Full of art museums, a load of amazing architecture, rich in history and FOOD, and definitely good for a night out (or two), Dresden is the capital city of Saxony in Germany.
The old town, completely flattened during WWII, has been restored to its former glory. Could’ve fooled us: it looks literally amazing and people flock here to enjoy the sights.
But being a popular tourist destination, isn’t this place just… filled with hotels? Is there ANYWHERE in this city a backpacker can stay without breaking the budget?
Hold up there! You can find hostels here! And we’ve sorted through the BEST hostels in Dresden and put ’em in categories to make life easy for you when you’re trying to decide what place will suit you most.
So peep our list of the top hostels in Dresden below!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Dresden
- Best Overall Hostel in Dresden – Lollis Homestay
- Best Party Hostel in Dresden – Hostel Mondpalast
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Dresden – A&O Dresden
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Dresden – Louise 20
Best Hostels in Dresden
Lollis Homestay – Best Overall Hostel in Dresden
It says it’s a homestay, and it’s not really, but it does have a very homely feeling. The staff are super nice, the place is pretty cosy, and the atmosphere is chilled. The community feel is one of the things that really make this the best overall hostel in Dresden.
We’re talkin’ free dinner on a Sunday, games evening on a Monday, mulled wine evening Tuesday (why mulled) – and Wednesday it’s a free dinner. Who knows what happens at this Dresden backpackers hostel on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but we bet it’s pretty fun. Also, there are pub crawls.
Hostel Mondpalast – Best Party Hostel in Dresden
This youth hostel in Dresden is nestled in a cool student district where you can literally hop between dozens of bars, so that’s definitely a start to being the best party hostel in Dresden. Another thing is that it’s actually ABOVE a bar anyway, which is fine by us.
And just ’cause it’s a party hostel, doesn’t mean it’s not clean. The beds are super comfy so you can flop onto ’em when you roll in a lil’ bit tipsy. It’s not exactly the coolest hostel in Dresden, but it definitely is the place to be if you wanna turn up in a lively part of town.
A&O Dresden – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Dresden
This is a branch of A&O hostels which is basically a cross a hotel and hostel (like all of them), so you can expect the private rooms here to be pretty nice but not in a majorly cool way, just pretty modern. A great place to stay in Dresden if you’ve had a few dorms too many in your travels.
There’s loads of space to get some work done, plus you can grab a drink when you’re done or a coffee to keep you going. There’s a terrace with views across the city, too. Yep, it’s simple, spacious, not loud or anything, so it’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Dresden.
Louise 20 – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Dresden
Why Louise? Why 20? We don’t know. Regardless of the name, the private rooms here are MASSIVE with loads of space for your stuff and bright windows. It’s the best hostel with a private room in Dresden, if that’s what you’re after anyway.
But it’s not all about just sitting in your big ol’ room. Nope. ‘Cause this place has a pretty nice atmosphere down in the bar. Plus the staff are friendly who will do nice things like lend an umbrella on a rainy day. Even though it’s located in poppin’ Neustadt (nightlife central), the hostel is quiet and you’ll get a decent night’s sleep.
Guesthouse Mezcalero – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Dresden
It’s located in the centre of the city, just a 2 min stroll to historic sights and pretty much in the middle of an area that’s good for nightlife. This top hostel in Dresden is in an old building with old wooden beams and cool wooden floors, so there’s a bit of character going on here.
But this is the best hostel for solo travellers in Dresden not because its decor (obviously), but because the staff are super friendly and help to make a really welcoming vibe. There’s a bar downstairs. It’s Mexican themed, maybe you could tell from the name, but it’s a nice place to drink and meet other peeps staying here.
Guesthouse Mezcalero is one of our favourites in Dresden but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
4 Lions Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Dresden
4 Lions is a family run Dresden backpacker hostel. It’s not exactly in the centre of town (I mean, it’s pretty far out, and I really mean FAR), but it’s great for exploring the surrounding countryside and getting to know more about local life around Dresden.
This is the best cheap hostel in Dresden, probably something to do with it being really far from the city – BUT it’s really well connected with public transport. Close to the station, it’s a 35 min train ride to get to the city, which is fine by us. If you like hiking or rock climbing you’ll probably like this budget hostel in Dresden.
4 Lions Hostel is one of our favourites in Dresden but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
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View on Osprey View on REIKangaroo Stop – Best Hostel for Couples in Dresden
If you’re travelling around with your partner (or just havin’ a long weekend in the city) you should definitely check out this best hostel for couples in Dresden. Why is it so good for couples? It’s in a quiet area of town so you can explore a more authentic side of Dresden with its parks and bars and local streets.
You can hop on the tram to travel around the city but it’s just a 15 min walk to the historical downtown area. 5 mins to the lovely bar area that’s also got loads of shops. This top hostel in Dresden definitely suits couples who like to really get into a city we’d say.
Best Budget Hotels in Dresden
There aren’t a whole load of hostel choices in Dresden. But that’s fine. If there ain’t one on our list that takes your fancy, don’t worry – we found a few of the best budget hotels in Dresden for you to check out. Plus sometimes you just can’t stand the thought of sharing a dorm with dozens of people, we understand that totally. Anyway, here they are.
Cityherberge
If you’re travelling to Dresden by car on a lil’ road trip, you’ll be pleased to know there’s plenty of parking available at Cityhergerge. Plus being just 10 mins from the beach really makes this budget hotel in Dresden a great choice for summer.
What really makes us very interested in this place is its big free breakfast, which is great after a sleep in the big comfy beds upstairs. The professional staff are always on hand to help out. Different room choices available: the most budget has a shared bathroom but if you’re used to hostels anyway that’s FINE.
Ibis Dresden Bastei
It’s a Ibis. You know Ibis. They’re quite standard and decent budget hotels. So you know what you’re getting yourself into. Basic, modern rooms, there’s also a nice modern lobby to hang out in, plus the obligatory buffet breakfast zone, which is where you’ll find us every morning for at least an hour (not included – boo).
This budget hotel in Dresden is super close to the train station, nice and convenient, and it’s also a short walk to the old town. So location wise it’s pretty cool. It’s actually located on a shopping street – feat. tram, nice food, shops (duh) and other agreeable establishments.
Intercity Hotel Dresden
A little bit of class when it comes to a budget hotel in Dresden, but it looks like an office. It’s a business hotel. But that means it’s convenient for suits and you’ll get a certain standard of service and amenities. The rooms come with a FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASS. Dang.
This place literally overlooks the railway station (’cause a business person doesn’t wanna lug their lil’ suitcase through the city, now do they?) and it’s also got a bar and restaurant that cater to different dietary requirements if that’s a thing for you. Live like a lord and treat yoself to room service.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Dresden 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 Dresden
And with that, we come to the end of our list of the best hostels in Dresden.
There’s a decent selection! We’re talking from places set in more residential areas, to those with bars galore literally on the doorstep.
We think there’s something for everyone on our list so we hope you’ll find something that suits you!
But if you don’t fancy a Dresden backpackers hostel, we also sorted through some of the best budget hostels in Dresden so you can decide between a budget dorm stay or something with a lil’ more class.
Still can’t decide on a place after all that? Well, don’t you worry.
We’d recommend booking Lollis Homestay, the best overall hostel in Dresden and a good choice for pretty much anybody!
All you have to do now is get ready to explore this fun, historic city…
FAQ about Hostels in Dresden
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Dresden.
How much does a hostel cost in Dresden?
On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect price starts from $19 and $20+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Dresden for couples?
Kangaroo Stop is in a quiet area of town, so you and your partner can explore a more authentic side of Dresden with its parks, bars, and local streets.
What are the best hostels in Dresden 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 Lollis Homestay, the best overall hostel in Dresden and just a 17-minute drive from the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Dresden
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!
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More Epic Hostels in Germany and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Dresden.
Planning an epic trip all across Germany 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 Dresden has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Dresden is a great city and definitely one of the coolest in Germany.
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 Germany for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Dresden 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!
