3 Best Hostels in Frankfurt – Modern, Colourful Design Hostels with Daily Activities & 24/7 Bar Access

3 Best Hostels in Frankfurt, Germany
Photo by Noah Boyer

It’s time to venture to central Germany, marvel at the River Main and check out the best hostels in Frankfurt. We at Hostelgeeks have done the hard work for you.

Save time and energy; read through this guide and find the only hostels worth knowing in Frankfurt.

Frankfurt hostels are modern, comfortable and safe. Great for solo travellers, couples and backpackers.

Your shortcut:

  1. Five Elements Hostel – top pick for solo travelers
  2. a&o Frankfurt Ostend – great for families
  3. DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt – perfect for backpackers

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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

Looking for 5 Star Hostels? Sadly, there isn’t one in Frankfurt.

However! We’ve written a huge guide to the best hostels in Germany – 5 star hostels included.

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 Frankfurt

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Frankfurt cost 14€ – 21€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 40€ up to 70€ 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 Frankfurt

Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Frankfurt.

  1. Five Elements Hostel
  2. a&o Frankfurt Ostend
  3. DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt

We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler: Five Elements Hostel
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: Five Elements Hostel
👫 Best for Socializing:DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel: a&o Frankfurt Ostend
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel: a&o Frankfurt Ostend
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: a&o Frankfurt Ostend
🎒 For Backpackers: DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt

1. Five Elements Hostel Frankfurt

It’s important to us that you feel the difference in our chosen #1 hostel Frankfurt Germany – you certainly will at 5Elements Hostel.

Honestly, it’s no wonder that travellers come here time and time again.

This is the place to be if you want fun activities, a 24/7 bar and tons of freebies.

It also happens to be one of the hostels near Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof train station.

There’s actually a lot to mention, so here’s a handy list of inclusions to show you:

  • FREE tea & coffee, WiFi, activities
  • FREE homemade dinners
  • Daily events (cooking, pub crawl, beer tasting)
  • Pool table & foosball
  • DVDs and games

By now it’s pretty obvious that this is a social hostel.

Therefore, solo travellers will have an easy peasy time meeting people and spreading happy vibes.

Like we said, the bar is open 24 hours a day. And there is even free beer tasting!

If you’re keen to check out Kaiser Street market speak with staff and join a group exploration.

Breakfast: No free breakfast, sorry. A full spread can be enjoyed for 6,50 EUR.

Dorm rooms come with 3, 4, 6 and 8-beds – choose the size that suits you best.

Of course with every great hostel comes with a female-only dorm. This one has 6-beds.

Otherwise, enjoy privacy in a single, twin or double private option.

One good thing to note is that there are no privacy curtains here. The personal bed light helps heaps, though.

Location: Don’t tell your parents – you’ll be sleeping in the middle of the RED LIGHT DISTRICT! One of the best areas for food and clubs. The city centre is a 15-minute walk, the main train station is less than 5.

This is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt for

  • Solo travellers
  • Female solo travellers
Book Five Elements Hostel here

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

Five Elements Hostel is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany Five Elements Hostel is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany Five Elements Hostel is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany

2. a&o Frankfurt Ostend

Next up we have a top modern design hostel that has so many inclusions, you might decide to spend your entire Frankfurt adventure inside the four walls!

Well, maybe. Let’s tempt you with a&o Frankfurt Ostend, regardless.

When a hostel states that you’re allowed to bring your dog (private rooms only), you know this is worth checking out.

Read: Pets at 5 Star Hostels

It’s a big place (226 rooms), with the emphasis on private rooms rather than dorms. The only shared room is a 6-bed mixed dorm.

Whilst it’s a perfectly nice room, the private rooms stand out to us and I’m sure they will for you, too.

Families and small groups should check out the:

  • Triple room
  • Quadruple room
  • Family room for 4
  • Family room for 6

What’s even better is that families can keep their children entertained in the kids play area.

For remote workers on the move, enjoy the dedicated workspace and meeting rooms.

And for those just looking to relax, enjoy the free WiFi, snack bar and pool table.

There is so much space to stretch out in!

Also: a&o Hotels and Hostels are one of the best hostel chains in Europe.

Location: It’s 20-minutes from Main Central Station and HBF. The nearby tram connects you to all of the main areas and sights.

This is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt Germany for

  • Families
  • Small groups
Book a&o Frankfurt Ostend here

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

a&o Frankfurt Ostend is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany a&o Frankfurt Ostend is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany a&o Frankfurt Ostend is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany

3. DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt

Lastly, we’d like to add a youth hostel into the mix which is modern and simplistic, affordable and central.

DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt is also known as Jugendherberge Frankfurt – Haus der Jugend. You can see why we use the easier of the two names…!

As with most Hostelling International (HI) hostels, this one in Frankfurt is big and suited to large groups, families and events.

There is a total of 434 beds here!

There’s a really great room variety here suitable for a range of traveller types. Let’s have a closer look:

  • Family rooms (4-6 people)
  • Male & female dorms with 4 or 6-beds
  • Double private (2 singles beds or 2 bunks)

DJH offers some of the cheapest room options in all of Frankfurt.

Make sure you make the most of the Backpackers Inn Cafe which serves drinks and snacks. There’s great views of central Frankfurt from here, too.

A buffet breakfast is provided each morning, and it’s also possible to enjoy lunch and dinner here if you don’t feel like cooking.

Location: Located on the Main river, just a 15-minute walk from the city center. It’s possible to reach 15 museums and some of the main sights of the city on foot.

This is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt Germany for

  • Families
  • Large groups
Book DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com

DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany
DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt

DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany DJH Youth Hostel Frankfurt is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany

What about cheapest hostels in Frankfurt?

Of course, there are always ways to find a cheap hostel in Frankfurt if you’re visiting Frankfurt on a budget.

We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.

Why?

The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.

However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Frankfurt.

  1. Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Frankfurt
  2. Order the listing by price

Simple as that.

Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels

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.

Couple of cheap hostels in Frankfurt which you might consider include:

  1. Frankfurt Central Hostel – low rating
  2. Pension Alpha Frankfurt – cheap hostel for couples

Best Hostels in Frankfurt for Solo Travellers?

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

We’re going to point you right back in the direction of Five Elements Hostel.

Now you’re beginning to understand why this hostel has reached the #1 spot, right?

It’s a great all-rounder for solo travellers as a whole, because…

  1. There’s tons to get involved in if you’re social
  2. Female solo travellers can sleep in an ladies only dorm
  3. Relax with no pressure if you prefer doing your own thing

Simple as that.

Book Five Elements Hostel here

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

Five Elements Hostel is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany

Party Hostels in Frankfurt

It’s time to let the good times flow and discover the best party hostel Frankfurt has to offer!

There’s no doubt about it; Five Elements Hostel is where it’s at.

Step inside and discover fun events that encourage everyone to participate and a bar that’s open around the clock.

Yep, it has party written all over it.

Remember: it’s located in the Red Light District!

When you’re full on homemade dinner and have beat your mate at pool, join the pub crawl and experience Frankfurt nightlife.

Thanks to the range of small and bigger dorms, you can look forward to a quiet night’s rest when you need it.

Book 5Elements Hostel here

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

Five Elements Hostel is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt, 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. 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 Frankfurt 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

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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 Frankfurt?

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.

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Need an eSIM Card for Frankfurt?

Our Favorite Hostels in Frankfurt put on a map + sights

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

What about cool things to do in Frankfurt?

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

  • Römerberg
  • Main Tower
  • Frankfurt Cathedral
  • Palmengarten
  • Iron Bridge
  • Kleinmarkthalle

Any questions about hostels in Frankfurt? 🤔

Join our Facebook Group!

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

FAQ

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

Flights to Frankfurt?

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

More Guides

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

Read: full guide to the absolute best hostels in Germany – which is your favourite hostel in Germany?

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

In nearby Switzerland you can discover the best hostels in Zurich and best hostels in Interlaken.

And we also have a guide to the best hostels in Luxembourg.

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 Frankfurt 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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A complete guide and overview to the best hostels in Frankfurt, Germany for solo travellers and families

CLOSED: MEININGER Frankfurt/Main Messe

Update: Our former #3 hostel has permanently closed its doors.

It’s all in the name at MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt Main Messe.

Well, not ALL; there is actually a lot more worth knowing about this place than just the destination.

Firstly, it’s chilled and full of bright colours to bring out that happy vibe in you.

Secondly, it’s spacious and designed with travellers in mind.

It’s very similar to many boutique hotels around europe. With hostel vibes!

There is a great communal kitchen with all of the necessities, and tons of dining space which can also be used as a general hang out.

Not to mention the cute little bar that is open 24/7 and offers yummy cocktails!

For less than 10 EURO you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast each morning.

Note: there is a sister hostel called Meininger Frankfurt Main/Airport – perfect for quick stops in the city close to the Frankfurt airport (main airport).

If you’re looking for a simple, minimalist shared room, you’ll like the 6-bed mixed dorm.

It comes with huge lockers and a desk space.

In fact, all of the rooms come with an ensuite at MEININGER.

Private rooms include twin, double, triple and quad. Note that the double is meant for only one person.

In case you have any burning questions or are arriving late; there is a 24 hour reception.

Location: A 10-minute walk from Messe S-Bahn and 5-minutes from the Frankfurt Messe Exhibition Centre. Within a quiet location not far from the city centre.

This is one of the best hostels in Frankfurt for

  • Backpackers
  • Couples

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