Berlin is the capital of one of the largest economies in Europe – Germany. It’s also the country’s most populous city, with a population of 4.5 million residing within its metro area.
Hostel Berlin: 10 Incredible Hostels in Berlin
With its cosmopolitan culture and rich history, staying in one of the hostel Berlin can offer is truly an experience bar none.
Due to its relative obscurity for most average travelers, the number of tourists in the city is still quite manageable compared to other destinations in Europe. Still, the city is experiencing a tourism boom, and many excellent hostels are popping up.
See Berlin for what it’s truly worth, see beyond the urban decay and graffiti, and find the best hostels the city can offer. This guide will help you find the perfect hostel for your next memorable trip.
Our top 10 for Berlin
- #1. Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
- #2. EastSeven Berlin Hostel
- #3. Circus Hostel
- #4. St. Christopher’s Berlin Mitte
- #5. Pfefferbett Hostel
- #6. ONE80° Hostel – Alexanderplatz
- #7. Generator Berlin Mitte
- #8. Wallyard Concept Hostel
- #9. Heart of Gold Hostel
- #10. Amstel House Hostel
What Can You Expect From Berlin Hostels?
Just like any other destination in the world, staying in a hostel is one of your best options if you want to stay on a budget. It’s also perfect for solo travellers, backpackers, and even average tourists.
Getting the best prices is very important, but the social atmosphere matters most in choosing a hostel. If you want to meet new people from around the world, make new friends, and trade stories about your other trips – almost all the hostels in the city are perfect for these activities.
Staying in a hostel will also leave you with a lot of options. You can opt for a party-themed hostel to one that’s fit for digital nomads, one that offers premium amenities, or the best cheap hostels – the options are almost limitless.
Types of Rooms You Can Expect From Hostels in Berlin
The majority of hostels also offer shared dorms (both mixed and female-only) and private rooms. Another unique option is staying at a pod hostel, where you share the same room with multiple people, but you have the option to cover your bed with a curtain to have some privacy.
Private rooms are more expensive than shared dorms with bunk beds, but they’re still priced way below the standard hotel rooms or most Airbnb rentals. So, here are the average prices of rooms in hostel Berlin travelers can enjoy:
- Shared dorm (co-ed or female-only): $10 – $23/night
- Private room: $40 – $59/night
- Pod: $14 – $25/night
Things You Should Consider To Find The Best Hostels in Berlin
Aside from the types of rooms, you also need to consider these factors before booking your hostel room in Berlin:
- Amenities: Most hostels in the city offer fast, free WiFi; some also include free breakfast or paid breakfast buffet. But if you have a specific amenity that you’re looking for, like free luggage storage, make sure to do your research.
- Staff/Customer service: The hostels included in this list have excellent and welcoming staff. Most of them are very friendly and approachable, and they know all about the best spots in the city. Regardless of your choice of hostel, you should make sure that the reviews of past guests mention that the staff is accommodating and helpful. This is one of the factors that can make or break a hostel.
- Location: Berlin is quite huge, and it can be very disorienting for people visiting Berlin for the first time. So, pick a centrally located hostel if you want to reach the city’s main tourist spots and nightlife easily. Most of the hostels included in this list have a central location.
The Best Location To Find A Hostel in Berlin
The German capital is a walkable city, but most bus stops and U-Bahn (subway) stations are usually within walking distance from most hostels. However, the city’s different neighborhoods can offer specific experiences that cater to your taste.
So, here are the different districts of Berlin and the types of travelers that they’re most suited to:
- Neuköln or Kreuzberg: for the hip and fashionable; those who are looking for a trendy district and an Instagrammable hostel
- Berlin Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg: for the party animals; those who are looking for the best party hostels
- Friedrichshain: for people who want to find the best cheap hostels in the city
The Best Hostels in Berlin
With more than a hundred choices, these are some of the highest-rated hostels that are perfect for every traveler:
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Price: $27 to $57
Amenities: Free WiFi, free luggage storage, free welcome shots, laundry room, alfresco terrace, and central location
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic is one of the best hostel Berlin can offer, and it is ideal for backpackers who want a social atmosphere to meet new people and a clean place to stay. The hostel has also garnered several awards due to its excellent customer service and impeccable cleanliness.
Aside from these, Grand Hostel Berlin Classic is also centrally located in the heart of the city – Berlin Mitte. Also, you can explore and participate in a lot of events that the hostel hosts, including pub crawls and daily free walking tours. During these tours, you can explore the Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, and other attractions in Central Berlin.
The Grand Hostel also has a free bike rental service for those who want to take in the city’s vibe a lot faster than walking. You also have many connectivity options as a U-Bahn station is very accessible from this youth hostel.
Another cool thing about the Grand Hostel Berlin Classic is its historic building. Completed in 1877, it features high ceilings and ornate furnishings that harken back to the beginnings of the German Empire.
However, since this is a very old building, it doesn’t have escalators, but the ground floor is wheelchair-friendly.
You can also choose from several room options, such as dorm rooms that accommodate 4-6 beds with breakfast included and the pricier private rooms with shared bathrooms. Read more..
- ideal for solo tourists and those looking for a hostel with easy access to Berlin’s attractions;
- on-site bar and frequent pub crawls;
- clean and modern design;
- complete amenities;
- has a great social vibe and fun events.
- No elevator, but the ground level is wheelchair-friendly.
EastSeven Berlin Hostel
Price: $22 to $64
Amenities: Free WiFi, free linen, common area, security lockers, reading light, hot showers, hairdryers, bicycle parking, BBQ area, outdoor terrace
EastSeven Berlin Hostel is one of the best hostels in Berlin since it offers everything that you can need from hairdryers, happy hours, late checkout, and a perfectly adequate kitchen if you want to cook your meals.
EastSeven Berlin Hostel is the best option for solo travellers since they’re accessible to all the popular nightlife spots.
True to its 9.4 out of 10 rating on HostelWorld, it is one of the best hostels in the city. This rating is also one of the highest among the hostels located in the city center. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re more expensive than the competition.
So, you can easily reach the most famous tourist spots like the Pariser Platz, where you can see the Brandenburg Gate, or go to Berlin’s Museum Island while staying in a relatively cheap hostel.
Both dorm and private rooms are cheap even though the hostel has a central location. These rooms also come equipped with a wall socket, a spacious locker, and a reading light. If you opt for a private room, you’ll also have access to a private bathroom.
However, this is a party hostel, so they impose a strict adults-only policy.
In terms of its social vibe, this is a hostel Berlin travelers are fond of since it offers many activities. You can chill out at the airy outdoor garden that doubles as the BBQ area. This is where most of the other travelers staying at the hostel mingle during Berlin’s warm summer nights. Read more..
- ideal for solo tourists, backpackers, and those looking to mingle;
- located in an area with several cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bars;
- free daily walking tours, internet access, and a fully-equipped kitchen
- great social atmosphere.
- room rates are a bit more expensive compared to other hostels;
- staff isn’t as welcoming and kind.
Circus Hostel
Price: $29 to $229
Amenities: Free WiFi, free linens, wheelchair-friendly, elevator, book exchange, reading light, security lockers, bicycle parking, hot showers, hairdryers for hire, key card access door locks, parking, common area, outdoor terrace, safe deposit box
Famous for being a cheap hostel, Circus Hostel is one of the best hostels in Berlin for you if you’re on a limited budget. Aside from its price, the hostel also features the Circus Café and Microbrewery, where you can chill, have meaningful conversations with your friends, and taste their home-brewed beer.
The social atmosphere of the hostel is also elevated by its numerous events, including trivia, live music, and karaoke nights. If you want to mingle with other people while on your trip to Berlin, Circus Hostel is one of your best bets.
With their exceptionally high 9.5 out of 10 rating on HostelWorld, the Circus Hostel is the place to be if you want to have a memorable trip in Berlin.
Being one of the largest hostels in the city, it features five different levels with multiple rooms. However, their private room can be a bit pricey compared to their competition. Still, the price that you’ll pay is worth it since these rooms are so spacious that it’ll feel like you’re staying in your apartment.
Aside from the flavorful craft beer, you can also try their delectable breakfast buffet, where you can choose from a wide array of dishes. If you sleep past the cut-off for their breakfast serving times, you can also have brunch at the in-house restaurant.
You should eat up since you’ll need enough energy to participate in their free walking tour around the Berlin Wall.
This Berlin hostel is also situated next to a U-Bahn and a bus station, making this centrally located hostel ideal for those who want to explore the city entirely. It’s also the best hostel to explore the famous East Side Gallery and the Volkspark am Weinberg – the oldest park in town.
If you need help to get around, you can ask the staff for a free city map and buy tickets. Read more..
- best for small groups & couples;
- very accessible to public transport;
- organized tours and daily walking tours;
- on-site bar and café;
- fun and unique weekly events;
- a diverse crowd of very friendly guests.
- the hostel is quite large, so it might be challenging to mingle;
- they have surcharges and hidden fees for some services like luggage storage.
St. Christopher’s Berlin Mitte
Price: $32 to $240
Amenities: Free WiFi, free linen, free walking tour, security lockers, bicycle parking, outdoor terrace, keycard access door locks, reading light, common room, elevator, hot showers, laundry room, luggage storage
St. Christopher’s Berlin Mitte is one hostel Berlin tourists love, and it’s also an excellent party hostel. It also hosts Belushi’s Bar, which offers drinks, burgers, and other finger food. It’s also a great female hostel since they provide plenty of mirror space.
Since it’s one of Berlin’s hostels where you can genuinely get wild, this is perfect for those who want to meet new people while traveling. It’s also the best Berlin hostel to bring all your friends.
Now that this Berlin hostel’s party vibe is already covered, they also have the things you need for the day after. St. Christopher’s Berlin Mitte offers the usual dorm and private rooms, but you can also have all the privacy you want and book a whole apartment.
So, if you want to stay in one of the most luxurious hostels and best hostel in Berlin, you should check this out.
If you’re still hungover from partying, you can head straight to the common room, where you can get affordable breakfast meals. This is your only option since there’s no kitchen where you can prepare your meals. But if you want to spoil yourself, you can head downstairs to the Belushi’s Bar, where they serve incredible drinks and food all day long.
But if you’re tired of partying, this boutique hostel is located in the city center. So, you can easily explore Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, and the Berlin Wall Memorial, among others.
This is also one of the most transport-friendly among the best hostels in Berlin since there are subway, train, tram, and a few bus stations that are just a stone’s throw away. Read more..
- great for those looking for the best value;
- on-site bar;
- your privacy is prioritized;
- helpful and kind staff;
- cheap breakfast.
- security is not as stringent as other hostels.
Pfefferbett Hostel
Price: $28 to $100
Amenities: Free WiFi, free city maps, free daily walking tours, wheelchair-friendly, elevator, dryer, parking, washing machine, security lockers, bicycle parking, book exchange, outdoor terrace, hairdryers, key card access door locks, hot showers, reading light, common room, fridge/freezer, safe deposit box
Pfefferbett Hostel located in the middle of Prenzlauer Berg, Pfefferbett Hostel will give you a one-of-a-kind experience while staying in a former brewery. It also has loads of workspace for digital nomads and fast internet.
This eccentric, cheap hostel offers a relaxed ambiance that blends with its mid-19th-century architecture, outdoor gardens, and an open fireplace. Aside from that, this is one of the most conveniently located hostels in Berlin since you’re right at the doorstep of the city’s nightlife district.
Apart from Pfefferbett Hostel’s unique vibe, it also has a lot to offer in terms of amenities. If you’re visiting Berlin during the summer months, you can stay in their outdoor area and participate in their BBQ nights.
Previous guests have also noted that they have the comfiest beds compared to all the best hostels in Berlin. Add that to their highly social atmosphere, and it’s a no-brainer that Pfefferbett Hostel got 9.4 out of 10 on HostelWorld.
Exploring the numerous tourist attractions of Berlin is also easier since they offer bike rentals right at the reception area. This cheap hostel also has a central location that not many Berlin hostels can provide so that you can get around quickly, and you’ll have plenty of options to go around the city. So, if these are important to you, consider staying at Pfefferbett Hostel. Read more..
- perfect for solo travelers and backpackers looking for the best value for money;
- located in Prenzlauer Berg, which is close to several art galleries, restaurants, a beer garden, and a theater;
- complete amenities;
- the social atmosphere is top-notch.
- there is no shared kitchen;
- location is not close to the city’s main attractions.
ONE80° Hostel – Alexanderplatz
Price: $139 to $202
Amenities: Free WiFi, wheelchair-friendly, elevator, hot showers, hairdryers for hire, security lockers, bicycle parking, dryer, key card access door locks, outdoor terrace, washing machine, common area, book exchange, reading light
ONE80° Hostel – Alexanderplatz is another cheap hostel that’s perfect for large groups. It’s also one of the best hostels in Berlin since its design is ultra-trendy and located in the city’s historic center – Alexanderplatz.
You can also take in the Berliner culture through their on-site bar and snazzy shared spaces.
Just because you’re looking for budget accommodation doesn’t mean you need to find a less than great hostel. By choosing to stay with this youth hostel, you’ll not only get value for money but experience authentic hostel life too. Read more..
- great location as it is close to most of the most iconic Berlin landmarks;
- hip and funky interior design;
- very social atmosphere;
- cheap breakfast and entertaining nightly events.
- long queue at the reception area;
- bedsheets don’t fit snugly with the mattress.
Generator Berlin Mitte
Price: $27 to $123
Amenities: Free WiFi, wheelchair-friendly, elevator, reading light, security locker, bicycle parking, key card access door locks, common room, hot showers, luggage storage, laundry area
The Generator youth hostel chain is among the most popular options for Europe’s backpackers, especially those looking for cheap accommodation. Berlin also hosts two of them, and one is located in Mitte while the other is in Prenzlauer Berg district.
Generator Berlin Mitte is located very close to Museum Island, the famous East Side Gallery where a portion of the Cold War-era, graffiti-covered Berlin Wall still stands, and the Berlin Cathedral. So, this is one of the best hostels in Berlin if you want to explore the city thoroughly.
They are also known as one of the best hostels in Berlin due to their social atmosphere. Not only will you get to know other travelers staying with you at the hostel, but you will also encounter locals. After you’re done partying, this relatively cheap hostel has comfy beds and a trendy vibe. Read more..
- lively atmosphere;
- a contemporary and striking design that fits Berlin’s vibe;
- on-site bar;
- exciting nightly activities and live music;
- central location.
- long queue and waiting time at the reception;
- the kitchen area needs a bit of improvement.
Wallyard Concept Hostel
Price: n/a
Amenities: Free WiFi, elevator, parking, wheelchair-friendly, bicycle and car parking, hairdryers, reading light, hot showers, security lockers, common room, outdoor terrace, washing machine, luggage storage, free walking tours
This isn’t strictly a cheap hostel, but Wallyard Concept Hostel offers a unique design, an on-site café, and a central location. It’s also perfect for couples since you can get some privacy in their cool private rooms.
This is also among the best-located hostels in Berlin, and it’s very accessible to public transportation. You’ll also find that attractions like Potsdamer Platz, the East Side Gallery, Grüne Meile, etc., are within reach of the hostel.
Their ultra-modern design is also very Instagrammable, but you’d still get a laid-back atmosphere.
However, if you’re looking for a party hostel, this might not be the best option since they can only accommodate groups with six people at most. Stag parties are also not allowed within this cheap hostel. Read more..
- perfect for travlers looking for premium accommodations;
- on-site café;
- very trendy design;
- central location.
- only basic amenities are offered;
- bathrooms and showers can be cramped.
Heart of Gold Hostel
Price: $20 to $115
Amenities: Free WiFi, free city maps, wheelchair-friendly, elevator, book exchange, fridge/freezer, microwave, security lockers, bicycle parking, hot showers, key card access door locks, kitchen, outdoor terrace, common room, dishwasher, reading light, safe deposit box, luggage storage
Heart of Gold Hostel is one of the best hostels in Berlin due to its price and the sheer number of amenities that they offer. The Heart of Gold Hostel also has an authentic and electrifying atmosphere that solo travelers often look for in their choice of accommodation.
What makes this one of the best hostel in Berlin for budget travelers is their rooms’ colorful atmosphere. Different artists painted murals in each room, elevating the whole experience. There are also quite a few toilets and showers for everyone staying in the hostel, so you won’t have to wait long to freshen up.
Their staff is also very approachable and friendly, adding to its laid-back vibe. Still, there are many entertainment options whenever you are bored such as the pool table, work area, and an outdoor courtyard. Read more..
- located in an area that’s within walking distance from Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Tor, Museum Island, and the Bundestag;
- spacious and clean rooms;
- the common room is great for socializing;
- colorful and unique design.
- rooms don’t have enough power outlets;
- bathrooms can be a bit messy.
Amstel House Hostel
Price: $20 to $115
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free city maps, free linens, wheelchair-friendly, elevator, book exchange, reading light, washing machine, security lockers, bicycle parking, hot showers, parking, key card access door locks, kitchen, hairdryers, common room, outdoor terrace, safe deposit box
Amstel House Hostel is one of the hostels in Berlin that are extremely clean and have spacious rooms to fit large groups of travelers. It’s a party hostel, but they’re not skimping on the amenities as they still have a kitchen where you can make your meals or cook with other guests.
If you’re staying here during the summer months, they also host various activities like BBQ burger nights. It’s genuinely one of the best cheap hostel due to its amiable staff, complete amenities, and fun vibe.
After you’re done roaming through Berlin, you can chill out at the hostel’s on-site bar for a quick drink. Read more..
- affordable room rates;
- exciting activities;
- participate in the famous all-you-can-eat burger night.
- the bathrooms are a bit untidy;
- the events aren’t as regular compared to other hostels.
The Runners-up: Cheap Hostels & Party Hostel in Berlin
Choosing only ten among the hundreds of Berlin hostel that offer excellent service and amenities is incredibly difficult. Although all of the hostels included in the list deserves their spots, other options are worth considering too, but they fell a bit short compared to the others.
However, although these options may not be the best cheap hostel in Berlin, they still offer decent amenities and a fun atmosphere. Here are some of the runners-up to the best hostels in Berlin:
- 2nd best hostel in Berlin for large groups and families: Inn-Berlin Hostel
The Inn-Berlin Hostel is unique among other hostel in Berlin since they feature a swimming pool in their outdoor area. However, it is also a serious contender as Berlin’s best cheap hostel.
- 2nd best hostel in Berlin for families: Sunflower Hostel
One thing that sets the Sunflower Hostel apart from the competition is their family rooms that are perfect if you’re planning to travel with your kids or parents. They also have room rates that are relatively affordable, which means that it is a hostel in Berlin aspiring to be the best cheap hostel for families and backpackers.
- 2nd best party hostel in Berlin: Plus Berlin
Another candidate for the best cheap hostel in Berlin, Plus Berlin is conveniently located in the city’s nightlife district. If you want to stay in a hostel in Berlin with a very social vibe, you won’t regret staying here.
- 2nd best hostel in Berlin for backpackers: Riverside Lodge Berlin
This hostel in Berlin offers its guests a welcoming and serene atmosphere throughout their stay. Riverside Lodge Berlin is also perfect for those looking for one of the best cheap hostel in Berlin as they offer private rooms that are vastly cheaper than other options. Their dorm rooms are equally as affordable, so be sure to make it on your list of choices for hostels in Berlin.
- 2nd best hostel for those looking for a quiet hostel in Berlin: Meininger Berline Mitte Humboldthaus
Many backpackers traveling in large groups consider this hostel as one of the best cheap hostel in Berlin. Not only is their staff welcoming and approachable, but they are also located in a convenient location.
- 2nd best hostel in Berlin for sightseeing: Meininger Berlin Central Station
The Meininger Berlin Central Station is among the most affordable hostels in Berlin, and it also has excellent connectivity to the city’s public transport system. It’s also located close to some of the city’s best attractions, such as the Reichstag and Kanzleramt.
About Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany and is also one of the 16 federal states of the country. It is also the Central European country’s largest city, with almost 4.5 million in its metropolitan area.
The city is also renowned for its history, cosmopolitan culture, vibrant nightlife, and countless clubs, bars, cafés, museums, palaces, and other landmarks that you can explore. The city’s architecture varies wildly from district to district as it was greatly affected by World War II and the Cold War.
So, you will have a wide range of landmarks to explore, especially in the city center. You can experience what life feels like in the Medieval Age from the buildings in Alexanderplatz and marvel at the ultramodern glass and steel skyscrapers just a few minutes away at Potsdamer Platz.
The city also had very distinct neighborhoods because it was divided between the East and West during the Cold War. But this division is now slowly healing as what was once the most evident symbol of the city’s division, Brandenburg Tor, is now an icon of German reunification.
While you’re in Berlin, you need to head to these must-see landmarks to appreciate the city’s rich history and culture:
- Topography of Terror: this open-air gallery illustrates the horrors committed by the Nazi regime before and during World War II. It features unearthed prison cells found beneath some sections of the Berlin Wall.
- Museuminsel or Museum Island: this area hosts the famous Pergamon-Museum, featuring many Greek, ancient Mesopotamian, and Arabic artifacts. Other museums in this area include the Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode-Museum, and Neues Museum.
- Berlin Wall Memorial: this is the central memorial site of the city’s division during the Cold War, and it features an open-air exhibit.
- Berliner Dom: is the most enormous and most magnificent church located in the city. It was built at the turn of the 20th century to symbolize the German Empire’s prestige and power.
Lizzy
Traveler & Blogger
Hi, I’m Lizzy! In the past 10 years I’ve travelled 60 countries and I’m still counting. While I was backpacking I could not find a website that provides valuable information about hostels. After months of thinking, doubting and brainstorming, hostelstobook.com was born.
I hope to make your trip easier, so you’d only stay in the best hostels around the globe. Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to send me a message.