Cape Town is a city filled with breathtaking landscapes, lively culture, and unique experiences. From Table Mountain to the picturesque coastline, Cape Town is a destination that offers something for everyone. If you're planning a trip to Cape Town and want to stay within your budget, consider booking a hostel for your accommodation. Here's your firsthand guide to the absolute best hostels in Cape Town. Expect super social vibes, perfect for solo travelers to meet new friends, join fun events, and create those unforgettable travel stories we all love.
All hotels have been independently reviewed by our expert writers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating. All our reviewers are either resident destination experts or travel writers that specialise in hotels. Often they will have stayed at the hotel in question many times and so can see how it has changed for better or worse over the years.
When our reviewers first visit a hotel, they stay for at least one night, eat one meal in addition to breakfast and will experience all of the facilities on offer. After their stay, our reviewers then give the hotel six scores out of 10, rating its location, style and character, service and facilities, rooms, food and drink, and value for money.
Why Choose a Hostel in Cape Town?
For those looking to explore the city while staying in affordable accommodation, the best hostels in Cape Town with private rooms are the perfect option. These hostels offer comfortable and private spaces to rest after a long day of adventures, while still providing opportunities to meet fellow travelers and experience the vibrant hostel culture of Cape Town.
Cape Town hostels are definitely the way to go when you are backpacking South Africa. There is a great selection of Cape Town hostels spread throughout the city centre, the V A Waterfront and some with views of Table Mountain. Luckily, Cape Town’s hostel scene caters to everyone!
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Cape Town has been a popular backpacker hub for years. It’s also fast becoming a favorite with digital nomads too, thanks to the city’s vibrant nightlife and rich, diverse culture. There are plenty of budget-friendly hostels for backpackers and nomads here, but not all of them are created equal.
The hostels in Cape Town are decent. They’re not like the hostels you’ll find in South East Asia or more popular destinations.
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How to Choose the Best Hostel for Your Needs
Cape Town is a large city with a lot to offer, so picking the right hostel based on what you want to see and do is important.
- Location is everything - Luckily, most hostels are located in good areas but each location is very different. If you want to party, the hostels on Long St will be your best bet. If you want to be closer to the beaches/water and a bit out of the CBD, Greenpoint is great and if you want a bit of that party atmosphere but a little more chilled, Kloof St is perfect.
- Pay attention to reviews - I always check reviews on Booking.com and Hostelworld before booking a place, especially if you’re planning to stay for a while.
Top Hostels in Cape Town
Here are some of the best hostels in Cape Town, catering to various travel styles:
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Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Cape Town
- Khaya Kite & Yoga - best for Couples, Digital Nomads, Female Solo Traveller, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
- WunderLux - best for Youth Hostel
- The BIG - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Soul Fam Hostel - Lgbtq Inclusive - best for Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Zebra Crossing Backpacker Lodge - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
- Villa Viva - best for Digital Nomads, Female Solo Traveller, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Never At Home Kloof Street - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Dune Lodge - best for Family-Friendly Hostel
- Backpackers In Muizenberg - best for Youth Hostel
- Surfhostel Cape Town - best for Beach Lovers Retreat, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Sweet Stay - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
1. Khaya Kite & Yoga
Rating: 9.4
Dorm: from $18.36/night
Private Room: from $52.10/night
Nestled within Cape Town's embrace, Khaya Kite & Yoga offers an extraordinary hostel experience. This serene haven harmonizes the vibrant energies of kite surfing with the soothing rhythms of yoga, creating a unique and balanced atmosphere. Greet the morning sun with rejuvenating yoga sessions that overlook the azure waves, igniting a sense of calm and connection.
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The magic of Khaya Kite & Yoga lies in its ability to foster friendships over communal meals and stories shared around cozy fire pits beneath the starlit African sky. Budget-friendly dormitories and snug private rooms provide inviting accommodations for solo adventurers and groups alike.
2. WunderLux
Rating: 9.9
Dorm: from $18.41/night
Centrally located in Cape Town, WunderLux is a haven for budget-conscious travelers seeking comfort and community. The hostel features modern dormitories and private rooms, complemented by a rooftop terrace boasting panoramic views of Table Mountain. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, fueling guests for exploration.
Within walking distance of top attractions like the V&A Waterfront, WunderLux offers convenience and accessibility. The hostel's friendly staff are eager to share local insights, ensuring guests make the most of their Cape Town experience. Whether you're mingling with fellow travelers or embarking on solo adventures, WunderLux provides the perfect blend of affordability and amenities for an unforgettable stay in the vibrant city.
3. The BIG
Rating: 9.4
Dorm: from $30.33/night
Private Room: from $66.29/night
The BIG is a newly renovated boutique Lodge located in the Green Point neighborhood of Cape Town. It offers guests a combination of hotel-style service and cleanliness with the social atmosphere of a hostel at affordable rates. A wonderful hybrid hostel, B&B and hotel, with mostly en-suite double rooms, suitable for solo travellers, couples, families and groups.
The BIG features unique and stylishly decorated rooms with en suite bathrooms that are serviced daily. There are many communal areas to socialize, including a dining room that leads into a fully equipped kitchen, a TV/chill-out room, and a book swap/library area. Guests can also relax at the sparkling pool and experience a traditional South African braai BBQ regularly.
The BIG provides free high-speed fiber WIFI, a daily breakfast, and helpful information about activities and tours in and around Cape Town. The guest house is located on a tranquil street below Signal Hill and is within a 10-minute walk of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Green Point Stadium, local shops, restaurants, clubs, bars, and a gym and fitness center.
Located in the residential suburb of Green Point, is a 20-minute walk to the Waterfront, where the Citi Sightseeing bus connects you to most of Cape Town’s top sites, and 25 minutes on foot to Bree Street’s restaurants in the city centre. A five-minute stroll and you’re on Green Point’s high street with plenty of restaurants and coffee shop options, including one of the city’s best delis, Giovanni’s, and Jason’s Bakery.
It’s like arriving at a communal house owned by friends of friends who turn out to be the most gregarious hosts, passionate about sharing their city. Want to climb Lion’s Head to watch the sunset? They’ve got just the guy. Want to tool around Bree Street people-watching and gallery-hopping on "First Thursdays" (the first Thursday of every month, when art galleries and shops stay open until late)? They’ll not only arrange the car but come along for the jol (South African slang for party). Winetasting? Food markets?
THE BIG self-describes as a “luxury backpackers”, and this is largely due to the fact that 17 of the 20 rooms are doubles (which can be made into twins), the three “dorms” sleep a maximum of three people, and 18 rooms are en suite; two have private bathrooms. Coffee or tea stations are available in the communal kitchens. There's a simple continental vegetarian breakfast comprising fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereal and toast.
Once a week, usually on a Wednesday, the hosts prepare a traditional South African braai (barbecue) - steak, chops, boerewors (sausage) and salads. It’s definitely worth signing up for this, particularly if you’re a solo traveller. Not only because they prepare a huge feast but the company and conversation - well facilitated by the hosts - can be interesting and may inspire you to participate in other activities.
4. Soul Fam Hostel - Lgbtq Inclusive
Rating: 8.8
Dorm: from $15.41/night
Private Room: from $44.22/night
Soul Fam Hostel - Lgbtq Inclusive is a social backpacker hub close to Cape Town’s best surf beaches and hiking trails. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it ideal for solo travelers or anyone who enjoys meeting people. The common areas and shared kitchen are designed to bring guests together - whether over a communal meal or a sundowner on the terrace.
Soul Fam Hostel - Lgbtq Inclusive offers clean dorms and private rooms with simple décor and comfortable beds. Everything is well-maintained, and there’s a balance between chill and social vibes. Free Wi-Fi and lockers are available, and the staff can help arrange surf lessons, hikes, or tours around the Cape Peninsula.
Located in Table View, Soul Fam Hostel - Lgbtq Inclusive is near Blouberg Beach - great for surfing and kiteboarding - and only a short trip from Table Mountain and Cape Town’s vibrant city center. It’s a great base if you want both ocean and adventure nearby.
5. Zebra Crossing Backpacker Lodge
Rating: 9.1
Dorm: from $16.74/night
Private Room: from $33.49/night
Zebra Crossing Backpacker Lodge is a quiet and family-friendly hostel situated at the base of Table Mountain in Cape Town. The hostel is located near various cafes, cinemas, museums, and supermarkets, and it is centrally located just up from the trendy Kloof Street.
The vibrant Long Street is just a 5-minute walk away, and it takes only 5 minutes by taxi to reach the Waterfront and Table Mountain Cableway, as well as the famous beaches of Cape Town.
Zebra Crossing Backpacker Lodge has a garden and courtyards with a barbeque, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cafe with internet access. Additionally, the hostel has the Blue Skies Travel Center, which can arrange all travel arrangements. Some of the rooms offer beautiful views of Table Mountain.
6. Villa Viva
Rating: 9.0
Dorm: from $19.07/night
Private Room: from $42.68/night
Villa Viva is a Guest House and social business that provides a space for creative work, social projects, and celebrations. It consists of four Victorian houses located in the heart of Cape Town, with high ceilings, wooden floors, and tin-pressed ceilings in one of the houses. The property features a range of courtyards, community spaces, a bar, and a ceremony tent, which creates a small village-like atmosphere.
Villa Viva aims to promote togetherness and a connection with nature through its colorful garden, refreshing poolside, and views of Table Mountain. The property is cashless and does not accept any cash payment. Villa Viva supports water-related projects through Viva con Agua (VcA), an all-profit community that aims to provide water for all and create meaningful experiences for those who support and join VcA.
Located near the trendy Kloof Street and its popular bars and restaurants, Villa Viva is a fun, social hostel with a bar that hosts late-night parties and live music on the weekends. I especially like that the hostel organizes all kinds of events, like paint-and-sip nights and braais (South African barbecues). I really liked that the dorm beds have thick mattresses (they also have curtains so you can get a decent sleep). Beds have outlets and lights too. The highlight for me, though, was the pressurized rain shower. It was excellent!
7. Never At Home Kloof Street
Rating: 9.1
Dorm: from $17.77/night
Private Room: from $56.40/night
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