Welcome to the 3 best hostels in Berlin Germany. And oh boy, this guide is juicy, filled with some epic good-vibes only hostels. This is your answer to where to stay in Berlin city on a budget AND have an epic time.
We actually visited all accommodations on this list in person!
Your Shortcut:
- The Circus Hostel - best for Couples
- Grand Hostel Berlin Classic - best for Female Solo Travellers
- Wallyard Concept Hostel - best for Solo Travellers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
We found creative boutique hostels, chill-out places and party hostels. Check out our guide go the coolest party hostels in Berlin.
Any questions about hostels in Berlin?
🤔Join our Facebook Group here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
This collection is part of the 29 best hostels in Germany.
There will be no reviews here stating ‘Berlin hotel cheap, no social vibes’. This is strictly a guide to awesome hostels with memorable rooms to stay in. We’re confident that these are the absolute coolest hostels in Berlin Germany!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
In Berlin, there’s a real mix of art, history and modern architecture found among the streets here. Perfect for travellers looking to learn and have a generally great time. The German capital is on your bucket list for your Europe trip for sure, no way around it.
As always, we put all places to stay in Berlin on a budget on a map.
This way you can see their exact location, and get an idea how far it is from main sights like Berlin Wall, and the TV Tower.
Quick Introduction to Berlin Hostels
Average price for a bed: Looking for a Berlin cheap stay? A bed in a dorm can be cheap, costing from 15€ – 36€ per night. Hostels with private rooms in Berlin start from 50€ to 120€ per night. This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays.
Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer free luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Tourism Tax: Be aware that private rooms in Berlin incur an added tax. For example, there is a 5% city tax for private rooms.
Suddenly cheap areas to stay in become that little bit more expensive so choose a shared room if you’re looking to save pennies.
Private Rooms: Book as soon as you have your dates fixed. Be in the know by booking your chosen hostel beforehand if you’re going to book a private room. Especially private rooms in cool hostels are hard to get in Berlin. You can always check as well Airbnb.
New to Hostels? Read our full hostel starter guide here. We especially recommend reading:
- how to book hostels (and websites to use)
- 23 items for the hostel packing list
- Are hostels safe? 13 safety tips for hostels
The 3 Best Hostels in Berlin are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Berlin.
- The Circus Hostel – best for Couples
- Grand Hostel Berlin Classic – best for Female Solo Travellers
- Wallyard Concept Hostel – best for Solo Travellers
We put all accommodations on the map, incl. our own tips for restaurants, things to see, and more.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Wallyard Concept Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Grand Hostel Berlin Classic |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | One80 Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | The Circus Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Lekkerurlaub |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Wallyard Concept Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Wallyard Concept Hostel |
1. The Circus Hostel (home-brewed craft beer)
The time has never been better to run away and join The Circus Hostel. There really never is a dull moment here.
Once again we bring you a centrally located hostel surrounded by excellent bars, restaurants, museums and sights.
They offer everything from affordable dorm beds to entire apartments decorated in bright design.
In fact, Circus Hostel Berlin is more about private spaces than shared. This place is featured on many guides to top 10 hostels in Berlin. No surprise here!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
So for the travelling peeps out there that appreciate alone time, have a look at:
- Circus Apartment (4 people)
- Double Deluxe
- Double private
- Solo private
This is in fact one of the best hostels in Berlin for couples, no doubt.
Otherwise, secure a bed in an 8-10 bed dorm and look forward to meeting new faces.
Want to hear something pretty cool? Always!
There is all all-you-can-eat buffet for as little as 5€ that’s available until 1 pm every day! This way you can enjoy a late night, a lay-in AND an excellent start to the day. Thanks, Circus!
The international team at Circus are well travelled and understand what it means to be a backpacker.
That’s why all of these lovely things exist here:
- In-house bar + cafe
- In-house microbrewery
- 24-hour reception + no curfew
- Bike rental
- Events, sports, music, trivia nights
- Free walking tours in Berlin
Believe it or not, there is still more to mention. But I guess you’ll have to book a night (or three) to discover the rest.
The Circus Hostel is the best Berlin boutique hostel for:
- Friends
- Couples
- Small Groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Although not always easy to come by, it’s possible to enjoy guilt-free and affordable majestic luxury at Grand Hostel Berlin Classic.
The staff kick-start the experience with a super friendly welcome and continue to always be at hand during your stay.
If you want a central hostel in Berlin, lively and historic; Grand Hostel is the perfect option for you.
Important: There is two Grand Hostels in Berlin. One is Classic, the other one is called Urban. We recommend the Classic due to its vibe and location. Have a look at the Grand Hostel Berlin Urban here.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
So, of course, there are shared dorms here. But for a nice change you won’t be seeing any bunk beds, just free-standing solid single beds instead. Score!
Update: They now offer as well few dorms with bunk beds as well as single beds. Make sure you check the correct room type when booking.
You can choose from basic dorms to luxury dorms too. They also offer apartments now and family room with 3 bunk beds. It is one the best hostels in Berlin for families with children.
Honestly, it’s like walking into a hotel room only bigger and more sociable.
Female solo travellers listen up: that little bit of added luxury is waiting for you in the single private option.
All private rooms at Grand Hostel include:
- Free slippers
- High-speed WiFi
- Linen, towel + mineral water
- Pets allowed
You won’t have to go very far to have a good time – just head to the library bar on-site. Alongside a cold drink and books, this is where you can join in German lessons, beer tasting, cocktail nights and DJ sets.
Make sure you reserve an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast the day before. It’s seriously generous! The price is around 7€-9€.
Staff promise to deliver regular bar crawls and guided tours. In fact, there are actually in-house guides so you know it’s going to be good.
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic is the coolest hostel in Berlin for:
- Female solo-travellers
- backpacker
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Wallyard Concept Hostel
Alright, you made it that far and we want to make this really quick: Wallyard Concept Hostel is one of the coolest hostels in Berlin. First up is a stylish boutique hostel, combining an industrial design with the hipster vibe of Berlin. Come on in and have a look at Wallyard Concept Hostel.
It’s the modern traveller that will surely love our chosen boutique hostel in Berlin.
Wallyard is perched in central Berlin, nearby the Government quarter and Kreuzberg. The neighborhood is called Moabit, and it is off the beaten path. That is why it is PERFECT!
You have the real Berlin experience, yet the city in front of you. So from all the cool hostels to stay in Berlin, we always recommend Wallyard; as we call it for short.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Looking for a quiet hostel? Then Wallyard is fantastic too.
Why? It is located in a quiet street AND the rooms are separated from the common area. This is why at night you will sleep without any noise. We absolutely love that (a quiet good night sleep is really important to us when travelling!)
There are double private rooms, mixed and female dorms available to choose from. All of them have a bold, minimalist design that we just love.
What else is there to get excited about?
- A lounge + art salon
- Bike Hire (recommended!)
- A sunny backyard
- Wallyard cafe + bar
- Free WiFi in the bar and rooms
Treat yourself to a Mama’s Breakfast Ole and a hot coffee to kick-start your day.
The former-factory-spaces are a wonderful place to chill and mingle. There is no free breakfast at Wallyard, it costs extra. However, highly recommended to start your day with the delicious breakfast here.
We had a super creamy coffee, and Nutella waffles – yummy. Great value for price!
Note: Groups larger than 6 are not accepted here. Scroll down for nice hostels accepting groups in Berlin.
We should mention that linen is not included here. Unusual we know, but that’s the way it is. Set aside an extra 3.90€ per bed. We have actually been in person here.
You will see why it is a real hit. It is a beautiful design hostel, a real Luxury Hostel in Berlin.
Wallyard Concept Hostel is the best hostel in Berlin for:
- Female Solo-Travellers
- Hipster Solo Travellers
- Hipster Couples
- Adult Travelers
- Families too (rooms are separated from common area, good for sleeping!)
You won’t find the young kids and hardcore party travelers here!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Berlin for Solo Travellers
Honestly, it seems these days that most people are travelling solo. We think that’s awesome! So much can be said for exploring the world your way. It’s ultimate freedom.
With that in mind, you’ll want a great accommodation to compliment your journey when backpacking Berlin. You need a fun, cool and clean hostel, right?!
As previously mentioned we found…
- Best hostel in Berlin for solo travellers: Wallyard Concept Hostel
- Best hostel in Berlin for female solo travellers: Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
The coolest backpacker hostel in Berlin is Grand Hostel too.
We figured we’d throw in one more for you because we’re nice like that.
Let us introduce EastSeven Berlin.
This is strictly a no party hostel, yet guests continually say it’s a great place to meet people as a solo traveller. Relax in the quiet garden or lounge and explore as a group by joining the free walking tour that leaves daily.
Looking for the best hostels in Berlin Mitte?
EastSeven is located in Mitte (central district), with Alexander Platz in walking distance. Ideal for travellers seeking the true spirit of Berlin. Please check our map so you get a better idea of all the different hostel locations and sights.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
The Best Party Hostels in Berlin
To help you save time, we did some research on the best hostels in Berlin for partying. And we think we’ve found real bangers. Vetted by one of our craziest party buddies, here is the final verdict:
- Circus Hostel
- Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
- St Christopher’s Berlin Mitte (our favorite for Party!)
- Generator Berlin Mitte
- Pfefferbett Hostel
Full, detailed guide to best party hostels in Berlin 2023.
Personally, Christopher’s Berlin Mitte is our favorite one. It brings you to the pulsing heart of the city: the Mitte. (The Mitte means Center!) You can expect:
- Belushis Bar – Super fun!!!
- Roof Top Terrace
- Live Music and DJ Sessions
- Top Location (in Mitte, Central!)
- Cool, comfy, and clean dorms
Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Another great hostel to party is Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz likes to make it as easy as possible to make new friends.
Good to know: We also wrote a detailed guide on the best party hostels in Berlin.
In fact, when looking for good hostels in Berlin, One80 will come up for sure. It is for sure the best hostel in Berlin east. It starts with a great night’s sleep in a comfy bed and an extensive breakfast for an extra fee. This will surely put you in a good mood.
Take that good mood with you to a Friday pub crawl and or mosey on down to the hostel bar and courtyard after a fun day exploring the vibrant heart of the city.
Though it’s not a techno hostel Berlin offers, techno music can be found in the clubs nearby. Especially in summer, One80 is a super fun place to stay at. Make sure you hit the bar and check their happy hours and special offers.
Read: 64 Best Party Hostels in the World
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Family Hostels in Berlin
Uff, okay okay, from Party to Family hostels is quite a jump here. Yet again, it is a complete guide and we want to cover all types of travelers.
So, looking for family-friendly hostels in Berlin?
Make it simple: Wallyard Concept Hostel!
The rooms are separated from the common area, which makes it easy to just go to bed and rest instead of having a drink in the lounge downstairs.
As always, we recommend keeping a close eye on what type of hostel you are looking at. There is the backpacker type and party type, which we do not recommend for families.
Here’s our guide to different hostel types.
Tip: take the family to Prenzlauer Berg where you’ll find kid-friendly shops, playgrounds and cafes.
In Berlin, we actually do recommend for families to stay in hostels, since there is some great and unique options.
The easiest way to spot a family youth hostel in Berlin and Germany (and Europe on that matter): Check for HI Hostels.
It is one of the best Berlin youth hostels. These hostels are usually great for families with kids. The German network is called “Deutsche Jugendherberge”.
Our absolute best recommendations for a family hostel in Berlin:
1. Lekkerurlaub!
They offer regular double rooms and family rooms for 4 people.
All rooms are uniquely designed. Great comfort, quiet and self-catering available. They include a small breakfast in the price.
Good to know: They offer a Vegan option for breakfast. A great Vegan Hostel in Berlin! Just let them know beforehand, please, so they can plan accordingly.
2. Eastern & Western Comfort Hostelboats
The most unique place to stay for families in Berlin is the Hostel Boats. Easter and Western Hostel Boats are two hostel on an actual boat; literally!
You can book a cabin for up to 4 people and even do camping on top of the boat (only available in the warmer months). This place is popular for families and also single-parents with kids.
The only downside here is, there is no kitchen. Below we include a video.
The hostel and hotel chain A&O Hostels is also a great option. You can find them all over Germany.
Here is a list of Berlin Family Youth Hostels:
- Lekkerurlaub
- Eastern & Western Comfort Hostelboats
- A&O Hostel Berlin Mitte
- A&O Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Main Train Station)
- Jugendgästehaus Lichterfelde
Here is the video of Eastern & Western Comfort Hostel Boats.
The video is in German only, but it is worth it to click through it.
The video shows the whole accommodation, including its lounge, the cabins and the deck.
More Hostels worth to mention
By no means is this a complete list of Berlin hostels.
Why? We always try to bring you only the 3 absolute coolest hostels in Berlin and all over the world. We do all the leg work for you, so you do not have to go through hours of research.
That being said, here is more hostels we think are worth it to know.
- Pfefferbett Hostel – one of the best hostels in Berlin for backpackers
- St Christopher’s Berlin Mitte
- Gay Hostel Berlin – an accommodation in Berlin for the gay community only
- Eastern & Western Comfort Hostelboats – two hostels on an actual boat
- MINIMAL – cool boutique hostel in Berlin (forget boutique hotels)
- Viertelvier – brand new boutique hostel, located in Kreuzkölln
- Generator Berlin Mitte – bar, lounge & central location
- MEININGER Berlin Central Station – spacious and social Berlin youth hostel
- Old Town Hostel – one of the best youth hostels in Berlin
- Sunflower Hostel Berlin – cozy hostel for Berlin backpackers
If you are traveling with your couple, you should also have a look at Airbnb apartments. You might get a cheaper price (and more privacy).
Cheapest Hostels in Berlin
Of course, there are always cheap Berlin hostels. We want to look after those of you looking for where to stay in Berlin on a budget – perhaps a cheap hostel Berlin is what you’re after.
And there is also cheaper hostels in Berlin than the BEST ones we covered above; obviously.
All the affordable accommodation Berlin has to offer is dotted around the city.
Yet, here is the thing: We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
Hostels in Berlin are generally cheap. And the quality is as good as affordable Berlin hotels (with added social vibes). But forget hotel Berlin, think hostel Berlin.
The difference between a cool one and the cheap one is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be a breakfast buffet or linen. On top of that, keep in mind a bad location far away from the city center costs you more in transport. Since Berlin is also quite big, you also lose a lot of time traveling from your place to the center. That can be annoying.
If you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the budget accommodation in Berlin.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of cheap lodging in Berlin
- Order the listing by price
Simple. As. That. Take your pick of the cheap places to stay in the city.
But please, do not complain afterwards to us here about your backpacker hostel Berlin.
We warned you, and again, you will have a wonderful experience with all the places to stay in Berlin cheap that we mentioned above. The extra 1€ to 2€ go a long way.
Here’s our guide on how to book hostels with Hostelworld.
Fun Things to do in Berlin
There are so many awesome and fun things to do in Berlin, Germany. We created a big guide to activities in Berlin.
In this guide we cover many things from history, to walking tours, brunch, restaurant, roof top bars and even kite surfing.
Read: 27 FUN Things to do in Berlin, Germany
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. There are even special discount codes that we only share in our 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 Berlin 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 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!
All Top Hostels put on a map + sights
We love maps for planning our trip. And we thought you might too.
To save confusion in this relatively big city; we’ve created this handy map for you. All of the hostels mentioned in this article are pinpointed on it!
Not only that, but we’ve included top sights in Berlin such as:
- Brandenburg Gate
- Alexanderplatz
- Reichstag Gebäude
- East Side Gallery
- Berliner Fernsehturm
- Jewish Memorial
- Kurfürstendamn
- Tiergarten
What about cool things to do, we hear you a ponder. For those that like to plan ahead, check out this great list of activities:
- TV Tower Berlin: Fast track ticket
- Berlin Free Walking Tour
- Reichstag: Rooftop coffee
- Reichstag & Government District tour (in German)
- Sachsenhausen Memorial Walking Tour
- Anti-Pub Crawl: Alternative Berlin
- Check Point Charlie
- Olympia Stadium Berlin
- Glienicker Brücke – the famous Bridges of Spies
If you’re spending more than 48hrs in Berlin we highly recommend you buy a Berlin WelcomeCard for really great discounts across the city. Otherwise any single metro ticket is expensive.
The Berlin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is convenient way to explore.
Any questions about hostels in Berlin?
🤔Join our Facebook Group here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Sex in Berlin Hostels
Sex can be part of the hostel life, especially when staying at Party hostels. There is no need to pretend it is not. That is not to say, hostels are only about sex – NOT AT ALL!
We wrote a big guide with 5 dos and donts of having sex in Hostels.
Especially rule #5 is important to remember. Otherwise you may end up being a porn-star. Because: hostels have cameras!
Read: How to have sex in hostels in Berlin here.
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
What's the best hostel in Berlin?
Perhaps you were so keen to know the answer to this that you missed it right at the beginning!
Easily the #1 hostel in Berlin is The Circus Hostel.
What are some good hostels for backpackers in Berlin?
How about a backpacker hostel that houses NO bunks? Choose Grand Hostel Berlin Classic.
Pfefferbett Hostel is also a cool option. It was once a brewery and is now one of the hippest hostels to stay in.
What are the best budget places to stay in Berlin Germany?
Skip back to our Cheapest Hostels in Berlin section for great tips and tricks.
What is a central but quiet hostel in Berlin?
Once again: Wallyard Concept Hostel. It's located on a quiet street AND the rooms are separated from the common area. It's ideal for adults and families as well so solo travelers.
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
We want to throw our hat into the ring: Hostelgeeks.com
Our website is focused on bringing you a handpicked selection of cool hostels all around the world. Here you can find all our handmade best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
Other than our website, Hostelworld is always a great resource and booking platform too.
Flights to Berlin?
Berlin is really well connected. You can take several cheap airlines in Europe here.
You can fly for less than 20€ from and to Berlin:
- Venice, Italy
- Krakow, Poland
- Brno, Czech Republic
- Toulouse, France
- Budapest, Hungary
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Alicante, Spain
- Bologna, Italy
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 Guides
We have already found you the top hostels in Berlin, so time to move on. Have more time? Check out the 29 BEST hostels in Germany guide.
Here’s more handwritten guides for you:
- best hostels in Munich
- best hostels in Prague
- best hostels in Hamburg
- best hostels in Dresden
- best hostels in Cologne
- best hostels in Frankfurt
- best hostels in Wroclaw
Find all our European hostel guides here. We also have guides on the best hostels in Europe, the best party hostels in Europe, and the best coworking hostels in Europe.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Berlin guide.
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 will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
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Booking Hostels and Discounts 👏👏👏
As a user of Hostelgeeks, you also have access to exclusive hostel discounts. For booking hostels, we use:
- Hostelz.com - hostel price comparison
- Hostelworld
We recommend installing the Hostelworld App. It is very useful!
How to find cheaper Flights ✈️
The first websites we always check are Skyscanner and Google Flights.
Find our step-by-step process in our review about Skyscanner.
Travel Insurance made easy 🤒
We are currently using Safetywing and Hey Mondo. We wrote detailed guides about these insurances:
- Our review of Safetywing, compared to others
- a detailed review of HeyMondo Travel Insurance
Smartest Travel Tools you need to know 🤓
- Onward Ticket - get a proof for onward travel
- iVisa - get your visa online fast
- Get Your Guide - for activities and sightseeing tickets
- Omio.com - for all types of transport
Find all our recommended travel tools and websites here.
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