you know that the girls are generally keeping them pretty clean so you can just do your stuff. And, the pièce de résistance – the swimming pool, for travellers seeking to cool down even on the sweatiest days.

10. Craft Hostels

• Dorm (mixed): From $6
• Private Room: From $24
• Address: House Number 771, Anjuna Flea Market, Micheal waddo, Anjuna, Goa, India

Craft Hostels is my top pick for backpacker hostels in Goa for families. You can explore from this ideal location, just steps away from Anjuna Beach. The quiet hours are perfect for settling down after a long day of exploring – especially with tired kids. 

As well as dorms, there are air-conditioned private rooms available with additional beds or cots for children of all ages. Breakfast is served at the property making it really easy to get your days started. 

Another fantastic feature at Craft Hostels is the step-free access. They’ve really thought about everyone here. You notice how welcome you feel as soon as you enter into this beautiful property.

11. Lost Hostel

Lost Hostel is a great hostel that feels like a guest house with the familiar welcome you will receive. With an on-the-beach fitness centre, you can stay fit on your travels and live your best beach lover life simultaneously. Make the most of life by the sea in the beach capital of India; the perfect way to meet fellow travellers.

Lost Hostel has an on site bar for all your hydration needs, and how many hostels have an on site bar with a vibe this good? Beach lovers will feel very at home here and like they never need to leave the beach!

12. Happy Panda Hostel

Happy Panda Hostel is a great hostel for beach lovers. An epic option for budget friendly accommodation, this boutique hostel has a shared lounge and an on site bar, great spaces to meet fellow travellers. There’s nothing quite like the company of other cheapskate travellers who want to chill out and enjoy Goa. If you’re travelling to Goa on a budget, check out Happy Panda Hostel.

13. Moustache CoWork Goa Hostel – Mandrem

Moustache CoWork Hostel is a bit of a hidden gem. Set back from Mandrem Beach, Moustache Goa Hostel is an authentic, chilled-out out and super affordable Goa backpacker hostel. Calm and quiet this is an ideal hangout for digital nomads who need to focus on the task at hand.

Each guest gets their own storage locker beneath the bunk bed, big enough for your rucksack. Just remember to bring your own lock, Moustache CoWork is super safe but it’s good practice to lock your stuff up!

14. Woke Hostel – Arpora

Woke Hostel is a flashy, high-end hostel set in a colonial Portuguese mansion near Arpora. There is a real charm to Woke Hostel, perhaps it’s the building itself or perhaps it’s the simple but tasteful decor.

Either way, Woke is a highly recommended hostel in Goa, ideal for travellers who have a slightly bigger budget to play with. The staff at Woke Hostel are outstanding and host Shadab is quite the storyteller! This is a good base for your Goa itinerary.

15. Vaayu Waterman’s Village – Mandrem

Vaayu Waterman’s Village is an indie Goa backpacker hostel that has both cottages and cabins available to stay in. Ideal for couples, in particular, Vaayu Waterman’s Village is an authentic Goan homestay hostel on Aveshem-Mandrem Beach Road. Vaayu’s perfectly captures the Goan vibes in everything they do, from the style of the hostel to the welcoming nature of the staff.

Admittedly a little more expensive than some other top hostels in Goa but Vaayu Waterman’s Village offers great value and a good night’s sleep.

16. Roadhouse Arambol

It’s safe to say that some areas of Goa can get pretty crowded at certain times of the year but not Arambol and not Roadhouse. If you like a quiet yet sociable hostel you’ll love Roadhouse Arambol. This is the kinda place where sing-songs around the campfire are the norm and everyone greets you like an old friend.

The hostel itself is clean-cut and modern. The dorms are bright and well laid out to give guests maximum space to live in. Just a five-minute walk from the beach Roadhouse is a great youth hostel in Goa.

17. Lazy Llama – Anjuna

Lazy Llama is another great youth hostel in Goa for travellers who just wanna relax! The Lazy Llama is lazy by name and by nature; everywhere you look there’s a cosy spot to chill out in. Enough hammocks for everyone…almost.

If you’re a solo traveller who loves getting yourself out there and meeting new people every hour of the day you’ll love Lazy Llama. They’re located just a five-minute walk away from world-famous Anjuna Beach where you’ll find all the backpackers hanging out! Solo nomads who are beach lovers who wanna relax and find a new crew will love Lazy Llama.

18. Roadhouse Anjuna

Roadhouse Anjuna is the sister to Roadhouse Arambol and has all the same calm and peaceful vibes but is located, well duhh, at Anjuna Beach! Roadhouse Anjuna is a great budget hostel in Goa and they have everything you could ask for. Free WiFi, air conditioning, a community kitchen and their own cafe too serving up traditional Goan food.

Roadhouse Anjuna is a highly recommended hostel in Goa as gets booked up well in advance. If you wanna stay at this little gem of a hostel you’ve gotta get ahead of the game.

19. Hyyge Hostel – Anjuna

Hygge is a great cheap hostel in Goa; simple but ample Hygge is perfect for travellers on a super tight budget. Hygge is another super hippy youth hostel in Goa located just 500m from Anjuna Beach. In a closed compound, all of its own Hygge is a real home from home and the team makes everyone feel safe and welcome.

Being one of the newest backpacker hostels to open in Goa, Hygge is still collecting reviews. But they’ve made a cracking start and certainly deserve support from the travelling fam!

20. Bunkker – Little Vagator

Bunkker is a top hostel in Goa and is great for travellers on a shoestring budget. Bunkker is a new Goa backpacker hostel and is still in tip-top condition. Made entirely from upcycled shipping containers Bunkker is modern, on-point and has more hipster than hippy vibes.

No bad thing! Super close to Rider Mania and Sunburn staying at Bunkker means you can either party til dawn or get an early night. Whatever floats your boat – the dorms are all air conditioned rooms which is a big bonus.

21. Castle House – Baga

As Goa backpackers hostels go Castle House is right up there with the best, especially for travelling couples seeking private rooms! Castle House is great for couples who want some time to themselves, to chill out by the pool and relax in the sun. Located just a few minutes walk from the ultimate beach combo of Calangute-Baga-Candolim.

20 minutes from the city of Panjim Castle House puts you at the heart of Goa’s backpacker zone. The Castle House swimming pool, pool table and library will help keep you and your partner busy, on top of all that beach action!

22. Hashtag Rooms – Calangute

The whole of Hashtag is super clean and tidy, including the bathrooms. If you’re working your way from North to South, be sure to start your time in Goa at Hashtag Rooms in Calangute. This top hostel in Goa is just 100m from the beach!

Truly a place for everyone Hashtag Rooms is a great hangout for digital nomads. Plus, they have enough beds to accommodate groups too. If you’re a last-minute kinda traveller you’ll find all the information you could possibly need at their tours and travel desk.

23. Hopping Frog – Assagao

Hopping Frog is the best budget hostel in Goa and is one of the best connected too. Staying at Hopping Frog sees you just 15 minutes away from the big town of Mapusa and just 10 minutes from the Assagao Beach area. Plus, it’s close to Goa’s main train station too.

Hopping Frog is a top hostel in Goa for travellers on a micro-budget as they have everything you could need right there. There’s a cafe and bar, laundry facilities and free WiFi too. Hopping Frog is simple but cosy, cool and cost-effective.

24. Dreams Hostel – Vagator

Dreams Hostel was once a traditional Portuguese house. Today it stands as a stunning garden hostel, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vagator Beach in the north. 

You get to choose your fate from the minute you walk in the door. You might want to party it up – or you might just want to jump in a hammock and not move from there. Both options are equally good. 

There are plenty of zen areas to chill, work, and practice yoga. As a bonus, it’s also a great option for digital nomads wanting a strong internet connection. They even have a dedicated office space if you want the perfect space to get in the zone. 

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Goa

Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance, make sure you’ve got yours!

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.

No question is a stupid question. Ask away! Here are some FAQs backpackers commonly ask about choosing the best backpacker hostels in Goa.

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.

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Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much does a hostel cost in Goa?

Goa hostel price ranges from $3 – $20 per night for dorm (mixed or female-only). Private room price ranges from $7 – $35 per night.

What are the best hostels in Goa for couples?

The Bucket List – Vagator is my pick of backpacker hostels for couples in Goa. It’s exquisite and has a private apartment with exclusive use of the swimming pool, gym, kitchen, and balcony.

What are the best hostels in Goa near the airport?

The Manohar International Airport is quite far from Goa, so it is usually better to find a place to stay that offers an airport shuttle service. Once you’re in the city, I’d recommend Tranquillo Arambol, my best overall hostel in Goa.

Whether you’re a digital nomad or a hippie-dippy dirt-bag, I hope you find your perfect hostel with this guide to the best hostels in Goa. Start with a night and see how you go. You’ll be there soon to see what makes Goa so special.

If you’re looking for the best party hostels in Goa, you have plenty of choices… Or maybe you just want a quiet hostel in Goa with a shared lounge, near the beach. Well, that’s possible too. 

Whatever kind of traveller you are (or want to be), you have several good choices in this stunning Indian state. If you’re on the fence still – book in for a couple of nights at Tranquillo Arambol. It’s the best of the best, trust me on this.

Hostel Mandala is the best option if you’re on the cheap – it’s got everything you’ll need and is a very budget-friendly accommodation option. 

If you are backpacking through Goa, prepare to have the time of your life. Goa is fun, filled with interesting people, and it’s at one of the best bargain prices in the world. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to easily pick the hostel that fits your travel style and book with confidence.

Have fun and tell me about your trip! If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments.

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