Short answer: The three best hostels in Sydney are 1. Sydney Harbour YHA (social harbourside base in The Rocks, brilliant for solo travelers and groups), 2. Wake Up! Sydney Central (social, central, opposite Central Station), and 3. Wake Up! Bondi Beach (a beach hostel right across from Bondi). Compare live prices for all three on Hostelz before you book, because the harbour and beach beds sell out fast in summer.
It’s time to discover the best hostels in Sydney. Are you ready?
Sydney is a stunning city, no doubt about it. It offers a bit of everything: rocky coastline, beaches, lively city life, calm parks and famous sights. You name it.
Our favorite hostels in Sydney are:
- Sydney Harbour YHA - best for Solo Traveler
- Wake Up! Sydney Central - best for Female Solo Travellers
- Wake Up! Bondi Beach - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Sydney Harbour YHA
2. Wake Up! Sydney Central
3. Wake Up! Bondi Beach
We condensed it all to the 3 coolest Sydney hostels, and we share the best hostel in Bondi Beach too. If you’re travelling around Oceania, check out our collection of the best hostels in Australia and the best hostels in New Zealand.
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 something more wild? Check out the coolest party hostels in Sydney.
- Introduction
- List of the 3 Best Hostels in Sydney
- Best hostels in Sydney for solo travellers?
- Coolest Party Hostels
- beach hostels in Sydney
- Quiet and small hostels in Sydney
- Quirky hostels
- Cheapest Hostels (and how to find them)
- Things you need to know BEFORE travelling to Sydney
- Promo Codes
- Map with all hostels and main sights
- FAQ
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here, plus every “Best Hostels In” guide we’ve written.
Quick Introduction to Sydney
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Sydney cost $43 to $90 per night for a dorm bed. A private room averages around $100 per night. That’s a rough guide, just to set expectations.
Prices swing with the season and holidays, so always check live rates on Hostelz.com, where you can compare across the booking sites in one place, or on Hostelworld.com.
Check-in and check-out: Check-in is usually from 15:00 (3pm), with check-out before 11:00 (11am). Most places store luggage if you arrive early or leave late. Just ask whether storage is free or costs extra.
Getting around: Sydney has a reliable public transport network of trains, buses, ferries and light rail. An Opal card (or contactless card) makes it easy and cheaper to get around.
Good to know: Sydney hostels are generally clean and modern, but they can feel busy and social, especially in peak season. Air conditioning isn’t always guaranteed, so check that in summer.
Safety tip: Sydney is considered very safe, even at night in most areas. Still, take normal precautions and keep an eye on your belongings in busy hostels and nightlife spots.
Booking tip: Reserve early in summer and around big events like New Year’s Eve. The best-rated hostels near the harbour and beaches sell out quickly.
🎁 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 Sydney are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Sydney .
- Sydney Harbour YHA – best for Solo Traveler
- Wake Up! Sydney Central – best for Female Solo Travellers
- Wake Up! Bondi Beach – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Sydney . 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. Sydney Harbour YHA
2. Wake Up! Sydney Central
3. Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Sydney Harbour YHA |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Wake up! Sydney Central |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | The Village Broadway |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Wake Up! Bondi Beach |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Sydney Harbour YHA |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Wake up! Sydney Central |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Wake Up! Bondi Beach |
The 3 Best Hostels in Sydney
Here’s the quick comparison before the full write-ups. Skim it, then read on.
Best Hostels in Sydney Compared at a Glance
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sydney Harbour YHA | Solo travelers, groups | Big, social, heritage | The Rocks (harbourside) | Rooftop terrace with Opera House and Bridge views, private bathroom in every room |
| 2. Wake Up! Sydney Central | Backpackers, groups | Social, lively, central | CBD, opposite Central Station | Side Bar (huge backpacker bar), 24-hour check-in, on-site cafe |
| 3. Wake Up! Bondi Beach | Beach lovers | Beachy, active | Bondi Beach | Rooftop terrace over the beach, free surfboard hire, rooftop yoga |
How to Pick the Right Sydney Hostel
Not sure which one is you? Here’s the shortcut.
- Solo traveler: Sydney Harbour YHA
- Groups: Sydney Harbour YHA or Wake Up! Sydney Central
- Social and central: Wake Up! Sydney Central
- Want to wake up by the beach: Wake Up! Bondi Beach
- Here to party: The Village Broadway (further down)
- Quiet and private: The Pod Sydney or Space Q Capsule
- Cheapest bed, full stop: compare them all live on Hostelz
Hostelgeeks Tip: The harbour and beach hostels sell out fast in summer and around New Year’s Eve, and Sydney prices jump right along with them. Compare your dates on Hostelz early so you grab a well-rated bed before they’re gone.
1. Sydney Harbour YHA (incredible city views)
Sydney Harbour YHA is a lovely mix of modern and colonial Sydney. Built above archaeological remains, it pairs heritage with genuinely good facilities.
This is our top pick for solo travelers in Sydney. Enjoy the views over Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from your own rooftop terrace.
Sydney Harbour offers both dorm and private rooms, including a family room. The dorms come with handy lockers and sleep up to 6, with a choice of mixed, female and male rooms. Every room, dorm or private, has its own private bathroom.
Common amenities include bed linen, air conditioning, an individual bed light and power socket, and access to the communal kitchen and terrace. If you’ve been searching “places to stay in Sydney cheap”, you’re in luck, because Sydney Harbour YHA gives you plenty of ways to save.
Get properly social here and join one of the free tours. Relax on the rooftop or at the coffee bar, play some pool with your new friends, or grab snacks from the in-house food store and settle in front of the TV.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location of Sydney Harbour YHA: The YHA is in The Rocks, the city’s historic harbourside precinct. Right in the heart of Sydney, you’re within walking distance of all the main attractions.
There are loads of historic pubs and restaurants nearby. Catch live music at The Basement, and don’t miss a trip to the Sydney Opera House.
Check out next door too: The Australian Heritage Hotel has the largest beer list in Sydney. The hostel is 600 metres from Circular Quay train station, which means easy access to greater Sydney and its beaches.
Who stays at Sydney Harbour YHA?
This hostel is loved by:
- solo travellers
- groups
There’s plenty of choice of rooms, and Sydney Harbour offers a group rate. The location is perfect for exploring straight from the doorstep.
It’s a big place, not a small hostel at all, housing up to 110 people, so we’d recommend it for social butterflies.
What to know beforehand?
There’s a free Wi-Fi hotspot with an option to upgrade to Premium Wi-Fi Plus. There’s a tour desk on-site, and the staff will help you make the most of your time in Sydney. The hostel also runs daily activities.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Wake Up! Sydney Central (the home of social vibes)
The name of this hostel, Wake Up! Sydney Central, sums it up perfectly.
Slap bang in the centre of the CBD, surrounded by the big sights and built with space, light and comfort in mind. You won’t want to do much sleeping.
Choose between dorm rooms sleeping up to 10, or private rooms with an option of an en-suite. Wake Up! Sydney Central also caters for solo female travelers with female-only dorms.
All rooms include secure lockers, a bedside lamp and a power point, and the big windows make for great natural light. Check-in is 24 hours, and so is the tour desk, the perfect place to book your next destination in Australia and ask about work opportunities in the city.
Make use of the large shared kitchen, plus the on-site cafe bistro and bar, open 7 days a week.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: you guessed it, it’s central. Modern, light, spacious and directly opposite Sydney Central Railway Station. It’s a perfect walk to all the main attractions including the Opera House and the CBD, not to mention the shops and surrounding nightlife.
Be sure to take a stroll over to nearby Darling Harbour.
Who stays at Wake Up! Sydney Central?
Perfect for people interested in:
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Socialising
- Sightseeing
It’s also great for foodies, with a wide selection of restaurants across the CBD. Wake Up! Sydney is perfect for travelers who like to get involved.
There are loads of daily activities to join (more on that below) and plenty to explore in the city.
What to know beforehand?
Wake Up! Sydney Central offers a handy airport shuttle for an extra charge, so contact them in advance about it. They’ve done well on accessibility too, with disabled facilities and a lift in the hostel.
The staff speak 6 languages, including Swedish and Dutch. Side Bar (in the basement) is Sydney’s biggest and busiest backpacker bar, the perfect place for socialising. Roy’s Cafe, on the ground floor, opens from 7am and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The hostel is incredibly social and runs many (ever-changing) daily activities, including free pizza evenings, guided tours, trivia Tuesdays, yoga classes and pub crawls.
Read: the perfect hostel packing list
Recommended for:
- Backpackers
- Groups
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Our #3 on this list is Wake Up! Bondi Beach, one of the great hostels in Bondi.
And here you go as promised: this is the best hostel in Bondi Beach.
Our top choice for a beach hostel in Sydney is seriously only 2 minutes from the beach. Located seconds from the sand and surf, Wake Up! Bondi Beach has a rooftop terrace with umbrellas and deck chairs and panoramic views of Bondi.
Super cool. And it doesn’t stop there. Wake Up! Bondi Beach runs a range of free lifestyle activities. Join in for:
- rooftop yoga classes
- personal training sessions and
- walking tours along the picturesque Bondi to Bronte coastline.
- wine and cheese nights
- BBQ nights
For guests keen to try Australia’s most famous pastime, free surfboard hire is on offer too.
If you’re flying in and would love to see the ocean, this is your best bet. Our tip: find a buddy in the hostel to explore the city centre and, obviously, visit the Opera House.
Where is Bondi Beach? Bondi is a popular beach around 7 km (4 miles) east of central Sydney.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostel in Sydney for solo travellers?
For those of you discovering Sydney alone, we recommend staying at Sydney Harbour YHA.
Why? Well, in case you missed it earlier, the YHA is a social hub for travelers.
You can join the many hostel activities, meet new friends on the rooftop and explore the city on foot. Everything social is right on your doorstep.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What’s the best party hostel in Sydney?
Let us introduce The Village Broadway hostel as the number one party hostel in Sydney.
Located above a lively pub and live music venue, 10 minutes from Central Station. The perfect place to be if you’re after fun.
Start your night with some live music, a cold beer and a boogie on the dance floor, then carry on into the city for the nightlife. Perfect.
Read: 7 types of hostels around the globe, plus the best party hostels in the world
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com
Fancy cool beach hostels in Sydney?
We covered this place already, but here it goes again. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to the beach, right?
Well, you can do exactly that at Wake Up! Bondi Beach.
The rooftop terrace looks straight out over famous Bondi Beach. You’ll literally be across the road.
Join one or more of the free lifestyle activities, including rooftop yoga, personal training and a walking tour along Bondi. Bondi’s lively nightlife is close by too.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Quiet and small hostel in Sydney?
If you want a more peaceful, intimate hostel without giving up a central location, these quiet and small Sydney hostels are for you.
We highly recommend these two: The Pod Sydney and Space Q Capsule Hotel.
Both offer enclosed sleeping pods for proper privacy. Can you guess what theme Space Q Capsule is going for?
What about unique, quirky hostels?
So unique, quirky hostel design is more your thing. We’ve got you covered. We already mentioned Space Q Capsule Hotel, but it’s worth a second shout.
The out-of-space design is certainly quirky, and it’s a lovely blend of solo and social. Enjoy the privacy of your pod, or head to the spacious lounge for a game of foosball.
Sydney is big, and you’ll probably want to see a lot of it, so think about what matters most: a beach hostel is best for relaxing, a central one is better for sightseeing. Our map at the end of the article helps you picture where the sights and hostels actually are.
What about where to stay in Sydney CHEAP?
Are there any cheap hostels in Sydney? There can be cheaper hostels and more budget accommodation than the ones above.
It’s tempting to just hunt for the cheapest possible bed. In our opinion, that’s usually not worth it.
Why? The difference is often just 1 to 2 (in euros or dollars), and a lot of amenities get dropped, like breakfast or linen. A bad or far-out location also costs you more in transport, which adds up fast in a big city like Sydney.
That said, if you’re on a shoestring and want to save every cent, here’s how to find the cheapest beds:
- Compare on Hostelz first to see prices across the booking sites in one place.
- Open Hostelworld for the full list of cheap Sydney accommodation.
- Order the listing by price.
Then filter for the best ratings. Keep an eye on the “extreme” reviews, the best and the worst. Those comments are a great way to see what you can expect, and what you can’t.
Read: 15 tips for booking hostels, booking like a pro without wasting time and money.
To save even more on museums and sights, grab the Sydney iVenture attraction pass. Save over 40% with access to 30-plus of Sydney’s top attractions, including the 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Things you need to know BEFORE travelling to Sydney:
Sydney is a big city with plenty to see and do. Here are a few tips to help you prepare.
Renting a car: If you’re planning to rent a car in Sydney, be aware of the toll charges. The toll roads are cashless, so you’ll need an electronic pass to pay. Your rental company will help with this, but it’s an extra expense to plan for.
Public transport: It’s a little tricky. Sydney is spread out and there’s no metro in the traditional sense. Avoid the CBD during rush hour and catch the ferry whenever you can. It’s reliable, affordable and honestly one of the nicest ways to see the harbour.
Important: Grab yourself an Opal Card. It’s a simple top-up card that works on all public transport within Sydney. The daily cap for an adult is around $15, so you can essentially travel as much as you like in one day for that price. Grab one at the airport, a train station or any convenience store.
Alternative beaches: Bondi isn’t the only good beach. Sydney is actually split across 10 distinct villages with no single official city centre. Have a look at Manly and Palm Beach, get familiar with where they are, and you’ll save time once you arrive.
Other Sydney hostels worth a mention
Excited about Sydney? The hostel you pick makes a big difference, so here are a few more worth considering for your trip.
- Mad Monkey Coogee Hostel
- Summer House Kings Cross Backpackers
- Summer House Sydney City
- Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel
- Mad Monkey Potts Point
Mad Monkey Coogee Hostel
Planning to come to Sydney for the beach? This is the one. Mad Monkey Coogee Hostel is moments from Coogee Beach.
There are loads of great restaurants and bars around, including FNKY MNKY right below the hostel. Being a bit further from downtown, you get a more local Aussie experience here.
Hostel Highlights:
- Beachfront
- Restaurant
- Laundry
- Bar
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Free Breakfast
The common area and the pub make it easy to meet people. Each dorm has secure key access and shared bathrooms, and some rooms have a balcony with sea views. Every morning guests get free cereal, coffee and tea. A solid way to kick off a good morning.
Location: Mad Monkey Backpackers is next to the Coogee Beach Cricket Oval. Moore Park, Centennial Park and the Australian Golf Club are a 15-minute drive away, and the Latham Park Tennis Centre is an 8-minute drive.
Important: You can buy a so-called Golden Ticket from Mad Monkey. Stay 30, 60 or 90 days across their hostels at a low rate with a one-time payment. More info on the Golden Ticket here.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Summer House Backpackers
Summer House Backpackers is a youth hostel with affordable accommodation, good housekeeping, round-the-clock security, airport transfers and solid facilities.
Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Laundry
- Terrace
- BBQ facilities
Summer House Kings Cross Backpackers has a dedicated entertainment manager who organises daily events to bring everyone together, including nights out with free entry and a drink, free BBQs, day trips to the Blue Mountains, whale watching, movie nights and loads more.
Location: Summer House Backpackers Sydney is just 1 km from Kings Cross Station and Hyde Park, and less than 5 minutes’ drive from the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Summer House Sydney City
Summer House Sydney City is one of the best Sydney hostels for solo travelers. It was formerly known as Sydney Backpackers.
It’s a newly renovated hostel in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Good for couples and solo travelers alike, with a mix of private and dorm rooms. Each comes with a free sanitised linen pack and free use of an individual locker with a padlock.
A nice touch: a fridge is fitted in every room, and continental breakfast is served daily.
Hostel Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Rooftop Terrace
- Coin-operated Laundry
- Lift
- Air conditioning
- BBQ facilities
Location: Summer House Sydney City is a 30-minute drive from Sydney Airport. Just a short walk away you’ll find Westfield Tower and shopping centre, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and plenty of other city attractions.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel
Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel has a clean, homely, friendly feel.
It’s good value, the staff are friendly and accommodating, and the common areas are great for striking up a conversation. The fun twist: they have rescue dogs you can take for a walk, feed or just hang out with.
Hostel Highlights:
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Laundry
- Terrace
Location: Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel is close to Kings Cross station, a 30-minute walk to the Opera House and the Botanic Garden, and 10 minutes’ walk from great views of Sydney harbour and skyline.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Mad Monkey Potts Point
Want a secure spot with 24-hour reception? This is the one. Mad Monkey Potts Point has large common areas including a TV room and an outdoor terrace, and there’s a daily welcome meeting for new guests with social activities.
They’ve been running one of the best backpacker hostels in Sydney for over 20 years.
Hostel Highlights:
- Parking
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle (free)
- 24-hour front desk
- Laundry
- Free Breakfast
This hostel has a lively, energetic atmosphere, with a reputation for friendly staff, clean beds and great rates.
Location: On a quiet street in Potts Point, right next to the heart of Sydney’s backpacker mecca, Kings Cross.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Any Discounts?
Right now we have no special hostel discounts in Sydney. A pity, we know. We don’t have any valid promotions for Bondi Beach or a promo code for Wake Up! Sydney either. You can subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest hostel discounts straight to your inbox.
We’re always chasing Wake Up! Sydney promo codes and others. In the meantime, comparing your dates on Hostelz is the easiest way to make sure you’re not overpaying.
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.
Need an eSIM Card for Sydney ?
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Our Favorite Hostels in Sydney put on a map + sights
So here you go, our map of all the coolest hostels in Sydney and the main sights. The three main hostels are highlighted in blue, the quirky and unique ones in orange, and all the sights in green.
Don’t leave Sydney without visiting the Opera House.
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FAQ
The questions travelers actually ask before booking Sydney, answered fast.
What is the best hostel in Sydney?
It depends on your trip. Sydney Harbour YHA is the social, harbourside pick for solo travelers and groups, Wake Up! Sydney Central is the social CBD base by Central Station, and Wake Up! Bondi Beach is the spot if you want to wake up by the sand.
How much does a hostel in Sydney cost?
Dorm beds run roughly $43 to $90 per night and private rooms average around $100, more in summer and around big events. Compare live rates on Hostelz before you book.
What is the best area to stay in Sydney?
The Rocks and the CBD for sights and transport, Bondi or Coogee for the beach, and Kings Cross or Potts Point for nightlife and budget options.
Are hostels in Sydney safe?
Yes, Sydney is one of the safer big cities, even at night in most areas. Use normal precautions and keep an eye on your belongings in busy hostels and nightlife spots.
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Sydney?
Sydney Harbour YHA is our top pick, with free tours, a social rooftop and a great Rocks location that makes meeting people easy.
What is the best party hostel in Sydney?
The Village Broadway, set above a pub and live-music venue near Central Station. For more, see our full guide to the coolest party hostels in Sydney.
What is the best beach hostel in Sydney?
Wake Up! Bondi Beach, about two minutes from the sand, with a rooftop terrace over the beach and free surfboard hire.
What is the best hostel for female solo travelers?
Wake Up! Sydney Central has female-only dorms in a safe, central spot, and Sydney Harbour YHA also offers female dorms with a social, well-run setup.
How do I get from Sydney Airport to the city?
The Airport Link train reaches Central in around 13 to 15 minutes (it carries an added station access fee), or take a rideshare or taxi. Some hostels offer airport shuttles, and you can tap on with an Opal or contactless card.
How many days do you need in Sydney?
Three to four days covers the icons (Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi, a ferry trip) with a beach day thrown in. Add a day or two to day-trip the Blue Mountains.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) bring mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer (December to February) is beach and New Year's Eve season, but it's busier and pricier.
Do I need an Opal card in Sydney?
Yes, grab an Opal card or just use a contactless card. It works on trains, buses, ferries and light rail, with a daily fare cap of around $15 for adults.
Are there cheap hostels in Sydney?
Yes, but the very cheapest often skip breakfast or linen, or sit far from the centre, which costs you in transport. Compare value, not just price, on Hostelz.
Flights
Got your hostel sorted? Time to look at flights. Most travelers land at Sydney Airport (SYD), about a 13 to 15 minute train ride from the city centre.
Flights to Sydney ?
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 Hostels in Australia
Okay, by now you’ve got your answer to where to stay in Sydney on a budget.
Here are some more awesome guides in Australia:
- best hostels in Australia
- best hostels in Brisbane
- best hostels in Cairns
- best hostels in Alice Springs
- best hostels in Byron Bay
- best Hostels in Adelaide
- best hostels in Perth
- best hostels in Airlie Beach
- best hostels in Darwin
- best hostels in Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
- best hostels in Surfers Paradise
- best hostels in Hobart
Party hostels:
Backpacker hostels:
- backpacker hostels in Sydney
- backpacker hostels in Melbourne
- backpacker hostels in Brisbane
- backpacker hostels in Cairns
Heading over to Fiji? Check out our guide to the best hostels in Fiji.
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 Sydney 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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