Built on 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, rests one of the most beautiful cities on the planet – Venice, Italy.
However, Venice still isn’t cheap. Not by a long shot. Which is exactly why we wrote this ultimate backpackers guide to the best hostels in Venice.
Saving money in Venice doesn’t just feel like a challenge for backpackers – it can feel impossible! With some of the world’s finest art, architecture, museums and food, Venice has been capturing the hearts of travellers for decades – but they have to pay for it!
Thankfully, with the help of some of the best hostels in Venice, even budget travellers can enjoy the sights of this gorgeous city!
So we have organised the hostels into different categories based on YOUR travel needs when you’re visiting Venice.
Doing this allows you to quickly identify the hostel you want to book, so you can focus on what matters. Saving money and eating delicious Italian food!
Let’s look at the 5 best hostels in Venice…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Venice
- Overall Best Hostel in Venice – A&O Hostel Venice Mestre
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Venice – Generator Venice
- Best Cheap Hostel in Venice – ao Hostel Venezia Mestre 2
- Best Hostels with a Private Room in Venice – Nuova Locanda Belvedere
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Venice
As mentioned, Venice is kind of one of the most expensive cities to travel to. Just about every neighbourhood here, whilst awesome, is pricey to stay in, which explains why a lot of people stay back on the mainland in Trento when exploring Venice.
However, you can save quite a few bucks by making the right accommodation choice – HOSTELS! They’re generally the cheapest type of accommodation and they offer plenty of great amenities.
That’s not the only perk that comes with Venice’s hostels. You can enjoy a unique social vibe that you won’t find in any other place like board games nights which are ideal for solo travellers. You can meet like-minded travellers, make new friends and share travel stories and insider tips – all of that without having to leave the building! From quiet hangouts to party hostels, Venice has it all.
Venice’s hostel scene is pretty sick. There are plenty of options to choose from. Unfortunately, Venice is a bit stingy when it comes to freebies. You’ll be VERY lucky to find a hostel that offers a free buffet breakfast. However, some of them offer free laundry, parking and free wifi, which is at least something, right?
Since we’ve spoken so much about costs already, let’s go a bit more into detail on Venice’s hostel prices. The general rule is: the bigger the dorm, the cheaper the nightly cost. Private rooms are pretty expensive if you’re travelling alone, but a great deal if you’re sharing the costs with a friend or partner. To give you a bit of an idea of what you’ll have to spend, here are the average price ranges for different room types in Venice’s hostels:
- Private rooms: 45-63€/night
- Dorms (mixed and female-only): 15-22€/night
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
Some areas in Venice are more popular than others. The same goes for the hostel distribution. Generally, the closer you are to St. Mark’s Square, the more hostels you’ll be able to find. Just keep in mind when you visit Venice that the price also increases the closer you get to the famous attractions. These are our absolute favourite areas in Venice:
- San Marco – the heart and soul of the city, a tourist paradise and a great area for first time visitors. The home of the famous Piazza San Marco.
- Cannaregio – located in the north, it’s a down-to-earth, low-budget district that houses a wealth of historic sights and interesting landmarks
- Dorsoduro – a neighbourhood defined by art. It’s where you’ll find walls adorned with street art and unique art galleries.
Before you start your travels, make sure to figure out where to stay in Venice. If you just rock up spontaneously you might not get a hostel bed, and if you do, you might end up miles away from the hotspots you wanted to explore – so do your research first!
The 5 Best Hostels in Venice
Whether you’re looking for somewhere romantic in Venice to enjoy with your other half or a friendly Venice hostel where it’s easy to meet others, we’ve got the right ones for you. These are some of the best hostels in Venice, arranged into different categories for convenience.
1. Overall Best Hostel in Venice – A&O Hostel Venice Mestre
As one of the best hostels for those backpacking in Venice on a budget, A&O Hostel Venice Mestre is the ideal place to stay during your travels. Located close to public transportation links, the centre of Venice can be reached within just ten minutes.
It’s a modern space with affordable room options, which you don’t see often in this popular Venice district. You can use the free Wifi to connect with your friends and family back home or lay back in your bed and watch some TV in the air conditioning. With so much comfort for such a low price, it’s quite obvious why we think that A&O Hostel Venice Mestre is the overall best hostel in the city!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- TV’s in rooms
- Happy hour and discounts at the bar
- Bike rental
Whether you’re looking for a great location, clean and modern amenities or a place to socialise and meet other travellers, Hostel Venezia Mestre is a perfect choice. It’s right next to the train station but it’s easy to reach places like Piazza San Marco
There are plenty of room options as well. The most affordable ones are on bunk beds in the dorm rooms. Some of them have access to an en-suite bathroom, but they’re all equipped with a TV in each room. If you prefer a bit more privacy, check into one of the single or double private rooms.
As we said before, freebies just aren’t Venice’s thing… Linen, Towels and breakfast are not included, but you can enjoy free Wifi. There is however the option to purchase a simple and affordable breakfast buffet every morning – the perfect way to start the day!
Bikes are available to rent as well. The modern bar has regular special offers, happy hour and discounts, helping to keep costs down further. It’s a pretty spacious and popular hostel, which means you’ll meet people from all over the world and make friends in no time!
2. Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Venice – Generator Venice
The wide range of facilities at the award-winning Generator Venice makes this one of our recommended hostels in Venice. Providing great views of the nearby main island, the hostel has a sociable bar where you can chat with fellow travellers and play pool, a tour desk, a comfy common room, a book exchange, and laundry facilities. Lockers and key card access help to keep the generator Venice secure. The free wifi is also super fast. dorm rooms range from between seven and 16 bunk beds, and there are private en-suite rooms for groups and couples at this top hostel in Venice.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pool table
- Stylish and edgy design
- Great views across San Marco Square
Not only is it one of the cheapest hostels in the area, but you can also enjoy quite a bit of bang for your buck at Generator Venice. The hostel chain is known across the globe and has won many hospitality awards, so you’ll be in for a real treat.
Generator Venice is the perfect destination and a great place to socialise and reflect on your experiences of the day. Head to the bar and chill-out areas to get yourself a well-deserved drink or two. It’s lively, friendly and great for solo travellers wanting to visit Venice.
For resting your head at night, you can also choose from a great selection of rooms, from Dorms, to Quads, to Private en-suites with innovative mod cons like a USB port and your own LED light for late-night reading. Fast and free Wi-Fi is available as well, so you can stay in contact with your friends and family.
The big common area is a great place to relax, get some work done on your laptop, have a friendly pool tournament and meet other travellers. However, it’s also big enough to just sit there and read a book by yourself if you’re not feeling very sociable.
3. Best Cheap Hostel in Venice – ao Hostel Venezia Mestre 2
Close to the Central Station Venezia-Mestre you can find the second a&o in Venice. Thanks to the good connection to the transport network, all major attractions of the city can be reached in only 15 minutes from the train station.
More than 280 modern single, double, family and shared rooms offer high comfort at a low price – for solo travellers, couples, families and groups. The reception and the snack bar are open 24 hours a day. Throughout the hostel, there is free highspeed Wi-Fi. Extras such as late Check-out, all-you-can-eat breakfast or packed lunches can be added easily.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bike rental
- Pool and soccer table
- Co-working space
Well, for pretty much the same reason that we loved the original hostel too. The only difference is that this one is even more affordable thanks to its location on the mainland close to the train station. It’s a bit further out, but you’ll be able to save a lot of money.
The room options range from simple dorms to stunning private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. No matter what room you book, you’ll be guaranteed a super comfortable bed and a very clean and spacious place. If you’re travelling with your family, you’ll be pleased to know that the hostel offers family rooms as well.
To explore the city, head to the reception and sort yourself a bike rental. The staff will be happy to set everything up for you and you’ll be in St. Mark’s Square in no time. While you’re there, grab one of the free city maps as well or ask the staff for their recommendations on what to see in Venice they have all the insider tips.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Best Hostels with a Private Room in Venice – Nuova Locanda Belvedere
Nuova Locanda Belvedere has five-bed dorms as well as private rooms for between one and four and is a great budget backpackers hostel in Venice. Private rooms come with a TV and fridge, and all guests can access free Wi-Fi. While there are no self-catering facilities there are vending machines where you can grab a quick drink before heading out to one of the nearby restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s one of the best Venice hostels for meeting other travellers with the common room and terrace.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Vending machines
- Great location
- Super kind staff
It’s not often that you can find private rooms for the price of a simple dorm, that’s what makes this one of the best Venice hostels if you’re on a budget.
While there are no lockers or a kitchen, you’ll save plenty of money on the room rates so going out won’t hurt your pockets as much! Start the day early with a cheap (and by cheap we mean less than €1) coffee before planning out your adventures for the day.
If you need any help or inspiration on what to do, reach out to the kind staff and they’ll be happy to show you the best places in Venice. They’re known for the best insider knowledge and hidden gems of the city.
The private rooms are also very basic, but they offer everything that’s necessary to have a good nights sleep. The beds are comfy and the room is incredibly clean according. It’s one of the best basic but good quality Venice hostels.
5. Best Party Hostel in Venice – Backpackers House Venice
While not a party hostel as such, Backpackers House Venice is one of our favourite haunts when it comes to enjoying Venice’s nightlife. There may not be that many facilities, but if you’re all about the party life you won’t really care too much … and the location in Campo Santa Margherita will save you a ton on transportation costs.
With bars and clubs practically on the doorstep, this is a winner when it comes to the best party hostel in Venice. Snug down in a five-bed dorm or private room to sleep off your hangovers, ready to start over again when the sun goes down.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible location
- Very cheap dorms
- Amazing staff
It’s not all about the party… the hostel is located in Campo Santa Margherita, in the middle of the best Venice nightlife area and where Venetian people live and work. It is easily reachable walking from the train station (Venezia S.L.) and from the bus station (Piazzale Roma). This makes it super easy to reach all other parts of the city and explore everything in detail.
While the hostel might not be the fanciest, it sure does offer a great atmosphere and a welcoming vibe. The clean rooms are bright and spacious and there’s free wifi to keep your mates and family updated from one of the best party hostels in the city.
There is not much space to socialise, so if you come here hoping to chill in a big common area, you might be a bit disappointed. However, the staff are incredibly kind and helpful and really goes above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Venice
Still not sure which hostel to book in Venice? Here are some more top hostels in Venice to think about:
Best Hostel for Couples in Venice – We_Crociferi
We_Crociferi’s ambience makes it the best hostel for couples in Venice due to its atmosphere and character. It’s one of the most romantic and modern of the Venice hostels on offer. It’s located within a historic monastery, with the common areas nestled in the old cloisters.
It certainly offers something a bit different to the norm! Close to a water bus stop, the hostel’s apartments for two, complete with a private bathroom and kitchenette, could be just the private love nest you’re looking for in romantic Venice. There are also dorms if that’s your style. Mix with other backpackers in the onsite restaurant-cum-bar and enjoy freebies like Wi-Fi and luggage storage. Laundry facilities are a welcome feature too.
Hotel Casa Linger
It’s all about location, location, location with Hotel Casa Linger. Situated on the main island and within walking distance of famous attractions like St. Mark’s Square and Arsenale, Hotel Casa Linger is a basic budget base in Venice’s beautiful heart. It might be one of the most basic of Venice hostels, but the location is unbeatable!
It’s better suited to travellers who plan to spend most of their days out and about exploring Venice’s sights. There are mixed and female-only dorms for five in addition to private rooms for one, two, three, and four. Wi-Fi is free and there are laundry facilities. It may be short on other facilities but it’s one of the best budget hostels in Venice.
PLUS Camping Jolly
Don’t be fooled by the name: you’ll find more than just tents at PLUS Camping Jolly. The wide selection of private rooms, dorms for three, tents, bungalows, and caravans makes this a great youth hostel in Venice for solo travellers, couples, groups of friends, and families.
The onsite bar and restaurant are lively, and guests get a voucher for a cheap pizza and drink. You can also unwind and mingle at the swimming pool. The great facilities don’t end there, though; you’ll also find laundry facilities, a book exchange, free Wi-Fi, an internet café, and a luggage storage room. Accessing the centre of Venice is a breeze thanks to the shuttle bus.
Alle Botte
Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the famous Rialto Bridge, you’ll sleep well at Alle Botte. There are mixed and female-only dorms as well as private rooms for groups of three or four. All guests can make full use of the basic self-catering facilities, the comfortable common room, and the TV room. The onsite café removes the chore of cooking if you just can’t be bothered. Surf the free Wi-Fi or connect with your fellow travellers at this great youth hostel in Venice.
AWA Venice Apartments San Marco
AWA Venice Apartments San Marco has dorms for four and six as well as private apartments for three and four guests. Each dorm and apartment is en-suite with its own cooking facilities and free Wi-Fi. This convenience makes the higher price but it’s more than worth it.
There aren’t so many people to compete with when it comes to cooking and bathing, yet the hostel still has a terrific sociable vibe. The friendly staff members will go out of their way to give money-saving and travel tips and the hostel is just a short walk from the main tourist attractions on your Venice itinerary.
What to Pack for your Venice Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ on Venice’s Best Hostels
Now, we know that choosing a place to stay isn’t easy and you might have some questions. That’s why we listed the most frequently asked ones and did our best to answer them below.
How much does a hostel cost in Venice??
The average price range varies for different room types in Venice’s hostels. The cost for dorms (mixed and female-only) ranges from 15-22€/night, while private rooms cost 45-63€/night.
What are the best hostels in Venice for couples?
We_Crociferi is an ideal hostel for couples in Venice. It’s comfy, in an excellent location within a historic monastery, and has an onsite cafe-bar.
What are the best hostels in Venice near the airport?
Venice Marco Polo Airport is 10.2 km from A&O Hostel Venice Mestre and ao Hostel Venezia Mestre 2.
Travel Safety Tips for Venice
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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More Epic Hostels in Italy and Europe
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Venice.
Planning an epic trip all across Italy or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Venice
There you have it. The 10 best hostels in Venice, organized for travellers, by travellers. We know Venice isn’t cheap and hopefully, with the help of this guide, you can save a buck or two. Figure out which of the best hostels in Venice you want to book, so you can spend less time online and more time exploring this truly one-of-a-kind city!
And remember, if you are having a tough time picking a hostel, go with AWA Venice Apartments San Marco – our best hostel in Venice for 2021, orA&O Hostel Venice Mestre is another great shout as it’s close to the Venice Mestre Station.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Venice covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Venice if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Venice before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
