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Lagos, Portugal. You are coming here for one of two reasons. Either to hit the gorgeous beach or to party your ass off… or BOTH!
Lagos is a gorgeous destination, one of the renowned backpacker party destinations in the universe. With beautiful beaches, cute streets and sweet vovo everywhere, I’m sure you’ll be keen to extend your stay. But with tons of properties available and many poorly reviewed, it can be difficult to find the perfect place to stay.
This is exactly why I wrote this insider guide to the best hostels in Lagos, Portugal.
Written by travellers, for travellers, this guide will help you do two things, save money and find the hostel that best suits your travel style. To do this, I’ve gone through the bast Lagos hostels 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, my guide will help you. I’m here to find the best hostel for your stay in this Portuguese gem so you can spend more time hunting out the perfect pasties. I’m not talking english pasties here, I’m talking flaky buttery laminated pastry filled with decadent bruleed custard.
I’m salivating… Let’s get into Lagos!
Photo: @amandaadraper
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.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Lagos
- Best Overall Hostel in Lagos – Olive Hostel
- Best Hostel in Lagos For Solo Travellers – Cloud 9
- Best Cheap Hostel in Lagos – Orange3 Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Lagos – Rising Cock
- Best Hostel For Digital Nomads in Lagos – Ocean View
Photo: @amandaadraper
The 5 Best Hostels in Lagos
If you are backpacking Portugal, the next five Lagos hostels should serve your needs if you have a specific stay in mind. I’ve got more lined up below though so it’s not the be-all and end-all, stay with me, amigos! I’m here to help you save money and make your way between Lagos’s beautiful beaches and many hostels.
1. Olive Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Lagos
- Dorm (mixed): From $46
- Address: Rua da Oliveira 67, Lagos, Portugal
The overall best hostel in Lagos is Olive Hostel, and it’s a gem! As the best hostel in Lagos, 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 travellers will want to hang! If you love music, deep conversations, nature and yoga, this is the place for you to stay in Lagos.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Good lounge areas to meet people
- Close to beautiful beaches
- Self Catering Facilities
Olive Hostel is a unique Lagos hostel, the familiar vibe here is next level. From fresh meals enjoyed with the hosts to live music on the terrace accompanied by dancing and other travellers. The kitchen is pretty next level too, there’s a Moka pot set up for morning coffee which you can follow with some Tai Chi.
There isn’t any air conditioning but so long as you don’t book your stay in peak summer, you’ll be right. One thing to note is that this hostel only takes cash, so stock up so you’re not caught short. It’s a bit loud around the joint at night but eh, it’s Lagos, you’ll be in the mix before you know it.
In an epic location just up from Main Street, it’s really mellow and neighbourhood vibes so you’ll sleep well if you’re committed to resting. Olive Hostel is a quintessential hostel – perfect for your first hostel stay, with a friendly, welcoming vibe, lots of people around and activities to do. There are mixed dorms and female-only dorms as well as the option for a twin private room and the average price is pretty budget-friendly.
2. Cloud 9 – Best Hostel in Lagos For Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $42
- Address: Rua Soeiro da Costa nº 9, Lagos, Portugal
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 to pack up your snacks (gotta stick to your budget!) and head down to one of the beautiful beaches. Fully equipped and super clean you can whip up some tasty dishes here; a great way to make new hostel friends. Take your treats to Dona Ana Beach and have a serious conversation about which pub crawl you’re going to hit tonight.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Beautiful, Friendly Staff
- Comfortable Beds
The location of this Lagos hostel is perfect, there are supermarkets and beaches, everything you need within walking distance. Lay around on the beach by day and get home to the air conditioning and get sexy, ready to hit the nightlife. Walking is great for staying fit on vacation, staying toned and saving money.
There is 24/7 staff which is beautiful and helps you feel safe and secure in an unknown place. There’s also small and intimate mixed dorms to crash out in when you’re ready for a good nights sleep. You can even book in advance with the option of free cancellation which leaves you open to other adventures that might come up.
The pub crawl is a major highlight and way to engage with other travellers so don’t sleep on this. This Lagos hostel is particularly notorious for encouraging and enabling a good time so get excited and strap in!
3. Orange3 Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Lagos
- Dorm (mixed): From $46
- Address: Rua dos Ferreiros, 34, Lagos, Lagos, Portugal
If you’re looking to stay in Lagos hostels for cheap – you’re in luck! The nightly price of dorm beds is pretty low here, in the European scheme of things, Lagos cost is friendly to the budget backpacker. Save Money staying at Orange3 Hostel and be comfy while doing it – there’s Air conditioning, wide open spaces and you’re close to town.
This Lagos hostel is within walking distance to downtown which is great if you want to get amongst the nightlife. This being said, it’s absolutely not a party hostel. Quiet time is active here which is great for getting a good nights rest, especially when you bring the air conditioning into account.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air Conditioning
- Free Beach Umbrellas and Beach Towels
- Lush Outdoor Terrace
This is the perfect beachside stay in Lagos, with relaxing vibes and a lush big garden with orange trees. There’s a really nice chill social vibe, you can definitely make friends here if you’re looking to meet people.
The kitchen is well equipped but be aware that it’s locked overnight and isn’t usually unlocked until 8 am the next morning. Perfect for a sleepy head like me but if you’re going to be up and at ’em in the morning, you could have an issue. Or, you could wander through town, pick up a pastry and watch the sun come up over the Lagos Marina.
Orange3 Hostel is in an epic location, just a short walk up the hill from the town centre of Lagos. Or you could really stretch your legs out and pack a lunchbox to visit Dona Ana Beach (Praia Dona Ana).
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View on Osprey4. Rising Cock – Best Party Hostel in Lagos
- Dorm (mixed): From $62
- Private Room: From $329
- Address: Travessa do Forno 14, Lagos, Portugal
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 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. Ya got me!
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 hostel in Lagos for a raucous evening, a great warm up if you’re here for one of portugals festivals. You’ll probably start off with a couple of drinks and proceed to get into the epic free pub crawl put on at this Lagos hostel.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pub Crawl
- Free Cancellation
- Private Room Option
These guys have all types of hostel rooms – you can pick a private room or a bed in a mixed or female only dorm. There are hot showers and a communal kitchen so you can sort yourself out for food if you can stomach it post party. If you need to grab a quick snack there’s a mini-supermarket on site as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
Enjoy some drinks on the outdoor terrace watching sunset as you prepare for another night of Lagos disco. And you can even book a late check out which is heavenly when you need to go slow in the mornings. If you’re cruising around in your own car there’s free parking at Rising Cock which is a bonus.
5. Ocean View – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Lagos
- Dorm (mixed): From $58
- Private Room: From $113
- Address: Rua Armacoes De Pesca Lote 21, Lagos algarve, Lagos, Portugal
With Ocean Views from the rooftop terrace, it’s easy to see how this place gets its name. There’s a great homey feel at this Portuguese hostel, and with enough people around to meet other travellers, it’s the perfect spot for digital nomads to post up. Plus, there’s free muffins and coffee to get your day going!
Ocean View Hostel is a safe and secure place to be with 24-hour security and a 15-20 minute walk from Lagos Marina. It’s still within walking distance to town if you ask me, but just something to have a heads up on. This Lagos hostel is definitely sweet enough to spend some time at though so distance shouldn’t be an issue.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Private Room option
- Free Wifi
- Heaps of working space
There are lots of spaces around the joint for getting your work done. Whether you want to post up in the lounge, which is an epic shared space, or sit out on the outdoor terrace, there’s options. There’s also a room called the Parrot Room where you can relax and enjoy hanging out with other travellers.
You can choose between mixed dorms or a private room when you stay at Ocean View. This Lagos hostel doesn’t have any desks set up in the rooms or designated co-working spaces, but you can definitely work here. The bathrooms are shared and the beds are bunks – nothing too flash, but an epic Lagos hostel for an average price.
Make the most of the beautiful European produce and the communal kitchen to cater for yourself and live your best life. Pop into town on the weekends to get amongst a pub crawl or the beautiful beaches and make the most of being a digital nomad.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Lagos Hostels
6. Lagos Central Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $95
- Address: 8a Beco do Paiol, 8600-754 Lagos, Portugal
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 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!
7. Top City Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $52
- Private Room: From $170
- Address: Rua Mendonça Pessanha 27, Lagos, Lagos, Portugal
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, and even party a little you’ll totally fall for Top City Hostel.
Their private rooms all have ensuites and are spacious and bright perfect for couples travelling. The rooftop pool is simply amazing and even overlooks the ocean!
8. Boutique Taghostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $53
- Private Room: From $131
- Address: Rua Doutor Faria e Silva, 32, Lagos, Portugal
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!
9. Sol A Sol
- Dorm (mixed): From $44
- Address: RuaLancarote de Freitas, n22, Lagos, Portugal
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 Algarve is the best hostel in Lagos for you for your stay in the Algarve.
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 get drinks at the Sol A Sol bar and let the good times roll!
10. Lagos City Center Guest House & Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $42
- Address: Rua Lançarote de Freitas n.58, Lagos, Lagos, Portugal
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.
11. Racing Mackerel
- Dorm (mixed): From $41
- Address: Travessa do Forno nº13 8600-632, Lagos, Portugal
Racing Mackerel is a cool youth hostel in Lagos, especially for those who like to keep it simple when it comes to hostelling. 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 Racing Mackerel you’ll find Praia Batata, both are spectacular beaches that must be visited during your time in Lagos.
12. Suntrap Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Address: Rua Marquês de Pombal, N. 10, Lagos, Lagos, Portugal
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 and get chatting to your hostel mates. A top hostel in Lagos, Suntrap Hostel is 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.
13. Casa do Sol Algarve
- Private Room: From $86
- Address: Rua Infante de Sagres, 154, Lagos, Portugal
Casa so Sol Algarve is a bit of a random throw in here as it’s not a hostel at all but it is on hostelworld! And, I’m popping it in for the digital nomads – it’s an epic option if you need a private room to zone into your work. There are desks in the private rooms at Casa do Sol Algarve which is epic to be able to have a dedicated space sometimes.
Located in town, Casa do Sol Algarve is within walking distance of Lagos Marina, which many hostels are, but again, this isn’t your typical hostel. Dona Ana Beach is an easy walk for a work break (we all need them). So soak up that sol Algarve (Algarve sun, does that work?) and recharge your batteries.
14. 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. They will treat you like an old friend coming to stay. It’s hard not to fall in love with 17 Hostel TBF!
15. 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.
16. RCS Hostel
RCS is an increasingly popular Lagos backpackers hostel set to become even busier. 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 tighten the purse strings and maximise time in this coastal city. If you’re looking for a new crew swing by the patio terrace of an evening and introduce yourself.
17. 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.
Guests can 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.
18. 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.
They’re a super popular Lagos hostel so if you wanna stay here in the high season 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.
19. Dream 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 six minutes from Praia dos Estudantes, 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.
20. 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.
21. Hutch Hostel
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.
22. The White Butterfly
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 five minute walk away from the best beaches in Lagos The White Butterfly has it all!
Admittedly the dorm rooms are basic, clean and comfy, but who spends time in their dorm room except to sleep when in Lagos?! Literally no one! Maybe while you’re here you could visit Armação de Pêra, a former fishing village turned resort town in the Algarve while you’re in the area. There’s a cool group of fishermen taking steps to safeguard their ocean resources, protecting Portugal’s largest reef.
23. Camone Hostel
A great 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 plenty of places within Camone Hostel to mix 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. If you’re here for a taste of the Portuguese nightlife, I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for at this Lagos hostel.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Lagos
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance, get yours for a dom dia!
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 Lagos
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Lagos.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Lagos?
According to my research, the average price of hostels in Lagos starts at $20 for a dorm, while private room cost starts from $22+. It can be a bit splurgey but like anywhere, there are ways to save on accommodation… Making friends with the owner or manager can be a good place to start, or finding a lover to shack up with 😉
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 Olive Hostel, it’s my number one Lagos hostel. It’s clean, bright, spacious, and the dorms are simple but comfy and cool thanks to the air conditioning.
Final Thoughts on Lagos’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Lagos has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Lagos is a magical city nestled in the Algarve in the deep south of Portugal, lining the sparkling waters of the atlantic ocean. Staying here will feel like the epitome of the european dream, with traditional cobblestone streets, golden sandy beaches and the Sol Algarve.
I know I’ve hit you with a fair few recommendations here – if you’re still on the fence or confused about where to stay, all good. I’ve got an ultimatum for you… My overall favourite, Olive Hostel is my top pick, obviously, it’s everything you’d ever want in a Lagos hostel.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, Orange3 Hostel is my top pick for a cheap Lagos hostel. There are quite a few hostels within a couple of dollars of each other at this average price, but this is my fave. I love the outdoor area here and the location is great, close enough to walk everywhere which saves more coin.
Wherever you stay in Lagos, Portugal, I’m sure you’ll love it. Get your tan on and enjoy all the tasty delights Portugal has to offer.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments, I’d love to chat!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- 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.
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