Short answer: The three best hostels in Melbourne are Space Hotel (stylish CBD pick for couples and female solo travelers, with a rooftop jacuzzi), Landing Pads Brunswick (small, social, built for backpackers and working-holiday stays), and Tram Stop 14 Backpackers (friendly and central in Fitzroy, great for groups). Compare live prices for all three on Hostelz before you book, because Melbourne fills up fast around its big events.
This is your guide to the 3 best hostels in Melbourne, so you can spend less time stressing and more time exploring. Welcome to the city often called the sports and culture capital of Australia.
Melbourne is a lovely multicultural blend of art, fashion, design and food.
Quick overview:
- Space Hotel – best for solo-travellers
- Landing Pads Brunswick – best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers – best for groups
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Of course, Melbourne is no exception when it comes to fantastic hostels. We condensed it all down to the 3 coolest.
Don’t miss out on our 28 FUN things to do in Melbourne guide.
Why not hop across to the island of Tasmania and check out the best hostels in Hobart too?
And don’t forget to check out all our best hostels in Australia.
Quick Introduction to Melbourne Hostels
Average price for a bed: A dorm bed can be as cheap as €14 ($18) and up to €35 ($42) per night. That’s a rough guide, just to set expectations, and we’ll show you how to find the cheaper spots for backpackers further down.
Prices swing with the season and holidays, so always check live rates. The easiest way is to compare across the booking sites at once on Hostelz, or check Hostelworld.com or Booking.com directly.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), with check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places store luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just ask whether storage is free or costs extra.
Party vs chill: Oh yes, you can party hard in Melbourne. At the same time, there are plenty of hostels for mingling and just chilling. Pick the right type for the trip you want.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Melbourne
Let’s waste no time and introduce the top hostels in Melbourne, hand-picked by us.
- Space Hotel – best for solo-travellers
- Landing Pads Brunswick – best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers – best for groups
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Nunnery |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Space Hotel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | BASE St. KILDA |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Space Hotel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Tram Stop 14 Backpackers |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Landing Pads Brunswick |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Landing Pads Brunswick |
Best Hostels in Melbourne Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space Hotel | Couples, female solo travelers | Stylish, boutique, social | CBD, 5 min from Melbourne Central | Rooftop with jacuzzi, gym, cinema, on-site bar |
| Landing Pads Brunswick | Backpackers, working-holiday, long stays | Small, cosy, house-share feel | Brunswick (20 min from CBD) | 7-night minimum, free job tutorials, no party scene |
| Tram Stop 14 Backpackers | Groups, backpackers | Small, friendly, personal | Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | Heated lounge/terrace, near nightlife, weekly rates |
How to Pick the Right Melbourne Hostel
Not sure which one is you? Here’s the shortcut.
- Couple: Space Hotel
- Female solo traveler or first solo trip: Space Hotel
- On a working-holiday visa or staying long-term: Landing Pads Brunswick
- Backpacker who wants social, not party: Landing Pads Brunswick
- Groups: Tram Stop 14 Backpackers
- Here to party: Nomads St Kilda or Melbourne Central YHA (further down)
- Cheapest bed, full stop: compare them all live on Hostelz
Hostelgeeks Tip: Melbourne hostels jump in price and book out around the big events (the Australian Open in January, the Grand Prix, and Melbourne Cup week in November). Compare your dates on Hostelz early so a marquee weekend doesn’t wreck your budget.
1. Space Hotel (luxury, stylish budget accommodation)
Don’t let the name fool you. Space Hotel is a traveller’s HOSTEL, where luxury meets budget. This is our #1 recommendation for you.
This chic, stylish boutique hostel is in the heart of Melbourne, a space designed for your comfort and enjoyment. We reckon it’s a perfect pick for couples, female solo travelers and groups of friends.
Choose between 4, 6 and 8-bed dorms or a private room. The private rooms come with a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station, plus your own private balcony in selected rooms. Each dorm bed has its own personal light, secure locker and power point, and linen is included.
There are so many cool facilities, we had to make a list:
- Blue Moon bar and restaurant
- Gym
- Games space
- Lounge
- Cinema
- Large communal kitchen
- Rooftop with Jacuzzi
- Internet cafe
- BBQ facilities
- Tea and coffee stations
Why would you even want to step outside when you’ve got all this? Oh, and again: ROOFTOP WITH JACUZZI. The view across the city from up there is spectacular.
Big windows in the rooms, kitchen and communal areas keep everything bright and open. This design-led hostel is surrounded by great shops, cafes and restaurants, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from Melbourne Central Station in the CBD. A perfect spot.
Seriously, this is a top choice if you want a smart, safe and fun hostel where you can sleep well at night and still mingle in the common areas.
Space Hotel is the best hostel in Melbourne for:
- Couples
- Female Solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Landing Pads Brunswick (working holiday paradise)
Easy going, small and open-minded, Landing Pads Brunswick is built especially for the independent working traveler.
Are you:
- Travelling solo around Australia?
- Looking for work on a Working Holiday Visa?
- Wanting to stay long-term in Melbourne?
Great. Landing Pads Brunswick is the best hostel in Melbourne for you. Forget big, cold hostels: this one is deliberately small and cosy, more like a big house-share.
Read: an overview of all 7 types of hostels
It’s been newly renovated with a brand-new kitchen, bathrooms, garden heating and air-conditioning. Along with the usual Wi-Fi, linen and locker, you’ll get:
- FREE job seeker tutorials and local job contacts
- Weekly social activities
- Free big fluffy towels, two pillows and lots of storage
People tend to stay here for weeks, not days, which makes it a great place to make new, lifelong friends. There’s no on-site bar, so you can bring your own beers and settle into the easy-going social vibe. It quietly discourages party animals and builds a social culture that suits everyone.
Important: Guests are asked to book at least a 7-night stay. Why? Because this is more of a big house-share than a hostel, and staying longer makes the social side really click.
Landing Pads is in the suburb of Brunswick, only 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD. There’s a handy supermarket just 200m away, and loads of cheap but great cafes and restaurants along Sydney Road. One of the perks of staying just outside the centre.
Landing Pads is a top pick in Melbourne for:
- Backpackers
- Social butterflies
- Solo, independent travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Tram Stop 14 Backpackers
This affordable spot on Brunswick Street is a real go-to for any traveler who enjoys good nightlife in an iconic part of Melbourne.
Tram Stop 14 Backpackers is independently owned, quirky and safe, set up well for both short and long-term guests.
Tip: Call the hostel directly and ask about their weekly rates.
“Good things come in small packages and this is certainly true with this hostel in Melbourne.”
This is the kind of hostel you choose if you like a personal atmosphere that’s small and friendly. Sounds pretty nice, right? Come on in and have a look at the perks:
- Lounge + large screen TV
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Air conditioning in every room
- Free Wifi
What’s nice is that they offer both shared and private rooms, so there’s usually a good mix of traveler types. Dorms come in 3, 6, 8 and 10-bed options. Go for a bigger room if you’re feeling super sociable. And when it gets chilly outside, the heated lounge/terrace is the spot to be with friends and fellow guests.
Location: On Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, NOT Brunswick Road in Brunswick (check the map). It’s a 10-minute walk to the city centre, 300m to the Melbourne Museum, and super close to live music venues, bars, restaurants and cafes.
Tram Stop 14 Backpackers is a top pick in Melbourne for:
- Groups
- Backpackers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Melbourne for Solo Travellers?
So you’re travelling alone and want to meet new people? As we said above, Space Hotel Melbourne is a top choice for both female and male solo travelers.
But there are a few more options worth mentioning. The Nunnery is a unique Melbourne hostel for solo travelers. This stunning old nunnery was built in 1888 and the vintage charm still runs through it.
There’s a different themed event every day, including movie night, a sausage sizzle and a pub crawl. The dorms have a social space, and out in the courtyard you’ll find big seating areas designed to get guests talking.
Let us also mention Flinders Backpackers, another solid Melbourne hostel for solo travelers. It’s almost impossible not to make friends in the optional 18-bed dorm. There’s a huge communal area, a large shared kitchen, a pool table and weekly free events.
Read: our guide and 18 tips to build lifetime friendships in hostels
Last but not least, Victoria Hotel Backpackers is a great meeting place for all kinds of travelers, from solo backpackers to adventurous types.
It has more than 30 beds across 10 spacious bedrooms, 3 common areas and a fully equipped kitchen (plenty of space to store your food).
What else can you expect?
- Lockers
- Clean linen
- Towel hire
- Free tea and coffee
- Balcony (smoking permitted)
- Board games
- Luggage storage
- Free WIFI
- Jobs board
- Pool table (free play on Mondays)
- Trivia nights and
- Free BBQ Monday Night
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Party hostel Melbourne?
You wanna party? Okay okay, we’ve got something juicy for you.
First, here’s a shortlist of the crazy party hostels in Melbourne you might want to join:
And then we’ll tell you our best Melbourne hostel for PARTYING: Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda.
Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda is the #1 entertainment and events-based hostel in town. There’s an on-site bar, which already gives you a hint, right? Here’s what else to expect:
- FREE pancakes
- FREE Wifi
- FREE activities and
- nightly events in their world-famous Red Eye Bar!
- Foam parties, silent discos, comedy nights. You name it, it’s all happening at Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda.
No kidding. This is the place to party hard and have some fun. It’s popular with travelers from the US, Germany, Britain and beyond.
Read: Netflix and Chill, the 10 Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a peek at the best party hostel in Melbourne.
Want to party with the best views of Melbourne? Welcome to Melbourne Central YHA, which has a great rooftop with BBQ facilities, so you can take in the views and make new friends.
Melbourne Central YHA is a short walk from the city’s main attractions, including Federation Square, Marvel Stadium, the Yarra River, Bourke St Mall, Eureka Skydeck, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Docklands, ACMI, Crown Casino, the National Gallery of Victoria and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. We need say no more.
It’s great for groups, with a range of rooms including 3, 4, 6 and 8-bed multi-share, or the exclusive rooftop private room. Luxurious, right?
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Find Cheap Hostels in Melbourne
Want the lowest price for your exact dates? The quickest way is to compare before you commit.
- Open Hostelz
- Add your dates and number of travelers
- Let Hostelz compare the offers across the booking sites
Then book wherever it lands cheapest. One tip: the very cheapest beds often skip breakfast or linen, or sit far from the centre, which costs you in tram and train fares. Weigh up value, not just the headline price.
What about the cheapest hostels in Melbourne?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Melbourne.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Melbourne
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Melbourne best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Our Favorite Hostels in Melbourne put on a map + sights
We’ve created a handy map to make your planning even easier. You’ll find all 3 cool Melbourne hostels, plus some of the top sights in and around the city:
- Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre
- Eureka Tower
- Arcades and Laneways
- Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Queen Victoria Market
- Federation Square
- City Circle Tram Tour
- Captain Cook’s Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens
- Yarra River Cruise
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Flinders Street
- Southbank and Arts Centre Melbourne
- Melbourne Cricket Ground and the National Sports Museum
The easiest way to see Melbourne is, of course, to hop on, hop off.
Fancy heading out of the city to explore? We highly recommend a Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne.
Any questions about hostels in Melbourne? 🤔
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FAQs
The questions travelers actually ask before booking Melbourne, answered fast.
What are the best hostels in Melbourne?
For the best hostels in Melbourne, please check our guide with our 3 very best choices:
- Space Hotel - best for solo-travellers
- Landing Pads Brunswick - best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers - best for groups
What are the best hostels in Melbourne for solo travellers?
We have already mentioned one of the best hostels in Melbourne for Solo travellers:
- Space Hotel - best for solo-travellers
But do also check:
- The Nunnery a unique hostel in Melbourne for solo travellers.
And Flinders Backpackers – another recommended hostel in Melbourne for solo travellers.
What are the best hostels in Melbourne for a working holiday?
If you can't decide where in Melbourne to stay for your next working holiday.
Let us recommend you to book Tram Stop 14 Backpackers Melbourne, they provide all you need to help you out to find job and offer affordble weekly rates.
What are the best long term hostels in Melbourne?
We cannot recommend enough Tram Stop 14 Backpackers, they provide a cheap accommodation in Melbourne for those travellers who plan to stay longer and perhaps need to help with job seeking as well.
For those who asked for wake up hostel in Melbourne!
Well, we hope to visit one soon but there isn't any yet.
For now you may have to visit our guide with 3 best hostel in Sydney, we visit wake up in Sydney both of them.
Jaw dropping!!!
How much does a hostel in Melbourne cost?
Dorm beds run roughly €14 to €35 ($18 to $42) per night, more around big events. Compare live rates on Hostelz before you book.
What is the best area to stay in Melbourne?
The CBD for sights and transport, Fitzroy and Brunswick for cafes and nightlife, and St Kilda for the beach and party scene.
Are hostels in Melbourne safe?
Yes, Melbourne is a very safe city. Just take normal precautions and keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas late at night.
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Melbourne?
Space Hotel is our top pick, and The Nunnery and Flinders Backpackers are both very social if you want to meet people fast.
What is the best party hostel in Melbourne?
Nomads (formerly Base) St Kilda, home of the Red Eye Bar, with Melbourne Central YHA a great rooftop alternative in the CBD.
What is the best hostel for female solo travelers?
Space Hotel, with a central, safe location and a smart, social setup that makes meeting people easy.
What is the best hostel for a working holiday or long stay?
Landing Pads Brunswick, with a 7-night minimum, free job-seeker tutorials and a proper house-share feel.
How do I get from Melbourne Airport to the city?
There's no direct train, so the easiest option is the SkyBus Melbourne City Express to Southern Cross Station (around 20 to 30 minutes, roughly AUD $24), or a taxi or rideshare (around $50 to $70). Buy a Myki card for onward trains and trams.
Is there free public transport in Melbourne?
Yes. The Free Tram Zone covers most of the CBD, so trams within it are free and you don't even need to tap a Myki. The City Circle Tram (route 35) is a free, hop-on hop-off loop that's great for sightseeing.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
Three to four days covers the laneways, markets, galleries and a few neighbourhoods, with room for a Great Ocean Road day trip.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) bring the mildest weather. Summer is event season but unpredictable, since Melbourne is famous for "four seasons in one day".
Do I need a Myki card in Melbourne?
Yes, for trains, trams and buses outside the Free Tram Zone. Buy and top up a Myki at stations, 7-Elevens or the airport.
Are the best hostels near Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne is a big city, and there aren’t really any hostels near the airport. That’s because Melbourne Airport sits 23km (about 30 minutes) from the city centre.
Good to know: there’s a 24-hour shuttle bus to and from the airport. It drops you at Southern Cross Station, where trams and trains make it easy to reach the city and our 3 listed best hostels.
Use the map above to get a feel for the layout. We’ve included the airport too, up in the northern part of the city.
Got your hostel sorted? Time to look at flights. Most travelers land at Melbourne Airport (MEL), about a 30-minute SkyBus ride from the city centre.
Flights to Melbourne?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More Hostels in Australia
Okay, by now you’ve got your answer to where to stay in Melbourne on a budget. We’ve also got an extension of this guide: the best backpacker hostels in Melbourne.
Don’t forget to check out all our best hostels in Australia and the 28 fun things to do in Melbourne.
Here are some more awesome Australia guides:
- 3 best hostels in Sydney and 5 backpacker hostels in Sydney and the coolest party hostels in Sydney
- best hostels in Brisbane and best backpacker hostels in Brisbane
- 3 best hostels in Cairns and 5 backpacker hostels in Cairns
- 3 best hostels in Alice Springs, central Australia
- best hostels in Byron Bay
- Best Hostels in Adelaide
- best hostels in Perth
- best hostels in Airlie Beach
- best hostels in Darwin
- best hostels in Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
- Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse, Hobart – 5 star hostel
Heading to Alice Springs? Here’s our guide to cool things to do in Alice Springs.
Heading over to Fiji? Check out our guide to the best hostels in Fiji.
Over to you
By now we’ve given you three great places to stay on a budget in Melbourne, plus a solid introduction to the sights and what to explore.
Do you have any questions? Anything unclear? Please, bother us with your question(s) and leave a comment below.
We want this guide to hostels in Melbourne to be as useful and detailed as possible. Your questions genuinely help us improve it, and help you get your travels sorted.
Last note: our commitment. This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget. We only recommend places we’re convinced by, never anything we haven’t evaluated. We only share places we’d happily send our best friends and family to.
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
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