Looking for the absolute best hostels in Manchester? You have come to the perfect place. We are Hostelgeeks, and we do all the leg work for you, so you can find the coolest hostels in Manchester UK.
We condensed it to the 2 top hostels.
There is really no need to go beyond any of these. And quite frankly, this might not be a guide you expect.
Why?
Well, there are actually only 2 hostels in Manchester! Yep, sadly quite a few of the hostels closed their doors permanently, so there really aren’t many choices anymore for those that enjoy social accommodation.
Yet, the two hostels in this guide are still very good and we recommend them to you, our friends and family.
Planning to travel to other parts of UK? We have a detailed guide here to the best hostels in UK.
Shortcut for you:
- Selina NQ1 Manchester – for solo traveller
- YHA Manchester – good for youths & families
Any questions about hostels in Manchester?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Manchester is an upcoming and unique city, the area boasts of a diverse social scene and a thriving energy.
There is much more to see than just the two world famous football clubs.
In this guide we will give you the best roof above your head, so you can sleep well at night, and explore the city well rested.
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- #1 Selina NQ1 Manchester
- #2 YHA Manchester
- #3 nope…nothing here
- cheapest hostels in Manchester
- best hostels in Manchester for solo travellers
- more hostels worth a mention
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- Airbnb in Manchester
- all hostel and sights on a map
- Flights
- FAQ
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Manchester
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Manchester start from 20€ per night up to 30€ per nights for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 60€ up to 100€. 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.
Hostel Quality: Please, do not expect too much of hostels in Manchester. They are not really good quality, and some lovely bnb or guesthouse may also do the trick.
🎁 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 2 Best Hostels in Manchester
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Manchester.
Quick overview:
- Selina NQ1 Manchester – the only place we can really recommend
- YHA Manchester – good for youths & families
We put all two accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Selina NQ1 Manchester |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | YHA Manchester |
| 👫 For Socializing: | YHA Manchester |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Selina NQ1 Manchester |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | YHA Manchester |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Selina NQ1 Manchester |
1. Selina NQ1 Manchester
Whilst there many not be many hostels to choose from in Manchester, luckily for you there is a Selina hostel here! Trust us when we say you’re in great hands.
Selina hostels are well-known for their modern design and luxurious beds. It’s no different at the new Selina NQ1 Manchester hostel!
Our disclaimer: This hostel is excellent – we haven’t listed it here only because there are few hostels in this city.
Get ready for privacy-led bunks, a spacious and comfortable hostel bar and awesome location slap bang in the Northern Quarter.
Yep, stay here and you’ll be surrounded by the best independent bars and traditional pubs in the city!
Whilst this isn’t technically a party hostel, it’s certainly a good choice if you enjoy nightlife and drinking.
There’s a range of rooms. From family and and twin rooms, to 4-8 beds mixed dorms and a suite with extra large double bed.
Other perks include:
- Beautiful outdoor seating area
- Onsite cafe
- Shared kitchen
- Pets welcome
One of the only downsides is that there isn’t a free breakfast here. You can order it at the cafe instead, however.
Location: Within a lively area of the city, just a short walk from the bus station and super easy access to the Northern Quarter (bohemian bars, record shops, music venues). Manchester Piccadilly Station is just 6 minutes from this budget hostel.
Selina NQ1 Manchester one of the best hostels in Manchester for
- Solo travellers
- Digital nomads
- Couples
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. YHA Manchester Hostel
If you’re looking for a hostel that perfectly represents this lively atmosphere, look no further than YHA Manchester.
This hostel prides itself on it’s vibrant and colourful interior, a welcome change from the often rainy British weather!
This is the closest you’ll find to a backpacker’s hostel manchester.
Aside from the stylish decor, YHA is also perfect for those wanting to meet new people as there is a large and spacious lounge area, the perfect place to catch up and relax after a long day exploring the city!
If relaxing is not your thing, the hostel offers a games room equipped with a pool table and an on-site bar to carry on the party.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Travelling solo?
No need to panic!
YHA offers 152 beds in 37 different rooms, so you are bound to meet like-minded people during your stay.
You can choose to stay in male or female dorms ranging from 6 beds to 2 beds, if you’re wanting more privacy. Each bed is also fitted with USB ports and reading lights, so no worries about those pesky early risers waking you up with the main light…
The atmosphere in YHA Manchester is both warm and inviting.
What about the location?
When you want to venture out of the hostel, you’ll find the city centre right on your doorstep!
YHA is conveniently only a short walk away from one of the most exciting areas in Manchester, the Northern Quarter. This quirky part of Manchester is packed with bars offering live music and streets filled with impressive street art, ideal for those Instagram shots!
Catch the free shuttle bus which is only a 15 minute walk away from the hostel. Don’t want to stray too far from the hostel? YHA has you covered with outdoor picnic tables by the canal, the perfect place to chill out in the sunshine.
Everything about this hostel is designed to ensure a lively social atmosphere combined with modernity and style. A combination that captures Manchester as a city and will leave you wanting more!
YHA Hostel Manchester one of the best hostels in Manchester for
- Youths
- Families
- Groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in Manchester?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels in Manchester. Forget Manchester hotels!
If you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Manchester.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Manchester
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that. 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.
FYI: There are also plenty of budget hotels, B&B’s and Guest Houses in Manchester. Unfortunately the popular Salford Arms Hotel has permanently closed. Arena Black Lion Hotel is a good cheap option for families and couples.
Other cheaper chain hotel options worth considering are:
- Travelodge Manchester
- Premier Inn Manchester
Best Hostels in Manchester for Solo Travellers?
What is the best hostel in Manchester for solo-travellers?
Make it YHA Hostel.
As mentioned above, YHA is a big hostel and chances are high you will meet more cool travelers.
Compare prices and view reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
How to book?
We recommend using Booking.com or Hostelworld for your reservations.
Booking.com is the biggest and safest platform for hotel and hostels reservations. Their cancellation policy is one of the best, normally 100% refundable until 24h before the stay.
Hostelworld is also 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 again:
- Selina NQ1 Manchester – the only place we can really recommend
- YHA Manchester – good for youths & families
Airbnb in Manchester
As you know by now, Manchester Hostels do not reach a very high standard. And it is really a pity to say so. Yet, this is an honest guide, and we only share where we stay ourselves or would send our friends to.
We recommend as well to keep an eye on Airbnb.
Airbnb has a lot of rooms and apartments, also good places to stay in Manchester.
Read our guide how to use Airbnb, and of course make sure you get our 35€ discount for Airbnb.
Any Discounts?
We always list our valid discounts for hostels here. You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.
Here you can find all our hostel discounts worldwide.
Our Favorite Hostels in Manchester put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Manchester hostels on a map.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Old Trafford
- Science and Industry Museum
- The Lowry
- National Football Museum
- Etihad Stadium
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Manchester Cathedral
- The John Rylands Library
Going up North? Then make sure you read this guide on the best places to visit in North England. You might be surprised by these cute villages and the landscape. Also, in Durham you can actually stay in a real Castle.
What about walking tours in Manchester? We recommend this awesome private tour with a local.
Here’s our map with the best cheap accommodation in Manchester.
Any questions about hostels in Manchester? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Manchester?
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.
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 Manchester.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in London and backpacker hostels in London
- best hostels in Bristol
- 24 best hostels in Ireland, including the best hostels in Dublin
- best hostels in Galway
- best hostels in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- best hostels in Brighton
- 19 BEST hostels in Scotland, including the best hostels in Edinburgh
- best hostels in Liverpool
- best hostels in Cornwall
- best hostels in Inverness
- best hostels in Cardiff
- Party Hostels in Dublin
- best hostels in Cork
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
So there you have it, the best hostels manchester has to offer and the only ones we recommend.
Was this useful? Do you have any questions, doubts?
Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Manchester 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 places to stay in Manchester 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. Here we 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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pin it for later
CLOSED: Hatters at Hilton Chambers
Update: Sorry folks, the two following Hatters Hostel Manchester have permanently closed their doors.
Manchester is known for being the home to a whole bunch of unique and varied individuals.
Diversity in this city is everywhere. So surely when booking a place to stay, you want to find somewhere that celebrates this and is able to transform a hostel into an exciting social hub.
A stay in Hatters at Hilton Chambers will guarantee you this social experience and much more.
The hostel reflects the city in that it definitely doesn’t lack character.
It has rooms ranging from 12 bed dorms to private rooms with en-suites, with each bed having it’s own power socket and light.
Upon entering, the decor is very modern and sleek, adding an element of old-school class.
Despite the polished first impressions, you are instantly made to feel at home with free cookies and tea/coffee which are provided by the friendly staff.
You can enjoy these freebies in the hostel’s
- shared kitchen,
- relaxing lounge area or TV room
- and even a PlayStation!
This inviting atmosphere certainly doesn’t end with free biscuits!
The staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that everybody feels welcome at Hatters. There are plenty of activities and themed nights to get involved in, including
- film nights,
- book exchanges,
- games night and
- even free food night!
Who would say no to free food?!
Speaking of food… there is also an on-site restaurant which exclusively offers guests 15% off, sound appetizing?
Feel free to take advantage of the freebies and discounts (including free WiFi), but don’t let this distract you from the variety of cool restaurants and bars surrounding the hostel.
Hatters is located right in the centre of Manchester, so you are truly immersed in the lively social buzz, both inside and outside the hostel.
If you are looking for cheap rooms in manchester city centre, then you have just found it at Hilton Chambers. They offer private rooms and dorms alike.
Be warned, the area can get pretty loud at night, but if you are eager to experience the distinct Manchester nightlife, why not join them? Other benefits of this fab location include being only a 10 minute walk away from Manchester Piccadilly, the main station in the city.
The location is absolutely great.
Hatters at Hilton Chambers does not offer perfection, but it will give you the chance to have a memorable social experience and absorb the fun Manchester madness.
A true backpackers Manchester experience. FUN!
Hatters at Hilton Chambers is the best Manchester hostel for
- young travelers
- Backpacker
- party traveler
CLOSED: Hatters on Newton Street – Super Cheap
One of the best things about staying in a hostel is that you’re able to travel whilst on a budget! Are you a savvy traveller looking for a good price?
Hatters on Newton Street may be the bargain you’ve been looking for.
The rooms at this simplistic hostel range from private bedrooms to 18-bed dorms, with prices starting as low as £13 a night! So here you have it, here you find your cheap hostel in Manchester.
Don’t let the price fool you into thinking this place lacks taste.
The hostel itself used to be a hat factory, an unusual quirk which only adds to the industrial charm of Hatters. Sticking to the working-class roots of Manchester, this basic hostel offers no frills or fancies. Instead, it provides a warm, down to earth atmosphere with plenty of friendly faces.
You will find no extravagant decor here, instead cool looking posters line the walls. It is really not a special hostel, but has a top location and is cheap. It does the trick; that’s it.
Despite being one of the cheapest hostels in Manchester, Hatters still offers all the basic facilities you would expect.
This includes a shared kitchen, free WiFi in common areas and a 24-hour reception, so you can enjoy the city well into the early hours!
No need to worry about security either as you will find a safe baggage room and lockers for your belongings, as well as your own secure key card.
What makes this hostel special is the inviting family atmosphere you will experience, made possible by lack of pretence and the good nature of the staff. There are plenty of opportunities to get to know other travellers with all the events and activities Hatters offers!
You can unwind in the TV lounge during film nights, or if you fancy a bit more adventure why not join the popular bar crawl, there’s certainly so shortage of bars in the area!
And…what about the location?
That leads us onto the excellent location of Hatters, seriously you won’t find a more central place to stay at such a good price! The hostel is slap bang in the middle of the city, close to Picadilly Gardens, meaning you are only a short walk away from all the sights and public transport.
You get what you pay for at this hostel and a little bit more.
A comfy bed, a welcoming environment and a location that simply can’t be beaten. Bargain!
In town to watch a football match? Hatters is a popular place to stay for football fans. Make sure you book early; accommodation is hard to get!
This is one of the best hostels in Manchester for
- Super Budget Traveler
- Football Fans
