Lagos, Portugal. You are coming here for one of two reasons. Either to hit the gorgeous beach, or to party your ass off… or probably both!
Lagos, Portugal is a gorgeous destination, but also one of the renowned backpacker party destinations in the universe.
But with tons of properties available and many poorly reviewed, it can be difficult to find the perfect place to stay.
Which is exactly why we wrote this insider guide to the best hostels in Lagos, Portugal.
Written by travelers, for travelers, this guide will help you do two things…
- Save a money
- Find the hostel that best suits your travel needs
To do this, we’ve taken the highest reviewed hostels in Lagos and organized them by different travel needs.
So whether you’ve come to Lagos to get your party on or chill at the gorgeous beach, our guide will help you find the best hostel for your stay in this Portuguese gem.
The 20 Best Hostels in Lagos
Olive Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Lagos
The overall best hostel in Lagos is Olive Hostel, and it’s a gem! As the best hostel in Lagos in 2021, Olive Hostel is very highly reviewed. You’ll find Olive Hostel in the heart of Lagos Old Town close to all the best bars and restaurants in town. Clean, modern and spacious, Olive Hostel is a fabulous youth hostel in Lagos. Be sure to call shotgun on the sofas on the patio in the summer, it’s where tons of travelers will want to hang!
Rising Cock – Best Party Hostel in Lagos
Yes, you have read that correctly, the best party hostel in Lagos is called the Rising Cock! It’s the go-to party place in Lagos and you’d kick yourself if you didn’t stay here for at least a couple of nights during your time in Lagos. On top of the epic parties hosted by the Rising Cock, guests are welcome to enjoy Mama’s tasty fresh crepes for breakfast each morning. If you went all out the night before you’ll certainly appreciate these homecooked pancakes when you stumble out of bed. The Rising Cock is a top party hostel in Lagos is you’re looking for the a raucous evening.
Lagos Central Hostel
Lagos Central is the best budget hostel in Lagos, for sure. Offering affordable dorm rates throughout the year Lagos Central Hostel is great for travellers who are watching the euros. Ideally located less than a minute away from Lagos’ central plaza and the city’s best nightclubs you’re onto a winner when you stay at Lagos Central Hostel. The beautiful Praia Ponta da Piedade is a half hour walk away and is a total must visit. If you don’t fancy walking that far there are a number of other beaches much closer but Praia Ponta da Piedade is a real gem!
Top City Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Lagos
The best hostel for couples in Lagos is Top City Hostel, hands down! Easily the coolest hostel in Lagos for couples, Top City has an epic outdoor pool and chic, modern design. If you and your lover wanna stay in a buzzing and vibrant hostel, wanna meet new people and even party a little you’ll totally fall for Top City Hostel. Their private rooms all have ensuites and are spacious and bright. The rooftop pool is simply amazing and even overlooks the ocean!
Boutique Taghostel
Boutique Taghostel is the best hostel in Lagos for travellers who like to stay in a flashier kinda hostel. Some of the rooms even boast sea views, it doesn’t get much better than this! As the best hostel in Lagos, Boutique Taghostel offers guests a free breakfast each morning of their stay. Filipa, Maura and Bianca are wonderful hosts and are more than happy to help you arrange everything from bus tickets to surf lessons, just holla!
Boutique Taghostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Sol A Sol
Another great party hostel in Lagos is Sol A Sol. Not only do they have their own bar on site but they have created a super chilled out party vibe for international travellers to enjoy. If you’re seeking a fun-filled time, Sol A Sol is the best hostel in Lagos for you. The team can arrange everything from yoga classes to kayaking, from nights out to dolphin watching. Once the sun sets over your action-packed days you can share a beer or two at the Sol A Sol bar and let the good times roll on and on!
Sol A Sol is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Hutch Hostel – Best Hostel in for Solo Travellers in Lagos
Hutch Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Lagos, especially if you’re looking for an adventure. Hugo is a well-reviewed host and will ensure you have the time of your life in Lagos. The dorms at Hutch are comfy and clean, as you would expect from a highly recommended hostel in Lagos. The guest kitchen is a great place to hang out of an evening before you hit the bars in town.
Hutch Hostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Algarve Surf Hostel
Algarve Surf Hostel is a top hostel in Lagos for solo travellers. Being a surf hostel Algarve Surf attracts a chilled crowd who are all in Lagos to enjoy the sun, the sea and everything else in between. For solo travellers keen to meet new people in a safe, welcoming and fun environment you’ll be stoked with your choice of Algarve Surf. Unsurprisingly they’re a super popular Lagos backpackers hostel so if you wanna stay here in the high season you’ve gotta book your bed at least a month in advance. The rooms are great but what makes Algarve Surf one of the coolest hostels in Lagos is their epic swimming pool.
Algarve Surf Hostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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 White Butterfly – Best Cheap Hostel in Lagos
The White Butterfly is the best cheap hostel in Lagos for sure. Offering cheap and cheerful rooms throughout the year The White Butterfly is the place to stay this summer if you’re heading to Portugal on a shoestring. Located just a 5-minute walk away from the best beaches in Lagos The White Butterfly has it all! Admittedly the dorm rooms are pretty basic but clean and comfy nonetheless. Anyway, who spends time in their dorm room except to sleep when in Lagos?! Literally no one!
The White Butterfly is one of our favourites in Lagos 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 REIDream Lagos
Dream Lagos is an ideal youth hostel in Lagos for couples. Not only do they have dorm rooms but a range of awesome private double rooms too, complete with ensuite. FYI, Dream Lagos have a minimum three-night stay and they book up quickly, booking in advance is essential. Located exactly 6-minutes from the beach, only if you don’t do a bar hop on the way, Dream Lagos is perfectly located. If you and bae need a hand making onward travel arrangements be sure to pop by their travel desk, the team will be happy to help.
Dream Lagos is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Camone Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lagos
The best hostel for digital nomads in Lagos is Camone Hostel. This super-chilled, calm and welcoming Lagos backpackers hostel in ideal for digital nomads who want to strike the right work-life balance when in Portugal. There are both plenty of places within Camone Hostel to meet and mingle with fellow travellers and lots of great little spots to pitch up and work in. Camone Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Lagos and you certainly get your money’s worth with their free breakfast.
Camone Hostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Gold Coast Calm Hostel
Gold Coast Calm Hostel is a great youth hostel in Lagos for digital nomads. The Calm Hostel cafe is the ideal spot to work from and they serve great coffee too. Big tick next to their name for that! This is a super popular hostel and guests come back year after year. Chances are you’ll want to too! Calm Hostel is a top hostel in Lagos as they are just that, a calm hostel. No crazy madhouse parties here, rather a group of laid back travellers keen to make the most of every minute of their time in Portugal.
Gold Coast Calm Hostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Lagos
The 17 Hostel
The 17 Hostel is a top hostel in Lagos for travellers who want to stay in a hostel that comes super highly recommended. The 17 Hostel gets rave reviews from their guests time after time and you’ll soon see why. This hostel is clean, bright and spacious, the dorms are simple but comfy and cool thanks to the air conditioning. The 17 Hostel team are incredibly enthusiastic about making sure travellers have the best stay possible and will treat you like an old friend coming to stay. It’s hard not to fall in love with 17 Hostel TBF!
Lagos City Center Guest House & Hostel
Lagos City Center Guest House is a super affordable youth hostel in Lagos and definitely, worth a moment’s thought when planning your trip to Portugal. Friendly yet calm Lagos City Center Guest House & Hostel is great for travellers who wanna stay in a laid-back hostel when in Portugal’s coastal city. This hostel is perfect for couples who want a private room but not miss out on the opportunity to meet fellow travellers.
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is a wonderful Lagos backpackers hostel and Cloud 9 is an appropriate name! Guests do leave here on Cloud 9…kinda! Slight exaggeration but travellers walk away happy time after time and have made a great set of memories here. The guest kitchen is great if you’re trying to stick to the beach body diet when in Lagos. Fully equipped and super clean you can whip up some tasty dishes here; a great way to make new hostel friends!
Cloud 9 is one of our favourites in Lagos 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 Stumble Inn
The Stumble Inn is more than just a witty name, it’s a highly recommended hostel in Lagos. Their dorms rooms get snapped up quick so you better book your bed ASAP. The Stumble Inn has a number of private rooms too ideal for couples or travelling duos. In the summer make sure you make the most of the outdoor terrace complete with guests BBQ, get on it! Newly renovated, The Stumble Inn is just a stone’s throw away from Lagos’ awesome beaches.
The Stumble Inn is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
RCS Hostel
RCS is an increasingly popular Lagos backpackers hostel set to become even busier in 2021. Be sure to hit up their sister bar in town for epic drinks deals and a crazy discounts. The team will tell you where to go, no worries there! RCS Hostel is a great budget hostel in Lagos for travellers who want to both tighten the purse strings and maximise their time in this coastal city. If you’re looking for a new crew swing by the patio terrace of an evening and introduce yourself.
RCS Hostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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 Shelter
Antonio has created a top hostel in Lagos in the form of The Shelter. Although at the higher end of the price scale The Shelter does offer great value for money, the free breakfast for example. There is a real social vibe here and The Shelter team run weekly BBQ nights for guests to come together and enjoy one another’s company in beautiful Lagos. Lying just 5-minutes from the beach The Shelter is a great youth hostel in Lagos in 2021.
The Shelter is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Racing Mackerel
Racing Mackerel is a cool youth hostel in Lagos, especially for those who like to keep it simple when it comes to hostelling. Basic but decent, Racing Mackerel is located in central Lagos, close to all the bars, restaurants and shops you could possibly need; not to mention close to the beach too! Within a 10-minute walk of the Racing Mackerel’s front door, you’ll find Praia dos Estudantes and Praia Batata, both are spectacular beaches that must be visited during your time in Lagos.
Racing Mackerel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
Suntrap Hostel
Suntrap Hostel is a quaint and charming hostel set in a classic Portuguese townhouse in the heart of Lagos. Suntrap Hostel is a bit of a secret party venue, head up to the outdoor terrace with a beer or two and get chatting to your hostel mates. Easily a top hostel in Lagos, Suntrap Hostel is super close to the best attractions the town has to offer like Armazém Regimental and Praia Dona Ana. With female-only dorms, mixed dorms and private rooms, Suntrap Hostel has a little something for everyone.
Suntrap Hostel is one of our favourites in Lagos 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.
What to Pack for your Lagos 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 Lagos
So what’s it gunna be? Are you going to book one of the top hostels for Digital Nomads? Or maybe on of the best party hostels?
Whatever hostel you pick – get excited. Lagos is an incredibly vibrant place, and it truly lives up to it’s party reputation.
And in case you can’t pick, go with Olive Hostel – our pick for top hostel in Lagos for 2021!
FAQ about Hostels in Lagos
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Lagos.
How much does a hostel cost in Lagos?
According to our research, the average price of hostels in Lagos starts at $20 for a dorm, while private room cost starts from $22+.
What are the best hostels in Lagos for couples?
Top City Hostel is a vibrant hostel for couples in Lagos. It has a chic and modern design and a rooftop pool that overlooks the ocean.
What are the best hostels in Lagos near the airport?
The Faro International Airport is quite far from Lagos, so it is usually better to brave the journey into the city to find a place to stay. Once you’re in the city, I’d recommend The 17 Hostel, a highly recommended hostel, as it is clean, bright, spacious, and the dorms are simple but comfy and cool thanks to the air conditioning.
Travel Safety Tips for Lagos
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.
The Algarve can be overrun with parties and backpackers sometimes. Avoid drinking too much and follow these Portuguese safety tips to ensure your trip is a good one!
More Epic Hostels in Portugal and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Lagos.
Planning an epic trip all across Portugal 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 Lagos 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 Portugal for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Lagos before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Azores 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!
