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The 10 Best Hostels in San Francisco, USA

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Francisco

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Located within 2.6 km of Crissy Field East Beach and less than 1 km of Ghirardelli Square, Samesun San Francisco provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in San Francisco. This 2-star hostel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is set 1.9 km from Coit Tower.

Very central, felt safe and in a safe district (was actually booked at European hostel, dont recomend!), curtains around the beds and free towel, a clean place overalt<3

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8.4
Very good
3,074 reviews
Price from
£32
per night

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this Fisherman’s Wharf hostel features free WiFi throughout the property. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests and daily activities are offered.

Shared bathroom facilities are offered for both dormitory-style guest rooms and private guest rooms at HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel. Towels and linens are provided.

The most perfect hostel i’ve been to so far.

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8.3
Very good
1,645 reviews
Price from
£27
per night

Each room at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel showcases large windows. All rooms are decorated in cool tones and modern furnishings. Select rooms include an en suite bathroom, a sink and a mirror.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is 7 minutes’ walk from the Chinatown Gates. Shopping at Westfield Mall on Market Street is 5 minutes’ walk away.

Breakfast available and great Location perfect and hospitality perfect

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8.4
Very good
3,706 reviews
Price from
£37
per night

Located in San Francisco and within 1.4 km of San Francisco City Hall, Chapter San Francisco features a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 1.8 km from Union Square, 2.7 km from Ghirardelli Square and 3.1 km from Moscone Center. The accommodation provides a concierge service, and luggage storage for guests.

At the hostel each room includes a shared bathroom and bed linen.

It’s amazing, clean and comfortable

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8.9
Fabulous
517 reviews
Price from
£35
per night

Boasting a shared lounge and free WiFi, ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is situated in San Francisco, 1 km from Union Square and 1.1 km from Coit Tower. The property is located 1.5 km from Moscone Center, 2 km from Pier 39 and 2.4 km from Ghirardelli Square. The accommodation features karaoke and a shared kitchen.

The location is so nice/ The price is so cheap/ The guys here are so nice

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8.8
Fabulous
268 reviews
Price from
£34
per night

Music-themed, boutique lifestyle hotel & hostel, now with onsite bar & restaurant and newly renovated common areas. Stay comfortably in a private or shared room and take advantage of our capsule sleeping pods. Sleep with the stars in the home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame! Guests get access to free live entertainment six nights a week in our multiple music venues.

All the facilities you need, although I was in a dorm room, with the capsule beds you have a lot of privacy and can relax whenever you want. Kitchen, fridge were also a big plus. Bathroom was huge. Complementary coffee. Artsy vibe. Location was great too, very close to bus stations and generally felt pretty safe on the streets nearby. But be careful if walking down towards tenderloin, on my bus ride back to the airport early morning looked extremely sketchy with homeless and drug addicts everywhere. But next to hostel was fine, just be careful. For the price and central location it's more than you can ask for. One of the best hostels I've stayed at.

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8.1
Very good
851 reviews
Price from
£35
per night

Shared dormitory accommodation is offered by Green Tortoise Hostels San Francisco. Our Grand Ballroom is the heart of the hostel where people play music, make friends and unforgettable memories. The ballroom, where musicians are always invited to play, has a pool table, ping pong table, books, games, and complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. We also have a new designated quiet "Digital Nomad work space" We provide free Wi-Fi. Just off of the ballroom we have a fully equipped kitchen that is open 24 hours a day for you to use. We provide a guest fridge for you to store food, liquor, whatever you want!

I enjoyed my stay, i would recommend it if you want to be in a centric area. I took the bus literally everywhere. Also, I meet a lot of cool people from Germany, South Korea, Mexico, England, and Spain;There is a good vibe. The common area is very nice to hangout or work. I also liked the breakfast system. Don't be shy, literally almost everyone there is kind. They have fun activities going on during the week that you can participate and meet people on the bars near the hostel.

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8.8
Fabulous
852 reviews
Price from
£37
per night

Located in Central San Francisco, Orange Village Hostel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. A fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi access are featured at this hostel.

Private rooms and male and female only dormitory rooms can be found at this hostel. All rooms have hardwood flooring, and dormitory rooms have backpack-sized lockers.

Rooms were well prepared, a lot of space and place to leave your stuff. Kitchen and living room were amazing. Breakfast was the best time where everybody was there having breakfast together, chilling, talking and even watching movies together. The best hostel I have ever been in my life. Highly recommended.

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7.8
Good
2,393 reviews
Price from
£35
per night

Conveniently located just 8 minutes' walk from San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square, Amsterdam Hostel places guests in Central San Francisco. Chinatown is 13 minutes' walk away, while entertainment venue The Masonic is just 5 minutes' walk away.

Great hostel, good facilities, loved having a bathroom in the room. Lovely staff.

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7.5
Good
1,165 reviews
Price from
£27
per night

Built in 1907, this San Francisco hotel is 10 minutes’ walk to Union Square. Free WiFi and a TV with HBO film channels are offered in all guest rooms. Ferry Building Marketplace and Fisherman’s Wharf are just 2 miles away.

Comfortable and good location

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7.4
Good
157 reviews
Price from
£66
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.
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  • HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,645 reviews

    Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this Fisherman’s Wharf hostel features free WiFi throughout the property. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests and daily activities are offered.

    Great location, very quiet at nighttime, beautiful views

  • HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,704 reviews

    Centrally located in San Francisco just 5 minutes’ walk from shopping and dining in Union Square, Each bright room is practically furnished.

    Everything was great, awesome vibe, free breakfast!

  • ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 268 reviews

    Boasting a shared lounge and free WiFi, ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is situated in San Francisco, 1 km from Union Square and 1.1 km from Coit Tower.

    The guy was really helpful and considerate to my needs

  • Perramont Hotel
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 164 reviews

    Located 5 minutes’ walk from Duboce Park, this San Francisco hotel is located in the Castro District. The Castro Theatre, shops and cafes are 10 minutes’ walk away. Free Wi-Fi is provided in rooms.

    Friendly staff , great location, and value for the money

  • European Hostel
    Budget options available
    4.6
    Scored 4.6
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 544 reviews

    This San Francisco hostel is located 3 blocks from cable cars and the Civic Center. The hostel features a full-service kitchen and rooftop balcony with views of downtown.

    Nick is the best host! Made the stay great! Thanks!

  • Adelaide Hostel
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 925 reviews

    This San Francisco hostel is conveniently located within 5 minutes’ walk of Union Square. Each guest room includes free Wi-Fi.

    Everything was good. Beds were comfortable and clean.

  • Luz Hotel
    Budget options available
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 157 reviews

    Built in 1907, this San Francisco hotel is 10 minutes’ walk to Union Square. Free WiFi and a TV with HBO film channels are offered in all guest rooms.

    the staff. nicest staff I ever bump into!! no doubt

  • Let's Be Buds

    Well situated in the Alamo Square district of San Francisco, Let's Be Buds is located 1.9 km from San Francisco City Hall, 4.1 km from Union Square and 4.5 km from Moscone Center.

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in San Francisco

  • Green Tortoise Hostel
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 851 reviews

    Located in the lively North Beach Little Italy district, this San Francisco hostel is just 3 minutes’ walk to the renowned City Lights Bookstore and the entertainment district. Free WiFi is provided.

    Shared breakfast with people from all over the world

  • Samesun San Francisco
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,074 reviews

    Located within 2.6 km of Crissy Field East Beach and less than 1 km of Ghirardelli Square, Samesun San Francisco provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in San Francisco.

    Big room, quiet at night. Friendly staff. Great value.

  • Music City Hotel - Home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 851 reviews

    Music-themed, boutique lifestyle hotel & hostel, now with onsite bar & restaurant and newly renovated common areas.

    The dorms are nice, since you get a lot of privacy.

  • Orange Village Hostel
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,393 reviews

    Located in Central San Francisco, Orange Village Hostel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. A fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi access are featured at this hostel.

    Best relation location/clean/comfy/price

  • Amsterdam Hostel
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,165 reviews

    Conveniently located just 8 minutes' walk from San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square, Amsterdam Hostel places guests in Central San Francisco.

    Good beds, good location. Good kitchen. Good people.

FAQ about hostels in San Francisco







Hostels that guests love in San Francisco

  • Avg. price/night: £107.50
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 728 reviews
    Easily walkable to the train station and cable cars to connect to other parts of the city. Lots of restauratns and china town nearby. Felt safe. Room was simple, but all as expected. Mattresses were surprisingly comfortable. Wifi was very good. Parking costs extra but it was the cheapest parking rate by a lot that we saw while walking around nearby.
    Emma
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £83.78
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 978 reviews
    It was located right close to my conference, which was handy, but for a fraction of the cost. Front desk staff (at the other hotel) were reasonably responsive and helpful. It was the only place within my budget (that wasn’t a hostel), so here we are.
    Taylor
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £91.72
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,704 reviews
    Great location, easy to walk around and really safe. The facilities are great. And the hostel was very clean. I would stay there again for sure.
    Thais
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £87.60
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 268 reviews
    This place is one of the best hostels I've ever stayed at. The staff were so helpful and friendly. The location of the hostel is perfect and it’s in a nice and safe place. I would definitely be back to this place in the future.
    Shelby
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £64.69
    5.8
    Scored 5.8
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 726 reviews
    Super convenient location and affordable price are the only pros. Better than a bunk bed in a shared room in the hostel, so will do for a couple of nights if you are young, on a very tight budget and NOT a light sleeper.
    Gari
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £77.92
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,772 reviews
    This is literally the best hostel I have stayed at in over 4 months of travelling around the world. Its free amenities, fair prices for a central San Francisco area location and immaculately clean facilities make it the best budget open in San Fran.
    Jamie
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £129.95
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 303 reviews
    Excellent. What a budget hotel should be. Staff was great, all 4 of them, even the security guy was nice. Room was clean, bathroom was clean despite of being shared. Great location. they kept my bags locked safely before and after check in and out for no extra charge.
    gilles
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £91.72
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,704 reviews
    Listen up solo travelers: this hostel is perfect for you. I felt safe all the time and had an awesome week here in San Francisco. You’ll meet so many new people in the hostel and together (or alone) you can discover the beautiful city. If you need more input HI downtown hostel also provides a lot of information about awesome activities! I loved it here and will definitely come back!
    A
    Anonymous
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £91.72
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,704 reviews
    Bunk beds are great: not shaky even the top one) and équipes with USB and regular power sockets as well as a small shelf (Very convenient to put glasses, phone and other small valuables when sleeping). Great kitchen, living room, lobby. Great location. Staff helpful and friendly. Built-in laundry with good Quality machines and cheap prices. 10/10 recommend
    Michael
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £122.68
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,007 reviews
    Old fashioned with all the pluses and minuses from that. Helpful staff, almost feels like family. Old-fashioned decor. No A/c but ceiling fan. Best shower in SF. Big safe. Continental breakfast on each floor from 7.00am. 12.00pm check-out. Happy to keep luggage before and after stay. Avis/budget across the street. And GREAT location for Union Square etc. Altogether fantastic value for the modest price.
    Candid Mark
    Solo traveller

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