If you are traveling to Scotland, there is a big chance you’ll end up in it’s largest city of Glasgow. If so, get excited for an awesome ride of epic nightlife, rich history and some of Scotland’s fienst culture and sights.
But for a big city, there aren’t many hostels in Glasgow, and they can sell out quite quickly. Which is exactly why we wrote this honest traveler review of the best hostels in Glasgow.
Like most of the UK, Glasgow is not cheap, and if you are trying to travel on a budget, you have to cut costs every chance you get.
And the best chance is by staying at hostels. Not only are hostels amazingly cheap, but the best hostels in Glasgow come loaded with freebies, and put you in proximity with other like-minded travelers.
But as mentioned, they do sell out fast.
With the help of this article, you’ll be able to see the top hostels in Glasgow, and easily pick one with the help of our categorization (more on this later).
Believe us, Glasgow will provide the fun, and we’ve provided the hostels ?
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Glasgow
- Overall Best Hostel in Glasgow – Glasgow Youth Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Glasgow – Alba Hostel Glasgow
- Best Party Hostel in Glasgow – Euro Hostel Glasgow
The 10 Best Hostels in Glasgow
How did we come up with this list of the best hostels for your stay in Glasgow?
Our ultimate goal was to make it as easy on you as possible to pick and book a hostel.
So first, we took the highest reviewed hostels on Hostel World and put them into one list. No crap hostels here, only hostels with great prices and awesome reviews so you know anywhere you pick is going to be kick ass.
Second, we conveniently split the hostels into different types to make your choice even easier. From the cheapest hostel in Glasgow to Glasgow’s best party hostel, we’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 – exploring Glasgow!
Here’s a list of the top hostels in Glasgow as reviewed by The Broke Backpacker.
Glasgow Youth Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Glasgow
The terrific facilities and sociable vibe are what make Glasgow Youth Hostel our choice for the overall best hostel in Glasgow in 2024. An awesome Glasgow backpackers hostel for solo travellers, groups of mates, and families, 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.
There are single-gender dorms and private rooms in different sizes, all with a private bathroom. There’s also free Wi-Fi at this youth hostel in Glasgow to help you stay connected.
Alba Hostel Glasgow – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Glasgow
With airport transfers, you don’t need to worry about finding a Glasgow hostel near the airport. Free parking is available too for those taking a road trip around Scotland. There are loads of sociable vibes at Alba Hostel Glasgow, just one of the reasons why we think it’s the best hostel for solo travellers in Glasgow. You can chat and chill in the spacious lounge, unwind in the outdoor seating area, and whip up a storm in the kitchen.
This family-run Glasgow backpackers hostel has bold colours, adding to the cheerful atmosphere. You’re sure to love this home from home and meet heaps of cool people here.
Euro Hostel Glasgow – Best Party Hostel in Glasgow
Euro Hostel Glasgow is a lively and hip pad in the heart of Glasgow. A clean, secure, and friendly hostel with an onsite bar, a shared kitchen, a TV lounge, 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. Want to sleep early? The night owls won’t disturb you. Laundry facilities, a tour desk, pool tables, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage make your stay at this top hostel in Glasgow more comfortable. There are mixed and ladies-only dorms in various sizes as well as private rooms for one, two, and four.
Clyde Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Glasgow #2
A friendly youth hostel in Glasgow, Clyde Hostel has everything you need for a comfortable stay … well-equipped kitchen, free tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, round-the-clock reception, a laid-back terrace, and areas where you can socialise and swap travelling tales with other guests. The low prices make it a great Glasgow backpackers hostel for budget travellers, and there are loads of great bars and restaurants close to hand. There are twin rooms as well as mixed dorms for four, ten, and 16!
Tartan Lodge – Best Cheap Hostel in Glasgow #1
The best cheap hostel in Glasgow, Tartan Lodge offers great facilities for travellers. Send hunger packing and cook up a feast in the kitchen, watch sports on the TV, and meet other urban explorers in the common areas. The housekeeping team keeps everywhere spick and span and the reception is staffed around the clock. There are lovely en-suite rooms for two and three and bright, spacious dorms for between four and 14. This recommended hostel in Glasgow and top Scottish hostel also offers Female-only dorms.
Tartan Lodge is one of our favourites in Glasgow 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.
University of Glasgow – Cairncross House – Best Cheap Hostel in Glasgow #3
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.
University of Glasgow – Cairncross House is one of our favourites in Glasgow 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 REIGlasgow Metro Youth Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Glasgow
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 who need to work while on the road, there are only single rooms here, many of which have a private bathroom.
Glasgow Metro Youth Hostel is one of our favourites in Glasgow 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.
The Best Cheap Hotels in Glasgow (one for every budget!)
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 floats your boat, here are three of the best Glasgow hostels, with a budget, mid-range, and splash-out option.
ibis Glasgow City Centre – Sauchiehall St – Best Budget Hotel in Glasgow
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. 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. Rooms are en-suite and have a TV, kettle, free Wi-Fi, and a hairdryer.
Holiday Inn Express – Glasgow – City Ctr Theatreland – Best Mid-Range Hotel in Glasgow
A top mid-range hotel in Glasgow, Holiday Inn Express – Glasgow – City Ctr Theatreland has a range of en-suite rooms, some of which are suitable for families. All rooms have a wardrobe, a kettle, a TV, and free Wi-Fi, and there’s a lift in the building. Start each day full of energy with the free buffet breakfast and enjoy top-notch facilities like an onsite restaurant-bar, business centre, luggage storage, and laundry services. The reception is staffed around the clock and the hotel is located in the bustling city centre.
Blythswood Square – Best Splurge Hotel in Glasgow
Blythswood Square is an elegant and luxurious hotel in Glasgow, ideal if you want to splurge and treat yourself to a fancy stay. Pamper yourself at the spa, complete with pools, a mud chamber, and diverse treatments. Even better, access to the spa is free in the mornings and evenings! The hotel has a sophisticated tea room as well as a grand restaurant and bar.
The decadent rooms feature marble bathrooms, comfortable beds with luxury bedding, bathrooms, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and upscale furnishings and décor. Free Wi-Fi, room service, laundry services, housekeeping, and meeting rooms add to the comfort and convenience.
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Hide Yo’ Money!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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Glasgow
For one of Europe’s biggest cities, Glasgow easily has some of the least amount of hostels (only 7 that we thought were good!). This is bad news if you are looking to travel to Glasgow on a budget and means you need to book ASAP to make sure you can still get a dorm.
Once you do – wohoo! Get ready for an awesome stay in Glasgow! The best hostels in Glasgow are sure to show you a good time, get you set up, help you meet other travelers in Glasgow, and most importantly save some money.
And remember, in case you are having a tough time picking one, you should go with Glasgow Youth Hostel – our top pick for best hostel in Glasgow 2024!
FAQ about Hostels in Glasgow
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Glasgow.
How much does a hostel cost in Glasgow?
The average price of hostels in Glasgow can range from $21 – $26+ 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?
Glasgow Youth Hostel is an ideal hostel for couples in Glasgow. It has terrific facilities and a sociable vibe.
What is the best hostel in Glasgow near the airport?
Alba Hostel Glasgow, our best hostel for solo travelers in Glasgow, is a 13-minute car ride from Glasgow Airport. It offers airport transfers, so you don’t need to worry about finding a Glasgow hostel near the airport.
Travel Safety Tips for 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!
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More Epic Hostels in Scotland and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Glasgow.
Planning an epic trip all across Scotland 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 Glasgow 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 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.
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!
