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The 10 Best Hostels in Cape Town, South Africa

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cape Town

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Free parking is available, a tour desk can help to organise any day excursions and an airport shuttle at a charge. THE BIG is centrally located just a 5 minutes' walk to V&A Waterfront and Sea Point Promenade, The BIG offers a choice of modern private room or dormitory room accommodation. It features a pool, braai facilities and free Wi-Fi and a free breakfast.

Very friendly, nice decoration. Like family stay with people from other places, countries.

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9.1
Superb
547 reviews
Price from
£34
per night

Situated in Cape Town, 300 metres from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a bar, as well as barbecue facilities. The accommodation offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.

great staff, good location, easy in/out security gate w/ code. They even let me store my kiteboard bag for a month, while traveling around Africa to come back and pick it up on my way out of capetown. A lifesaver, not dragging a kitebag around

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9.7
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
£36
per night

With minimalistic and modern design, the hostel offers en-suite private and dormitory rooms as well as a unique air-conditioned pod accommodation. Features include extra long beds, reading lights, electric plugs and lockable storage space. Linen and towels are provided.

The comfort and friendliness of the staff makes you feel relaxed and cared for.

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8.4
Very good
1,862 reviews
Price from
£13
per night

The property offers modern, private rooms or dormitory accommodation. Most rooms have an en-suite bathroom while others share a communal bathroom. Each room is air-conditioned and the dormitories are fitted with bunk beds, international charging points, a compartment locker and reading lights on each bed.

Clean, comfortable room with large shower and the added bonus of Netflix on the TV. Great free wi-fi in all areas. The shared kitchen was well-equipped and always clean.

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8.8
Fabulous
1,112 reviews
Price from
£17
per night

Table Mountain is 5.3 km from Zebra Crossing Backpacker, while CTICC is 6.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 21 km from the hostel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

The staff attention, they are very pleasant and helpful. They organised for me serveral activities and everthing was perfect.

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8.5
Very good
350 reviews
Price from
£12
per night

Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Centre, Longstreet Backpackers features BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Free WiFi is available.

The Company’s Garden is 300 metres from Longstreet Backpackers, while Long Street Supermarket is 77 metres away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 21 km from Longstreet Backpackers.

I have stayed in this hostel two times already (one in summer and one in winter) and I still can't find the proper words to describe the vibe of it. All i'm going to say is that you just need to be there in order to understand what i mean. The staff, the volunteers, the guests... everything comes together as perfect as to make your stay so wonderful and enjoyable that you literaly wish to never leave.

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8.1
Very good
930 reviews
Price from
£12
per night

The property offers modern, private rooms or dormitory accommodations. All rooms have a private bathroom. Each room has a ceiling fan and the dormitories are fitted with bunk beds, international charging points, a compartment locker, and reading lights on each bed.

The place has exceptional vibes! It is well organised, welcoming and focused on travellers.

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8.3
Very good
639 reviews
Price from
£16
per night

A Victorian mansion style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and the garden of the hostel offer views of the landscape.

Accommodations include bright dormitory rooms and private rooms. Some features normal bed or iron wrought bunk beds. All have a decor with designer touch.

Delicious, cheap breakfast Lovely views from the cafe Friendly staff

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8.4
Very good
226 reviews
Price from
£15
per night

The brightly coloured rooms have a South African décor. All rooms include a tea-and-coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. They also have safety deposit boxes, a hair dryer, and heaters for cold nights.

Fred and his partner were excellent hosts. Thank you!

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8.7
Fabulous
340 reviews
Price from
£32
per night

Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common. With free Wi-Fi throughout, it has an outdoor pool and offers private and shared accommodation.

Sunflower rooms include lockers and simple furnishings. Some rooms include a private bathroom with a shower. Full linen is supplied and each room is cleaned daily.

helpful and nice staff. location and hospitality

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8.2
Very good
758 reviews
Price from
£15
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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  • 91 Loop Boutique Hostel
    Budget options available

    Located in the city centre of Cape Town, 91 Loop is just a stroll away from Long Street and Green Market Square.

    The Staff was so respectful, helpful and welcoming

    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,862 reviews
  • Never at Home Green Point
    Budget options available

    Located in the trendy suburb of Green Point, never@home is a 5-star hostel situated within 800 metres of the Cape Town Stadium and 1 km from the V&A Waterfront.

    Awesome friendliness of all staff. Clean at all areas.

    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,112 reviews
  • Zebra Crossing Backpacker
    Budget options available

    Set in Cape Town, 3.1 km from Robben Island Ferry, Zebra Crossing Backpacker offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar.

    So relaxed and peaceful. Always a good atmosphere.

    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 350 reviews
  • Never at Home Kloof Street
    Budget options available

    Located on Kloof Street, we are within walking distance of a variety of parks, restaurants, bars, fashion boutiques, grocery stores, and of course, the famous Long Street!

    Lovely stay and Peter at reception was so helpful.

    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 639 reviews
  • Ashanti Lodge Backpackers
    Budget options available

    A Victorian mansion style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and the garden of the hostel offer views of the landscape.

    It’s in a safe area and the property is very clean

    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 226 reviews
  • A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
    Budget options available

    Nestled between Table Mountain and Three Anchor Bay, A Sunflower Stop is next to Cape Town’s Green Point Common.

    proximity to delicatessen hotel’s & waterfront

    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 758 reviews
  • WunderLux
    Budget options available

    Providing free WiFi throughout the property, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, garden and shared lounge, WunderLux is located in Cape Town.

    Safety, I have to give them thumbs up for this one

    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 158 reviews
  • Auberge Gardens
    Budget options available

    Situated in Cape Town, 3.8 km from Robben Island Ferry, Auberge Gardens features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a garden.

    I liked the layout of the room and the roof top bar

    5.9
    Scored 5.9
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 175 reviews

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Cape Town

  • Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge
    Central location

    Situated in Cape Town, 300 metres from Blouberg Beach, Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 6 reviews
  • THE BIG - Luxury Backpackers
    Central location

    THE BIG is a newly renovated Luxury Hostel in Green Point, Cape Town and is the first of its kind.

    The staff and the vibe at the hostel were exeptional.

    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 547 reviews
  • Serenity Shores Backpackers
    Central location

    Located in Cape Town and with Blouberg Beach reachable within 600 metres, Serenity Shores Backpackers provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Great location. Very clean. Everyone very friendly and helpful.

    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 18 reviews
  • House on the Hill
    Central location

    House on the Hill is an eco-conscious, owner managed guest house located in Green Point, Cape Town, just 1 km from the V&A Waterfront. Tours including skydiving and shark cage diving can be arranged.

    Friendly and helpful staff. Clean room. Central location.

    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 340 reviews
  • Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation
    Central location

    Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and water sports facilities in Cape Town.

    Great hostel vibe that made me feel at home instantly.

    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 15 reviews
  • Long Street Backpackers
    Central location

    Located on bustling Long Street in the Cape Town City Centre, Longstreet Backpackers features BBQ facilities and sun terrace. Free WiFi is available.

    The place was nice and best of all It's very convenient.

    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 930 reviews
  • Urban Hive Backpackers
    Central location

    Located within a heritage building with Victorian style architecture, Urban Hive Backpackers is set on buzzing Long Street in central Cape Town. Free WiFi is available throughout.

    Really nice staff and orientation - great location

    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,067 reviews
  • The Lenox
    Central location

    Set in Cape Town, 3.7 km from Robben Island Ferry, The Lenox offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace.

    Wow the bed was comfortable ..the staff the welcome me with a smile

    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 121 reviews
  • Big Blue Backpackers
    Central location

    Big Blue Backpackers is located in Green Point and within 10 minutes' walk from the famous V&A Waterfront. The Victorian mansion offers free WiFi connection, and it has an outdoor swimming pool.

    Rooms were clean and comfortable. Excellent location.

    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 688 reviews
  • MoTown by Mojo
    Central location

    Centrally located in Sea Point, MoTown offers free WiFi throughout and is just a 5-minute walk from the Mojo Market. The Sea Point Promenade and beach is 500 metres away.

    Everything, really cool spot. Staff are helpful and friendly.

    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 819 reviews
  • Green Elephant Backpackers
    Central location

    Located in the heart of Observatory in Cape Town, a lively student area, Green Elephant Backpackers offers budget accommodation. It features an outdoor pool and barbecue facilities.

    Loved the privacy and safety including bar on site

    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 444 reviews
  • Kimberly Backpacker Hotel
    Central location

    Boasting a shared lounge, a restaurant as well as a bar, Kimberly Backpacker Hotel is set in the centre of Cape Town, 3.2 km from Robben Island Ferry.

    5.5
    Scored 5.5
    Average
    Rated passable
     · 4 reviews
  • Home Away From Home
    Central location

    Featuring free WiFi, Home Away From Home offers accommodation in Cape Town, 3.8 km from V&A Waterfront and 1.6 km from CTICC.

    3.9
    Scored 3.9
    Poor
    Rated poor
     · 9 reviews
  • Home Away on Plein
    Central location

    Situated in Cape Town, within 3.8 km of V&A Waterfront and 1.6 km of CTICC, Home Away on Plein features free WiFi.

    3.7
    Scored 3.7
    Poor
    Rated poor
     · 16 reviews

FAQ about hostels in Cape Town







Hostels that guests love in Cape Town

  • 9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 83 reviews
    Great location, very safe,, fantastic view, awesome plunge pool, braai area with sofas. Covered parking provided. WiFi, British television, fully equipped kitchen, Comfy, large bed. The host Andrew is very welcoming, happy to explain the area.
    Marcin
    Young couple
  • 8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 27 reviews
    Great location in a lovely, quiet, safe neighbourhood, with cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance. Also convenient for a great Spar shop where you can shop for salads and meat for a rooftop braai. The villa is nicely furnished and the bed was extremely comfortable,. Host Burger was very friendly and contacted us just after we arrived to check everything was ok. A very enjoyable stay.
    Alison
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £47.19
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 226 reviews
    Really nice hostel, great that it has a pool. The beds in the private rooms were really good, finally some good nights sleep. The breakfast buffet is really nice. It's possible to walk safely during the day from the location to the popular Kloof Street (try take bigger roads) and/or Long Street. Otherwise take an Uber, definitely after sunset. Parking in the street is free, but be sure to park your car with the nose in the right direction, we got a fine for having the car the other way around lol.
    Annemariek
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £46.41
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,909 reviews
    Great location, good facilities but no instructions so couldn’t get the TV on and Locked the little safe and couldn’t get it open. They were very helpful. I found two terraces on the third floor that I wasn’t told about. Communication could be improved
    Elisabeth
    Solo traveller
  • 8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 787 reviews
    Great location, clean, had everything that was needed. Safe location
    Masa
    Family with young children
  • 9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 36 reviews
    The property is situated in a great location, where it is safe and it is a walking distance to the beach. Everything is as shown on the pictures and I will definitely be going back again. Thanks to Angelika who welcomed us and ensured that we had everything that we needed.
    Lunghi
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £109
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 618 reviews
    Friendly and helpful staff,menu had a good food variety for all tastes we ate there all four nights we were there. . Great location very close to promenade and excellent cheap secure parking. I would recommend this very comfortable hotel if you want to stay near Cape Town,I would definitely use again.
    simon
    Young couple
  • 8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 71 reviews
    European standards, the building is extremely safe with 24h security and secure parking. Great location to explore central Cape Town.
    Benjamin
    Young couple
  • 8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 32 reviews
    The apartment is in a great location - especially for events at DHL stadium. It's very safe to walk there and there are plenty of lovely restaurants, coffee shops, and supermarkets within walking distance. The apartment is also well-equipped and comfortable.
    Karien
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £33.50
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 254 reviews
    We had the garden studio room. Technically everything we used "worked" and was functional. Good location. Also priced cheaply. So if you are traveling on a budget and need somewhere to crash for a night or two (similar to a hostel) then this is fine.
    D
    Daniel
    Young couple

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