Cape Town is not just any travel destination – it’s the ultimate travel hotspot that will make every other city you’ve been to feel like a snooze fest. In this first-hand experience guide, we share with you only 3 top Cape Town hostels – and why they stand out.
This city is a perfect blend of breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant city life. You name it, Cape Town has got it: pristine beaches, towering mountains, world-famous vineyards, and cultural landmarks that will make your head spin.
But let’s not forget about the nightlife – Cape Town knows how to party, and they do it with a flair that puts other cities to shame. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to experience the thrill of walking on the edge of Table Mountain or visiting the iconic Cape of Good Hope?
So get ready to have your mind blown, because Cape Town is a travel destination that’s got it all.
Don’t forget to check out our full guide to the 3 best hostels in Johannesburg, South Africa’s capital city.
Our favorite hostels in Cape Town are:
- The B.I.G Backpackers - best for solo travelers
- Never at Home Green Point - best for couples
- Villa Viva Cape Town – Swimming Pool - best for female solo travellers
- Extra: Atlantic Point Backpackers - best for backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Is it Table Mountain that entices you? Or perhaps you’re simply excited to discover the best backpackers places to stay.
This is the only guide you need!
Get ready for swimming pools, female solo traveller havens and that all important sociable space.
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
- Quick Introduction
- The 3 Best Hostels in Cape Town
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cape Town, South Africa
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Cape Town cost 9€ – 16€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 21€ up to 68€ 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:
- 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 Cape Town are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Cape Town.
- The B.I.G Backpackers – best for solo travelers
- Never at Home Green Point – best for couples
- Villa Viva Cape Town – Swimming Pool – best for female solo travellers
- Extra: Atlantic Point Backpackers - best for backpackers
These are our favorite hostels in Cape Town. 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: | The B.I.G Backpackers |
🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Villa Viva Cape Town |
🥳 Party Hostel: | Never@Home Cape Town |
👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Villa Viva Cape Town |
👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Atlantic Point Backpackers |
👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Never@Home Cape Town |
🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Villa Viva Cape Town |
1. The B.I.G Backpackers
The B.I.G Backpackers (B.I.G for short) is a beautiful boutique hostel with a pool.
For sure solo travellers of every kind will love the friendly ambience and home-from-home social spaces.
What does this modern, squeaky clean and highly rated hostel offer?
- An outdoor swimming pool
- Shaded garden space
- Three fully-fitted kitchens
- Free continental brekky
- Two games rooms
- Library/book swap
- Travel desk w/ advice + booking
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Phewph!
The real question should be, what does B.I.G Backpackers Hostel Cape Town NOT offer?! It’s no wonder it’s our chosen best hostel in Cape Town.
It doesn’t stop there.
Let’s talk a little bit about the gorgeous rooms.
You can choose between doubles, triples, family, mixed and female dorms – something for everyone.
The pictures say it all really. The beds are solid and the decor cosy yet modern.
Oh and each room has its very own en-suite which is a bonus!
Although it’s easy to claim, the staff at B.I.G really stand out as caring and social. That’s important, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Located on a peaceful street, it is easy to access the CBD and top bars and restaurants should you want to venture out. Table Mountain and the vibrant V&A waterfront are only a short taxi ride away.
So, Cape Town backpackers, get ready to book a room at Big Backpackers Cape Town Hostel right away.
A fantastic place for:
- Solo travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Never at Home Green Point
Never at Home Green Point is a top hostel and deserves the top spot in this guide!
They are an adventure led accommodation and travel brand offering a bright and fun environment specifically ideal for solo travellers visiting Cape Town.
All the staff are helpful and friendly which is always welcomed. It will make your stay extra special.
They also happen to be inhouse travel experts that can help you with arranging free and and paid for tours/activities in the area, so make sure you have a chat with them.
For sure the bar and the swimming pool area is the best place to make new friends and chill out – there is a sundeck here, too!
More Hostel Highlights:
- Swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Private parking
- Hostel Bar
- Good breakfast
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
How cool is the name of the hostel bar; Randy Warthog. It overlooks the swimming pool and is where you can enjoy weekly events such as beer pong and pool competitions.
There’s also a daily Happy Hour here, plus a yummy BBQ night alongside a menu of mouth-watering meals available every day.
What about the rooms?
Solo travellers can enjoy a range of dorms including a 4-bed female only dorm and a larger 10-bed mixed.
Otherwise, if you have a bit more coin you could treat yourself to a private deluxe king room – oo-err! Private bathroom is included.
Location: Located in the trendy suburb of Green Point Strip, Never At Home is a short walk from the bustling CBD and a 10-minute drive from Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches. Honesty, it’s a mere stone’s throw from the best nightlife, restaurants and tourist attractions of the city. Oh and there is a handy supermarket next door!
A fantastic place for:
- Solo travellers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
3. Villa Viva Cape Town – Swimming Pool
Rolling in close behind is the fabulous award winning hostel that cares about sustainability, contemporary design and awesome amenities.
Villa Viva Cape Town – Swimming Pool is a 5 Star Hostel in Cape Town.
FYI: Its previous name was The Backpack.
It’s in the heart of the city and one we’re sure you’re going to love.
I mean, did you expect to find a hostel that has a swimming pool with Table Mountain views? Probably not, but here you are!
Alongside that, their very own bar is open ’til late each night, and often there are cool evening activities to join.
If you’re not into that, relax in the garden after a swim and upload your photos using the Fibre Wi-Fi – it’s free, after all.
Backpack Cape Town Hostel can accommodate 108 people at one time in 11 room types. These are:
- Single, twin + double rooms
- 4 + 8-bed mixed dorms
- 4-bed female dorms
- Family rooms
- Self-catering apartment
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
It’s so nice to see colour on the walls and big windows letting in tons of light. Each room is unique, spread over four 100-year old Victorian houses.
Forget boring high-rise buildings. Many of the dorms have single (not bunk) beds and their own courtyard and garden. Fancy pants!
To top it off there is a free continental breakfast and the hostel has its own water supply.
This is one of the best hostels in Cape Town for
- Female solo travellers
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Atlantic Point Backpackers
Have we managed to find a third hostel with great style, fun amenities and consistently high ratings?
You’re damn right we have (how could you doubt the Hostelgeeks)!
Atlantic Point Backpackers is a short walk from the waterfront and even closer to the Green Point Stadium.
The variety of rooms here – private, single, mixed and female dorms – almost all come with an en-suite for added comfort.
One thing we can guarantee is that breakfast is included for everyone.
To bring people together, this backpackers has created some wonderful social spaces such as:
- Swimming pool + garden
- Lounge w/ TV
- BBQ area
- Entertainment area w/ pool table
- On-site bar
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Unlike the first two hostels, this one likes to arrange group events to help break the ice.
Helpful, smiling staff make the whole experience easier.
What makes this hostel unique is that they give back to the community by supporting local programms and charities. Alongside going green, you know your money is going towards great causes by staying here.
A fun place for cool people like:
- Backpackers
- Sociable travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Cape Town Hostels worth a mention
Backpackers in Cape Town, you ready?
We suggest that if you found the place for you, it is time to check availability right away and book it now!
We have given you our personal favorites and we wish that you won’t need to look to other sites. But if our favorites are not good enough for you and you are still looking for more, here’s more Cape Town hostels worth a mention.
- Never at Home Kloof Street
- Ashanti Lodge Gardens
- Zebra Crossing
- Urban Hive Backpackers
- A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
- Long Street Backpackers Hostel
In this list, you will see other hostels that we think you might consider. You will see variety of hostels Cape Town South Africa has to offer from cheap accommodation in Cape Town to party hostels. It is all here.
So, check it out.
Never At Home Kloof Street
Sister hostel to Never At Home Green Point, Kloof Street offers its own unique vibe which makes it a tough contender.
For one thing, ALL of the bedrooms come with private bathrooms, including the female dorms.
Have a look at the amazing inclusions:
- Work/meeting spaces + FREE high-speed fibre optic WiFi
- Chillout lounge
- 3 in-house restaurants(!)
- Outdoor firepit & meditation garden
- Self catering kitchen
- Daily free activities
Location: Kloof Street is one of those eternally cool spots in Cape Town, home to awesome restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Not too far away is Long Street – the place to head if you want to enjoy some fun nightlife.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Ashanti Lodge Gardens
If your goal is to meet new people in your travel, Ashanti Lodge Gardens is the place for you. Common areas and the pool area will allow you to meet new people.
The backpackers accommodation in Cape Town is perfect so expect the same in this hostel.
This hostel is ideally located for getting out and about. There are bars, restaurants and shops near the area. Excellent value for money.
Beds are super comfy and bathrooms are modern and completely spotless. Staff are very attentive and helpful.
Hostel Highlights:
- Swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- WiFi available in all areas
- Bar
- Good breakfast
Location: Located close to the foot of Table Mountain. Longstreet with various restaurants, day and nightlife is about a 10 minute walk away. Cape Town International Airport is 17.4 km away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Zebra Crossing
Zebra Crossing Backpacker offers basic accommodation. The space is a bit small but their services is superb! The staff are amazing.
They have common areas inside and outside of the hostel where you can meet travellers. Backpackers in Cape Town CBD will truly enjoy their stay here.
Since the location is set in Cape Town, there are restaurants and shops nearby that you could visit to experience the city centre.
Hostel Highlights:
- Airport shuttle
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Garden
- Bar
- Free Breakfast
- 24 Hour Reception
- Luggage Storage
Location: Set in Cape Town, 2.5 km from Broken Bath Beach. The property is situated 2.5 km from Milton Beach, 2.8 km from Sunset Beach and 3.2 km from Robben Island Ferry. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 20 km from Zebra Crossing Backpacker.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Urban Hive Backpackers
I bet that it will be easy for you to find Urban Hive Backpackers when you are in the area because of its Victorian style architecture.
They have a nice balcony where you can enjoy your drinks. They have an adventure tour desk where they help guests plan once in a lifetime experience in Cape Town.
Hostel Highlights:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- BBQ facilities
- Bar
- 24 Hour Reception
- Luggage Storage
- Tours/Travel Desk
- ATM
Location: Urban Hive Backpackers is set on buzzing Long Street in central Cape Town. Long Street offers a variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife options. The Company’s Garden is within 5 minutes’ walk and Greenmarket Square is 550 m away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
The atmosphere in A Sunflower Stop Backpackers is good. If you are travelling alone, this place is great because it will allow you to meet new friends.
If you want a little privacy, they have private rooms but if you want to experience sleeping with other travellers they have dormitories of course!
Rooms are comfortable and the beds are very nice. Guests think that it is value for money!
Hostel Highlights:
- Swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Room service
- Bar
- Good breakfast
- Tours/Travel Desk
Location: Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common. A Sunflower Stop is a 20 minute walk from Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and is 6 km from both Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. It is 3.5 km away from Cape Town So Africa.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld | Hostelz.com
Long Street Backpackers Hostel
Long Street Backpackers Hostel is known as The Soul of Long Street. Sounds fancy, isn’t it?
The hostel can accommodate 80 guests with their dormitory style accommodation, as well as single, twin, and double private rooms, all with shared bathrooms.
Staff are very friendly and super duper helpful. They believe in laid-back fun and adventure. There is no dull moment when you are in this hostel. There are plenty of things to do around Cape Town.
Hostel Highlights:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Bar
- Luggage Storage
- Tours/Travel Desk
- Bicycle Hire
Location: Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Centre. The Company’s Garden is 300 m from Longstreet Backpackers, while Long Street Supermarket is 77 m away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 21 km from Longstreet Backpackers. It is 13 minute walk to South Cape South Africa.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in Cape Town?
If you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheap hostels in Cape Town.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Cape Town
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
There are plenty of affordable backpackers accommodation Cape Town South Africa has to offer but always remember to choose the one that is legit.
Read: Smart guide on how to book hostels with Hostelworld
Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price.
Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”.
Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
Best Hostels in Cape Town for Solo Travellers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Cape Town for solo-travellers?
We’re always keen to point out the best hostel(s) for solo travellers in every destination we cover. Cape Town is no exception!
With this in mind, we often stick by our top 3 chosen hostels, and for good reason. So you guessed it, we recommend:
- Best Hostel for Female Solo Travellers: Villa Viva Cape Town
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Cape Town: Never at Home Green Point
If, by chance, you happen to be a solo traveller looking to socialise we recommend Atlantic Point Backpackers.
The organised events and entertainment area make meeting people super easy.
Party Hostels in Cape Town
Fancy some partying hostels in CP?
But wait, we have a second party hostel in Cape Town!
Let’s go back and check Never At Home Green Point again as we’re sure you’re going to absolutely love this as a party hostel option.
From beer pong to board games, it’s all about fun fun fun and winning prizes here.
Stay in and enjoy the restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The bar opens at 12:00 and serves cocktails, so why would you venture further?
Having said that, the best bars on offer are just a 5-minute stroll away along the V&A waterfront.
Enjoy 24-hour reception, no curfew and clean, spacious private and shared dorm rooms.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Update: Sorry folks, ONCE in Cape Town has permanently closed. We keep this content here for your information.
You should believe us when we tell you that Cape Town has done well to produce a super cool party hostel called ONCE in Cape Town. We have read hundreds of Hostelworld ONCE in Cape Town reviews and they are saying the same thing. This is the best when it comes to party!
It’s a clever hostel name that you’ll no doubt be using a lot to tell stories of your experience at this fun place.
You’ll be saying, ONCE in Cape Town Hostel I enjoyed the…
- Close proximity to Longstreet where the party scene is at
- 3 in-house restaurants (each with a different vibe)
- Outdoor fire pit
- Meditation area
- Bar open until 11pm
Book your stay in a dorm or a private. Either way you’ll be treated to a private bathroom and no curfew.
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Hostelworld is super safe and the biggest booking platform for hostels.
On both platforms your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included the handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Here is the overview:
- Never At Home Green Point: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Villa Viva Cape Town: Booking.com | Hostelworld
- Atlantic Point Backpackers: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Any Discounts?
Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Cape Town. I know, it’s a pity. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
Our Favorite Hostels in Cape Town put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Cape Town hostels on a map.
This map helps you to plan your travels easier.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Table Mountain
- Cape of Good Hope
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Boudlers Beach
- V&A Waterfront
- Bo-Kaap
- Castle of Good Hope
- Cape Town Stadium
- Robben Island
Looking for fun activities? We have found some great options:
- Cape Point and Penguin Explorer (full day tour)
- Inverdoorn Reserve Safari (full day)
- Cape Town Tandem Paragliding
- Eco-Friendly Shark Cage Diving
Most certainly the best way get around is with the Cape Town City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off bus.
Any questions about hostels in Cape Town? 🤔
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FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation already. Below we list all the frequently asked questions. Have a look.
5 Secret Tips for Cape Town
We have prepared a little extra for you; so do not run away already.
Personally, we are no experts when it comes to actual secrets Cape Town. So? How can we have here any recommendations?!
Easy: Our friend Annika from Midnightblueelephant.com used to live in the most southern city in Africa. She knows Cape Town inside out plus we enjoy her travel style! This is the perfect mix to bring you this unique secret guide.
Therefore, let us proudly introduce you the 5 secret tips for Cape Town.
With these recommendations you can enjoy Cape Town in a local way. Together with Annika we show you great activities, where to enjoy the local art scene, and where you can get the best burger in town.
- A place where you can drink while doing good.
- Want the best burger in Cape Town? We will take you there!
- The all-in-one stop for your weekend shopping.
- Cape Town’s monthly get together – a city crawl of a different kind.
- Where to find new friends to chase the waves with – great activity!
1. Bar: The Orphanage Cocktail Emporium
Of course, you can just order a beer here, but it would be a pity because the Orphanage makes some of the best and most innovative cocktails in town.
Don’t be put off by the lines at the door or their prices, it will all be worth it once you are dancing the night away with a ‘Daddy Warbucks’.
If you prefer to do good with your cocktail, have a ‘More Tea Vicar?’ which includes a donation to the orphanage that used to be housed on the corner.
Good to know: This bar is located right around the corner of the Villa Viva Cape Town.
2. Yummy: The Dog’s Bollocks (50 Burger per night)
Get yourself the self-proclaimed biggest most badass burger of Cape Town at The Dog’s Bollocks.
The atmosphere oozes New York back-alley charm and the burgers are really all they promise to be.
Write your order on the chalkboard and most importantly get here early, chef Nigel only makes 50 burgers per night.
3. Channel your inner Warhol at First Thursdays
It’s art & socializing – join the cool Capetonians every first Thursday for a gallery crawl of note.
Galleries stay open late, admission is free, and it is a great chance to explore the inner city on foot. See the best of the local art & event scene and, of course, don’t forget to stop on the way for a drink in one of the many participating bars!
For details about the art, events, and the current map of galleries visit their website first-thursdays.co.za.
4. Catch a perfect wave with Stoked School of Surf
Cape Town’s one and only mobile surf school will take you to the beaches with the ideal wind and swell conditions each day for your lesson.
And if you already know how to surf, but are new to town they offer surf guiding to show you the best spots.
Check out their website for details about lessons and surf trips at stokedsurfschool.com.
5. To market, to market – Neighbourgoods Market
By now a Cape Town classic, the weekly Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill still draws local hipsters and tourists alike.
Get there early for chef’s Luke Dale Roberts famous poached egg rösti and a seat on a bale of straw with a side of craft beer.
This well-nourished you can roam the stalls for local fashion, produce and fresh flowers.
Website: neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za
More interesting travel guides to check out:
- 5 outdoor and wildlife experiences in the area of Cape Town
- epic road trip from Cape Town to Joburg
Flights to Cape Town?
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
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Cape Town.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations in Africa:
- best hostels in Johannesburg
- best hostels in Marrakech
- best hostels in Zanzibar, Tanzania
- best hostels in Arusha, Tanzania
- best hostels in Nairobi, Kenya
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
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 Cape Town 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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