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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.

What a great hostel, friendly staff and comfortable beds. Nice breakfast and a 'at home' vibe. Loved it!

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9.1
Superb
558 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.

It was beautiful experience,very clean and welcoming from the workers .food is just amazing I enjoyed my stay . Definitely coming back

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8.3
Very good
1,910 reviews
Price from
£11
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.

the nicest and most helpful staff ever, amazing atmosphere for solo travelers

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8.7
Fabulous
1,117 reviews
Price from
£14
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.

Beautiful place , clean and very peaceful

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8.5
Very good
358 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.

Very welcoming staff and overall friendly place to stay at feels like home

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8.1
Very good
941 reviews
Price from
£6
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.

Super central, there is a rooftop bar and downstairs bar which surprisingly you dont hear the sounds from your room. Nique at the reception was perfect and helpful. She arranged us a tour that was perfect. Overall great location and service.

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8.3
Very good
644 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.

The staff is friendly and very helpful. The property and facilities are clean and well kept. The bed was comfortable. Its location is ideal to getting to many great restaurants and tourist spots

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8.4
Very good
230 reviews
Price from
£13
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.

Personnel was really kind, helping a lot in terms of activities (what to choose and even for booking). Room really big and spacious. Kitchen perfectly equipped as well... In other words, everything went perfect! I recommend.

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8.7
Fabulous
342 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.

Great place to meet other backpackers. The WhatsApp group connecting we backpackers is awesome.

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8.2
Very good
761 reviews
Price from
£12
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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  • THE BIG - Luxury Backpackers
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 557 reviews

    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.

  • Never at Home Green Point
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,117 reviews

    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.

  • Zebra Crossing Backpacker
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 358 reviews

    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.

  • Never at Home Kloof Street
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 644 reviews

    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.

  • Ashanti Lodge Backpackers
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 230 reviews

    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

  • Ben Your Friend Youth Foundation
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 17 reviews

    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.

  • WunderLux
    Budget options available
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 179 reviews

    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

  • Auberge Gardens
    Budget options available
    6.0
    Scored 6.0
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 197 reviews

    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

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

  • Cape Town Surf Hostel & Lodge
    9.7
    Scored 9.7
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 6 reviews

    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.

  • Serenity Shores Backpackers
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 18 reviews

    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.

  • House on the Hill
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 342 reviews

    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.

  • A Sunflower Stop Backpackers
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 761 reviews

    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

  • Long Street Backpackers
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 941 reviews

    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.

  • Urban Hive Backpackers
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,069 reviews

    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

  • The Lenox
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 122 reviews

    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

  • Big Blue Backpackers
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 696 reviews

    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.

  • MoTown by Mojo
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 828 reviews

    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.

  • Green Elephant Backpackers
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 459 reviews

    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

  • Kimberly Backpacker Hotel
    5.7
    Scored 5.7
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 8 reviews

    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.

  • M & B Backpackers

    Conveniently located in Cape Town, M & B Backpackers offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

FAQ about hostels in Cape Town







Hostels that guests love in Cape Town

  • Avg. price/night: £37.35
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,057 reviews
    Felt very safe here! There was 24/7 security guards, and they were very nice, just like all the other staff at this hostel. The staff organised a transfer from the airport to hostel for me. This is definitely one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in! Easy to make friends; spacious dorm beds with privacy curtains; and in a good location, with a Woolworths within walking distance.
    Emily
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £44.05
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 358 reviews
    I don't even know where to start, but this is the best hostel I have ever been to. The staff is super nice, my room was super clean, they had enough bathrooms that I felt like I had my own, and their tour office has such a nice selection of activities at a reasonable price. Being a solo traveler, I felt safe and well treated, if not protected. Thank you for making my trip unforgettable.
    Margherita
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £49.93
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 557 reviews
    Best hostel I have been at so far. Nice design that feels like home. I felt safe 24/7 in this property and neighborhood. It is great for solo traveler as you might meet other people like you. The staff is amazing - kudos to you! Thank you for making my stay incredible! :)
    Manuela
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £44.05
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 358 reviews
    Nice general vibe, closed patio, kitchen available, hostel is rather cheap but rooms are also *very* basic in standard. Very close, may be 200 m, to main street with shops and restaurants. Nice and helpful owners. Reasonable WiFi. Good safety, everything behind double doors.
    Janusz
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £168.68
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,085 reviews
    Great location, walking distance from a small mall with shops like dischem, clicks and Woolworths which are great for essentials. Heated pool and Spa are divine. Both restaurants serve really lovely food. rooms are spacious and clean, staff are very helpful. And the overall area is very safe, perfect place for tourist looking to visit capetown as everything is a cheap, Uber away.
    Deloris
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £19.39
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 941 reviews
    I just had a wonderful stay at Longstreet backpackers. If you are looking for a safe, cozy and friendly place, this hostel and its amazing staff will deliver in abundance. Special shout out to Sofia and Kaya, hurry up and you might enjoy an extra dose of fun in a karaoke night with this beautiful pair of globetrotters.
    Joaquin
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £44.05
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 358 reviews
    Nice staff. Central and safe locations with lots of restaurants and bars in walking distance. Clean rooms, decent breakfast for a backpackers hostel.
    Tim
    Young couple
  • 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
  • Avg. price/night: £51.26
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,117 reviews
    One of the best hostels i have been, friendy staff, facilities and rooms look new, private car park (50 rand), the bed and the room were big. Great location, 15 mins walk from waterfront. Felt super safe. It has a bar/restaurant inside, good vibe. It has some areas for working. Excelent
    carlos
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £31.47
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,069 reviews
    Best hostel experience ever! Great location with cool people. And the staff was amazing. They cared about the guests so much. We could leave our luggage after check out for almost one more day, we could use their printer for our boarding pass and we could even borough an adapter for European plugs. Will come back :)
    Catharina
    Young couple

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