Gibraltar is without a doubt the hottest part of the United Kingdom. That’s right! The British Territory is just a few miles North of the African coast, which means it has gorgeous weather pretty much every day of the year. This is certainly the number one reason people come to Gibraltar.
Not only that, but Gibraltar is steeped in culture and history, blessed with stunning scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. It is also an animal lover’s dream, with a rich and amazing sea life, hundreds of different species of birds, and of course, we simply can’t forget about the Barbary apes monkeys – the most famous residents.
Staying in Gibraltar doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. The truth is, there aren’t that many hostels in Gibraltar you can choose from, BUT a private room in an Airbnb is just as affordable and even more luxurious. WHAT! Did we just say that? It’s true! Read on to learn more.
What to Expect from Hostels in Gibraltar
Hostels in Gibraltar tend to be laid-back and quiet. What we love about hostels is that they bring like-minded travelers together where you can enjoy the city together. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to look for hostels that are centrally-located, so it’s easy to commute or even walk to the many of the top tourist attractions. This way you don’t need to spend a lot of money on transportation
When it comes to booking a hostel, we always go to our trusted Hostelworld. HOSTELWORLD is the best place to search for and book hostels as it has a tonne of options to choose from. By reading through guests feedback, you can make sure to find a hostel that suits your needs.
But hold the phone, before you go swiping through Hostelworld, there are a couple things you should know.
Firstly, which area of Gibraltar should I be staying in? Well aren’t you full of great questions! Go get yourself a cookie. The best area to stay in Gibraltar will largely depend on your reason for visiting. If you’re looking to bask on the glorious beach all day and catch some rays, you might want to stay on the Eastern side which is closer to the popular beaches. But, if you’re a culture buff, then you’ll want to stay on the Western side closer to the town center and all the main attractions.
Secondly, what kind of accommodation do you need? In Gibraltar, there are only a few hostels to choose from, so you might need to look into an Airbnb if you want to meet other travelers and have a hostel-like experience.
In Gibraltar, there are many types of places to stay; party places, quiet places, cheap places, luxury spaces, places more suitable to long-term guests, spaceship places…ok, we may have made the last one up. But you get the picture, if you want to party all night you can find a place for that. If you want a good night’s rest, sure, you can find that too! But the best way to find out what the vibe is really like, check out those recent reviews on Hostelworld or Airbnb to see what other guests are saying.
The great news for us travellers is, hostels in Gibraltar are reasonably priced. If you’d like to save money, it’s best to book dorm rooms. Dorms can either be same-sex or mixed, and it will usually state in the property description how many beds in a room.
But heed this warning; we would recommend choosing a room with less than 10 beds, just so you can be sure to have a peaceful night’s sleep. Look for dorm rooms that come with security lockers too, these are great for keeping your things safe. If you prefer to have the whole room to yourself, you can book private rooms. They cost a bit more but you can never put a price on peace of mind.
What are the usual prices of hostels in Gibraltar?
- Dorms – from $40 to $60
- Private rooms – from $70 to $100
Best Hostels in Gibraltar
Emile Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Gibraltar
If you’re looking for the best hostel in Gibraltar for its price to comfortability ratio, you shouldn’t look any further than Emile Hostel. It’s within walking distance to Gibraltar’s top tourist attractions such as the Main Street, Orange Bastion, Wellington Front, the Promenade, and Casemates Square.
It’s also within close proximity to the shopping areas, a wide array of top-notch restaurants, pubs, and supermarkets. You can get whatever you need within walking distance.
If it’s your first time in Gibraltar, no sweat, the hostel’s friendly staff are more than happy to assist guests who need recommendations on where to go and what activities to do while in the area. They can arrange excursions in nearby areas, such as Morocco and Spain, though it’s best to scout around companies to get the best prices.
The hostel also has luggage storage facilities so should you want to continue sightseeing after check out, you can simply leave your luggage in their secured luggage area and enjoy the sites without lugging around a big, heavy backpack with you.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bicycle parking
- Outdoor terrace
- Café on-site
The hostel offers dorms for those traveling on a budget, as well as single rooms and double rooms, for those who value privacy and are willing to shell out extra. If you’re really looking to save money, you can buy ingredients from the local supermarket and cook using the hostel’s fully-equipped kitchen.
There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and an on-site café that is perfect for digital nomads wanting to sit down and do some work with a hot meal and snacks at an affordable price. And, if you want to cycle around Gibraltar’s beautiful sights there is secure bicycle parking provided, though you’ll need to rent your own bike.
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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!Other Budget Accommodations in Gibraltar
Aside from hostels, Gibraltar’s rental properties won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The hotels and Airbnb rentals are not only affordable, but they also provide a little more convenience and amenities that you might not find at your hostel
Private room in the centre – Most Affordable Airbnb in Gibraltar
If you’re on a strict budget, this is one of the cheapest private rooms in the area. This centrally-located private room is close to all your basic amenities such as supermarkets and restaurants, where you can either shop for your own supplies and cook in the apartment’s fully-equipped kitchen, or quickly grab a bite to eat nearby.
The room has access to a balcony where you can sit and sip your morning coffee while watching the locals go about their daily business. It’s the best place to relax after a day of excursions. The property is also in close proximity to the Rock of Gibraltar.
The reason guests love this place is they can have access to clean shared shower rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge, and of course, the balcony.
Luxury spa studio – Airbnb with a Pool/Jacuzzi in Gibraltar
If you are traveling to Gibraltar on business and would like to stay in a place which has additional amenities that can help you relax, this luxury spa studio apartment is perfect. It’s close to the World Trade Center and is only a five-minute walk to Main Street where there is a myriad of shops, restaurants, and bars. You can easily grab a meal and enjoy a few drinks after a long and tiring day.
The apartment is located in one of Gibraltar’s most luxurious residential complexes. Guests have access to spa facilities such as the Jacuzzi, steam room, Turkish bath, and sauna for an additional £10. The outdoor pool costs an extra £10 per card too. The spa and the pool are perfect if you’d like to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Do take note that spa facilities are dependent on the weather.
The kitchen is equipped to prepare light meals and the balcony is the perfect place to sip your morning coffee and have your first meal of the day. Wi-Fi is available in the studio and there is a washing machine to ensure you always have clean clothes.
Private room in Ocean Village apt – Epic Airbnb for Digital Nomads in Gibraltar
If you need to work while traveling, then you’ll likely need somewhere with fast, reliable WiFi and a quiet setting to concentrate on your work. . Well, this private room in an apartment in Gibraltar has a dedicated workspace in the room, so you can set about your work in a comfortable setting with a strong WiFi connection.
But we all know what they say, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. If you are done with your tasks for the day, you can take a dip in the shared outdoor heated pool in the complex, as well as work out in the nearby gym at discounted rates.
Located near Casemates Square, the property is close to local attractions, so you should take the opportunity to explore them while you’re there. Casemates Square offers a multitude of restaurants and bars where you can sample local dishes, grab a few drinks, and meet new people. One more thing that you will love about the room is that it is only a 15-minute walk from the airport, so you don’t have to spend too much on transportation.
Studio in the centre – Best Airbnb for Solo Travellers in Gibraltar
Located in the heart of town, this Airbnb in Gibraltar is perfect for people who are traveling alone and don’t need too much space or want to spend a lot of money on accommodation. Located within Main Street, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Gibraltar.
The apartment is close to everything. Name it, and you will be able to get to it within walking distance. You can have satisfying meals, a few drinks, and perhaps even splurge a bit in the shops. If you fancy trying your luck in a game of cards or Russian roulette, you can go to the nearby casino.
The bus stop is just a few minutes away, which is a cheap and easy commute to all the nearby tourist attractions. As an added bonus, the airport is quite near too.
What to Pack for your Gibraltar 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!
Gibraltar Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Gibraltar cost?
Private rooms in hostels range from $70 to $100 while the price of dorm rooms ranges from $40 to $60 per night.
What are the best hostels in Gibraltar for couples?
With an exceptional well equipped apartment, CP luxury studio is the best accommodation to stay in with your partner. The local host is very accommodating, the location is spot on and there’s even a fitness centre! That is if you still have energy with all the buzzling activities that you can do!
What is the best hostel in Gibraltar near the airport?
Emile Hostel may be the only hostel in the area but it’s also just a few meters away from Gibraltar International Airport. It’s strategically located in the city center where beaches, parks, restaurant is within reach.
Travel Safety Tips for Gibraltar
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.
Final Thoughts
As a place full of sun, sand and silly monkeys, it’s no wonder why Gibraltar welcomes millions of visitors each year.
If you’d like to be one of those visitors, you should start scrolling through the hostel recommendations and get planning!. After all, memorable vacations just don’t happen by accident.
So, what’s our favourite? We personally like Emile Hostel. It’s centrally located so you are near the most famous tourist attractions, pubs, restaurants, and other amenities that will make your stay comfortable.
Do you have a favourite hostel in Gibraltar? Let us know in the comments!
- Check out the best places to stay in Gibraltar before you arrive.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in the UK too.
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking in the UK.
- For adventurers check out the best national parks of the UK
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!
