3 Best Hostels in Belfast, UK – No Gimmicks, just Clean, Safe & Affordable Accommodation

3 Best Hostels in Belfast, UK
Photo by Mitch Hodge

When you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland, it would be rude not to visit the capital. So come on; let’s discover the best hostels in Belfast!

Fun fact: This is the birthplace of the famous RMS Titanic.

Calling all backpackers exploring the UK, Belfast is a top destination for you.

The hostels in this list all offer a social atmosphere and great locations to make exploring easier.

Planning to travel to other parts of UK? We have a detailed guide here to the best hostels in UK.

Our favorite hostels in Belfast are:

  1. Vagabonds - best for Backpackers
  2. Global Village Belfast - best for Solo travellers
  3. Botanical Backpackers - best for Female solo travellers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

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

Have a look at the full guide to the best hostels in Ireland, plus an intimate look at the best hostels in Dublin.

What do 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 Belfast

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Belfast cost 12€ – 18€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 40€ up to 65€ 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 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 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.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

The 3 Best Hostels in Belfast are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Belfast.

  1. Vagabonds – best for Backpackers
  2. Global Village Belfast – best for Solo travellers
  3. Botanical Backpackers – best for Female solo travellers

These are our favorite hostels in Belfast. 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.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: Global Village
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: Botanical Backpackers Hostel
🎒 For Backpackers: Vagabonds Hostel
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel: Global Village
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: Global Village
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: Botanical Backpackers Hostel
🧘 Cozy Hostel: Vagabonds Hostel

1. Vagabonds

Vagabonds is an urban travellers hostel created by two avid travellers for like-minded people.

Tara and Curt have toured the globe and witnessed firsthand what it truly means to sleep in a clean, affordable and relaxed environment.

The hostel itself is within a beautiful listed building with serious character.

Let’s have a look at the perks:

  • Free breakfast every morning
  • Well-equipped kitchen
  • Outdoor picnic area & BBQ
  • Beer garden w/ pool & table tennis
  • Free tea & coffee all day

There is also always a crowd in the huge living room.

This is where you’ll find a great book exchange and a TV for when you’re craving a lazy day with a DVD.

Prefer to be outside? Have a chat with the staff, in that case. The team will happily help you get booked on a fun trip somewhere nearby.

No doubt you’re curious about the room types. Fair enough!

There are 6, 8, 12 and 14-bed mixed dorms, plus a 6-bed for ladies only.

If you’re looking for something more private, opt for the standard/deluxe twin or double room.

Note: there are sadly no privacy curtains here.

However! Each bunk comes with big storage space, a lamp and ready-made bed.

Location: Situated in the middle of the bustling Queen’s Quarter, the city centre is just a few minutes walk away. Europa Bus Station is less than 15-minutes. Belfast City Airport is a 30-minute drive, whilst Belfast International is 1-hour drive.

This is one of the best hostels in Belfast for

  • Backpackers
Book Vagabonds here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Vagabonds is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK Vagabonds is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK Vagabonds is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK

2. Global Village Belfast

If you’re keen to experience world class hostel facilities and accommodation in a beautifully converted 19th century building, stay at Global Village Belfast.

Thousands of people (literally) have stayed here and the reviews say it all.

“There’s art all over the walls, inspired by the striking graffiti you’ll see in Belfast’s streets.”

It’s no exaggeration when we tell you that the staff here are second to none. They make such an effort!

They love to have a laugh, organise social activities and help out with booking your ideal tour. They even spruce up the hostel twice a day.

There are female-only dorms as well as mixed, plus a couple of privates for cute couples.

You’ll notice that the dorm rooms vary in bunkbed style. There is a pod-like dorm with more privacy – just make sure you clarify when booking.

What else is there to get excited about?

  • Free breakfast & Wi-fi
  • Beer garden & BBQ
  • Communal kitchen
  • Nintendo Wii, guitar, billiards & foosball

Arriving way before check-in? No problem: leave your luggage free of charge.

Location: In the Queens Quarter just 10-minutes from top sights such as the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum. It’s also a 5-minute stroll from Botanic Avenue, a lively hub full of shops, cafes and clubs.

This is one of the best hostels in Belfast for

  • Solo travellers
  • Couples
Book Global Village Belfast here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Global Village is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK Global Village is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK Global Village is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK

3. Botanical Backpackers

Tucked away in the heart of Belfast’s beautiful Queen’s Quarter, Botanical Backpackers is a small but mighty 18-bed hostel with big personality. Think friendly vibes, comfy beds, and plenty of charm — plus a healthy breakfast (with vegan and gluten-free options!) to kickstart your day of city exploring.

Inside, guests will find a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy lounge, and even a little garden perfect for morning coffee or a quiet evening unwind. There are guitars to strum, books to borrow, and board games to dominate. Staff are always on hand to offer local tips or just lend a sympathetic ear while you try to decode Northern Ireland’s famously “creative” public transport system.

With quiet hours after 9pm (think chatting over crashing around), Botanical Backpackers is ideal for those who love a social but chill atmosphere. No wild party groups here — just good company and great craic.

Location: Set in the leafy and laid-back Queen’s Quarter, the hostel is just 1 minute from the Botanical Gardens and Ulster Museum, and a quick 10–15 minute stroll to Belfast City Hall and the bustling city centre. A nearby bus stop makes getting around easy — or just explore on foot, as Belfast is beautifully compact. Plus, some of the city’s best pubs, brunch spots, and street art are right around the corner.

A great choice for:

  • Female solo travellers
Book Botanical Backpackers here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com

Enjoy Botanical Backpackers at Belfast

Botanical Backpackers Female Dorm Room

Botanical Backpackers Common Area

Best Hostels in Belfast for Solo Travellers?

What is seriously the best hostel in Belfast for solo-travellers?

Well, hopefully you spotted that so far all of the hostels mentioned in this guide are great for solo travellers!

It obviously just depends on what kind of solo traveller you are and what you like.

A quick review:

Here’s another for the mix: Lagan Backpackers.

It’s certainly another budget traveller choice because of all the great inclusions to help you save money.

Things like an English breakfast, nightly dinner, tea & coffee and a central location are all included.

Even the dorm beds come with a privacy curtain!

Book Lagan Backpackers here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Lagan Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Belfast, UK for solo travellers

Party Hostels in Belfast

No doubt there are some of you who came to this guide especially for the party hostels in Belfast. Welcome!

Though not technically a party hostel, we want to introduce you to Belfast City Backpackers.

Update: This hostel has permanently closed its doors. Right now we do not have another party hostel recommendation. Let us know if we’ve missed a great one!

Consider it a home-away-from-home with something for everyone to enjoy.

For example, you can expect:

  • Daily hostel activities (beer pong)
  • Free city walking tours
  • Live music
  • FREE continental breakfast

There is a great selection of shared and private rooms, all of which are just 2-minutes from the city centre.

It’s quiet time at the hostel after midnight. So take advantage of the no curfew and hit the local pubs!

Belfast City Backpackers is one of the best party hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK

More Hostels worth a mention

Some hostels don’t make the top of every list, but still leave a lasting impression. Maybe it’s the friendly staff, the cozy common room, or the way it just feels like home. Here are a few more places that might not get all the hype—but definitely deserve some love.

Belfast International Youth Hostel

Belfast International Youth Hostel happens to be:

“Belfast’s biggest, longest established hostel: no gimmicks, just clean, safe accommodation.”

This hostel has also been tried and tested by thousands of travellers from across the globe. The verdict? Pretty darn good!

It is, in fact, part of the YHA chain that is popular in the UK.

But don’t worry; you don’t need a membership card to stay, though if you have one, it’s often cheaper.

It’s good to be aware that as a chain, it’s not as personal as the other hostels in this guide.

Yet the perks of such a big place is the abundance of room types and an atmosphere that attracts many different traveller types.

Small 4-bed options, large 23-bed dorms, female and male-only options, double room with ensuite – it’s all here and more!

As the rooms are basic, it’s an ideal choice for budget travellers.

One of the best parts about this hostel is the Causeway Cafe.

Open everyday for guests from 8am to 2pm, it’s ideal for grabbing breakfast. Fruit, snacks, coffee and packed lunches are also available.

Other important things to mention:

  • Self catering kitchen
  • 24/7 reception & no curfew
  • TV & common room
  • Limited access free Wi-fi
  • Free parking (first come)

Location: Not far from Shaftesbury Square (bus route 8 and 9) in the city centre. This is the closest hostel to Europa Bus Station, and just around the corner from Botanic Train Station.

This is one of the best hostels in Belfast for

  • Budget travellers
  • Older travellers
Book Belfast International Youth Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Belfast International Youth Hostel is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK Belfast International Youth Hostel is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK Belfast International Youth Hostel is one of the best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland UK

What about the cheapest hostels in Belfast?

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 Belfast.

  1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Belfast
  2. add your dates
  3. 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 Belfast 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.

Download the Hostelworld App here

QR Code to Download your Hostelworld app with one scan
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

The best way to find hostels: Hostelgeeks website and Hostelworld App

Need an eSIM Card for Belfast?

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Need an eSIM Card for Belfast?

Our Favorite Hostels in Belfast put on a map + sights

We’re listing all the three best Belfast hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.

Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Belfast 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.

We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:

  • Titanic Belfast
  • Belfast Castle
  • Ulster Museum
  • Botanic Gardens
  • St George’s Market
  • Carrickfergus Castle

Any questions about hostels in Belfast? 🤔

Join our Facebook Group!

Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

Flights to Belfast?

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.

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

review of Skyscanner flight searches

FAQ

Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.

More guides

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Belfast.

We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:

You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.

We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.

Over to you

Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?

Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Belfast hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.

Your question will help me to understand what I have missed to mention.

Therefore, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!

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 know you will enjoy, no matter what.

At Hostelgeeks we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. Our promise is to only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!

Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.

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A complete guide and overview to the BEST hostels in Belfast, UK for solo travellers and backpackers

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