The buzzy resort town of San Sebastian in the Bay of Biscay is all about beautiful beaches and delicious dining. Framed by LUSH mountains with an old town that’s positively overflowing with interesting architecture, this Basque city has a lot to offer its many visitors.
But with such a popular city comes the expense of staying close to the top sights. Hotels close to the beach and the Old Town can be pretty pricey… That’s nothing to worry about though – I’ve solved the problem of price with my list of the best hostels in San Sebastian.
I’ve got hostels near La Concha Beach, I’ve got hostels out of town, I’ve got cheap hostels… Shiet, I’ve even got some rogue budget-friendly accommodation that isn’t technically in the realm of San Sebastian hostels, but I’m nothing if not inclusive!
San Sebastian hostels mostly have modern facilities and there are hot new properties popping up all over the show so get here ASAP. For now, my fellow broke backpackers, it’s a somewhat unchartered territory (not quite, but it sounds good eh?)!
So let’s get into the best San Sebastian hostels, you’ll be on the beach drinking a cocktail in no time!
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.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in San Sebastian
- Best Overall Hostel in San Sebastian – A Room in the City
- Best Hostel in San Sebastian for Solo Travelers – Koba Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in San Sebastian – UBA Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in San Sebastian – Surfing Etxea Surf Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Sebastian – Koisi Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in San Sebastian
1. A Room In The City – Best Overall Hostel in San Sebastian
- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Private Room: From $76
- Address: Calle Easo 20 – Calle Manterola 15, San Sebastian, Spain
This hostel IS the best overall hostel in San Sebastian, it offers great value beds AND the location is really close to the top sights. Super close to the beautiful beach and a ten-minute stroll to the Old Town, there isn’t much NOT to like about this place. A three minute walk to La Concha Beach sounds to me like you’ll be pretty big time on the beach time and that’s hot!
Well organised and maintained, the staff at this San Antonio backpackers hostel take their jobs seriously. Hospitality is the name of the game and they will be more than happy to look after you and tell you all about the best spots. Which are nearby mostly because you’re in the perfect location to walk over to La Zurriola surf beach AND the Old Town.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Shared Lounge
- On Site Bar
- Dining Room
There are dorm rooms which sleep six to 12 people and a diverse range of rooms sleeping two to six privately. The beds are comfy, there are hot showers with good water pressure and heaps of places to hide away and have your own space. Plus there are elevators, all of the above is invaluable if you’re stopping here as you travel El Camino!
Enjoy the beach vacay vibes and make the most of the fully equipped kitchen and take a picnic down to La Concha Beach. Spending the day here is the epitome of rest and relaxation and if that’s not what you’re here for, maybe I can’t help you. Joking obviously, my digital nomad homies and my party people, read on…
2. Koba Hostel – Best Hostel in San Sebastian for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $75
- Address: Calle Karkizano 5. Bajo, Donostia – San Sebastian, San Sebastian, Spain
Travelling alone? You won’t need to worry about things to do or where you should hang out if you stay at this top hostel in San Sebastian. Koba Hostel is properly cool as well, located inside a renovated old car workshop and the shared dorms are the ultimate in comfy.
The beach is literally a stroll away, or you can just unwind in the chill atmosphere of the common room at koba Hostel. The staff are always on hand to be endlessly helpful and to tell you all their local recommendations too which is always a win. It can be hard to get out and about when you’re travelling solo but if someone points you in the right direction, you’ll be away!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Housekeeping
- Self-Catering Faciliites
- Air Conditioning
There are wonderful places to eat right outside the door, or you could make the most of the fully equipped communal kitchen. There’s nothing like cooking your own food to save money and stick to your budget, especially in Europe but balance this with eating local cuisine! There’s nothing like truly getting to know a place by meeting the locals at the coffee shop or beach near Koba Hostel.
If you’re a solo female, worry not, you can sleep safe in the female only dorms or whoever you are, sleep sweetly in the mixed dorms. There’s the option of privates that sleep up to five too so if you’ve made some friends you wanna have sleepover vibes with, that’s possible at Koba Hostel too!
3. UBA Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in San Sebastian
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $76
- Address: Camino Uba, 43, San Sebastian, Spain
Wowza, the rooms in this place are amazing. The best hostel in San Sebastian for travelling on a budget for sure, but also, stylish! The huge floor to ceiling windows means you can wake up to incredible views and the rooms are flooded with plenty of natural light too.
Located inside the picturesque Ametzagaña Park, staying here means being surrounded by greenery and nature. There’s even a mountain viewing terrace and an onsite restaurant for good meals too. With all this stunning scenery and the ridiculously cheap price, you may have guessed there’s a catch – it’s just out of town.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 24 Hour Reception
- Luggage Storage
- Laundry Facilities
Being four kilometers out of town is far from the end of the world though – I mean look at your surroundings, this is serenity! For total privacy, check out these amazing Airbnbs in San Sebastian, but I don’t know that they’ll fit the budget like this San Sebastian hostel. Uba Hostel has free onsite parking so if you’re travelling Spain with a car, there’s another reason to stay here.
The area surrounding this San Sebastian hostel is wooded and out of town as I’ve mentioned but it’s super safe. If you have any concerns or queries or just want some hot local tips on things to do around the joint, as the friendly staff. They’re attentive and at reception 24/7 so will happily help out with whatever you need.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
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. Surfing Etxea Surf Hostel – Best Party Hostel in San Sebastian
- Dorm (mixed): From $38
- Private Room: From $145
- Address: C/ Zabaleta Nº32. Principal derecha, 1, San Sebastian, Spain
Staying close to the beach doesn’t always have to be about sunbathing all day… But it can be! Or it can be about learning to shred, either way, this recommended surf hostel in San Sebastian is all about the chilled surfing atmosphere. And what goes perfectly in hand with surfing? Partying!
The accommodation itself is top class, there’s a great sociable atmosphere and everything is kept super clean at Surfing Etxea Surf Hostel. If good vibes and days at the beach are your thing, this is one of the best San Sebastian hostels. With a load of equipment to hire and surf lessons on offer, you’ll be out hitting the waves into time, the best hangover cure!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bicycle Hire
- Epic Beach Location
- Modern Facilities
This surf hostel is the place to be if you like to balance the party lifestyle and the outdoorsy lifestyle. It’s not a typical party hostel where everyone lays around like dead flies until the party starts again. It’s more like hanging out all day together, biking around town if the waves are flat and then keeping on keeping on into the night.
This is also an epic option for solo travellers, or if you’re travelling for the first time – it’s pretty friendly and the service is comprehensive. There are airport transfers, fun friendly staff at reception 24/7, there’s a mini supermarket on site as well as a bar and cafe. Plus the dorm beds are super private and secure feeling – there aren’t any female only dorms but you could book a private.
5. Koisi Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Sebastian
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $190
- Address: Paseo De Heriz 38, San Sebastian, Spain
Being a digital nomad can be tricky at times, and finding the right place to stay can make all of the difference to working. I’ve chosen this San Sebastian hostel as the best for digital nomads as it has tons of clean, quiet spaces. As well as tables where you can get your head down and get some work done.
There is a communal kitchen so you can make yourself the all-important cup of coffee to get the work flowing in the morning. Plus there are plenty of things to do and places to eat in the nearby streets to keep you entertained once all the work is complete.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Modern Facilities
- Heaps of space to set up your laptop
Located in El Antiguo (the OG city centre), Koisi Hostel is in an epic spot, peaceful and elegant with a vibrant local culture surrounding it. Ondarreta Beach is just around the corner for lunch time swims or post work sundowners plus there are plenty more tourist attractions nearby.
This hostel is quiet at night and has great air conditioning so you’ll feel refreshed and ready after a proper sleep – invaluable when hostelling! There are a variety of rooms available, from private to mixed shared dorms to female only dorms, you can sleep with whoever you like, wherever you like. There’s even the option of including breakfast in your room rate at Koisi Hostel, talk about wrap around service.
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 Epic Budget Stays in San Sebastian
Are you looking to stay in a specific neighborhood? Check out my guide to San Sebastian’s best areas to stay. I’ve got more epic budget friendly accommodation options below if you still haven’t found the one.
Colo Colo the Smart Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Address: Arrasate Kalea, 3, San Sebastian, Spain
Colo Colo the Smart Hostel might be a slightly concieted name but it’s bang on. For starters, there are quiet drawers in the rooms to stash the bits you need immediately and lockers downstairs for all your important things. Get it? SMART.
As if the peaceful pod beds weren’t quiet enough, the lockers are downstairs so you don’t have people banging around all night (don’t bang in hostels!). The wifi’s a bit patchy so maybe skip this joint if you’re digital nomadding but I’m sure you’ll find better connection for it! Colo Colo The Smart Hostel is in an epic city centre location in San Sebastian and takes hostel bookings online.
Blai Blai Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Address: Nafarroa 37a-6, euromar, Zarautz, Spain
There are curtains on the bed for privacy and plenty of nooks and crannies to tuck yourself away in at this hostel. 20 minutes drive from San Sebastian and you arrive at Zarautz, a quiet beach along the coast. This space is epic if you’re looking for a more mellow vibe but still a bit of a social buzz with like minded travellers.
This is one of the best equipped hostels in the San Sebastian area but since it’s not technically IN San Sebastian, it’s slipped down the list. The shared dorms sleep six to ten and the whole hostel has a max capacity of 24 so it’s going to be friendly… So long as other people are there at the same time – lucky there are books and board games and a great TV set up!
Downtown River Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Address: San Martin 2, San Sebastian, Spain
Staying in this recommended hostel in San Sebastian is perfect if you’re on a trip with your other half. A relaxing, calm atmosphere means plenty of space to unwind after a busy day of exploring the city, or just lounging on the beach, this really is the best hostel for couples in San Sebastian.
You can sleep in a dorm room, or (more likely for a couple) a private room, and stay in the centre of the action, where you can walk to the top sights and places to eat around town.
Ulia Hostel Auberge Youth Hostel
- Private Room: From $65
- Address: Paseo de Ulia, 297, Gros, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
Ulia Hostel Auberge Youth Hostel is a sweet ‘hostel’ on a hill 15 minutes out of the city centre overlooking San Sebastian. Enjoy the views over the stunning bay from this accommodation that calls itself a youth hostel but isn’t a typical hostel per se. The rooms are set up to sleep up to five people though so if you’re travelling with the family or a crew, it’s budget-friendly accommodation.
The rooms at Ulia Hostel Auberge are smoke free and pet friendly if you organise it in advance with the hosts. This hostel is set in a stunning garden with an epic outdoor balcony where you can enjoy a scenic breakfast before exploring San Sebastian. There are some rooms that have a private kitchen, otherwise there’s a communal kitchen.
Pension Aia
- Private Room: From $63
- Address: C/ Zabaleta, 40, San Sebastian, Spain
Looking for a hostel that has a little more privacy but still a fun hostel atmosphere? This B&B offers private rooms in a really beautiful house. The owners are extremely warm and welcoming, and if you have any problems they will be more than happy to help you out.
One of the best hostels in San Sebastian with private rooms, it may not be a true hostel BUT the location is incredible. A short walk to the beach, as well as the Old Town, this really is a top place to stay in San Sebastian.
Balea Hostel
We hate to say it, but San Sebastian ain’t cheap. You’re gonna be hard pushed to find a top hostel in San Sebastian that fits into a tight budget. This hostel, however, is located around a 20-minute walk from the centre of the action and offers very affordable rooms and dorm beds.
Surrounded by parks, local streets, cafes and coffee shops, choosing to stay here means soaking up a bit of the local life. The staff are on hand to make sure everyone staying there is well looked after. The rooms might be small, but if you’re looking for a great San Sebastian hostel, this is it.
Usturre Hostel
Situated in a top location to spend your evening in the city’s bars, this is easily the best party hostel in San Sebastian. Ok, so they might not arrange big hostel parties and late night drinking games, actually maybe that whole statement was a stretch… But the streets surrounding the hostel are lively and full of people having a good time late into the night.
No curfew means you can roll in at any time you please, which is good because nobody likes getting locked out. For when you want to make yourself some hangover food, or a much-needed coffee, there are TWO communal kitchens for guests to use. That’s one for each day of the weekend in San Sebastian!
San Fermin
Brightly coloured, cheerful and fun, you won’t get bored if you book this top San Sebastian Hostel. Right in the heart of the Old Town, the streets surrounding this place are full of places to eat and interesting sights. The location is the BEST if you feel like hit up the towns many bars.
The rooms themselves are a little small but you’ll be spending all of your time out and about exploring anyway. Staff are always on hand to help you out, and you can keep to your travel budget by cooking meals in the communal kitchen. Get yourself down to that beautiful beach ASAP!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting San Sebastian
Good hostel insurance is good for everyone – you never know when you’ll need it!
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 San Sebastian
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in San Sebastian.
What to Pack for your San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?
On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect to pay around $29 and $88+ per night.
What are the best hostels in San Sebastian for couples?
A relaxing, calm atmosphere near the beach makes Downtown River Hostel the perfect hostel for couples in San Sebastian.
What is the best hostel in San Sebastian near the airport?
The airport is quite far from the central area, so it is better to find the best place near downtown. I highly recommend Uba Hostel. Always talk with your hostel or accommodation about the best way to get to and from the airport – they’ve got the local intel.
Final Thoughts on San Sebastian’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in San Sebastian has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! San Sebastian is like an epic little micro-climate in Basque Country (the “rainy” part of Spain) where surf and sunshine reign supreme. Whether you’re looking for nightlife, planning a family vacation, riding some waves, or anything in between, San Sebastian is a VIBE!
I know I’ve given you a diverse spectrum of options here but for the ultimate San Sebastian experience, Surfing Etxea Surf Hostel is the one. It’s close to the beach, there’s a fun party atmosphere and the crew always has a good attitude and are keen to do shit.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a city scene, A Room In The City is a safe bet. It is my overall top pick for San Sebastian hostels for good reason, it’s within walking distance to the Old Town AND the beach. Best of both worlds, HELLO!
Wherever you decide to stay in San Sebastian, there are so many incredible places to hang out, you can’t help but have a good time. Check out Zurriola Beach while you’re here, watch the sunset from a rooftop terrace and sip sangria.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Spain for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in San Sebastian if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in San Sebastian before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Spain 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.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
