Planning a trip to Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges? A solid choice! You’re in for a great time, for sure. However, choosing a place to stay can be a bit frustrating and we’re here to make things easy for ya!
Hotels in town easily cost a couple of hundred bucks a night. Why do that to yourself? Especially if you’re a broke backpacker! Your trip to Pittsburgh shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Instead, we’ve considered all of the alternative options out there and listed them here on our best hostels in Pittsburgh post. We’ve got the best of the best – from hostels and guesthouses to staying in a spare room, there are definitely ways to make your stay in the ‘Burgh one that won’t break the bank.
- Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Pittsburgh
- What to Expect from Hostels in Pittsburgh
- Best Hostels in Pittsburgh
- Other Budget Accommodations in Pittsburgh
- What to Pack for your Pittsburgh Hostel
- Pittsburgh Hostels FAQs
- More Epic Hostels and Accomodation in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania
- Final Thoughts On the Best Hostels in Pittsburgh
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Pittsburgh
- Best Overall Hostel in Pittsburgh – Stay Pittsburgh
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What to Expect from Hostels in Pittsburgh
No matter what time of year you’re planning to come to Pittsburgh, the prices at local hotels are going to be steep. Don’t fret though, there are a number of places in town that will give you a quality stay at a fraction of the cost of staying at a hotel, ideal for your USA backpacking trip.
Let’s be honest, there’s really only one hostel that calls the ‘Burgh home so options in that regard are limited. However, there are a number of awesome and affordable places to stay that will keep you on point for your travel budget instead. You’re most likely going to stay in private rooms no matter what type of accommodation you’re looking at. These will run between $50 and $90 at the hostels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts. Prices will vary depending on the season and with what sort of rooms and bathroom setups are offered (think shared or private bathrooms).
Staying in a private apartment may be a good option too. Rates range anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the size, but with a private apartment comes the convenience of having your own bathroom and kitchen. The latter of which will save you money on eating out so you spend your dollars on all the epic things to do in Pittsburgh instead!
Many places in Pittsburgh don’t include taxes and fees in their quoted rates. So it’s a good rule of thumb to check out the fine print before you finalise your booking. This way you’ll be able to factor everything into your travel budget. It’s better to know before you go and minimise surprises when you get the final bill. Ain’t nobody about that!
You can expect great rooms that get you set up with free linens, towels, and Wi-Fi. To keep you cool in the summer months most are ready with air conditioning. Kitchens are a great way to stick to your travel budget, so it’s nice that nearly all of the places on our list have either shared or private kitchens for guests.
Places to stay are sprinkled throughout The Iron City and the surrounding area. So you’d do well to consider the various neighbourhoods when deciding where to stay in Pittsburgh, some might offer better prices or a different vibe.
Getting around the ‘Burgh is easy on the T (the light rail system) or the bus. For a small fee, you can get around all the cool places to visit in Pittsburgh easily. Just remember that both the T and the bus shut down at midnight, so you’ll want to get where you’re going before then, or figure out a Plan B!
If you’re looking to get around on wheels, consider using Healthy Ride, the bike-share system in town. Costing just a few bucks, you can see the city with the wind in your hair. Driving around town is pretty convenient, but you’ll have to worry about parking. Check out the places on the list that offer parking (free or low cost), it’ll definitely save you the hassle of finding a spot on your own. Another easy answer to getting around town are ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which are alive and well in the area.
Best Hostels in Pittsburgh
So, now you have the overall view of what to expect from places in Pittsburgh. Now, let’s take you through the places that will give you the best value for your money.
Stay Pittsburgh – Best Overall Hostel in Pittsburgh
Stay Pittsburgh is a great place to make your home base during a trip to the ‘Burgh. It’s perfectly situated downtown, so everything is right at your front door. It’s literally just across the water from Mt Washington and the historic Monongahela Incline.
Stay Pittsburgh is marketed as a hostel but there’s a bit more to it than that! Most importantly though, it’s exactly what you’ve come looking for;a totally affordable rate in the heart of the city. You’re literally not going to find rates like this anywhere else in town.
Also like a hostel, you’ve got access to kitchen facilities, so you can keep rolling with the theme of keeping costs low by preparing your own meals.This way you don’t have to be constantly eating out while you’re in town. That’ll definitely help to keep the dollars in your pocket.
each of the rooms at Stay have their own kitchens, so you can keep rolling with the theme of keeping costs low by preparing your own meals. This way you don’t have to be constantly eating out while you’re in town. That’ll definitely help to keep the dollars in your pocket.
Unlike a hostel, rooms are separate from one other andeach of them have their own kitchen. Meaning that communal spaces are not a thing here. So, if you’re looking to meet and mingle with fellow travellers, this may not be the place for you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Individual Apartments
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
Each room is like its own apartment. Some large (sleeping up to 9 people) and some small and cosy perfect for one or two. The perks of having your own apartment is that it’s all yours, including the bathroom. This way you can do what you gotta do in the privacy of your own space. Or better yet, if you’re travelling as a group, there’s no need to split up. As some of the rooms can have up to 9 guests, it’s perfect for a mates trip or a family vacay!
Parking can be a bit of a headache especially in the heart of the city, but Stay has a garage for you to use. So for a few extra bucks each day, you’ll be headache free, ideal if you’re on an east coast roadie.
I gotta shout out Stay for being pet friendly. This is so key when you just can’t bear to leave your four-legged friend at home during your epic adventures (us!). Instead, bring him along and let him experience Pittsburgh by your side.
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 Budget Accommodations in Pittsburgh
Highland Park Pittsburgh
Highland Park Pittsburgh is a gem for anyone looking for the hostel vibe in the ‘Burgh. Yes, it technically is a guest house, but it will also satisfy your hostelling needs too whilst also allowing you some local insight into the city.
You won’t find the traditional dorm situation here. Instead, rooms are private and ready for just about any number of people you’re travelling with. From solo travellers to a pack of 9, they’ve got a space for you. The shared bathrooms are a great way to keep the rates down. If you’re looking for more privacy, consider an apartment setup where you’ll have the place to yourself including a private bathroom and kitchen.
The communal lounge and kitchen make it super easy to meet other guests, share stories and even grill up some burgers together on the BBQ. It’s also a great way to keep to your travel budget.
You’re just a short distance from the beautiful greenery that Pittsburgh has to offer being located in the neighbourhood of Highland Park. If you’re planning to travel by car, you’re in luck – Highland has free on-site parking! Just let them know ahead of time to reserve a spot. You can’t get more convenient than that.
Point Breeze Guest House
You can’t get much better than Point Breeze Guest House. It’s a winner winner chicken dinner! The beautiful double rooms will make you feel right at home. The private sitting areas or balconies also you enough room to spread out in the privacy of your own space. Pretty freaking sweet!
Point Breeze goes the extra mile to make guests at home by providing brekkie in the morning. The kitchenette is also super convenient to heat something up on your own or brew a cuppa any time you fancy.
Point Breeze is pet friendly too. So if you’re looking to bring your furry friend along, you’re in luck. Four-legged guests are welcome. There are also parks nearby that are sure to please your best pal.
Located in the Point Breeze Neighborhood, the guest house is close to Carnegie Mellon University and the Frick Art Museum. If you’re hoping to see the sites throughout the city, there are bus stations nearby that will help get you where you want to go.
3E-Cozy! Micro Apartment
A micro-apartment, specifically 3E-Cosy, could be exactly what you’re looking for. Consider this: A private room all to yourself that has everything you’re looking for in a comfortable stay. It’s what some would call a ‘studio’, but ya know, it’s still super convenient for your trip.
Private bathroom? Check. Full-sized bed? Yup, it’s even a super cool murphy bed that hides away when you’re not using it to give you more space.
Kitchen? It’s set with a kitchenette. Think microwave instead of an oven. But, who’s really going to be doing some mad complex cooking when you’re on holiday!? You’ll be out enjoying everything the city has to offer instead. But this way, you can bring home your leftovers and warm them up for some late-night snacking.
How’s the location? Nicely situated close to some real hot spots in Pittsburgh, the micro-apartments are close to Shadyside. If you’re looking to go further, hop on a bus nearby or use a ride-sharing app to get you where you want to go.
How about the price? The key thing about the micro-apartment is that it’s a small space that comes along with a small price tag.
Can I bring my dog? The Micro Apartment is pet friendly. Hooray!
Northside Victorian Bed and Bagels
As the name suggests, Northside Victorian is located just north of downtown Pittsburgh and the Ohio River. Don’t worry about the location, there’s still tons to do in the area. It’s even a short walk to the Heinz Stadium, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. To get you around the city the T and bus lines have stops nearby too.
Northside Victorian can offer you more for your money by being just a bit further from downtown. This way you can enjoy all the wonderful things this cityhas to offer without putting a huge strain on your bank account. There’s even abagel breakfast on offer so you’re ready to head out refreshed and energised.
Beyond the yummy assortment of bagels offered in the morning, Northside Victorian has cosy private rooms and beautiful common spaces like the living room, kitchen and backyard. The shared kitchen is a perfect way to keep your travel expenses to a minimum. Instead of eating out every night, you can whip up a meal and maybe even share a story or two with other guests doing the same thing.
What to Pack for your Pittsburgh 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!
Pittsburgh Hostels FAQs
How much do hostels in Pittsburgh cost?
Hostels and guest houses begin at about $50 a night and can cost up to and even over $90.
What are the best hostels in Pittsburgh for couples?
With it’s cozy private rooms and superb facilities, Big house private room is THAT place you are looking for. I highly encourage you to stay at this exceptional homestay.
What is the best hostel in Pittsburgh near the airport?
While not particularly close to the airport, I still highly recommend Big house private room. They provide an airport shuttle service although at an additional cost.
Travel Safety Tips for Pittsburgh
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 and Accomodation in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania
Hopefully, by now, you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Pittsburgh. If not, then maybe consider a Pittsburgh Airbnb instead?
If you’re planning to travel further to explore the USA, check out these awesome hostels:
Final Thoughts On the Best Hostels inPittsburgh
As you can see from our best hostels of Pittsburgh list when you’re headed to Steel City you don’t have to compromise on your travel budget. You can stay in a fantastic place without putting a strain on your wallet.
I definitely think that Stay Pittsburgh is the best value for the money. With great room setups, stellar location and a rate that’s not going to break the bank, it’s the best around.
No matter what place you choose (hostel, guest house, or apartment alike) your trip to the ‘Burgh will be one for the record books.
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Pittsburgh covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Pittsburgh if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Pittsburgh before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for the USA to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate USA backpacking guide.
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