Known for its maritime history and top-notch nightlife, Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, and an absolute blast for backpackers.
But as with most Germany – it isn’t cheap.
Which is the exact reason we wrote this guide to the 20 best hostels in Hamburg.
Our goal is to give you an easy and painless list that helps you find an affordable hostel that perfectly suits your particular travel needs.
So whether you are looking to party up or wind down, our ultimate list of the best hostels in Hamburg has got you covered.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Hamburg
- Overall Best Hostel in Hamburg – Meininger Hamburg City Center
- Best Party Hostel in Hamburg – Generator Hamburg
- Best Cheap Hostel in Hamburg – Airport Hostel
The Best Hostels in Hamburg
Hamburg has a variety of hostels to suit different needs and tastes. Split into different groups, we’ve made finding the best hostel in Hamburg stress free 🙂
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Meininger Hamburg City Center – Overall Best Hostel in Hamburg
Our recommendation for the best overall hostel in Hamburg in 2021, Meininger Hamburg City Center can be found close to Altona Station, with heaps of shops, bars, and restaurants nearby. Many of top places to visit in the city are also accessible by foot from the hostel. The six- and eight-bed dorms are spacious, and there are also private rooms that can accommodate from one person to six people. All rooms have a TV and ample storage space, and lockers, as well as key card access, help you to feel a bit more at ease. Dorms beds have curtains for privacy. You’ll meet plenty of other cool travellers in the onsite bar-lounge and the games room is great for having fun with friends both old and new. Cook whatever you fancy in the well-equipped kitchen or treat yourself to the extensive breakfast buffet (for an additional cost). Other benefits include laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, an elevator, paid onsite parking, luggage storage, friendly staff, and a cool industrial appearance.
Generator Hamburg – Best Party Hostel in Hamburg
Although not strictly a party place (Hamburg is a bit thin on the ground when it comes to those), Generator Hamburg is the closest you’ll find to being the best party hostel in Hamburg. Located in trendy St Georg, it’s just a hop skip and a jump to the best of Hamburg’s nightlife. You can join a pub crawl that picks you up right outside the front door too. The onsite bar is lively and well stocked, and there are other communal spaces where you can chill and socialise, including the TV area in the lobby and a lounge with a long and inviting sofa. There’s outdoor seating too. Join a free walking tour, available each day, to help clear your head, and order breakfast (for an additional cost) from the café.
Airport Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Hamburg #1
As well as being the best cheap hostel in Hamburg, Airport Hostel is, as the name suggests, a Hamburg hostel near the airport. Just one kilometre (0.6 miles) from the airport, there’s little fear of missing an early-morning flight. The family-run hostel has mixed female-only dorms for four and six, and private rooms that can also accommodate either four or six people. There’s a shared lounge where you can chill, 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage. Although not included in the price, breakfast can be ordered for an additional fee.
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View on Osprey View on REIThe Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Hamburg #3
A newly renovated youth hostel in Hamburg, The Hostel may like imagination when it comes to its name, but it has good facilities and services and low prices to make up for it. The housekeeping team cleans daily, making sure everywhere is spick and span, and somebody is available on reception at all hours. All guests have a locker for security and there are twin rooms as well as mixed dorms. There’s a small but well-equipped kitchen where you can cook your own meals and a lounge/dining room with a TV. Grab a cup of tea or coffee whenever you please at one of the best budget hostels in Hamburg.
Instant Sleep Backpacker Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Hamburg
The best hostel for solo travellers in Hamburg, Instant Sleep Backpacker Hostel is a lively hostel with everything you need for a comfortable stay in the heart of Hamburg. The two bars are perfect for meeting people and bonding over a few drinks and the conversation just keeps flowing in the sociable lounge. How about a game on the PlayStation? Free tea and coffee is available for a morning caffeine hit and there’s a well-equipped kitchen that you can use at any time too. Dorms are mixed and sleep between four and 12.
Homeport Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Hamburg #2
A quiet Hamburg backpackers hostel, Homeport Hostel can be found in the district of Altona. There’s a train station within easy reach and you can get to St Pauli and Sternschanze by foot. Stretch your travel funds further by cooking your own meals in the kitchen, unwind in the sunshine on the patio, and surf the web with the free Wi-Fi. You can park for free on the road outside the property (as long as spaces are available).
Pyjama Park St. Pauli – Best Hostel for Couples in Hamburg
Recently given a makeover, each cool room at Pyjama Park St. Pauli has its own enchanting theme. All rooms are private, sleeping up to a maximum of four people. The cute double rooms make this the best hostel for couples in Hamburg; all rooms have a TV and free Wi-Fi. Close to Hamburg’s pulsating nightlife, the hostel’s rooftop bar is a great spot to pre-game before heading out, or even to have a romantic nightcap before slinking off to your room. Retro tunes rock the joint at weekends. Other shared spaces include a terrace and a spacious lounge.
Superbude Hotel Hostel St. Pauli – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Hamburg
Bright colours and a sense of youthful fun rule supreme at Superbude Hotel Hostel St. Pauli. Free-use computers and free Wi-Fi, in addition to comfy rooms where you can rest up well and quiet spaces to sit and work, make this the hostel for digital nomads in Hamburg. There’s an assortment of sleeping options to choose from, including dorm beds and private rooms, all with a bathroom. Mingle in the onsite bar once all your work is done and experience the vibrant night scene that can be found almost right on the doorstep.
Boulevard Hostel Hamburg – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Hamburg
An intimate, family-run hostel close to Alster City-Lake, all guests can expect a warm welcome at Boulevard Hostel Hamburg. Hamburg’s highlights are just a short trip away by public transport and the helpful members of staff are always ready to offer recommendations and tips to help you make the most of your city break. Offering dormitory accommodation as well as private rooms, the establishment is a cross between a hostel and a hotel. All rooms have a private bathroom and each guest has a locker. Rooms are cleaned daily at this recommended hostel in Hamburg.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the best hostels in Hamburg
Don’t stop reading just yet though—here are some more top hostels in Hamburg for you to consider:
Pauli Hostel
Located close to Königstraße station and a stroll away from the River Elbe, Pauli Hostel is a great Hamburg backpackers hostel for people who like to be a little out of the hubbub. Meet other travellers in the lounge, which has a Wii and foosball, book Hamburg city tours and trips farther afield, and either dine in the café or do some DIY meal prep in the kitchen—with a dishwasher, you don’t even need to worry so much about the dishes! Laundry facilities help you to take care of essential tasks and there’s free Wi-Fi.
Arcade Hostel
A top hostel in Hamburg for solo travellers who prefer privacy, couples, and small groups of friends, Arcade Hostel has private rooms for one, two, and three. Some rooms have private bathrooms whereas others share bathrooms. An ideal base for people who have their own vehicle, car parking is available for free. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own wheels, though—public transport is close to hand. You can also book tours here. Peaceful and calm, the hostel offers a delicious breakfast buffet each morning for an additional cost.
Pyjama Park Schanzenviertel
A popular youth hostel in Hamburg in the cool and trendy area of Sternschanze, there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants close by. The vibe at Pyjama Park Schanzenviertel is boho urban chic making it one of the coolest hostels in Hamburg. The clean and casual hostel offers a peaceful haven in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. There’s a café on the ground floor and an elevator gives your legs a rest when you return after a busy day out. The monochrome dorms ooze minimalist style, and beds have curtains for complete privacy while you snooze. There are TVs in the dorms too, and the modern bathrooms have free toiletries.
Mac City Hostel
Easy to access by public transport, Mac City Hostel is right by a metro station and just a short distance from Hamburg Central Train Station. A recommended hostel in Hamburg in the area of St Georg, rooms and dormitories have a classic sense of style, with wooden flooring, crisp, white bedding, and metallic and white furnishings. The modern bathrooms are fitted with hairdryers to keep you looking as stylish as your surroundings. Towels are available to rent if you don’t have your own. There’s a comfy common area and Wi-Fi is free.
Backpackers St Pauli
Located in the vibrant area of St Pauli, which has plenty of alternative appeal, Backpackers St Pauli has mixed and ladies-only dorms. Each bed has an individual reading light and a small shelf and everyone has their own large locker. Most dorms have their own bathroom and some have a balcony too. The onsite café-bar serves food throughout the day; whether you want an energizing breakfast or tasty evening snacks, you’re all sorted here. There are also DIY cooking facilities and the BBQ is a big hit in the summertime. You can chill in the lounge or in the yard during the warmer months.
Jugendherberge Hamburg – Horner Rennbahn
Jugendherberge Hamburg-Horner Rennbahn is part of the Hostelling International group; guests who are not already members of HI will need to pay a surcharge. A modern youth hostel in Hamburg near the racecourse, it is in a quiet and peaceful location yet within easy reach of the city centre. Dorms are single-sex and sleep six. There’s an onsite café as well as self-catering facilities. Other facilities include a games area with pool table, terrace, common room, laundry facilities, and parking.
A&O Hamburg Hammer Kirche
A pet-friendly youth hostel in Hamburg, A&O Hamburg Hammer Kirche has single and double private rooms, all en-suite, making it a better choice for solo travellers, couples, and groups who like their own space come bedtime. Situated in the quiet area of Hamm-Mitte, the city centre is easy to get to via public transport. Reception is open around the clock, and you can grab snacks at any time from the lobby. The lobby bar is a nice place to unwind at the end of the day and breakfast is available to buy each morning.
Jugendherberge Hamburg – Auf dem Stintfang
Sitting right in the heart of Hamburg city, Jugendherberge Hamburg – Auf dem Stintfang is just a hop skip and a jump away from the harbour. Breakfast is included in the price and other meals can be purchased throughout the day. There’s a common area where you can chat and chill, and bike rentals make it easy to get out and explore. Watch TV while your washing is in the machine or relax on the terrace and admire the views from this recommended hostel in Hamburg.
Superbude Hotel Hostel St. Georg
Casual and relaxed, Superbude Hotel Hostel St. Georg is a top hostel in Hamburg for travellers who love the chilled sociable feels. Close to Hamburg’s main shopping street, it’s a great base for flashpackers who love to indulge in a little retail therapy as well as exploring sights. Rooms and dorms are spacious and colourful and the common areas are great for bonding with other guests and trading travelling tales. There’s a funky movie room, a sports room, complete with a Wii, basic self-catering facilities, and outdoor space to lounge around on a sunny day.
Arena Hostel Hamburg
Arena Hostel Hamburg is an ideal place to stay in Hamburg for people who prefer to spend their days out and about exploring and simply want an affordable base to lay their head. That’s not to say there are no common spaces—there’s a light and bright TV area and a mini kitchen—but more than most guests who stay at this top hostel in Hamburg are adventurers who choose to spend their time outside of the hostel. Dorms are spacious with lockers and seating areas, and there are cosy private rooms for two and four as well.
Schanzenstern Altona GmbH
Schanzenstern Altona GmbH is a top hostel in Hamburg for solo travellers who want an affordable private room and aren’t too bothered about meeting others. There are rooms in various sizes, all with a private bathroom. The hostel has some rooms that are wheelchair accessible and there is an elevator in the building. There are no common spaces to speak of, making this a better base for people who prefer to be out and about during the daytimes and just want a clean and safe space to sleep.
What to Pack for your Hamburg 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
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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 our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Hamburg
Backpacking Germany is without a doubt one of the coolest European travel experiences you can have, and with the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly where to stay while in Hamburg.
So which of the best hostels in Hamburg are you going to book? If you are still having a difficult time picking, just go for Meininger Hamburg City Center – our pick for top hostel in Hamburg for 2021!
FAQ about Airbnbs in Oslo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Hamburg.
How much does a hostel cost in Hamburg?
The average price of hostels in Hamburg can range from $24 – $29+ 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 Hamburg for couples?
Pyjama Park St. Pauli is our best hostel for couples in Hamburg. It has cute double rooms, and the hostel’s rooftop bar is a great spot for a romantic nightcap.
What is the best hostel in Hamburg near the airport?
Airport Hostel is our best cheap hostel near the airport in Hamburg. There’s a shared lounge where you can chill, 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage.
Travel Safety Tips for Hamburg
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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 Germany and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Hamburg.
Planning an epic trip all across Germany 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 Hamburg 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 Germany for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Hamburg covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Hamburg 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!
