The 5 Best Hostels in Cape Town (Updated 2023)

Posted: 3/10/2023 | March 10th, 2023

Known for its beautiful backdrops and stunning beaches, Cape Town has been a popular backpacker hub for years. It’s also fast becoming a favorite for digital nomads too, thanks to the city’s vibrant nightlife and rich, diverse culture.

Once a super-cheap destination, as Cape Town’s popularity has increased, so too has the cost of living.

Thankfully, it is still very affordable, and there are plenty of budget-friendly hostels for backpackers and nomads.

Below you’ll find my list of the best hostels in Cape Town to help you have fun, meet other travelers, and have a good sleep while you spend time in what is honestly one of the greatest cities in the world.

But first, here are four things you need to remember before picking a hostel in Cape Town:

1. Location – Cape Town isn’t super spread out, and it’s quick and easy to get around to most of the main areas, but to guide your decision, you may want to consider things like safety and which attractions you’d prefer to be closest to. Pick a hostel that is near the sites you want to see and/or the nightlife you want to experience, so you won’t waste time (and money) in transit.
2. Price – Most of the hostels in Cape Town are fairly inexpensive, but there are some that are cheaper than others. If you’re willing and able to pay a bit more, you can get accommodation with perks like AC. However, the cheaper options still provide lots of value.
3. Amenities – All hostels offer free Wi-Fi and a few include free breakfast, but if you want more than that, do your research to find one that best meets your needs.
4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t stay at one of the places listed below, look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Cape Town. If you don’t want to read the longer list, however, the following are the best in each category:

Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Long Street Backpackers
Best Hostel for Partying: Long Street Backpackers
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: Never at Home Green Point
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Villa Viva
Best Hostel for History Lovers: Long Street Backpackers
Best Hostel for Couples: Ashanti Lodge
Best Overall Hostel: Villa Viva

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Cape Town and…