Goa is the hippy-centric, backpacker paradise state in the South of India. One of the budget-travel epicenters of the planet, Goa is a backpackers paradise, filled with enough beach, sun, and weed to keep you happy for a lifetime (and all at a super cheap price).
No matter where abouts in Goa you stay, there are hostels everywhere. Too many to choose from in fact!
So we created the solution – welcome the no stress guide to the 20 top hostels in Goa, India! Our goal is simple: to help you book the best hostel in Goa for you and your type of travels!
To do this we’ve travelled, chatted with other Goa lovers and checked out the best-reviewed hostels on Hostelworld. Here you’ll fid them all in one list. To take it a step further, we’ve organized those hostels by different travel needs.
Whether you are a solo traveller looking to make some friends in South Goa, a travelling couple looking for some privacy, a dirty hippie looking to party on down in North Goa, or a Digital Nomad trying to meet a few deadlines, our ultimate list of the best hostels in Goa is designed to help you book a hostel quickly.
Let’s dive into the top hostels in Goa!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Goa
- Overall Best Hostel in Goa – Tranquillo Arambol
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Goa – The Funky Monkey
- Best Cheap Hostel in Goa – Dreams Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Goa – Pappi Chulo
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Goa – House of Memories
What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Goa?
In much of the world, hostels are your best bet for finding budget accommodation while you’re travelling. They’re great for solo travellers to meet other backpackers. But they’re also the best way to save a buck.
In Goa, you’re lucky! This place has been on the hippie trail as long as anywhere else. This means hostels.
While travelling India, it’s really useful to have a head’s up for your accommodation. There’s nothing worse than arriving to a place that’s just not what you had in mind. There’s nothing better than when it exceeds your expectations.
Thankfully, Goa, and India in general, is a very budget-friendly destination. There are plenty of cheap hostels, party hostels, craft hostels, and yoga classes galore. So surely, a few of the best hostels in Goa that will suit you don’t to a T.
Female-only dorms are also available. It’s great if you’re a solo female traveller who needs some girl space, or if you just want to drop in with the female crowd straight away.
In dorms, the general rule is the bigger the dorm, the lower the price of a bed. This is great if you’re on a tight budget, though if you’re looking to get some good sleep in, you may want to consider a smaller dorm or even a private room. Especially if you’re with your travel buddy, it can be a better, and cheaper, option to get a private room sometimes.
- Dorm (mixed or female-only): $3 – $20/night
- Private Room: $7 – $35 €/night
Of course, this is Goa. So the party scene is really happening.
International backpackers from all over the world are creating an incredibly lively hostel crowd and the best party hostels in Goa. Though these areas still have some of the best hostels to stay in Goa, even if you’re not looking to get down.
- Anjuna & Vagator Beach – for party enthusiasts
- Morjim – for the nature lovers
- Arambol & Mandrem – perfect for low-budget travellers
When looking for a hostel, check out HOSTELWORLD. You can see photos, detailed information about the place, and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel has a rating to easily pick out the hidden gems.
Without further ado, here are the best hostels in Goa!
The 5 Best Hostels in Goa
In this post, we’ll help you decide where to stay in Goa. Organised by YOUR needs, our list of the 20 best hostels in Goa will help you find the best type of hostel that fits your travel style.
Set in North Goa, Arambol and Mandrem cater to a budget-conscious, hippy crowd. There are loads of yoga and esoteric happenings and general good vibes. Whilst there are no all-night parties, there is still plenty to keep your evenings filled with.
Anjuna and Vagator are Goa’s hedonistic party havens. The crowd here come here for one thing – all-night parties down on the beach!
Baga and Calangute are popular among package, mainstream, and domestic travellers to Goa. Expect the odd chain hotel and family of holidaying Brits and Delhiites!
1. Tranquillo Arambol – Best Overall Hostel in Goa
The best overall hostel in Goa is Tranquillo in Arambol, North Goa. I think I would go so far to say it’s one of the best hostels in India. Tranquillo know exactly what Goa backpackers are looking for and deliver it in full.
First up, this hostel is NOT really within walking distance of Arambol beach (it takes maybe 25 minutes on foot) but to be honest, the beach side hostels are not great. Instead Tranquillo is located just of Pernem Road. Still, there are plenty of shops and eateries near by and scooters can be rented on site.
They’re one of those hostels that hear what backpackers want and provide. Wash your clothes, transfer from the airport with ease, hire a bike… the list goes on. Bookworms will squeal with joy at their packed bookshelf.
The hostel itself is cool, clean, and community-oriented. There are plenty of communal spaces to hang out in and there’s always someone in the kitchen cooking up a great veggie something for everyone to try.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The best vibes!
- Cheap drinks at the bar with cool people
- Extra security for safe travels
The Tranquillo bar is awesome. Get an ice-cold Kingfisher whenever you want it.
If you’re down to chill in Goa and meet other travellers, you’ll surely love ‘Quili. It’s really fun for solo travellers; you’ll find lots of people like you. The vibe alone makes it the best hostel in Goa.
Don’t worry if they’re fully booked, they’ll pitch a tent for you in the garden! Beggars can’t be choosers, right?! Though you might be grateful for one of those air-conditioned rooms from time to time.
2. The Funky Monkey – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Goa
The best hostel for solo travellers in Goa is The Funky Monkey! It’s much loved by all who visit and it’s not hard to see why. There are few hostels in the world with ratings this high.
Nestled away in North Goa, just a 4-minute walking distance to Anjuna Beach, and other great places to visit in Goa. The Funky Monkey has all the mod cons you’d want from a hostel. But still, it has all the hippy vibes you’re heading to Goa to experience.
The huge garden area is The Funky Monkey’s best feature: colourful and sun trapped it’s safe to say you won’t be straying very far once you’ve checked in! Take advantage of yoga classes, set up your workspace, or just chill right out and chat with other cool solo travellers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great, hardworking staff
- Beautiful chill spaces
- All amenities for a comfy stay
They provide free wifi, bike rental, taxi hire, laundry, flawless security, and a hot shower! I mean, come one – nothing beats a hot shower.
It’s a great place to get down too. You’re right closeby to world-class party venues and beautiful day trips. I highly recommend that you check out Hill Top.
A trip to Goa wouldn’t be complete without bagging some beautiful boho treats too – so check out Anjuna’s bohemian markets on your doorstep.
You won’t miss anything with their tours & tickets services too. Head to pristine, white sandy beaches, some of the best music jams in India, and flirt with all Goa’s hidden gems. If you’re heading to Goa as a solo traveller, you won’t be alone for long when you’re staying at The Funky Monkey.
3. Dreams Hostel – Vagator – Best Cheap Hostel in Goa –
Why not live the dream at Dreams? Considering it’s one of the cheaper hostels in Goa, it still provides the best experience for travellers.
Dreams hostel was once a traditional Portuguese house. Today it stands as a stunning garden hostel, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Vagator beach in North Goa.
You get to choose your fate from the minute you walk in the door. You might want to party it up – or you might just want to jump in a hammock and not move from there. Both options are equally good.
This hostel has stood the test of time. That’s because they provide the best of quintessential Goa hostels: a reasonably priced bed, friendly vibes, creative inspiration, and round-the-clock security.
With hippy vibes in no short supply, free wifi, and super nice dorm rooms there’s a lot to love about Dreams Hostel. Choose between a variety of room options; mixed or female-only dorms, private rooms, and ensuites – all air-conditioned.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Beautiful setting with a garden
- Awesome crowd of travellers
- Welcoming spaces to chill or work
There is plenty of zen areas to chill, work, and practice yoga. As a bonus, it’s also a great option for digital nomads with strong internet connection. They even have a dedicated office space if you want the perfect space to get in the zone.
They have an onsite cafe and bar which are beautiful spaces to meet other travellers. There’s nothing quite like the company of other cheapskate travellers who just want to chill out and enjoy Goa. If you’re travelling to Goa on a budget, seriously, check out Dreams Hostel.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Pappi Chulo – Vagator – Best Party Hostel in Goa
The myth, the legend, Goa nightlife’s reputation precedes it. International backpackers have been making Goa – well, Goa – by living free, loving hard, and partying harder, for years.
So who can blame you for dreaming of partying in Goa? With that dream, you’ll want a good party hostel! And that’s absolutely why you need Pappi Chulo Hostel.
Pappi Chulo is a buzzing and vibrant party hostel in Goa. If you’re seeking party vibes, community vibes and amazing hostel vibes all in the one place you’ll just love Pappi Chulo. I always say, the best hostels are the ones who travellers love enough to put their art on every wall.
For starters, you’re just 5 minutes from Ozran beach. They have their own bar in the garden, a great sound system, and an even better taste in music. We’re off to a great start.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Extra colourful and arty
- Staff and guests are super friendly!
- Best bar vibes in Goa
Pappi Chulo is the coolest hostel in Goa that party that people fall head over heels in love with. They arrive and they stay way longer than they expected. It’s places like this – that attract people like this – that make Goa one of the best places in the world to party.
The dorm rooms are clean, airy and bright. The beds are super comfy; the perfect place to nurse a hangover before you do it all again, cus let’s be honest, you’re going to do it again. Amirite?!
Cook up a storm in the kitchen or get the BBQ lit. Everyone is welcomed into the community at Pappi Chulo, by great staff and friendly guests. By the best greeters and the hostels resident furries.
5. House of Memories – Candolim – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Goa
Surely it’s the digital nomad dream to be able to live and work just steps away from dreamy beaches? The digital nomad life in Goa can be a tough balance to strike. But that isn’t the case at House of Memories Hostel in Goa.
This hostel in central Goa has everything you need to get focused and efficient – while still living in paradise. The best hostel for digital nomads in Goa must have lightning-fast free wifi – and that’s exactly what they have.
They also have loads of spaces all over, perfectly equipped to get the best out of your workday. Or, you know, maybe you just want to cosy down with a film night… that’s cool too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great communal workspaces
- Extra friendly staff
- Walking distance to Candolim Beach
Though it’s not often the first place people think of when they’re going to Goa, Candolim makes a great base to explore. This cute little town has plenty of cafes and bars to keep you busy and social. But the best part about this hostel is the connections to the rest of Goa.
It’s a perfect location to explore North Goa as well as South Goa. Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds?
Choose between dorms starting at $7 or a private room. Some rooms are air-conditioned. All of them are clean and fully prepared for the tired traveller.
Get a hot shower after a long day at the beach. Use the laundry facilities to get your whole kit clean. Then you’re ready from head to toe!
If you don’t want to leave the hostel, I don’t blame you. Take advantage of the cafe and bar to get settled at your new home.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Goa
So there at the 5 absolute best hostels in Goa! But, of course, choosing just 5 is difficult; Goa is full of many a legendary hostel.
So when you’re visiting different places in Goa, having more options is never a bad thing to find exactly the right place (or places) for you and your type of travel. If you’re planning a trip to Goa, here are some more fantastic options to consider.
Moustache CoWork Goa Hostel – Mandrem – More Cheap Hostels in Goa
Moustache CoWork Hostel is a bit of a hidden gem. Set back from Mandrem Beach, Moustache Goa Hostel is an authentic, chilled out and super affordable Goa backpacker hostel. Calm and quiet this is an ideal hangout for digital nomads who need to focus on the task at hand. Each guest gets their own storage locker beneath the bunk bed, big enough for your rucksack. Just remember to bring your own lock, Moustache CoWork is super safe but it’s good practice to lock your stuff up!
JUNGLE by Sturmfrei – Anjuna
JUNGLE HOSTEL is a top option for choosing a hostel to stay in Goa. In Vagator, North Goa, they offer free wifi, complimentary breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, clothes washing facilities, and excellent security.
The onsite bar and cafe attracts a lot of cool people. So even if you’re a solo traveller, you’re going to have plenty of company.
As well as all that, you’re in walking distance to Vagator Beach. The combination makes it one of the best hostels in Goa.
The Bucket List – Vagator – The Best Hostel for Couples in Goa
When you’re travelling as a couple, you don’t just want to stay anywhere. Although The Bucket List hostel is also a fantastic hostel for solo travellers, for couples, it is also exquisite.
The hostel is made up of individual bamboo cabins. With extra comfy beds, you can nest down with your loved one in the extra comfy beds.
If you’re lucky (and check it in advance!) you can snag the private apartment where you can also enjoy the swimming pool, gym, kitchen, and balcony – all exclusively for you. Imagine all the amazing sexy time. This has to be the absolute best hostel in Goa for couples.
Woke Hostel – Arpora – Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Goa
Woke Hostel is a flashy, high-end hostel set in a colonial Portuguese mansion near Arpora. There is a real charm to Woke Hostel, perhaps it’s the building itself or perhaps it’s the simple but tasteful decor.
Either way, Woke is a highly recommended hostel in Goa, ideal for travellers who have a slightly bigger budget to play with and want a taste of luxury. The staff at Woke Hostel are outstanding and host Shadab is quite the storyteller! This is a good base for your Goa itinerary.
goSTOPS Goa Baga – Best Up and Coming Hostel in Goa
goSTOPS Goa Baga is one of the best up and coming hostels in North Goa. The beautiful design and comfy and clean rooms make you feel at home right away.
You’re surrounded by beauty by the creek in Baga and just you’re in walking distance down to Tulum and Baga Beaches.
This is a great hostel for women travellers too with the female-only dorms. The ensuite bathrooms are ideal – you know that the girls are generally keeping them pretty clean so you can just do your stuff. And, the pièce de résistance – the swimming pool. So you can cool down even on the sweatiest days.
Craft Hostels – Best Hostel for Families in Goa
Craft Hostels is our top pick for the best hostel in Goa for families. You can explore North Goa in this ideal location, just steps away from Anjuna Beach. The quiet hours are perfect for settling down after a long day of exploring – especially with tired kids.
As well as dorms, there are air-conditioned private rooms available with additional beds or cots for children of all ages. Breakfast is served at the property making it really easy to get your days started.
Another fantastic feature at Craft Hostels is the step-free access. They’ve really thought about everyone here. You notice how welcome you feel as soon as you enter into this beautiful property.
Vaayu Waterman’s Village – Mandrem
Vaayu Waterman’s Village is an indie Goa backpacker hostel that has both cottages and cabins available to stay in. Ideal for couples, in particular, Vaayu Waterman’s Village is an authentic Goan homestay hostel on Aveshem-Mandrem Beach Road. Vaayu’s perfectly captures the Goan vibes in everything they do, from the style of the hostel to the welcoming nature of the staff. Admittedly a little more expensive than some other top hostels in Goa but Vaayu Waterman’s Village offers great value for money and good night’s sleep.
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Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewRoadhouse Arambol
It’s safe to say that some areas of Goa can get pretty crowded at certain times of the year but not Arambol and not Roadhouse. If you like a quiet yet sociable hostel you’ll love Roadhouse Arambol. This is the kinda place where sing-songs around the campfire are the norm and everyone greets you like an old friend. The hostel itself is clean-cut and modern. The dorms are bright and well laid out to give guests maximum space to live in. Just a 5-minutes walk from the beach Roadhouse is a great youth hostel in Goa.
Lazy Llama – Anjuna
Lazy Llama is another great youth hostel in Goa for solo travellers who just wanna relax! The Lazy Llama is lazy by name and by nature; everywhere you look there’s a cosy spot to chill out in! Enough hammocks for everyone…nearly! If you’re a solo traveller who loves getting yourself out there and meeting new people every hour of the day you’ll love Lazy Llama. They’re located just 5-minutes walk away from world-famous Anjuna Beach where you’ll find all the backpackers hanging out! Solo nomads who wanna relax and find a new crew will love Lazy Llama.
Roadhouse Anjuna
Roadhouse Anjuna is the sister to Roadhouse Arambol and has all the same calm and peaceful vibes as its sister but is located, well duhh, at Anjuna Beach! Roadhouse Anjuna is a great budget hostel in Goa and they have everything you could ask for. Free WiFi, air conditioning, a community kitchen and their own cafe too. Roadhouse Anjuna is a highly recommended hostel in Goa as gets booked up well in advance. If you wanna stay at this little gem of a hostel you’ve gotta get ahead of the game.
Hyyge Hostel – Anjuna
Hygge is a great cheap hostel in Goa; simple but ample Hygge is perfect for travellers on a super tight budget. Hygge is another super hippy youth hostel in Goa located just 500m from Anjuna Beach. In a closed compound, all of its own Hygge is a real home from home and the team make everyone feel really welcome. Being one of the newest hostels to open in Goa Hygge are still collecting reviews but they’ve made a cracking start and certainly deserve support from the travelling fam!
Bunkker – Little Vagator – Another Great Cheap Hostel in Goa
Bunkker is a top hostel in Goa and great for travellers on a shoestring budget. Bunkker is a new Goa backpacker hostel and is still in tip-top condition. Made entirely from upcycled shipping containers Bunkker is modern, on-point and has more hipster than hippy vibes. No bad thing! Super close to Rider Mania and Sunburn staying at Bunkker means you can either party til dawn or get an early night. Whatever floats your boat! The dorms are all air-conditioned which is a big bonus!
Castle House – Baga
As Goa backpackers hostels go Castle House is right up there with the best, especially for travelling couples seeking private rooms! Castle House is great for couples who want some time to themselves, to chill out by the pool and relax in the sun. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the ultimate beach combo of Calangute-Baga-Candolim and 20-minutes from the city of Panjim Castle House puts you at the heart of Goa’s backpacker zone. The Castle House swimming pool, pool table and library will help keep you and your partner busy, on top of all that beach action!
Hashtag Rooms – Calangute
The whole of Hashtag is super clean and tidy, including the bathrooms. If you’re working your way from North Goa to South Goa be sure to start your time in Goa at Hashtag Rooms in Calangute. This top hostel in Goa is just 100m from the beach! Truly a place for everyone Hashtag Rooms is a great hangout for solo travellers, digital nomads and have enough beds to accommodate groups too. If you’re a last minute kinda traveller you’ll find all the information you could possibly need at their tours and travel desk.
Hopping Frog – Assagao – A Budget Hostel in Goa
Hopping Frog is the best budget hostel in Goa and is one of the best connected too. Staying at Hopping Frog sees you just 15-minutes away from the big town of Mapusa, just 10-minutes from Assagao Beach area and is close to Goa’s main train station too. Hopping Frog is a top hostel in Goa for travellers on a micro-budget as they have everything you could need right there; a cafe and bar, laundry facilities and free WiFi too. Hopping Frog is simple but cosy, cool and cost-effective.
More Epic Hostels in India and Asia
Goa is a special place to visit. With this much variety, you’ll surely find the best hostels in Goa for you – those that leave you with lifelong memories.
But, chances are, you’ll be staying in some other places around India or even backpacking further into Asia. I’ve got you covered with some more epic hostel content.
What to Pack for your Goa 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQs about Hostels in Goa
No question is a stupid question. Ask away! Here are some FAQs backpackers commonly ask about choosing the best hostels in Goa.
How much does a hostel cost in Goa?
Goa hostel price ranges from $3 – $20 per night for dorm (mixed or female-only), while private room price ranges from $7 – $35 per night.
What are the best hostels in Goa for couples?
The Bucket List – Vagator is our best hostel for couples in Goa. It’s exquisite and has a private apartment with exclusive use of the swimming pool, gym, kitchen, and balcony.
What are the best hostels in Goa near the airport?
The Manohar International Airport is quite far from Goa, so it is usually better to find a place to stay that offers an airport shuttle service. Once you’re in the city, I’d recommend Tranquillo Arambol, our best overall hostel in Goa.
Travel Safety Tips for Goa
Look, I know it doesn’t sound really exciting. But believe me, when you need good travel insurance, there’s no better feeling than knowing you’re already sorted.
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.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Goa
Solo travellers, digital nomads, hippie-dippy dirt-bags, I hope you find your perfect hostel home with this epic guide to the best hostels in Goa. Start with a night and see how you go. You’ll be there soon to see what makes Goa so special.
If you’re looking for the best party hostels in Goa, you have plenty of choices. But maybe start somewhere in North Goa and take it from there.
Or maybe you just want a quiet hostel in Goa, near the beach. Well, that’s possible too. In that case, maybe consider somewhere in South Goa. Whatever kind of traveller you are (or want to be), you have several good choices in this stunning Indian state.
If you are backpacking through Goa, prepare to have the time of your life. Goa is fun, filled with interesting people, and it’s at one of the best bargain prices in the world. With the help of this guide to the best hostels in Goa, you’ll be able to easily pick the hostel that fits your travel style and book with confidence.
So, which one are you going to book? The best hostel in Goa for solo travellers? Or how about one of the best cheap hostels in Goa?
Still stuck? Do yourself a favour and just book our pick for the best hostel in Goa.
Have fun and tell us about it when you come back! 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 India for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Goa covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Goa if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Goa before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for India to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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!
