If you’re travelling to Scotland, it’s more than likely you’ll end up in the country’s largest city… Glasgow! If you do have your sights set on this glorious city, you’re in for a bloody ride – from epic nightlife to rich history and culture, the Scots have done well with this one.
Whether you’re up for diving into Victorian history, hanging out in the city’s green spaces or just enjoying few too many pints – there is a lot to love about Glasgow.
However, there are a couple of elements that make budget backpacking in Glasgow challenging. First of all, it’s in the UK – so in general, it’s not a cheap place to visit. And to make matters more challenging, there aren’t many hostels to choose from either!
But never fear, fellow backpackers, I’ve pulled through with this ULTIMATE guide to the best hostels and budget stays in the city. With the help of this rather helpful article, you’ll be able to see the top hostels in Glasgow, and easily pick the one that is best for you.
So, let’s get down to business.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Glasgow
- Best Overall Hostel in Glasgow – Glasgow Youth Hostel
- Best Hostel in Glasgow for Solo Travellers – Glades House
- Best Cheap Hostel in Glasgow – Safestay Glasgow Charing Cross
- Best Party Hostel in Glasgow – Revolver Hotel
The 4 Best Hostels in Glasgow
Below you’ll find the ultimate list of where to stay in Glasgow for us Broke Backpackers. From the cheapest hostel in Glasgow to the best party hostel, I’ll help you to have the best stay in the vibrant Scottish city.
This will make it even easier for you to find a hostel you like, so you can book it and focus on the fun stuff – like exploring Glasgow! So, let’s get into it.
1. Glasgow Youth Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Glasgow
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $37
- Private Room: From $99
- Address: 7/8 Park Terrace, Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
The epic facilities and sociable vibes are what make Glasgow Youth Hostel my choice for the overall best hostel in Glasgow. A Glasgow backpackers hostel for solo travellers, groups of mates, and families. Although it is a “youth” hostel, this hostel welcomes travellers of all ages.
You can make the most of the kitchen and cut costs with some DIY dining, or take the easy way and let someone else cook for you in the onsite restaurant. Chill in the TV room, have fun in the games room and take care of the essentials with the laundry facilities.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Welcoming to all travellers
- Great common spaces
- Laundry facilities
- Kitchen
There are single-gender dorms and private rooms of different sizes, all with a private bathroom. There’s also free Wi-Fi at this youth hostel in Glasgow to help you stay connected.
This hostel is a bit far from the city centre – however, it is in a beautiful part of Glasgow (near a supermarket, park, and great dining options) and still very accessible to everything. So that location shouldn’t be an issue 🙂 You’ll love this top-rated Scottish hostel.
2. Glades House – Best Hostel in Glasgow for Solo Travellers
- Private Room: From $332 (4-night stay)
- Address: 142 Albert Road Crosshill, South, Glasgow, G42 8UF, United Kingdom
Glades House offers great facilities for solo travellers in the UK. Send hunger packing and cook up a feast in the kitchen, and meet other urban explorers in the common areas. The housekeeping team keeps everywhere spick and span and the reception staff are incredibly welcoming.
This budget stay is a mix between a hostel and a guest house. There are dorm rooms available for those on a tight budget but there are also cosy private rooms too. This hostel is perfect for solo travellers who may be missing that sense of home (it’s the tartan carpets for me).
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great common spaces
- Homely vibe
- Fully-equipped kitchen
- Laundry facilities
The guest house is just a block from the train station, so it’s easily accessible. The beds are ridiculously comfortable, and paired with the fact the house is in a quiet area – you’re in for a bloody great sleep.
The hosts are incredibly welcoming from the moment you arrive. If you’re looking for a home away from home in Glasgow, you’ll find it at Glades House.
3. Safestay Glasgow Charing Cross – Best Cheap Hostel in Glasgow
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $67
- Address: 25-27 Elmbank Street, Glasgow, Scotland
A friendly youth hostel in Glasgow, Clyde Hostel has everything you need for a comfortable stay… It’s clean, relatively central (everything you need is within walking distance), and the staff is friendly. It’s also close to a bus stop that can take you further afield if you are looking to go on day trips from Glasgow.
The low prices make it a great Glasgow backpackers hostel for travellers heading to the city on a shoestring budget There are double rooms, family rooms, and mixed dorms, so there is room for all types of travellers here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Good location
- Private & dorm rooms are available
- Lockers for rent
- Great price
- Close to some of the best places to visit in Glasgow.
If you’re on a budget, this hostel is fab. However, there isn’t a social vibe to the place – so if you’re down to meet a heap of new travel buddies, this may not be the best place for you.
There also isn’t a kitchen, so you may have to get creative with a kettle and microwave if you also want to save a few bucks on eating out. Otherwise, you may be spending those pennies saved on a few meal deals a day!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Revolver Hotel – Best Party Hostel in Glasgow
- Dorm (mixed): From $38
- Private Room: From $82
- Address: 62 virginia st, Glasgow, Scotland
Revolver is a lively and hip pad in the heart of Glasgow. A clean, secure, and friendly hostel with a bar/ club downstairs, a shared kitchen, and a chill-out room, it’s the best party hostel in Glasgow. Wanna party out late in Glasgow? There’s a spot for you.
The location (close to the bus and train stations, restaurants, bars, and river Clyde), the friendly, staff, and the decor of the hostel are such a vibe. Plus, the 24/7 reception, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage make your stay at this top hostel in Glasgow more comfortable.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bar and nightclub downstairs
- Vibey decor
- Friendly staff
- 24/7 Reception
If you’re heading to Glasgow to get a good night’s sleep and recharge, this is NOT the place for you. Being above a nightclub has its perks if you’re a night owl looking for a banger of a time, but is less than ideal if you need a good night’s kit.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Budget Stays in Glasgow
As mentioned, sometimes the hostels above do get booked. Or maybe you just fancy staying in a hotel. Regardless, if none of these Glasgow hostels really float your boat, here are some of the best Glasgow budget stays.
5. Argyll Guest House
- Private Room: From $147
- Address: 970 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Scotland
If you’re a bit over the hostel life and want to step up in the budget backpacker world, the next step is often a guest house. And Argyll Guest House is one of the best budget stays that Glasgow has to offer! It is a 3-star guest house that has a cosy vibe to it.
The staff are helpful and friendly, making you feel at home from the moment you arrive. In a fab location, the guest house is based on Sauciehall Street (by Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum). You can take your pick of a single, double, twin or triple room – these guys cater to all different travel groups. Whether you’re in Glasgow for the weekend, or longer – this is a great pot to perch up.
6. The Z Hotel Glasgow
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: 36 North Frederick Street, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G1 2BS, United Kingdom
Calling all you boujee backpackers out there, I think you’ll LOVE this budget hotel. It’s got luxury vibes at a fraction of the cost. The rooms are modern and spacious, the bed is very comfy and clean – what more could you ask for? Well, I can think of a few other things if I haaaaad to – maybe a delicious breakfast? Great location? Free tea and coffee? Yep, Z Hotel provides it all (and more).
The staff are amazing. The prices are incredible value for money. If you’re a budget backpacker with a little more cash to spend (or just need a night off the hostel life), this is a bloody great place to stay.
7. Glasgow Emo
- Private Room: From $54
- Address: 3 gateside rd, Glasgow, G78 1EW, United Kingdom
Another banger of a budget stay, Glasgow Emo pulls through for travellers looking for a private room in a simple but lovely guest house. The property has huge big windows, and gets a ton of natural light (I’m a sucker for natural light). The home is homely, comfy and modern – it’s the ideal home away from home.
The house is just outside of town, but is close to train stations and buses to get you into the city centre (or wherever else you want to explore!) The train takes about 20 minutes to get to the centre, where you’ll find most of the best things to do in Glasgow.
8. ibis Glasgow City Centre – Sauchiehall St
- Private Room: From $74
- Address: 220 West Regent Street, Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow, G2 4DQ, United Kingdom
The clean and modern Ibis Glasgow City Centre – Sauchiehall St is situated in the heart of Glasgow city centre, close to shopping hotspots, cultural attractions, and many restaurants and bars. Just 10 minutes walk from Glasgow Central Railway Station you’ll have easy access to explore the city (and beyond).
There’s an onsite restaurant for complete convenience and there’s no need to worry about getting the midnight munchies—there’s a 24-hour snack bar too! Guests can enjoy full use of the gym and sauna in the neighbouring hotel.
We all know the Ibis is known as a more affordable hotel chain, but for us budget backpackers, this place will feel like the bloody Ritz. If you feel like splashing out on the hotel life for a night or two, the Ibis in Glasgow is a great shout.
9. Glasgow Metro Youth Hostel
A seasonal youth hostel in Glasgow, Glasgow Metro Youth Hostel is open for business between June and August. It sits in a peaceful residential area, offering plenty of local vibes, yet is just a short walk from Glasgow city’s action.
Guests can use the communal kitchen, surf the net with the free Wi-Fi, do laundry, and play on the Wii. Key card access adds to your peace of mind. A top hostel in Glasgow for introverted travellers or those digital nomads who need to work while on the road, there are only single rooms here, many of which have a private bathroom.
10. University of Glasgow – Cairncross House
With single and twin rooms, University of Glasgow – Cairncross House is a top cheap hostel in Glasgow for solo travellers and BFFs who value their privacy. Each modern room has a sink, a desk, and a wardrobe, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel.
Guests can save money by preparing their own meals in the kitchen and there’s a common area with a TV and pool tables, laundry facilities, and a tour desk to help you make the most of your time in Glasgow. There are heaps of restaurants, cafes, and bars close to this recommended hostel in Glasgow.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Glasgow
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 Glasgow.
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 Glasgow
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Glasgow.
What to Pack for your Glasgow 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 Glasgow?
The average price of hostels in Glasgow can range from $23 – $35+ 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 Glasgow for couples?
The Z Hotel Glasgow is an ideal budget stay for couples in Glasgow. Although it’s not a dorm, it’s probably cheaper for you to book a room between you both than two beds in a hostel. It’s modern and feels like you’re flashpacking. Plus, they do a damn good breakfast!
Where can I book a hostel for Glasgow?
Plan your trip the right way and head over to Hostelworld for a place to stay. Seriously though, that’s where you’ll find all the best deals!
Final Thoughts on Glasgow’s Hostels
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Glasgow has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! I know there aren’t too many hostels to choose from, but those that are on offer are bloody good bang for your buck.
If you’re down to party, you have to book in at Revolver Hotel – you’ll be in for one hell of a night. But if you’re feeling like it’s time to chill out a bit in a social but mellow hostel, Glasgow Youth Hostel is probably the one for you.
If I’m to leave you with one piece of advice, it’s to book your hostel early. As there aren’t many to choose from, they can book out pretty fast! Especially in the high season.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in UK for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Glasgow covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Glasgow if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Glasgow before you arrive.
- 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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