Posted: 12/24/2018 | December 24th, 2018
Budapest has become one of the premier backpacker destinations in Europe. Over the last five years, Budapest has gone from popular to uber-popular spot with hundreds of accommodations popping up and ever increasing crowds. Over 3 million people visited the city last year!
For backpackers, the combination of a party scene, ruin bars (which are awesome), lots of sights, and cheap prices makes it irresistible to visit.
For a small city, all the crowds (don’t go in the summer, it’s too much) means that there are also lots and lots of hostels spread throughout the city. (128 to be exact!)
To make choosing all the hostels you see on Hostelworld easier, I’ve selected the best hostels in Budapest that I’ve stayed in from all my years visiting the city:
11 Best Hostels in Budapest
1. Vitae Hostel
This small hostel is designed to get everyone out and socializing. The rooms are basic with metal framed beds and decent enough beds and pillows. But where this place shines is with the activities. The staff is very welcoming and tries to get everyone involved in all the nightly activities. There are nightly drinking games, three common rooms, a TV, and a pool table. You will definitely make friends here! Don’t miss the Thursday night boat party – it’s a tremendous time.
Beds from 1,800 HUF/6 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Vitae Hostel!
2. Retox Party Hostel
Retox is the best party hostel in Budapest. This place is for serious partiers. Don’t come here if you want a lot of sleep and quiet. The staff is are gonna make sure you go out and get nuts. They will make it their mission to make sure you’re socializing! The hostel has an awesome inner courtyard with lots of tables and bar. The rooms are super basic and the beds worn and thin – but no one comes here to sleep!
Beds from 1,900 HUF/7 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Retox Party Hostel!
3. Grandio Party Hostel
This is another hostel that lives up to its name. Grandio organizes a lot of events from the expected (pub crawls) to the unexpected (costume parties). If you want to chill outside, the courtyard has an awesome fire pit. The hostel is located in an old building and street artists have painted the walls of the entire place so every room is covered in art. It’s associated with the ruin bar of the same name. Note: the rooms themselves are tiny and cramped. They squeeze a lot of beds in there. But, again, if you’re not looking to rage, don’t come here!
Beds from 2,400 HUF/8 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Grandio Party Hostel!
4. Carpe Noctum Original
This is the original party hostel in Budapest. It’s a really small hostel, and it almost feels like you’re staying at a friend’s place. There are organized trips out on the town every night. Unlike the other party hostels in Budapest, the rooms here are a lot nicer and more spacious. They are kept cleaner, the beds are comfier, and there’s just more space! The couch in the common room is super cozy too.
Beds from 2,600 HUF/9 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Carpe Noctum Original!
5. Big Fish
This is a small, newer hostel is a one of the best overall hostels in Budapest. The hostel has cozy, comfortable beds, soft pillows, lots of space, clean showers, and a cool common room! It is a wonderful place for solo travelers. The kitchen is huge and has lots of spices and cooking supplies. It’s not as party focused as other hostels in Budapest. There’s a three-night minimum during the busy season.
Beds from 3,220 HUF/11 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Carpe Noctum Original!
6. Wombats
Wombats is like a backpacker hotel with hundreds of beds and a lot of modern ammenities. The rooms are spacious with new beds, reading lights and power outlets, and ensuite bathrooms that are kept very clean. The hostel organizes events, including pub crawls and walking tours, and offers breakfast. The only downside is that the wifi can be spotty. This is one of the bigger hostels in the city. If you’re looking for a more modern hostel, stay here!
Beds from 3,485 HUF/12 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Wombats!
7. Maverick City Lodge
This is a cool option in the Jewish Quarter. There are amazing large curtains around the huge bunks (perfect for privacy) and the beds and sheets are super soft. The rooms are huge and colorful and well lit too! I really enjoyed the wine tasting they offered here. They also have other special events throughout the week to get people to socialize. It’s cash only, and there’s a key deposit you’ll get back at check out. It’s one of the best looking hostels in Budapest!
Beds from 3,600 HUF/13 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Maverick City Lodge!
8. Hostel One
Hostel One is a cool hostel with beautifully decorated walls and nice common areas. Guests get free homemade dinners each night and can join in on organized activities throughout the day. They are very social (read party) hostels. Most people leave for the bars after the “pre-game warm up” (drinking games). They have a bunch of common rooms and Netflix if you’re in need of more tame activities. They have two locations in the city:
- Budapest – Beds from 3,654 HUF.
- Basilica – Beds from 3,237 HUF.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Budapest!
—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel One Basilica!
9. Activity Hostel
I love this hostel. Rooms are filled with plants, flowers, and bright artwork on the walls. The lockers are bit small and there’s not a lot of outlets but those are small issues. There’s a well stocked kitchen and outdoor commong area (great to sit in on a nice day). This hostel is located an old, quaint building and is small and homey! It’s the best hostel in the city if you’re not looking to party. Reception is open only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Beds from 3,940 HUF/14 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Activity Hostel!
10. Fifth Hostel
This is a small, clean hostel in a residential building and it’s like you’re staying in someone’s home (because you kind of are). Peter and Cecilia are over-the-top friendly! They’ll do all they can to help you. All the beds come with reading lights and most rooms have a table in them (try to get a room away from the window as the curtains aren’t super thick). If you’re looking for a small, quiet, homey hostel, stay here. Book in advance as it fills out quickly.
Beds from 4,200 HUF/15 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Fifth Hostel!
11. Pal’s Hostel
This is a pretty cool place near St. Stephen’s Basilica, with easy access to all three of the city’s metro lines. All the rooms are all a bit different – some have chandeliers, some have views of the Basilica, and others are bit plain and boring. There are activities each night of the week, including goulash tasting on Thursdays and movie night on Sundays. That said, this is not a party hostel so don’t worry about being kept up late into the night!
Beds from 4,245 HUF/15 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Pal’s Hostel!
Budapest is a budget traveler’s paradise, and these hostels are the best hostels in Budapest! They will help improve your experience in one of the coolest, hippest, and beautiful cities in Europe. Whether you’re looking for the wildest party hostel you’ve ever seen or a quiet, relaxing haven, you’re sure to find what you want with one of these hostels on my list!
If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments!
Book Your Trip to Budapest: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
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