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Genoa might not have the fame of Rome or Milan, but it’s hands-down one of Italy’s hidden backpacker gems. This city’s got centuries-old architecture, secret alleyways, and an unmistakable charm that feels worlds away from the tourist mobs.
And let’s not forget, you’ll be knee-deep in some of Italy’s best food – expect to leave a few pounds heavier from all the pasta and gelato alone.
Being a smaller city, Genoa’s hostel options are limited and fill up fast. To make sure you snag a spot, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best hostels in Genoa.
Checking out this guide should hopefully save you time, energy, and – most importantly – cash. Because let’s face it—the sooner you lock in a place to stay, the sooner you can dive into the good stuff, like museum-hopping and eating your weight in that sweet ‘ol focaccia.
Are you ready? Let’s get this hostel hunt started.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Genoa
- Best Overall Hostel in Genoa – Ostello Bello Genova
- Best Hostel in Genoa for Solo Travellers – Victoria House Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Genoa – Manena Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Genoa – Marathon Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Genoa – OStellin Genova Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Genoa
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Genoa’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into city adventures without wasting time.
1. Ostello Bello Genova – Best Overall Hostel in Genoa
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $181
- Address: 38, Via Balbi, Genoa, Italy
Ostello Bello Genova doesn’t just bring the party; it practically is the party. This spot has all the buzz and action you need without ever stepping outside. Think nightly social events, a massive backpacker crowd, an arcade game zone, and chill spaces galore to make pals in no time. Plus, the bar’s always lively, especially when it’s game day. Trust me, this is one hostel in Italy you don’t want to miss out on.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily Events Held
- A PROPERLY Equipped Kitchen
- Always Buzzing
As for value, this place absolutely delivers. A properly equipped kitchen—free veggies, pasta, and all the essentials to cook up a feast like you’ve never seen before. Seriously, kitchens like this are a rare find!
Rooms are spotless, bathrooms modern, and they’ve even thrown in a small gym for a quick workout sesh. Right next to the train station, it’s perfectly placed for anyone backpacking Europe on an interrail pass. It’s a decent walk from the city centre so make sure you have some comfy shoes on you! This place is huge and buzzing, with something always going on. If you dig that vibe then you’ll dig Ostello Bello Genova.
2. Victoria House Hostel – Best Hostel in Genoa for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Address: Via Gropallo, 4, Interno 11, Genoa, Italy
This place nails the cosy, home-away-from-home vibe like no other hostel out there. It’s all about the community here—feels more like staying with mates than just booking a bed. The crew here’s fantastic, and the communal spirit makes meeting incredible people from all over the world a given. There are comfy common areas perfect for kicking back, striking up chats, and feeling right at home in no time.
Why you’ll love this:
- Family Vibes!!
- Tons of Communal Spaces
- Walking Tours
Breakfast is included, so there’s an easy start to the socialising, plus they offer a free walking tour around the city. The staff know their stuff and are all about helping you get the best out of Genova. They’ll happily spill their insider tips, so make sure you pick their brains!
The spot’s also ideal for beach-goers and city explorers alike—close to both the bus and train lines, a decent stroll from the city’s highlights, and right by Brignole for easy day-tripping to and from Milan. The kitchen’s well-stocked, making DIY dinners a breeze. Showers are on the snug side, but they’re spotless. And the dorms? Cosy with good vibes all around, and you might even score a balcony with a killer city view.
3. Manena Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Genoa
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Address: Vico alla Chiesa della Maddalena 9/1, Genoa, Italy
With a bar, café area, guest kitchen, and a separate common room, Manena Hostel is a solo traveller’s dream in Genoa. This place is all about laid-back vibes and friendly faces, attracting a cool crowd year-round. Don’t forget to tap into the staff’s local know-how—they’ve got the scoop on where to eat and what to see! It’s within walking distance of Palazzo Bianco, putting you right in the heart of Genoa’s historic centre.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Chill but Social
- Friendly Staff
If you’re looking to stretch your euros, this is one of the cheapest Genoa hostels. Plus, they throw in a free breakfast to make the deal even sweeter. The fully equipped kitchen is your best friend for keeping those food costs down. Just a heads-up: there’s no AC during the summer, but for the price, it’s hard to complain. The cooler months won’t be an issue in Genoa, though.
It’s a small setup with just two dorm rooms, but everything feels spacious—beds and bathrooms included. You won’t be crammed in like sardines here. Manena Hostel strikes the perfect balance of being buzzing without being overcrowded, making it ideal for anyone eager to forge new friendships while backpacking through Italy. It’s all about that community spirit, exactly what you need on your travels!
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View on Osprey4. Marathon Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Genoa
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Address: Via degli Archi 1, Genoa, Italy
Weekends at Marathon Hostel are a proper blast. The bar is always buzzing, and its great location means you can easily dive into the city’s nightlife once you’ve warmed up. Foodies will be in heaven here, with heaps of cafés and amazing foodie spots just around the corner.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- On-site Bar
- Stylishly Designed
This place is massive—150 beds strong—so you’ll definitely find a bunch of like-minded backpacking ready to get involved in a party. Plus, there’s an exclusive pub featuring the longest monumental bar in Europe. Seriously, you’re sleeping right inside a historical monument, surrounded by Art Deco and industrial vibes from the 1920s and 30s. Pretty damn cool if you ask me.
The facilities are clean, with large windows in the rooms for fresh air, and the showers boast great water pressure and temperature. There are multiple spots for stashing your luggage in the room, and the gym is a handy bonus. The dorm beds are clean and modern, equipped with lights, plugs, and curtains, ensuring you can recharge in peace after a wild night out.
5. OStellin Genova Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Genoa
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $75
- Address: Vico dei Parmigiani 1/3, Genoa, Italy
For digital nomads in Genoa, OStellin Genova Hostel is the ultimate spot. With free, unlimited WiFi and plenty of ‘office’ spaces, you might just find the most productive environment of your life here. The vibe strikes a perfect balance between chill and social, allowing you to mingle without the chaos of a full-on party.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Historic Building
- Chill but Social
This hostel is a real gem, boasting stunning design elements like old fireplaces and ceiling frescoes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into an Italian classic. It’s not just a pretty face—everyone here, from the staff to the guests, is friendly and always in good spirits. Nestled right in the heart of the historic centre next to Palazzo Bianco, you’ll find bakeries and restaurants galore, and if you need a change of scenery, there are loads of spots to set up your temporary office.
A free breakfast keeps you fuelled in the morning and they even offer pretty cheap laundry services. If you’re kicking it back in Genoa for a while then OStellin Genova Hostel is the perfect base. The staff are welcoming, the rooms are clean, and the lower bunks come with curtains for that extra touch of privacy. Modern and quirky, OStellin is a much-loved hostel which is perfect for backpackers and nomads alike in this Italian hidden gem. FYI – if you’re sick of dorm beds you can totally treat yourself to a private room at OStellin and it won’t break the bank!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Genoa Hostels
So, now that I’ve talked about the best, let’s talk about the rest! (Of the best). These are some more picks from the top Genoa hostels to rest your weary head at when exploring the city. I’ve even thrown in a couple of budget stays for good measure! Thank me later.
Home Genoa Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Address: Via Gropallo, 4, int 11 (ring 11), terzo piano (third floor, Via Gropallo, 4/11a, Genoa, Italy
Home Genoa Hostel is a solid choice for anyone looking for a relaxed atmosphere. The staff are friendly and make it feel safe like you’re crashing at a mate’s place rather than a hostel. The people are also super friendly and chatty, making for the perfect hostel experience. It’s a definitely social vibe with a nice common area and one of the best kitchens I’ve used in a hostel.
There are also comfy dorms, a tasty free brekky and amazing showers with good water pressure—which is basically the holy trinity of hostel living. Location-wise, it’s conveniently close to the city centre and the train station, so you can easily explore all that Genoa has to offer. If you’re looking for a cosy spot that feels like home without breaking the bank, this place is worth checking out.
Albergo Astro
- Private Room: From $58
- Address: Via XX Settembre 3/21, 16121 Genova, Italy
If you are looking for a great budget stay in Genoa perhaps think about Albergo Astro. Although it’s not a hostel, Albergo Astro is one of the most affordable Genoa hotels—because we all know how expensive Italy can get. If you’re travelling with a pal or partner it might even be cheaper to do this option. And let’s be real—we all need a break from hostel living sometimes. 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 coastal theme of the rooms is super cute and reflects the seaside nature of Genoa and I absolutely dig it.
Cosy Little House
- Private Room: From $259 (2-night stay)
- Address: 12 Vico degli Indoratori, 16123 Genova, Italy
If you’re rolling into Genoa with your mates and fancy living like a local, Cosy Little House is where it’s at. This spacious gem sits in a 16th-century building and fits up to four people, so you get way more room than any hostel—for about the same price. The apartment has all the essentials, from tea and coffee to tourist maps and tips from your local host.
The apartment includes free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and essentials like tea, coffee, and tourist maps. Guests also benefit from local insights provided by the host. Centrally located in Genoa’s historic district, the apartment is across from a popular craft beer bar. What more could you want?! For a classic, cosy Italian apartment experience right in the old town, Cosy Little House is a winner.
Abbey Hostel
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, you can even have a cheeky bevvy if you want! One of the highlights of this place is the super homely feel. With sofas and big cosy armchairs dotted around the common room, it has a decent WiFi connection and all the things you need to kick back and relax. The staff are super lovely and will help you out in any way that they can, including some solid food and bar recommendations in the local area.
Castle Hostel
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay look no further than Castle Hostel. This nice hostel may be basic but it’s brilliant value for money. It 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 short walk from Palazzo Rosso, Piazza della Nunziata and a 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.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Genoa
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to 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.
FAQs About Hostels in Genoa
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Genoa hostels.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Genoa?
The average price of Genoa hostels can range from $23 – $24+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than hostel prices for dorm beds.
What are the best things to do in Genoa?
It’s hard to narrow down what makes Genoa so damn charming. My top to-do’s would be to stroll UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, wander the maze-like old town, or catch the view from Spianata di Castelletto. For food, grab focaccia and farinata at the local markets and let the city’s hidden spots surprise you.
What are the best Genoa hostels for students?
For students, Genoa has a good choice of hostels that balance social vibes and a chilled-out atmosphere well. OStellin Genova Hostel offers a central location in a classic building with plenty of workspace and a chilled atmosphere, perfect for balancing study and travel.
Final Thoughts on Genoa’s Hostels
Genoa’s a city that deserves every bit of attention on your Italian itinerary, especially if you’re after a place with heart, history, and a serious food scene.
With the right hostel as your base, you’ll be set to explore every winding alley, historic piazza, and local eatery this hidden gem has to offer.
Still unsure on where to stay? My fave is Ostello Bello Genova by far. The social scene is off the charts here and with a central location and insane amenities, it’s a no-brainer for me.
Happy travels, and buon appetite! If you find any insider spots not on my radar, drop me a comment—I’m ALWAYS down to try the next best foodie spot.
- 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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