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Havana is a dream destination for most travelers. The history and culture is one of a kind, and nothing can compare to seeing those 50’s cars strolling down the road!
But there are a ton of hostels in Havana, and not all of them are well-reviewed (and a few are in dangerous parts of the city).
So we made a list of the 20 best hostels in Havan so you could travel to Havana with confidence.
With the help of this epic guide, you’ll know which of the best hostels in Havana, Cuba are for you.
Our hostels-reviews are the best on the web, and with them, you’ll be able to travel to Havana like a boss. Let’s jump into the guide for the best hostels in Havana, Cuba.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Havana
- Overall Best Hostel in Havana – Cuba 58 Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Havana – Hostel Mango Old Havana
- Best Cheap Hostel in Havana – Lunass
- Best Party Hostel in Havana – La Mansion del Centro
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Havana – Firas House
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.
The 11 Best Hostels in Havana
Backpacking Cuba means you’ll end up in Havana sooner or later. Luckily, the city hosts over 1000 awesome hostels. Knowing where to stay in Havana will be the first step of your booking process.
Make sure you do some research on different neighborhoods and areas in Havana before you decide on accommodation. As a rough guidance, always choose your hostel destination depending on the location of the sights you want to explore.
Cuba 58 Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Havana
The overall best hostel in Havana is Cuba 58 Hostel. These guys know what the modern backpacker is after and offers it all wrapped up in a super affordable package. The free breakfast offered by Cuba 58 goes a long way in making it the best hotel in Havana in 2018. Located right in the heart of Havana, Cuba 58 is within an easy walk of must-visit gems like La Bodeguita del Medio. The dorms are basic but ample and are most importantly safe and secure. Each guest has access to their own security locker and reception is manned 24/7.
Hostel Mango Old Havana – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Havana
From the book exchange to the board games, Hostel Mango in Old Havana has plenty of icebreakers. Epic if you’re a slightly shy solo traveller like me and are happy to make the most of external bits to grease the wheels. Those being the wheels of new friendships, aided by the wonderful staff at this Havana hostel.
When I travel solo, I like to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. This hostel is the perfect balance: It is still within walking distance of the city centre but nestled within the historic centre, which is a bit quieter.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- In the Historic Centre of Havana
- Hospitable, helpful hosts
- Delicious free breakfast
Like all hostels that are hosted by hosts like these, Hostel Mango Old Havana attracts wonderful people you’ll be eager to befriend. Just a five-minute walk from the Plaza Vieja, you can get to know your new travel buddies with a stroll through town! Havana is safe and welcoming and an exciting city to explore solo.
There is a terrace with hammocks to chill in and other nooks to hang out in with your new homies and a fabulous kitchen too. You can cook up a storm in the self-catering facilities with stunning indoor-outdoor flow. Being a solo traveller to Cuba may be daunting, especially if you listen to the gossipers but nothing could be further from the truth.
Personally, I find the 24-hour reception a huge comfort when I’m travelling solo.
Lunass – Best Cheap Hostel in Havana
You won’t be able to get over how cheap the best cheap hostel in Havana is, Lunass is epic value for money. Basic AF but with everything you could need; bed, hot shower, fans and air conditioning. Sorted.
Staying 150m from the sea isn’t usually associated with budget accommodation but in this case, that’s what you get. Plus you’re only a five-minute walk from the historic centre and 20 minutes from Vedado and all the traditional music, restaurants and bars. Not that eating out in Havana is too pricey but if you wanna cut costs further you can whip up a storm in the guest kitchen.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close to Town
- Epic bang for your buck!
- Helpful staff
The small, clean space is welcoming and inviting, an epic option for budget travellers – whether you’re cooking with your hostelmates or chilling, reading. There’s a book exchange and a few cosy corners to curl up and read if you need some quiet downtime. If you’re ready to explore, then strap on your boots amigo, you’re in an epic location to do that, too.
Staying at Casa Lunass, is to be in the heart of Havana, Cuba and I highly recommend you enjoy the locality of it. If your budget is a bit too tight to be hitting all the bars, theatre shows and other touristy activities, fear not. There is endless entertainment people watching and drinking cervezas and dancing at the discos, you won’t have a moment to miss the more boujee bits.
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyLa Mansion del Centro – Best Party Hostel in Havana
La Mansion del Centro is in the perfect position to be the perfect party hostel. While Havana might not be the host to party hostels like in other parts of the world, it is a super social city. This means you’ll have no trouble finding people to party with and no trouble finding where to party.
There are self-catering facilities on site in a big common area which is handy for making big hangover feeds for you and the homies. If you’re too dusty to pull it together to cook for yourself, kick back and let the professionals do it – there’s a cafe onsite. There’s filtered water available too which is always a welcome bonus, water is LIFE!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 24 Hour Reception
- Central Location
- Free Luggage Storage
You’re in the local centre of Havana, Cuba which is fertile ground for groundbreaking experiences that will change your life. Just moments from the seafront, joints like the Music’s House and the Cigar Factory are a few metres away. So get prepared to get down and enjoy joining the party in Havana!
Walk 10 minutes to the East and you’ll be in the Old Town while walking in the other direction will get you to Vedado. Potentially the best bit about La Mansion del Centro is that it can host up to 15 people… So if you’re travelling with a crew, this spot is for you too!
Firas House – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Havana
Getting online in Havana can be a mission and a half, making the life for digital nomads a little tricky. Panic not – the best hostel for digital nomads in Havana, Firas House, has free WiFi for all! This is the perfect home from home for digital nomads looking for a youth hostel in Havana.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable; ensuite bathrooms too! The common areas are a great place to meet your hostel buddies, they encourage creation and activity which is always fabulous. Personally I find being in those spaces super beneficial as working for yourself or remotely usually requires some sort of creativity.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Central Location
- Meeting Rooms
- Air Conditioning
As Fira’s only offers private rooms you can hide away and get back to work easily if you need to too. Tucked away in the Vedado district of Havana, Firas House puts you at the heart of Havana. There’s a really great opportunity through worldpackers at Firas too if you want to stay awhile.
Fira has a creative studio so you can really dive into your creative practises if you feel called to. If you want to feel like a celebrity or are in the business of being an influencer, ditch the selfie-stick and take a trip with Fira. There are museums and sites of cultural interest within walking distance too for when you have some time off from being a digital nomad.
Do note that there are only two rooms in Fira’s house so if you’re here for a social vibe, potentially think about somewhere else. On the other hand, if you really want to lock into some work and see Havana in your own style… Fira’s could be the perfect place for you to stay.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Havana
Stay in the middle of the action (or in an off the beaten path location) using our comprehensive neighborhood guide for Havana!
Hostel Red
This Havana hostel is vibrant and the epitome of Cuban hospitality. A great place to not only meet, but connect with other travelers, Hostel Red is a unique stay. Your hosts will help you plan your perfect trip and give you all the insider tips and tricks on Havana and Cuba.
The dorm rooms here are small and intimate (bring earplugs if you can’t stand snoring!) and kept clean. This stay is like visiting family with communal dinners and dance parties in the kitchen.
Tati & Jose’s Colonial House
Weirdly there is not one Havana backpackers hostel with a private double room, so we’ve found an alternative. Tati & Jose’s Colonial House is the best hostel for couples in Havana. This cute and cosy guesthouse is affordable and has a great selection of private rooms. With a laid-back hostel vibe, you can bae will feel like part of the family the moment you step through the door. Tati & Jose’s is a half hour walk away from Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta in Havana. Staying here gives you access to the touristy centre with ease while staying in an authentic neighbourhood.
Hostel Havana Nilda’s Backpackers
Nilda’s Backpackers is a phenomenal budget hostel in Havana, ideal for travellers on a tight budget. With dorms available for as little as $6 you will be hard pressed to find better value for money. What is great about Nilda’s Backpackers is that internet access is available, however, due to the extortionate costs of having WiFi you do have to pay to use. Nilda’s has a flexible check in and check out time and a 24-hour front desk. Even better, they have no curfew and no lockout so if you find yourself dancing the night away Havana style you can just go with the flow!
Concordia Backpackers
Concordia Backpackers is a breath of fresh air, much more like a ‘typical’ hostel, you would find in other parts of the world. There is a guest kitchen, a common room complete with sofas, and even a tours and travel desk! There is a homely charm to Concordia Backpackers which makes you feel totally at ease. This safe and secure Havana backpackers hostel can be found sandwiched between historic Old Havana and trendy Vedado. There is always a good crowd of travellers hanging out here so you’re bound to find some new travel buddies!
DRobles
DRobles Backpackers is a classic Havana backpackers hostel that was established in 2014. As one of the bigger youth hostels in Havana, DRobles has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. No queuing for the shower in the mornings here! DRobles offers you the opportunity to stay in an authentic Havana neighbourhood. Although the touristic centre is within walking distance you will be living like a local during your stay. FYI – cash only, no card machine.
Paradise Hostel Backpacker
Paradise Hostel Backpacker is a highly recommended hostel in Havana that is super budget friendly. With so much to see, do and explore in Havana you only really need a place to crash. With that in mind, Paradise Hostel Backpacker is ideal. You get what you pay for, for $10 a night you have a hot shower, clean sheets and helpful, attentive staff. Only able to host 19-people at a time, Paradise Hostel Backpacker is perfect for travellers who are looking for a low-key, chilled out hostel.
What to Pack for your Havana 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 Havana
There you have it! The 20 Best Hostels in Havana Cuba!
We know that this epic guide to the 20 best hostels in Havana will be the only resource you need, and you’ll easily be able to find a hostel in Havana that fits your travel style.
So, which of the best hostels in Havana will you be booking?
Still can’t decide? Don’t worry! We know your pain! With so many awesome options, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one.
That’s why we say go with Cuba 58 Hostel – our pick for best hostel in Havana for 2018.
FAQ about Hostels in Havana
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Havana.
How much does a hostel cost in Havana?
The average price of hostels in Havana can range from $12 – $18+ 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 Havana for couples?
Tati & Jose’s Colonial House! A cute and comfy guesthouse with an affordable selection of private rooms — a great pick if you’re on a little soulmate getaway.
What is the best hostel in Havana near the airport?
José Martí International Airport is quite far from the central area, so it is usually better to find the best place that offers airport transfers. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend Cuba 58 Hostel, our overall best hostel in Havana.
Travel Safety Tips for Havana
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.
More Epic Hostels in Cuba and Latin America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Havana.
Planning an epic trip all across Cuba or even Latin America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Latin America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Havana 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 Cuba for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Havana before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
Great article! However, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to book Cuba 58? Hostelworld no longer lists them. If anyone knows how to make a reservation, please let me know! I will be going this July!