We want to give you a warm welcome to the land down under, particularly to the city of Adelaide! Recently, the city has become an up-and-coming hotspot attracting tourists from all over the world! Adelaide also carries the nickname the “City of Festivals” due to the vibrant and lively scene, which celebrates diversity and inclusivity. The goal of our post is to give you a deeper look into one of Australia’s most interesting cities, along with our top choices for best hostels in Adelaide.
We also collected the best hostels in Australia and put them all on a map for better planning. Combine these two of our guides, and you will have the best time, save money, and stay in safe places.
Our favorite hostels in Adelaide are:
- Tequila Sunrise Hostel - best for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads
- Adelaide Central YHA Hostel - best for Families and Groups
- Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel - best for Backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Tequila Sunrise Hostel
2. Adelaide Central YHA Hostel
3. Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel
For starters, we want to give you an overview of the history of the South Australian capital. Founded in 1836, Adelaide was actually the first freely-settled British province, where the settlers carefully curated the diverse culture and history of the region. As a result, Adelaide has become widely popular for its many religions, the right to choose a religion and a forward-thinking government. Eventually, Adelaide received the name the “City of Churches”.
The central city is quite compact in size and is structured in a grid pattern. You may find it surprising that some people consider it a 20-minute city. This is due to the fact that it only takes 20 minutes to get to any point in the area, making it one of the easiest cities to venture around. If you still find it hard to believe, feel free to test this theory once you get there!
In recent times, Adelaide has become a hub for all kinds of cultural aspects – arts, music, multicultural gastronomy, and much more! The city is widely famous for its wines and vineyards as well, since Adelaide produces almost fifty per cent of the country’s wine. Due to its large number of concert venues, the city also got recognition as a centre for music by UNESCO.
With all of these things in mind, you’re probably convinced that Adelaide should be at the top of your travelling bucket list. And to make your travel plans easier, we would like to help you choose your accommodation by providing some of the best hostels in Adelaide!
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
Now that you know what to expect from the South Australian capital, it’s time to find a place to stay that’s just right for you! Here are some of our recommendations for the best hostels in Adelaide.
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Adelaide
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Adelaide cost 16€ – 31€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 78€ up to 114€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.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 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.
More useful backpacker info about Adelaide:
From exhilarating wildlife to captivating art, the city offers activities for everyone to enjoy! This is why we decided to give some helpful tips, so you can rest assured that you’ll get the most out of your stay!
- You can find some of the best Opal stones in the area since Adelaide is the leading Opal miner in Australia.
- Take a trip to the South Australia Museum to see the most extensive display of Aboriginal artefacts. You will get an in-depth look at the lives of the Indigenous people of Australia, from both past and present.
- If you have more time, we recommend visiting Kangaroo Island. It is a 45-minute boat trip away from the city, where you can dive or snorkel and see some of the most amazing Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and wallabies.
If you’re travelling around February or mid-March, you should definitely go to the month-long Fringe Festival! There, you’ll be able to experience some of the finest Australian artists, including theatre plays, circus, visual arts, contemporary music and more!
🎁 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 Adelaide are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Adelaide.
- Tequila Sunrise Hostel – best for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads
- Adelaide Central YHA Hostel – best for Families and Groups
- Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel – best for Backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Adelaide. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Tequila Sunrise Hostel
2. Adelaide Central YHA Hostel
3. Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Tequila Sunrise Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Tequila Sunrise Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Adelaide Central YHA Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Adelaide Central YHA Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Tequila Sunrise Hostel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Adelaide Central YHA Hostel |
1. Tequila Sunrise Hostel
We start our list with the Tequila Sunrise Hostel, located in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD). Due to its location, you will be able to find various interesting places to visit, like Chinatown and the Central Markets. You can also get a snack or a cup of coffee at the many restaurants and coffee shops scattered around the area.
Every room in this hostel has air conditioning, a safety deposit box and power outlets for each bed. The shared bathrooms are regularly cleaned, and you can ask for extra towels or sheets for an additional fee.
The main highlight of the hostel is the crowd it attracts. Here, you will find people of all ages and backgrounds, creating the perfect opportunity to make new friends – ideal for those who travel as solo backpackers. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone socialises by organising various activities, like complimentary dinners and game nights. At the Tequila Sunrise hostel, you can also enjoy a free pancake breakfast, that’s hosted four times a week!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
However, if you’re looking for a place with a quiet atmosphere overall, then this may not be the right choice for you. Since there are a lot of people around, specifically young ones, you can expect some noise during your stay. But if what you’re looking for is to socialise and get to know as many people as you can, from all around the world, then this would make the accommodation of your dreams!
Location: Tequila Sunrise Hostel is located in a historic Victorian building, just 10 minutes’ walk from both Rundle Mall and the University of Adelaide. It is 5 minutes’ walk to local shops and cafes. It is also just 2 minutes’ walk from the Adelaide Central Bus Station, and 5 minutes’ walk from Chinatown and the Central Markets.
The best choice in Adelaide for
- Solo Travellers
- Digital Nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Adelaide Central YHA Hostel
Dubbed as the highest quality budget and backpacker accommodation, the Adelaide Central YHA Hostel has plenty to offer. It is located in the city centre, just a few minutes away from the main market district. This is the right place for people who enjoy clubbing or bar-hopping – the locales are just around every corner!
Upon arrival, you will be stunned by the mural that’s painted on the wall – this piece of art definitely makes the place stand out! The common areas and all of the rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, with air conditioning and lockers included. The hostel also pays special attention to security – all rooms are unlocked by key cards, although you must bring your own padlock for the lockers. Another important thing to mention is that sockets are not available by your bedside, but they’re in the lockers instead.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
In case you don’t want to share a room with many people, there are private rooms available with or without ensuite bathrooms. Some rooms even include a balcony! In addition, there are plenty of activities you can do in the common areas- if you’re looking for ways to entertain yourself in your free time. For instance, you could pick out a movie from the reception (there’s a lot of them) and watch it with some fellow travellers while enjoying a drink or two.
Location: Adelaide Central YHA is located in the heart of Adelaide city centre, overlooking picturesque Light Square. Hostel is just 20 minutes’ by bus from Adelaide Airport or Adelaide Parklands Rail Terminal.
A great choice for
- Families
- Groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel
Last on our list of best hostels in Adelaide is Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel.
Did you know that this place is actually one of the oldest accommodations in the city?
Sunny’s has been providing rooms for backpackers and travellers since 1986. Its convenient location (in the centre of the city) will make it easier for you to explore the city and its surrounding attractions. The Central bus station is only 100 meters away from the hostel, while the Central Markets, Chinatown and various restaurants and bars are a street across!
The hostel is quite simple and doesn’t offer a lot of activities to do while you’re staying there. The rooms are equipped with comfortable bunk beds, though there aren’t any lockers or cubbies. The shared bathrooms are cleaned regularly and have good pressure and hot water throughout the whole day. In addition to that, the kitchen is open 24 hours a day, offering free coffee and tea every morning. Although it’s not the place that will have an agenda to keep you entertained at all times, it will certainly provide you with many opportunities to mingle with the other people who reside there.
What we love best about Sunny’s hostel is that it has the best service you could possibly find! The staff is willing to go out of their way to answer any needs that you might have. Whether you’re experiencing a certain problem related to your stay, or are looking for suggestions for attractions and activities that you can do across Adelaide – you can always count on the staff’s assistance! Since they have been working with backpackers for as long as they can remember, they go the extra mile to ensure that your stay is fully enjoyable and memorable!
Enjoy your stay in this central hostel by booking a room and experiencing everything that Adelaide has to offer!
Location: Sunny’s Adelaide Backpackers Hostel is ideally located at 139 Franklin St, on the corner of Morphett St, in the heart of the city, just 100 meters from the Central Bus Station. They are only one street away from the Central Market and supermarket, banks, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
This is one of the best hostels in Adelaide for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Adelaide for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Adelaide for solo-travellers?
The best Hostel in Adelaide for solo-travellers is Tequila Sunrise Hostel.
The main highlight of the hostel is the crowd it attracts. Here, you will find people of all ages and backgrounds, creating the perfect opportunity to make new friends – ideal for those who travel as solo backpackers. People are very friendly and welcoming, breakfast and dinner are very nice and let you save a lot of money. Location is great as it is in the centre of the city.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Adelaide?
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 Adelaide.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Adelaide
- 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 Adelaide 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!
Need an eSIM Card for Adelaide?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Adelaide put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Adelaide hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Adelaide we absolutely enjoyed:
- North Terrace
- Adelaide Central Market
- Adelaide Oval
- Adelaide Zoo
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- South Australian Museum
- Adelaide Botanic Garden
- Rundle Mall
- Adelaide Himeji Garden
- National Wine Centre of Australia
- State Library of South Australia
- Glenelg
- Cleland Wildlife Park
- Adelaide Festival Centre
- Port Adelaide
- Migration Museum
- Hahndorf
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Adelaide?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Adelaide?
The closest major airport to Adelaide, South Australia is Adelaide Airport (ADL / YPAD). This airport is 11 km from the center of Adelaide, Australia. Also, there are direct flights to Adelaide from every capital city in Australia. It takes just two hours from Sydney or three hours from Perth.
If you want to travel to Adelaide by train, you have to know that the distance between Sydney and Adelaide is 1162 kilometers (722 miles). So yes, there is a direct train departing from Sydney Central Station station and arriving at Adelaide Parklands. Services depart once a week, and operate Wednesday, but – the journey takes approximately 26h 25m.
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 handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Adelaide.
Here are some more awesome guides in Australia:
- best hostels in Australia
- best hostels in Sydney
- best hostels in Brisbane
- best hostels in Cairns
- best hostels in Alice Springs
- best hostels in Byron Bay
- best hostels in Perth
- best hostels in Airlie Beach
- best hostels in Darwin
- best hostels in Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
- best hostels in Surfers Paradise
- best hostels in Hobart
Party hostels:
Backpacker hostels:
- backpacker hostels in Sydney
- backpacker hostels in Melbourne
- backpacker hostels in Brisbane
- backpacker hostels in Cairns
Heading over to Fiji? check out our guide to the best hostels in Fiji.
Conclusion
With this, we conclude our list of top choices for the best hostels in Adelaide. There are many accommodation options, so you should carefully consider your choices and opt for one that fits all your travelling needs. This epic city is a cesspool for all kinds of activities and attractions, so you’ll surely find something that piques your attention. We hope that you have a fantastic stay in Adelaide!
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 Adelaide 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
