The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is one of the highlights of South Africa, and a must-see for anyone who can fit it into their itinerary.
But don’t expect to have the city to yourself. Backpackers have long enjoyed the low prices and endless sights of this South African metropolis, and with dozens of registered hostels, it can be difficult to pick where to stay.
Which is why I wrote this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Johannesburg.
Different travelers require different things, so I’ve organized this list to help you find what it is that you need, so you can book your hostel quickly and with confidence.
So whether you want to wind down, or hook up. Get some work done, or just find the cheapest place to sleep, this list of the 20 best hostels in Johannesburg has got you covered.
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Johannesburg
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Johannesburg – Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers
- Best Overall Hostel in Johannesburg – Curiocity Backpackers
- Best Hostel Near the Johannesburg Airport – Brown Sugar Backpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Johannesburg – Backpackers Connection @ JNB Airport
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Johannesburg – Explorer Backpackers
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Finding the Best Hostels in Johannesburg
Obviously what is the ‘best’ will differ for everyone. So, to make this easy, I’ve taken the highest rated hostels in Johannesburg and put them into different categories, so you can find the one that best suits your travel style.
The good thing is that no matter which hostel you go with, you’re probably going to have a great stay. Johannesburg (and South Africa as a whole) is a Backpacker-Mecca. The travel infrastructure is as good as it gets (well designed and affordable), with great sights, and it’s hostels are well reviewed.
The best hostels in Johannesburg offer tons of value, whether it be free breakfast, big kitchens, comfy beds, or other activities – you’re guaranteed to get some good bang for your buck no matter which hostel you book today.
The 10 Best Hostels in Johanessburg
Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Johannesburg
The best hostel for solo travellers in Johannesburg is Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers. Lebo’s is something of a hidden gem and is perfect for solo travellers looking to gain an authentic South African experience and meet fellow travellers. Guests have the option of staying at their Johannesburg backpackers hostel or their home stay. You really should stay a few nights in each! If you want to try some legit tasty local food you’ve gotta try Lebo’s granny’s lunch!
Curiocity Backpackers – Best Overall Hostel in Johannesburg
The best hostel for digital nomads in Johannesburg is Curiocity Backpackers; witty name, don’t you think?! Curiocity is super trendy and ideal for digital nomads. Offering super fast WiFi for unlimited use as well as hipster hangout areas you’ll be able to focus well here. In the evenings Curiocity has a real buzz about the place so you’ll be able to meet new people on the road no worries. The team and help arrange all sort of activities for when you close the laptop down!
Brown Sugar Backpackers – Best Hostel Near the Airport
Brown Sugar was just pipped at the post for best hostel in Johannesburg in 2020. As a top youth hostel in Johannesburg Brown Sugar goes above and beyond for their guests, the free airport pick-up is a major bonus point! Brown Sugar is a chilled and welcoming Johannesburg backpackers hostel, it really feels like a home from home. The Brown Sugar building used to be owned by the Mafia…kinda cool! Now safe and secure, backpackers always come away feeling the love having stayed with the Brown Sugar team.
Backpackers Connection @ JNB Airport – Best Cheap Hostel in Johannesburg
Backpackers Connection @ JNB Airport is an excellent spot for an overnight in Joburg. Barry is a great host and it’s awesome to get picked up and dropped off from the airport. Soooo much stress alleviated. The whole place is comfortable and spotlessly clean. The beds are very comfortable with quality linens. The food they serve is delish and very reasonably priced, as are drinks.
You get a lot of bang for your buck here. With a swimming pool, pool table and loads of comfy communal seating, there’s loads of spaces to splat out and unwind. The compound is located in a very quiet area and feels super safe. There’s always tons of cute dogs running around too which I absolutely love.
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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 REIExplorer Backpackers – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Johannesburg
If you’re a digital nomad chilling in Johannesburg for a while, Explorer Backpackers might just be your new base. It’s got all the amenities long term travellers need like cheap laundry, fast Wi-Fi and secure parking. The showers are hot, the beds comfy and the staff friendly and always up for a chat.
The location is great, with tons of cafes and co-working spaces nearby if you need to head out to feel productive. The rooms are spotless and way more stylish than what you’d expect from your average Jo’burg hostel. The common area is made for unwinding, whether you’ve spent the day exploring or hustling, and there’s even a heater to keep things cosy when the temps drop.
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!More Best Hostels in Johannesburg
Are you looking to stay in specific neighborhood? Check out our guide to Johannesburg’s best areas to stay.
Sleek Backpackers
Sleek Backpackers is a great youth hostel in Johannesburg for travellers planning on staying more than a week or so. Sleek is a hostel for long-term travellers in Johannesburg looking for a home from home in a laid-back, homely setting. The house itself is cosy and clean and has everything you could need – kitchen, washing machine and WiFi. If you book a 3-day safari or overland experience through the Sleek team they’ll chuck in a free night stay…worth thinking about!
Rosebank Lodge
Rosebank Lodge is an often overlooked budget hostel in Johannesburg. Rosebank has its own swimming pool and floral garden, the sun trapped patio is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with a book. Admittedly Rosebank is not the most highly recommended hostel in Johannesburg but you can’t complain given the price. Clean linen, staff on shift around the clock and a guest kitchen too, Rosebank has everything you could need. If you’re keen to book tours and trips be sure to chat to the staff about booking your spot.
Moonflower Cottages
Moonflower Cottages creep onto the shortlist for best hostel in Johannesburg even though technically they’re more of a holiday rental. If you’re travelling to Johannesburg with your crew or find your numbers growing on the road Moonflower Cottages may just be the flashpacker style hostel you’re looking for. Located in the upmarket northern suburbs, Moonflower Cottages are fully kitted out apartments with balconies and a swimming pool. Relaxed and a little bit of luxury, if you can afford to splash out, go for it!
Lakeview Backpackers – Best Hostel for Couples in Johannesburg
If you’re backpacking South Africa with your partner, Lakeview Backpackers is the best hostel for couples in Johannesburg. Lakeview is a little touch of paradise, lying just outside of Johannesburg CBD. As a highly recommended hostel in Johannesburg, you’ve gotta book your room ASAP. With clean and tidy private double rooms, Lakeview is a perfect retreat for couples looking to escape the noisy dorm rooms and take some time to relax in South Africa. The garden is spacious and has hammocks fit for two!
Johannesburg Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Johannesburg
If you’re looking for the best party hostel in Johannesburg you should look no further than Johannesburg Backpackers. Johannesburg Backpackers is a top hostel in Johannesburg and ideal for those who wanna have a fun night. Complete with its own swimming pool and hostel bar Johannesburg Backpackers expects a party so you better bring your A-game! If you’re travelling with friends be sure to book one of their private apartments for a VIP party!
What to Pack for your Johannesburg 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Johannesburg
While Johannesburg is sometimes seen as the second-fiddle to Cape Town – it shouldn’t be! With endless sights and activities (and not to mention incredible day trips!), Johannesburg provides bang for your buck that most other cities can’t.
And remember, if you can’t choose which hostel to book at, our number one recommendation is Once in Joburg.
FAQ about Hostels in Johannesburg
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Johannesburg.
How much does a hostel cost in Johannesburg?
Depending on the room type and location, the average cost of hostel rooms in Johannesburg starts at $12 for a dorm, and private rooms start at $16+.
What are the best hostels in Johannesburg for couples?
Lakeview Backpackers is our pick for the best hostels for couples in Johannesburg. It’s clean, has a pool, and overlooks the lake.
What are the best hostels in Johannesburg near the airport?
Brown Sugar Backpackers, our best hostel near the airport, is 15 minutes from the airport. It has a free shuttle to the airport, cool!
Travel Safety Tips for Johannesburg
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.
More Epic Hostels in South Africa and Africa
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Johannesburg.
Planning an epic trip all across South Africa or even Africa itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Africa, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Johannesburg has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- 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 Johannesburg covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Johannesburg before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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