Wow! Manila is a huge buzzing metropolis of different flavours, all swirling around in a bunch of densely populated cities within cities. From Spanish colonial architecture, mad night markets and local bars to soaring skyscrapers and huge public parks – plus a pretty cool music scene – Manila is a city not to be missed!
Are you travelling on a budget? Worried about safety? Want to be near the best party spots in town? Fancy a stay in a quieter more local area?
Whoa there – slow down! It’s alright. We’ve done the legwork for you and made a handy list of the best hostels in Manila, so you can find the hostel that’s best for you.
So prepare yourselves for some of the coolest hostels Manila has to offer!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Manila
- Best Overall Hostel in Manila – Lub d Philippines
- Best Cheap Hostel in Manila – Ola! Hostel Manila
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Manila – Manila-Z-Hostel
Best Hostels in Manila
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Best Overall Hostel in Manila – Lub d Philippines
- $$$
- Coffee Shop
- Pool Table
- Laundry Facilities
You’re definitely gonna love the Philippines after you stay in this top hostel in Manila. We reckon, anyway. What makes it the best overall hostel in Manila? Well, a few things. Firstly there’s the bunks: they’re pretty much amazing. Secondly, they gear themselves towards millennials who wanna have a good time.
Basically, this recommended hostel in Manila is a super cool place to hang out. Just imagine grabbing a coffee, getting some food at the Grab ‘n’ Go Bar (their bar). unwinding in the relaxation, then getting a bit of work done in the coworking space. Ok, when can we move in?
Best Cheap Hostel in Manila – Ola! Hostel Manila
- $
- Free Breakfast
- 24h rooftop bar and restaurant/karaoke room/ reception
- Onsite self-service laundry
The Ola! Hostel Manila is super affordable but has very high standards at the same time. The rooms are clean and air-conditioned, equipped with comfy beds and private lockers to keep your items safe. The best part about this hostel has to be the 24h rooftop bar, where you can socialize, have great cocktails, and even some food.
After a long day outside, you can head down into the lobby and relax while watching a movie. The onsite laundry comes in pretty handy for longterm travellers too. And not to forget – there’s free and fast wifi in all common areas!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether.
Want more deetz on why it’s so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIBest Hostel with a Private Room in Manila – Manila-Z-Hostel
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Live Events
- Bar
Now here’s a cool hangout. Part of what makes it so cool is the roof deck looking out over the pretty spectacular city skyline. We love a good city view. It’s also a big social place – for instance, they put on music events here which is great if you’re a music lover.
It’s not only that but obviously the rooms on offer here that easily make this the best hostel with a private room in Manila. They’re very cool. Like, VERY cool. Think parquet floors, white linen, minimalist decor. Possibly another contender for the coolest hostel in Manila.
Best Party Hostel in Manila – Pink Manila Hostel
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- 24 Hour Security
- Bar
The perfect place to have fun in the city when backpacking through the Philippines. I mean, there’s unlimited cold beer available. That’s amazing. It’s definitely one of the best elements of the best party hostel in Manila.
Of course, there’s also a hostel bar, which is great. And the staff at this Manila backpackers hostel are literally amazing that you’re gonna never wanna leave. Seriously. Plus it’s in a university neighbourhood, meaning there’s a lotta cool kids hanging around – plus cheap eats and drinks.
Pink Manila Hostel is one of our favourites in Manila but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Manila – Haven Backpackers Hostel
- $$
- Cafe
- ATM
- 24 Hour Security
Travelling solo in Manila isn’t always the easiest of things to do, but by staying at this recommended hostel in Manila you’ll be able to visit the city and stay there safely – and in comfort.
It’s the best hostel for solo travellers in Manila because the staff feels responsible for their guests, so if you’re concerned about safety in Manila, this is the perfect place to stay as you’ll always have someone watching over you. They also take you out on tours so you get can to try the best local places to eat and drink. Which sounds just about fine in our books.
Haven Backpackers Hostel is one of our favourites in Manila 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.
Best Hostel for Couples in Manila – Bahay Kubo Hostel
- $$
- Cool AF
- Air Con
- 24 Hour Reception
Oh my GOODNESS. Seriously. This place is like, the coolest hostel in Manila. It’s all airplanes and parlour palms, like something’s leapt right outta Instagram and into your face. A lotta love’s gone into this place and it really, really shows. We mean it.
When you’re travelling with your partner you definitely wanna stay somewhere that’s, y’know, a lil’ bit of a cut above the rest. And at this place, you really feel that. So it’s our top pick (without a doubt) for the best hostel for couples in Manila. A place to unwind, these guys aim is to reflect the tropical side of the Philippines. Super cute.
Bahay Kubo Hostel is one of our favourites in Manila but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Manila – Makati Junction
- $$
- Lounge
- Cable TV
- Bar (& Pool Table)
This Manila backpackers hostel is very comfy, very clean and features some pretty dang cool design driven interiors. We love it! Plus there’s a load of space to get your work done at this cool Manila hostel.
So, yep, it’s all about the communal spaces here. It’s the best hostel for digital nomads in Manila ’cause you can choose from the cafe, the lounge with couches or hammocks, or the TV room to get your head down for a couple hours with your laptop. Then you can sink a few beers at the hostel bar.
Makati Junction is one of our favourites in Manila 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.
More Best Hostels In Manila
Stay in the middle of the action (or in an off the beaten path location) using our comprehensive neighborhood guide for Manila!
1 River Central
- $$
- Air Con
- Outdoor Terrace
- 24 Hour Reception
Cheap and most definitely cheerful, this top hostel in Manila is always secure – the front door’s locked at all times. They’ve also got lockers too, which adds to that sense of security.
Up on the roof terrace are tables and chairs and a nice lil’ communal kitchen. Nice spot to make your dinner. Plus, if you don’t fancy cooking for yourself, there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Plus some nightclubs. Also a (very) loud karaoke place. Earplugs might be a good idea.
Tambayan Capsule Hostel & Bar
- $$
- Cafe & Restaurant
- Rooftop Terrace
- Air Con
In the heart of Manila, you’ll find this pretty cool backpackers hostel. Like, yeah, it IS cool. Big industrial chic style places to hang out with fellow backpackers like yourself to have a few beers or grab a bit to eat. Perfect really.
The rooftop restaurant at this highly recommended hostel in Manila looks out across the city’s old churches, libraries, parks and the general historic neighbourhood Malati. We’re pretty much sold on this one. One of the coolest hostels in Manila.
Tambayan Capsule Hostel & Bar is one of our favourites in Manila 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.
Happy To Mingle @ Manila Airport
- $
- Free Breakfast
- FREE Airport Shuttle
- Luggage Storage
As you MIGHT just be able to guess from the name, this top hostel in Manila is close to the airport, making it great for anybody who needs to catch a flight early in the morning – or who can’t stand dealing with taxis and metros on the way to the airport.
This Manila backpackers hostel is run by a sweet local family. It’s in a relatively quiet neighbourhood, with shops and restaurants a short walk away. Besides being super friendly, the owners also run a free airport shuttle. Oh, and there’s a free breakfast too. Basic, but a winner.
Happy To Mingle @ Manila Airport is one of our favourites in Manila 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.
Makati Aparthotel
- $
- Luggage Storage
- Cable TV
- 24 Hour Reception
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s actually both. This cool Manila backpackers hostel gives you all the luxury of a hotel but all the freedom of an Airbnb style apartment. Plus it’s modern, clean, spacious, not terribly stylish but not basic either. Very affordable.
This place is run by female members of the same family from the local area who are SUPER friendly and really take care of you.They’ll give you recommendations for eating out as well as insider tips on how to visit the top attractions in Manila. Sweet.
Makati Aparthotel is one of our favourites in Manila 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.
Bunk 5021 Hostel
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Cable TV
- Bar
Bunk 5021 Hostel is a great place to stay in Manila if you’re looking for a new, modern, clean place that’s pretty close to decent bars and restaurants. It’s a great shout for a people who wanna have fun: the bar is open 24 hours. And the breakfast is free.
The design here is all modern and shiny, industrial chic, polished concrete, exposed pipes, bright colours – you know the drill. But we love it. This cool hostel in Manila also boasts a quite astounding 144 beds, so you probably will never be turned away from here.
Bunk 5021 Hostel is one of our favourites in Manila 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.
Our Melting Pot
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Book Exchange
- ATM
A homely experience in the middle of the city, basic but still kinda cool with tiles and nice furniture dotted about the place. Also features strong aircon, which is a godsend in pretty much always-hot Manila.
The lounge is a decent place to hang out – there’s a kitchen, and that’s where they serve the FREE BREAKFAST too. Could be a good hostel for digital nomads in Manila. Though small, there’s some good spots to sit and hunker down with the ol’ laptop.
Our Melting Pot is one of our favourites in Manila 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 Fort Hostel
- $
- Cafe
- Games Room
- Elevator
Set in a converted old house, which in itself is cool, this Manila backpackers hostel is sandwiched between two bustling districts of the city. Close by is a huge shopping mall, plus embassies (handy if you need ’em), plus nightclubs for night time and museums for daytime.
The comfy rooms are also pretty spacious – and clean, which is always a welcome thing we gotta say. You’ll feel secure at this budget hostel in Manila as well, since there’s always a security guard on the door.
The Fort Hostel is one of our favourites in Manila 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 Swagman
- $$$
- Bar
- Free Breakfast
- Key Card Access
It’s the Swagman! Coming to take your swag. Or maybe give you swag? Not sure. But this Manila backpackers hostel is set in a great location that’s right near to the busy nightlife of the city. There’s actually a bar at this hostel too, making it a place to start the party. If you wanna.
And in the morning, when you’ve had hardly any sleep, you should still drag yourself up outta bed for the free breakfast on offer here. It’s tasty. The staff here are very nice and the facilities are great – these range from a restaurant to a massage service.
The Swagman is one of our favourites in Manila 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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What to Pack for your Manila Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we have perfected over many years.
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Manila
All you gotta do now is pack your swimming stuff and get ready for fun and adventure!
So there you have it – the best hostels in Manila.
And, seriously, some of these hostels are some of the most Instagrammable places we’ve ever seen. The cool factor is just super high here!
Plus with some of nicest staff you could ever meet, who feel responsible for your safety as much as they wanna show you how cool their city is, solo travellers will love the capital of the Philippines.
But there are literally so many top hostels in Manila to choose from that we can understand if you can’t make a decision.
That’s ok! Just book a room at Lub d Philippines Makati – the best overall hostel in Manila. (This place is so good people come for a few days and stay for weeks!)
FAQ about Hostels in Manila
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Manila.
Travel Safety Tips for Manila
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More Epic Hostels in Philippines and Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Manila.
Planning an epic trip all across Philippines or even Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:
- Best hostels in Siargao Island
- Best hostels in El Nido
- Best hostels in Boracay
- Best hostels in Kuala Lumpur
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Manila has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Once you’ve booked your favorite hostel, head on over to our Manila itinerary to plan your trip.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
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!
