One of Italy’s lesser known cities, Genoa is an underrated backpacking destinations, and is highly recommended for any traveler looking for a one of a kind Italian experience.
Amazing history, gorgeous architecture and some top Italian cuisine make this one of Italy’s best kept secrets!
But being a smaller city, Genoa only has a handful of hostels, and they can get booked well in advance.
So to help you, we made this list of the best hostels in Genoa, Italy!
This epic guide will help you easily find an awesome hostel in Genoa, Italy, so you can be sure to book quickly and guarantee you have a spot to stay in this awesome Italian city.
With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to save time, energy, and most importantly – MONEY!
Let’s dive into the best hostels in Genoa, Italy.
Quick Answer: The 10 Best Hostels in Genoa
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Genoa – Manena Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Genoa – Hotel Genova Liberty
- Best Party Hostel in Genoa – Victoria House
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Genoa – OStellin Genova Hostel
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The 10 Best Hostels in Genoa
Are you traveling as a couple? Solo? Looking to party? Or maybe just for the cheapest bed possible?
Don’t worry, we got you.
Our ultimate list of the best hostels in Genoa is designed to help you quickly find a hostel, so you can focus on the fun stuff – traveling through italy!
Manena Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Genoa
The best hostel for solo travellers in Genoa is Manena Hostel. With a bar and cafe area, a guest kitchen and a separate common room too, there are so many opportunities to meet and mingle! If you are heading to Genoa as a solo nomad Manena Hostel is a great shout. There is a laid-back, friendly atmosphere and the place attracts a cool crowd throughout the year. Never overcrowded but always buzzing Manena Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Genoa that is perfect for people who wanna make new friends in Italy. Be sure to ask the staff for their local hints and tips on where to eat and what to do!
Hotel Genova Liberty – Best Hostel for Couples in Genoa
The best hostel for couples in Genoa isn’t really a hostel at all, rather a super lovely boutique hotel; Hotel Genova Liberty. This is probably the coolest hostel in Genoa in terms of style and design. If you and your lover want to splash the cash in Genoa then Hotel Genova Liberty is the place to do it. All the rooms have a rather ornate design and make you feel like you are staying in a palace. Rooms come with a massive double bed, private ensuite and a mini bar too. The breakfast at Hotel Genova Liberty helps give even better value for money.
Victoria House – Best Party Hostel in Genoa
Victoria House is the best party hostel in Genoa. Let it be said, Genoa is hardly a party city (unlike other major European cities that is) but if you are looking for a place to meet and mingle with a few beers, Victoria House is for you. No doubt about it, Victoria House is a top hostel in Genoa. The dorms are excellent, clean and comfortable. There is plenty of space to start a party, whether that be in the cafe, in the common room or even in the corridor! We all know the best hostel parties spill out from the dorms, into the corridor and out into town!
OStellin Genova Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Genoa
The best hostel for digital nomads in Genoa is OStellin Hostel. With free and unlimited WiFi, plenty of ‘office’ space and a relaxed feel you might never be in such a productive environment again! OStellin is an ideal budget hostel in Genoa for digital nomads as they offer a free breakfast which only adds to the epic value for money this place offers. Modern and quirky, OStellin is a much-loved youth hostel in Genoa that welcomes backpackers of all kinds, from all walks of life; it just so happens to be perfect for digital nomads too! FYI – if you’re sick of dorms you can totally treat yourself to a private room at OStellin and it won’t break the bank!
Abbey Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Genoa
The overall best hostel in Genoa is Abbey Hostel, hands down! In the 1400s the Abbey building was a convent and still retains much of its historical charm today. Don’t worry the convent rules are long gone and you are free to come and go as you please, even have a cheeky bevvy if you want! Abbey Hostel is the best hostel in Genoa in 2021 because of its homely feel. With sofas and big cosy armchairs dotted around the common room, and a decent WiFi connection too, at Abbey Hostel there is no obligation to get out during the daytimes if you don’t want. Kick back, relax, it is your home! The staff are super lovely and will help you out in any way that they can.
Castle Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Genoa
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay look no further than Castle Hostel, the best cheap hostel in Genoa. This place may be basic but it’s brilliant value for money. As the best budget hostel in Genoa Castle Hostel offers you access to the immaculately clean guest kitchen, free and unlimited WiFi and daily housekeeping too. Castle Hostel puts you right at the heart of Genoa, just a 10-minute walk from Piazza della Nunziata, 20-minute walk from Acquario di Genova; no need to fork out on taxis here! If you are looking for a really affordable Genoa backpackers hostel then Castle Hostel is the place for you.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hotels in Genoa
So, there are only 6 great hostels in Genoa so, here are some of the best hotels in Genoa instead! Perhaps you wanna tighten the purse strings or maybe totally splurge, either way, we’ve got you covered!
Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Genoa before booking your hostel.
Albergo Astro – Best Budget Hotel in Genoa
If you are looking for a great budget hostel in Genoa perhaps think about Albergo Astro. Although technically a hotel Albergo Astro is one of the most affordable and highly recommended hotels in Genoa. Breakfast may not be included in your room rate but for just €4 you can fill up on coffee, croissants and fruit galore; worth every cent! The rooms have everything you could ask for, including a safety deposit box, flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The coastal theme of the rooms is super cute and reflects the seaside nature of Genoa.
Starhotels President
Starhotels President is a super affordable hotel in Genoa that is ideal for travellers who want to give themselves a treat! Let’s stay it is the best hostel in Genoa for backpackers who want a taste of the high life! The rooms are to die for! Spacious, comfortable, many even come with a city view. Starhotels President has its own hotel bar, named La Corte Bar and Restaurant by Eataly. It’s pretty darn good! Breakfast is not included in the room rate but well worth the €11. Sets you up for the day for sure!
Cosy Little House – Best Splurge Hotel in Genoa
Should you be looking to live like a local in Genoa your best bet is to book yourself into Cosy Little House. Not exactly the best hostel in Genoa, Cosy Little House is the best rental apartment in Genoa for sure! This luxury apartment offers you free WiFi access, your own kitchen and washing machine too. The apartment can sleep up to 4 people, across 2 beds, so if you are travelling with friends and want to pool costs Cosy Little House is a great option. Means you can get posh-hostel prices but a super luxury private apartment in return! Winning!
Bigo Guest House – Best Mid-Budget Hotel in Genoa
Sitting just a 6-minute walk from Via Garibaldi and just 300m from Genova aquarium, staying at Bigo Guest House puts you right at the heart of the action. This mid-budget hotel is ideal for travelling couples, digital nomads who want a bit of privacy or solo travellers who just want some time to themselves. The staff at Bigo Guest House are super lovely and very attentive. They can point you in the right direction for social events and popular bars and clubs to help you find fellow travellers. The traditional and ornate style of Bigo Guest House will make you feel like royalty.
What to Pack for your Genoa 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 Genoa, Italy
Genoa is not one most typical Italian itineraries but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to visit.
Remember! There are only a handful of cheap properties, so if you are looking to book one of the best hostels in Genoa, do so quickly!
With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to easily find a hostel that suits your travel style and be able to book before the other backpackers do!
And remember, if you are still having a hard time picking just one hostel, we recommend going with Abbey Hostel. It’s easily one of the best hostels in Genoa.
FAQ about Hostels in Genoa
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Genoa.
How much does a hostel cost in Genoa?
The average price of hostels in Genoa can range from $23 – $24+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Genoa for couples?
Hotel Genova Liberty is a highly-rated hostel for couples in Genoa. Its rooms come with a massive double bed, private ensuite, and a mini bar too.
What is the best hostel in Genoa near the airport?
Genova City Airport is quite far from the central area, so it is usually better to find the best place in the area. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend Bigo Guest House, just a 6-minute walk from Via Garibaldi and just 300m from Genova Aquarium.
Travel Safety Tips for Genoa
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 Italy and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Genoa.
Planning an epic trip all across Italy 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 Genoa 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 Italy for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Genoa before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- 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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