Bruges is SUCH a beautiful city. Like, I cannot overstate that. Packed with tall old Baroque buildings, medieval churches and a warren of cobbled streets, Bruges is filled with old squares. Here you’ll find a ton of cafes, restaurants and loads of tasty food, especially in Market Square.
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 find somewhere to stay here on a backpacking budget?
The answer is YES. A million times yes. And to help you out I’ve made a list of the best hostels in Bruges, so you can easily find the one that suits you most. What’s more mi amigos, I’ve organized a succinct list of the top five Bruges hostels based on your personal travel needs.
So what are you waiting for? Peep my list of the top Bruges hostels below, I’ll take you on a journey through the winding cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, and medieval architecture.
Pop some sugar from one of the sweet chocolate shops and settle in, let’s get into it!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Bruges
- Best Overall Hostel in Bruges – Snuffel Hostel
- Best Hostel in Bruges for Solo Travelers – Lybeer Travellers Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Bruges – Herdersbrug Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Bruges – Charlie Rockets
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bruges – Hi Europa Bruges
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The 5 Best Hostels in Bruges
Spending a weekend in Bruges is the perfect amount of time to appreciate the city. One of these hostels would make for an excellent base while visiting. Check them out!
1. Snuffel Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Bruges
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $76
- Address: Ezelstraat 42, Bruges, Belgium
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 I 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.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bike Hire
- Luggage Storage
- On Site Bar
OH, and there’s a free breakfast (a VERY good spread, might I add), and, there’s a communal kitchen you can use for other meals. The facilities are clean and welcoming to use with a good diverse crowd of people coming in and out, this place is heaps of fun. Make (or break) a new friendship over a game of chess and sip a drink from the onsite bar.
The rooms here are spacious and the staff are lovely. There are lockers to securely stash your shit before or after or even during your stay. The best bit? You’re only a 10-minute walk from town and Market Square.
2. Lybeer Travellers Hostel – Best Hostel in Bruges for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Private Room: From $96
- Address: Korte Vuldersstraat 31, Bruges, Belgium
This hostel literally prides itself on being the ‘homiest’ hostel in Bruges, and I 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, the best hostel for solo travellers in Bruges.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Luggage Storage
- Internet Access
The bunk beds are comfy and the dorm rooms are a decent size which is nice and not always guaranteed in Bruges hostels. Towels and bathroom amenities are provided and the staff are friendly and helpful so hit them up if you need anything. There’s a spacious common room which is awesome, an epic opportunity to meet other travellers.
There are also events every evening which is another great way to meet people, they’re popular and vibey. This is one of the Bruges hostels that are close to the train station and in a great location to access the city. One thing to be aware of is that there are heaps of stairs so get those legs ready to climb in this hostel life baby!
3. Herdersbrug Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Bruges
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $128
- Address: Lodewijk Coiseaukaai 46, Dudzele, Bruges, Belgium
Newly renovated with en-suite bathrooms in each dorm, a big ol’ dining room and a lounge that overlooks the Boudewijn Canal, Herdersbrug Hostel is gorgeous. This budget hostel in Bruges may be a lil’ bit outside the city centre, but it’s good for a couple of nights! If you’ve rented a car, you’re all good though and probably saving euros.
Sure, the rooms are a bit basic (and by basic, I’m talking dorm bed full stop), but there is an option to book a private room. If you’re looking for a budget stay, this is the best cheap hostel in Bruges and I know you’re familiar with cheap travel so you’ll get it. Oh, and as a consolation, they do serve up a free brekkie.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bicycle Hire
- Free Parking
- Luggage Storage
Make the most of the distance, you can get into the bicycle rental on offer and stay fit on vacay pedal powering into town. Bike hire is a great way to save on costs and also a great way to see the sights at a slower pace, you can cruise and stop whenever you want.
The rooms here are set up to sleep up to six people in either a female-only or a male-only dorm bed set up. Or you can book one of their private rooms which sleeps up to four – great if you’re travelling with a crew! It’s all about perspective at this hostel, it’s in a great location if you lean into the distance and accept walking to the train station.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Charlie Rockets – Best Party Hostel in Bruges
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $72
- Address: Hoogstraat 19, Historic Centre of Brugge, 8000 Bruges, Belgium
The best party hostel in Bruges may also have the best hostel name in Bruges. I mean, Charlie Rockets… what even? Anyway, yeah, it’s a lively place with a 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! In the bar downstairs there are loads of games to play, a huge range of local beers, cocktails, and all that jazz. The rooms are basic, but you’re here to PARTY not sleep.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- One minute to Market Square
- Bunk Beds
- Great Hostel Vibes
Charlie Rockets Youth Hostel is an atmospheric and charming hostel in central Bruges. This is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bruges for sightseeing, you’re a five-minute walk from Market Square. They offer private and shared rooms with modern amenities, free linens, and plenty of space.
Compared to the best Bruges hostels, this is a simple hostel, but it has everything you need. There’s a sink in the rooms at Charlie Rockets Youth Hostel and they’ll store your luggage after you check out – winning! The location is great, with lots of fun bars and restaurants around the joint, perfect for keeping the party going.
5. HI Europa Brugge – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bruges
- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Private Room: From $145
- Address: Baron Ruzettelaan 143, Bruges, Belgium
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. I’ll tell you why.
It’s got lots of bright, open spaces with lots of desk space (as it’s called, otherwise I’d just call ’em tables). There are grassy gardens outside to recline in and ponder on life when you need a break from your digital nomad days. And don’t forget the on site bar a gin and tonic when the sun goes down.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Walking Distance to the Train Station
- Free Breakfast
Plug into the free wifi and get into the work, but you’ll have to charge strategically – the power outlets are few and far between here. The staff are super accommodating, so chat to them and I’m sure they’ll hook you up. Basically, the perfect location if you need to be out of the hustle of the city centre to focus but want it to still be accessible.
This is one of the best Bruges hostels, it really feels like a community here. There’s a pool table to unwind with or a ping pong table, pick your fighter. Once you’re ready to reimmerse yourself into the world, hit that train station and get yourself to Market Square.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Bruges Hostels
For when a hostel just won’t cut the mustard, I’ve got you with this small round-up of the best budget hotels in Bruges. This will mean that there is something on my list for everyone. If you want to book a romantic trip or just wanna chill in a decent hotel, there are plenty more places to stay in Bruges.
6. St Christopher’s Inn
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $49
- Address: 135-137 Langestraat, 8000 Bruges (Brugge), Bruges, Belgium
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 at St Christopher’s Inn are where it’s at. They’re clean and modern and pretty-nice-hotel quality. So, yes, this is my choice for the best hostel with a private room in Bruges.
Free walking tours are a nice plus to get to the city. They also have a happy hour at their on site bar, which makes me happy. Book into St Christopher’s Inn – Bauhaus Hostel for yourself!
7. Cosy Room in Old Town
- Private Room: From $101 (2-nights)
- Address: Brugge, Vlaanderen, Belgium
Not among one of the best Bruges hostels, this is a homestay in the historical centre of Bruges. Stay with Bridgette for an epic budget stay and an intimate insight into local life in this centrally located home. The city centre is within walking distance, about a 10-15 minute stroll to anything you’d need in town.
Bridgette will give you luggage storage if you need it after you check out, happily stashing it until you leave via the train station. The price of staying in Bridgette’s place is less than the average prices of private rooms in Bruges hostels or boutique hotels around the city. So if you feel like having your own space, skip the bunk beds and enjoy this room close to museums, shops and great restaurants.
8. Cosy Room Near Astridpark
- Private Room: From $151 (2-nights)
- Address: Brugge, Vlaanderen, Belgium
This is another one of Bridgette’s private rooms funnily enough so you’re in for another centrally located stay. Bridgette will more than likely greet you with local beer and hot tips on where to go and what to see while you’re here.
This is a studio loft room with steep steps to enter, unlimited internet access and a kitchenette in a perfect location. You’re well within walking distance of Bruges town, just a five-minute walk to Market Square. This stay just outside of the city centre could be better than a great hostel if you’re travelling with a small crew (sleeps three).
9. Lace Hotel
- Private Room: From $157
- Address: noordzandstraat 95, Historic Centre of Brugge, 8000 Bruges, Belgium
This budget hotel in Bruges is set in the historical centre of the city (I mean, which parts aren’t historic?). You’ll find it down a cobbled street with medieval churches nearby. Pretty dang scenic if you ask me.
The hotel itself is very modern, with wooden floors and big ol’ beds and some rooms even have open fireplaces – talk about stylish. This hotel caters for everybody, which means making it accessible for differently abled people. It also has a free breakfast buffet, which makes for a great start to the day.
10. Green Park Hotel Brugge
- Private Room: From $116
- Address: Chartreuseweg 20, Sint-Michiels, 8200 Bruges, Belgium
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. I’d recommend this Bruges hostel to anyone on a European road trip – it’s much easier than navigating the roads of the inner city.
11. Hostel de Passage
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. Kind of in a similar league to The Lucifernum.
I know couples love a bit of style and stuff (don’t they?) so I 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.
12. 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 good for tall people, but one of the coolest hotels in Bruges.
There’s even a little terrace to have 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, the owner’s on hand to answer any Qs too.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Bruges
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance, make sure you get yours!
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.
FAQs About Hostels in Bruges
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bruges.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for my top packing tips!
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. Prices can vary and I encourage you to maybe book somewhere for a couple of days and try hustle a deal on extending your stay.
What are the best hostels in Bruges for couples?
Hotel Adornes isn’t technically a hostel, but it’s a really sweet stay for couples to spend some time romancing. A private room is so much more accessible when you’re travelling as a couple so lap it up!
What are the best hostels in Bruges near the airport?
The airport is quite far from the city centre, so it is better to find the best place in a great location. I recommend St Christopher’s Inn just walking distance to the city centre and a 27-minute drive from the airport.
Final Thoughts on Bruges Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Bruges has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Bruges is the epitome of European charm and appeal. Just an hour and a half from its well-known cousin, Brussels – a trip to Bruges on your Belgian escapes is well worth it.
If you’re still not sure which of Bruges hostels are right for you, here is a short reminder of my favourite accommodation options. First and foremost, for my broke backpacking homies, Snuffel Hostel in Ezelstraat is my favourite hostel. It has stylish and spacious rooms, modern amenities, and excellent shared features.
A great option if you’re on the hunt for something more budget-friendly from one of Bruges hostels is St. Christophers Inn. It is close to the city centre and has everything you could possibly need from a hotel in Bruges. Namely epic service and a real sense of historic Bruges.
Wherever you decide to stay, I’m sure you’ll love Bruges, it’s such a fun, vibrant city with an incredible history. Enjoy walking along the canals and tasting all of the things.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- 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.
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