Bruges is SUCH a beautiful city. Like, we cannot overstate that. Packed with tall old Baroque buildings, medieval churches and a warren of cobbled streets, Bruges is filled with old squares where you’ll find a ton of cafes, restaurants and loads of tasty food.
Bruges is the home of ‘French fries’ (there’s even the Frietmuseum dedicated to ’em) and is famous for its chocolate, after all. So get ready to eat, eat, eat! (And drink, drink, drink – there’s a lotta beer here, too!)
But since it’s such a well-known tourist city, can you even find somewhere to stay here on a backpacking budget?
The answer is YES. A million times yes. And to help you out we’ve made a list of the best hostels in Bruges, so you can easily find the one that suits you most.
So what are you waiting for? Peep our list of the top hostels in Bruges below!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Bruges
- Best Overall Hostel in Bruges – Snuffel Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bruges – Lybeer Travellers Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bruges – Hi Europa Bruges
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Bruges – St Christopher’s Inn
Best Hostels in Bruges
Spending a weekend in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to appreciate the city and one of these hostels would make for an excellent base while visiting. Check them out!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Snuffel Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Bruges
Cute name, huh? But it’s not that cute really. It’s a really good hostel in Bruges. In fact, it’s the best overall hostel in Bruges. Set inside a restored youth hostel, this place has 120 beds and a very lively atmosphere. Cleanliness level: Pristine.
It’s all modern minimal decor, which of course we love, but the convenience of this Bruges backpackers hostel is also 10/10. Loads of places can be got to by foot from here. Oh, and there’s a bar where you can get chatting to other backpacking peeps. OH, and there’s a free breakfast (a VERY good spread, might we add).
Lybeer Travellers Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Bruges
This hostel literally prides themselves on being the ‘homiest’ hostel in Bruges, and we wouldn’t say they’re wrong. This is a great place to meet and mingle with whoever else happens to be staying, making it a great shout for solo travellers.
There’s an onsite bar that’s really social, quiz nights, a good deck area where you can hang out – and generally an overall laid-back, happy vibe. The staff help a lot with that, which is always key in these sorts of places. Yep, definitely the best hostel for solo travellers in Bruges.
HI Europa Brugge – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bruges
Are you travelling long term with a laptop in tow? Then you need to get yourself to this Bruges backpackers hostel if you need to get some work done. It’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Bruges. We’ll tell you why.
It’s got lots of bright, open spaces with lots desk space (as it’s called, otherwise we just call ’em tables). There are grassy gardens outside to recline in and ponder on life when you need a break. And don’t forget the bar a gin and tonic when the sun goes down.
St Christopher’s Inn – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Bruges
This is a usually pretty cool chain of hostels, and this branch of St Christopher’s Inn… in Bruges… is no different. The downstairs area looks like an antique shop – all eclectic things like mirrors and clocks around tables in the Bar.
Upstairs the rooms are pod beds with power points, but the private rooms are where it’s at. They’re clean and modern and pretty-nice-hotel quality. So, yes, this is our choice for the best hostel with a private room in Bruges. Free walking tours is a nice plus to get to the city. They also have a happy hour. That makes us happy.
Charlie Rockets – Best Party Hostel in Bruges
The best party hostel in Bruges maybe also has the best hostel name in Bruges. I mean, Charlie Rockets… what even? Anyway, yeah, it’s a lively place with a dang good bar. Cool thing: it’s set in what used to be an old cinema.
In the onsite restaurant they offer you a free beer with your meal, which is great, but in the bar downstairs there’s loads of games to play, a huge range of local beers, cocktails, all that jazz. Basic rooms, but you’re here to PARTY not sleep. It’s also 1 min away from the main square. Result.
Herdersbrug Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Bruges
Newly renovated with en-suite bathrooms in each dorm, a big ol’ dining room and a lounge that overlooks the Boudewijn Canal, this budget hostel in Bruges may be a lil’ bit outside the city centre, but it’s good for a couple of nights – especially if you got your own wheels.
Sure, the rooms are a bit basic (and by basic, we’re talking utility cupboard), but if you’re really looking for a budget stay, this is the best cheap hostel in Bruges. Oh, and as a consolation, they do serve up a free brekkie.
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View on Osprey View on REIHostel de Passage – Best Hostel for Couples in Bruges
Chic couldn’t get chicer in a Bruges backpackers hostel. Yep, this one’s definitely a hostel with personality – the lounge/bar downstairs is great for tasty, drinks and generally looking pretty dang cool.
We know couples love a bit of style and stuff (don’t they?) so we reckon this is probably the best hostel for couples in Bruges. Rooms are a little basic, but they’re still private, aren’t they? Location near the centre means you and your partner can be off and wandering Bruges’ boutiques and brasseries in no time.
Best Budget Hotels In Bruges
For when a hostel just won’t cut the mustard, this small round-up of the best budget hotels in Bruges will mean that there is something on our list for everyone. If you want to book a romantic trip with your partner and need to keep to a budget, or if you just wanna chill in a decent hotel for a reasonable price, there are plenty more places to stay in Bruges.
Lace Hotel
This budget hotel in Bruges is set in the historic part of the city (I mean, which parts aren’t historic?) and you’ll find it down a cobbled street with medieval churches nearby. Pretty dang scenic if you ask us.
The hotel itself is very modern, wooden floors and big ol’ beds and some rooms even have open fireplaces – talk about stylish. This hotel caters for everybody, that means making it accessible for differently abled people. It also has a free breakfast buffet, which makes for a great start to the day.
Green Park Hotel Brugge
Surrounded by woodlands, this spacious hotel overlooks a garden which makes it a pretty chill spot to stay in. However, it is a short drive from the city centre. But there are regular buses that go to town from nearby, so it’s not all bad.
Staff at this budget hotel in Bruges help you out with things like navigating the buses (important) and they’re generally really nice. We’d recommend this Bruges hostel to anyone on a European road trip – it’s much easier than navigating the roads of the inner city.
Boat & Bed Bruges
Have you guessed from the name that this budget hotel in Bruges is a boat? Well, it IS literally a boat. And it’s located quite centrally on one of Bruges’ famous canals. Quirky little hotel. Not got for tall people. But one of the coolest hotels in Bruges.
There’s even a little terrace to have a tea (or coffee) on. It’s cosy and warm and super clean. Even when it rains it’s still a cute place to stay. Not as comfy as a hotel room, obviously, but this one’s all about the experience. And the owner’s on hand to answer any Qs should you have any.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Bruges 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 our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Bruges
Now you know all there is to know about the best hostels in Bruges!
So, it turns out that you really CAN stay cheaply in this stunning Belgian city. And not all of them are typical hostels either – some of ’em are actually pretty boutique feeling as well.
And for extra choice, we’ve thrown in a few of the best budget hotels in Bruges, just to give you that extra choice and freedom from a hostel vibe.
But if you can’t choose, don’t worry! It’s all about Snuffel Hostel. This is the best overall hostel in Bruges and a good balanced place to stay for just about anyone. Have fun!
FAQ about Hostels in Bruges
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bruges.
How much does a hostel cost in Bruges?
On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect to pay around $25 and $39+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Bruges for couples?
Check out these top-rated hostels for couples in Bruges:
Het Wit Beertje
Hotel Adornes
What are the best hostels in Bruges near the airport?
The airport is quite far from the city center, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I recommend Het Wit Beertje, just walking distance to the city center and a 27-minute drive from the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Bruges
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.
More Epic Hostels in Belgium and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Bruges.
Planning an epic trip all across Belgium or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Bruges has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
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 Belgium for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Bruges before you arrive.
- 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!
