Most tourists bypass the capital of Sri Lanka altogether to head straight to isolated beaches and the emerald green hills of the country. Little do they know that Colombo is teeming with life in the form of colonial architecture, breathtaking temples, and sprawling markets.
It will be no surprise that in the crowded city squares and even in the back streets you can find a culture not often presented to travelers. Even if you decided to stay on the tourist trail, you will be wowed with all the lush gardens and museums Colombo has to offer!
With a massive city like Colombo, you will spend quite some time sorting through dodgy budget dorm rooms and proper backpackers hostels.
We made picking the perfect hostel easy with this master guide! No matter how you like to travel we have a hostel in Colombo for you!
Get ready to smell the roses or take a dip in the ocean, we are bringing you one step closer to vacationing in Colombo!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Colombo
- Best Party Hostel in Colombo – Clock Inn Dehiwala
- Best Cheap Hostel in Colombo – Drop Inn Hostels
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Colombo – Ceylon StayZ
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads In Colombo – C1 Colombo Fort

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Best Hostels in Colombo

Clock Inn Dehiwala – Best Party Hostel in Colombo

Clock Inn Dehiwala puts you right near the action with easy access to Mount Lavinia’s beaches and nightlife. This spot is all about giving you the best Colombo experience. Kick off every morning with a free breakfast before deciding where to head next. Whether it’s the beach or downtown, you’re smack bang in the middle of it all, so getting around is a breeze.
The hostel’s layout is all about space, with plenty of room to chill out. Airy common areas, a comfy lounge, balconies, and a peaceful courtyard make it the perfect spot to crack open a couple of beers before heading out or to nurse a hangover after a wild night.
Drop Inn Hostels – Best Cheap Hostel in Colombo

Drop Inn Hostels is nestled in a tranquil corner of Colombo, making it an ideal first stop in Sri Lanka. The hostel exudes a laid-back boho vibe, from the relaxed outdoor common areas to the open-air bathrooms. The dorms are cosy, and everything is kept spotlessly clean.
The family dinners are a highlight, offering a friendly atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travellers. The staff are incredibly helpful, ready to guide you through the train system and bus routes. With plenty of clean bathrooms and showers, comfort and convenience are always on hand.
Ceylon StayZ – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Colombo

Ceylon StayZ, founded by a family of wanderlusters in October 2023, is a true traveller’s oasis. Right in the heart of buzzing Colombo, where history and hospitality collide, this hostel is tucked inside a charming century-old building that oozes cosy vibes. The communal areas are perfect for meeting fellow travellers, and honestly, it’s one of the cleanest hostels you’ll find in Sri Lanka.
The area is packed with things to do—whether you’re exploring museums, chilling in lush parks, checking out art galleries, or hitting up trendy cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling with friends, Ceylon StayZ is the ideal base for your Sri Lankan adventure. The highlight for you will definitely be the Sri Lankan breakfast, it’s unbelievable!
C1 Colombo Fort – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads In Colombo

Although they may call themselves a hostel, C1 Colombo Fort gives more of a poshtel vibe. While this means you may not have crazy pub crawls and beer pong every night, you will get a good nights sleep and an extremely clean hostel! It’s perfect for digital nomads needing a base and a good night’s sleep.
There’s tons of communal spaces that can be used to bang out some work and have some R&R after a day’s work. Other than getting some peace and quiet, the location of C1 Colombo Fort is what will really make you want to stay at this hostel! Putting you right smack in the center of the action, you will be minutes from the train station, tons of cool cafes, and the famous historical sites in the city!
Colombo Beach Hostel

Although Colombo is a massive concrete jungle, let’s make sure you are not confined to the city. You will be just minutes away from feeling the sand between your toes when you check yourself into Colombo Beach Hostel!
Not only will you be escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, but the neighborhood around this backpackers hostel is also well known for their crazy bars and infamous nightlife!
It’s not just the party outside the hostel which will have you fall in love with this youth hostel, Colombo Beach Hostel also has their very own cocktail nights to make sure their backpackers never go without a drink!
Hitchhike Backpackers

At Hitchhike Backpackers, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive. The lovely lady who runs the place is a gem, always going above and beyond to make your stay special. The hostel’s got a spotless, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax. While it’s not smack bang in the city centre, it’s close to the beach, perfect for when you want to kick back.
You’re also near plenty of shops and restaurants, and just a short walk from a peaceful beach where you can grab a bite, watch the sunset, and soak up the chill atmosphere.

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Seconds Hostel – Colombo

Seconds Hostel is the only boutique hostel in Colombo’s residential area that nails the all-in-one comfort vibe. It’s got everything—a refreshing jacuzzi pool, board games, an outdoor garden, and a cracking café. You can sip on artisan homegrown coffees and teas while digging into some proper authentic Sri Lankan grub.
The location is spot on too. You’ve got a fresh fruit and veg market, grocery stores, ATMs, bus stops, pharmacies, and even police stations, all just a stone’s throw away. Cafes and local diners are right on the same block, making it super convenient.

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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Colombo
City Rest – Fort

City Rest is another backpackers hostel which gives off more of a hotel feeling. With all of the perks rolled up into this hostel, you won’t even feel like you are missing out on the party with the other backpackers!
At City Rest they have their very own cafe serving up delicious dishes, a bar where you can crack open that cold beer, lounges, and even a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the Colombo skyline!
Did we not mention you will be staying in the center of Colombo? Literally, everything will be at your fingertips while staying at City Rest! And believe us, there are no shortage of fun things to do in Colombo.
Hostel at Galle Face

Most people don’t quite take a liking to Colombo, but if you stay at Hostel at Galle Face you are sure to fall in love with the city! Located downtown, backpackers will be just minutes from all of the best historical sites, bars, and restaurants, and the fun doesn’t stop there!
Hostel at Galle Face is cozy and intimate, meaning its lounges are the perfect place to just kick-back and meet other backpackers. Needing to head out early to explore or catch your plane/flight? This backpackers hostel will have you waking up to a piping hot breakfast before setting out on your new adventure!
Colombo Lavinia Beach Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Colombo

Needing to have that perfect nights sleep and not willing to gamble having a snorer in your hostel? Why not check yourself into a private room? At Colombo Lavinia Beach Hostel they will put you up in a single room which won’t bleed your wallet! And that is just the beginning!
This backpackers hostel has homey vibes, complete with its very own outside terrace, garden, shared kitchen, and even a pool!
You may want to go ahead and cancel that flight, Colombo Lavinia Beach Hostel may have you moving to Sri Lanka for good!
What to Pack for your Colombo 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!
FAQ about Hostels in Colombo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Colombo.
How much do hostels in Colombo cost?
This all depends on whether you would prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom, or a bed in a shared dorm. Prices start at USD$9 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$11+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Colombo for couples?
Check out these ideal hostels for couples in Colombo:
Clock Inn Dehiwala
C1 Colombo Fort
What is the best hostel in Colombo near the airport?
Hitchhike Backpackers is just 4.4km from the Colombo International Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Colombo
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.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you are planning on staying downtown close to all the historical sites or are wanting to head straight to the beach, Colombo is a city with many faces meaning no two days will ever be the same!
With a rich history and vibrant culture, you could spend weeks exploring everything that Colombo has to offer!
Still don’t have your mind made up on where to stay in Colombo? We got you covered. If you are a traveler wanting that best Colombo experience possible, check yourself into Drop Inn Hostels , our pick for the best hostel in Colombo!
Pull out your guide books or layout your towel, your Colombo adventure is just a few clicks away!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Sri Lanka for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Sri Lanka covered.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
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This is such a helpful site and what you provided is wonderful. But you leave out the ELEPHANT in the room.
Sri Lanka has a difficulty with the most priceless treasure on the island, THE ELEPHANT. Apparently, the writers are unaware that the government practices ELEPHANTICIDE. And with the passage of House of Lords bill 122 the ‘low-welfare animal activities’ abroad, the horrifying perpetrations will not be advertised in the UK and N.Ireland. On the upbeat however, I will use the brokebacker for hostel recommendations. Will be there in February to document ELEPHANT.???????