Step into the realm of castles, choirs, and cheeky Welsh humor as we unravel the secrets of the best hostels in Cardiff. Yes, Cardiff – the city that knows how to rock a rugby match and brew a proper cuppa.
So, put on your Sherlock Holmes hat (or a dashing Welsh dragon cap) and join us on a quest to find the coziest, quirkiest, and downright coolest hostels in this captivating Welsh wonderland.
Here are the best hostels in Cardiff.
This guide is part of a bigger guide we have on the best hostels in the UK.
Your Shortcut:
- The Riverhouse - best for groups and families
- Bunkhouse - best for backpackers
- Mrs Pott - best for last option
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. The Riverhouse
2. Bunkhouse
3. Mrs Pott
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
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Cardiff
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Cardiff costs around $38 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $135 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). 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.
Student-Friendly Discounts: Make the most of Cardiff’s university town status with student discounts at local attractions, museums, and even some hostels. Keep your student ID handy for savings.
Live Music Scenes: Experience Cardiff’s vibrant live music scene. Catch gigs at popular venues like Clwb Ifor Bach, where you can groove to diverse genres.
Glamorgan Sausage Must-Try: Treat your taste buds to a traditional Glamorgan sausage – a Welsh vegetarian delight made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs.
Bike-Friendly Cardiff: Discover Cardiff on two wheels by renting a bike. The city offers cycling paths, bike-sharing programs, and a cyclist-friendly atmosphere.
Fun fact: Cardiff has more castles per square mile than any other city in the world.
🎁 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 Cardiff are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Cardiff.
- The Riverhouse – best for groups and families
- Bunkhouse – best for backpackers
- Mrs Pott – best for last option
These are our favorite hostels in Cardiff. 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. The Riverhouse
2. Bunkhouse
3. Mrs Pott
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Bunkhouse |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | The Riverhouse |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Bunkhouse |
| 👯 For Groups: | The Riverhouse |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | The Riverhouse |
1. The Riverhouse
The Riverhouse is a cozy bed and breakfast in the heart of Cardiff, boasting views of the Millennium Stadium and the River Taff. With free Wi-Fi and the option to enjoy a continental breakfast for a small fee, travelers can have a budget-friendly stay without compromising on comfort.
This eco-friendly accommodation offers TV and Netflix in the bedrooms, as well as spacious shared bathrooms. You can also make use of the communal kitchen and enjoy their meals in the bright dining room or on the garden terrace.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
The Riverhouse is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Cardiff Central Railway Station, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Communal kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast is available for an extra fee.
- Bright and airy dining room.
- Spacious garden terrace.
Location and Highlights: Great central location, 5-minute walk from buses, trains, and attractions. Situated on the banks of the River Taff. Cardiff Central Railway Station is a short walk away.
The best choice in Cardiff for
- Groups
- Families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Bunkhouse
Bunkhouse, located in the heart of Cardiff, offers travelers a charming and convenient stay. With soundproofed rooms and free Wi-Fi in public areas, the hostel is a great choice.
The city’s bus and train stations are just a few minutes away, and popular attractions like St David’s Shopping Center and Cardiff Central Market are within walking distance. The hostel itself features a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a bar.
Travelers can enjoy clean and comfortable accommodations, with amenities like bed linen provided. Maria, the friendly proprietor, adds a touch of fun and efficiency to the experience.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Don’t forget to bring your own amenities, but rest assured that Bunkhouse provides everything you need for a cozy stay.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Shared lounge and bar on-site
Location: Centrally located in Cardiff. Close to popular attractions like Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle, and St David’s Hall. Close proximity to city bus and train stations.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Mrs Pott
Welcome to Mrs Pott! If you’re looking for affordable accommodation in Cardiff’s city center, this hostel might be an option.
It doesn’t have stellar reviews, and we wouldn’t usually recommend it, but Cardiff doesn’t have many hostel options.
This Cardiff hostel has a good location on St Mary’s Street only a few minutes’ walk from all the main attractions which means you’ll easily get to explore the stunning castle, national museum, theaters, and the epic Millennium stadium nearby. Cardiff Bay is also just 20 minutes away, offering beautiful views, boat trips, and more.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Their dorm rooms provide personal space and the chance to meet fellow travelers, and the hostel offers a shared kitchen and lounge, free WiFi, and city views in some rooms.
Facilities and Amenities:
- Shared kitchen and lounge
- Free WiFi in selected rooms.
Location: Well located in the center of Cardiff. 4-minute walk to St David’s Hall and Principality Stadium. Close to Cardiff Castle, Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, and more.
This is one of the best hostels in Cardiff for
- Last option
- Travelers on a tight budget
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Cardiff for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Cardiff is Bunkhouse. It has a good atmosphere and facilities. It’s location is perfect for exploring the rest of the city, and the bar serves as a great social space to meet other travelers.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth mentioning here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Cardiff?
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 Cardiff.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Cardiff
- 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. 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 Cardiff 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!
Need an eSIM Card for Cardiff?
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 Cardiff put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Cardiff hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
Any questions about hostels in Cardiff?
🤔Join our Facebook Group and TikTok here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Cardiff?
The best hostels in Cardiff are:
- The Riverhouse – best for groups and families
- Bunkhouse – best for backpackers
- Mrs Pott – best for last option
What is the best hostel in Cardiff for solo travelers?
The best hostels in Cardiff for solo travelers is: Bunkhouse
What are the best sites for finding hostels?
Of course, the best site to find hostels is Hostelgeeks.com 😉
We are doing our best to deliver the best hostels to you. Check out the best hostels in the world guides; from Paris to Tokyo.
You can also have a look at Hostelworld.
Are hostels in Cardiff safe?
Not all hostels in Cardiff are necessarily safe, especially the ones that offer cheap prices in sketchy areas. They might be illegal hostels or ones without the proper licenses and safety measures put in place.
In all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Cardiff. You can find backpacker hostels with top ratings here! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also email us and ask us!
How expensive are hostels in Cardiff?
Hostels in Cardiff costs around $38 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $135 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Any questions about hostels in Cardiff?
🤔Join our Facebook Group and TikTok here!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Cardiff?
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 Cardiff – the best hostels in Cardiff to offer.
If you’re traveling around, here are more guides that might come in useful:
- best hostels in London + coolest party hostels in London
- best hostels in Manchester UK
- best hostels in Brighton
- best hostels in Liverpool
- best hostels In Bristol
- 19 BEST hostels in Scotland, including best hostels in Edinburgh
- 24 best hostels in Ireland, including best hostels in Dublin
- best hostels in Galway
- best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- best hostels in Cornwall
- best hostels in Inverness
- best hostels in Isle of Skye
From London, it’s also super easy to hop across and check out the best hostels in Amsterdam and the best hostels in Belgium.
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels 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 Cardiff 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
Best Travel Websites we recommend ❤️
(Fresh Update 2023)
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 🤓
- Airalo.com - eSim Cards for traveling worldwide
- Onward Ticket - get 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.
Get your Smart Packing List (Free Printable)
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We put together the ultimate list of smart items to bring.
