Portugal. Maybe once Portugal wouldn’t have exactly jumped out at you when you thought about backpacking. These days though, Portugal is a prime travel spot with hiking, beautiful beaches, a bursting party scene, and a wealth of awesome places to stay and meet backpackers.
So, what about all those awesome hostels in Portugal. Well, there are a lot to choose from… and a lot of epic ones! That’s exactly why we absolutely had to look into it and whip up this huge, handy guide to the 24 best hostels in Portugal!
We’ve divided this roundup up by location, from the bustling coastal capital to more of Portugal’s best destinations. Expect a lot of beaches, parties, and good vibes. From Portugal’s budget hostels to their bouncing backpackers, this list will have you ready for a youth hostelling adventure in Portugal.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and see what these 24 best hostels in Portugal can offer you!
Quick Answer: What are the Best Hostels in Portugal?
- The Best Hostels in Lisbon
- The Best Hostels in Porto
- The Best Hostels in Lagos
- The Best Hostels in Faro
- The Best Hostels in Coimbra
The Top Hostels in Portugal
Wondering where to stay in Portugal and need some hostel picks?! However, before we start this list proper, we’re gonna talk about the top hostels in Portugal as a whole. These are the absolute best places to stay in Portugal for backpacker vibes. When in doubt, just go with the best!
The Overall Best Hostel in Portugal – Lisboa Central Hostel (Lisbon)
- $$
- Very Clean
- Loads of events
- Games Room
So, yeah, if you’re looking for not just the best hostel in Lisbon but the best overall hostel in Portugal… here it is! Seriously.
Can we tempt you with homemade soup? Homemade milkshakes? Yeah, we thought you’d like that.
The staff here will also sort you out with cheap beer, sangria at a steal, super fun bar crawls and movie nights for when you can’t do anything but veg out in front of a screen. But don’t worry: you won’t feel grimy staying here since it’s pretty dang clean. And the staff are super friendly too.
Best Cheap Hostel in Portugal – Hostel Gaia Porto (Porto)
- $
- Themed Events
- Garden
- Laundry Facilities
On the other side of the river to the main hub of the city, this backpackers hostel in Porto is pretty much a calm place to stay because of that. Solo travellers, couples, groups of friends, whoever you are: this’ll be a good and cheap choice for you.
It’s easy to kick back in the garden here with a couple of beers, keep costs low by using the kitchen here, wash your clothes in the laundry. Yeah, it’s one of the best cheap hostels in Portugal with some top-notch staff, friendly faces, and those sweet, sweet budget prices.
Best Party Hostel in Portugal – G-Spot Party Hostel (Lisbon)
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Discount Club Tickets
- Bar
Well, I mean, with a name like that… of course this is one one of the best party hostels in Portugal. (Although to be fair, there are a lot.)
It’s also got one of those hilarious party hostel names that mean you’re asking for something ridiculous if you ask where it is. Or if you’re staying there. Think of the puns!
But it is a super fun place. Family dinners, happy hour drinks, nightly pub crawls, and a free tasty breakfast in the morning to sort your hangover out. The common area here is good for sleeping off a hangover too. And there’s a French Bulldog here who you can cuddle if you’re missing your mum.
So, about that coastal capital, it’s the best! Cascading hills of gorgeous architecture flowing down to meet the Atlantic Ocean. And the kickass party scene ain’t half bad either!
There are a lot of awesome hostels in Lisbon so why delay. Here are the best!
This is Lisbon Hostel
Just in case you forgot what city in Portugal you were visiting.
- $
- Free Activities
- Free Food
- V Nice People
This. Is. LISBOONNNNN!!! … Wow, sorry. But it is…
This place is newly refurbished and is smack bang right in the middle of Lisbon’s old town area. It features very, very nice views from its calm roof terrace. A great spot for yoga!
The staff are super friendly here, helping to create a wonderful atmosphere that makes this one of the best hostels for solo travellers in Portugal. Free walking tours, beach trips, and tasty homecooked Portuguese dinners, as well as lessons in the local lingo, make it pretty easy to get chatting and make some pals.
Oh and shout out to the free breakfast at this Lisbon hostel. One word: immense.
Safestay Lisboa
A super safe place to stay in Lisbon!
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Bicycle Hire
- Bar
If you were wondering about how safe Lisbon is, well have no fear. This ain’t no false advertising. This is a super safe place to stay in Lisbon!
This top Lisbon hostel is absolutely massive. It’s not a party hostel, but dang it is huge! There are 152 beds – that’s a lot of friends!
And as we said, it’s safe, the atmosphere is friendly and it’s close to nearby attractions that you might wanna go snap some photos of. It’s one of the best hostels in Portugal for those backpacking alone. The balconies are good for a drink and if you want to drink more the pub crawl here is pretty comprehensive.
Lost Inn Lisbon
Puns and comfy beds!
- $
- Free Walking Tours
- Free Breakfast
- Bicycle
Yay, puns! Putting aside the winning name, we do actually rate this place very highly. Yep, it’s one of the best hostels in Lisbon’s Chiado neighbourhood and it’s pretty sick: the building is from the 18th-century and the floors are all decorative tiles and stuff.
The location is amazing (very close to the metro), but since it’s so central you can walk pretty much everywhere, part of what makes this one of the best cheap hostels in Portugal. There’s also a free breakfast, and a common room complete with… musical instruments.
Let the jams commence!
Rossio Hostel
One of the best-located hostels in Lisbon.
- $$
- Bar
- Free Breakfast
- Self Catering Facilities
This place is brand new, smack bang in an amazing location, and packed full of activities and nightly events and all that sort of caper that makes it one of the best hostels in Portugal. For one thing, the staff make sure the vibe never dips and come up with fun stuff to do every night.
And if you have a literally terrible hangover the next day this Lisbon hostel serves up a big ol’ greasy breakfast to chase your demons away and send you on a journey into the afternoon siesta. And it’s award-winning too. We give it our own award too… of awesomeness.
Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel
Good for the solo backpackers (as the name would imply).
- $$
- Bar
- Free Drinks
- Free Breakfast
Wow. How is this place so nice? This is amazing. Maybe it’s because of the hour of power they put on every night (that’s free-flowing drinks), maybe the staff are just amazing, or maybe it’s just because it’s one of the best party hostels in Portugal.
It’s not, like, an absolutely mental party hostel – you can choose to stay in drinking or go out. Whatever. Yep, you’ll get to have a rowdy night out with the people you meet here but it’s CIVILISED. They’ve got cooking classes and walking tours, y’know. We can’t leave without mentioning the breakfast: top marks.
Old-world flair mixed with contemporary highlights, Porto is another of Portugal’s best places to go. Te kind of city that’s best explored just by wandering its woven streets, there is a lot to discover in Porto for its scrumptious food and wine scene to its delicious picturesque skyline.
Porto is another strong favourite for those backpacking in Portugal. With so many cool things to do and see, you can spend some days just enjoying the beautiful city. But first, you’ll need to pick a sweet hostel in Porto.
The House of Sandeman
Welcome to my abode.
- $$$
- Bar
- Free Breakfast
- Cool AF
We know, we know, House of Sandeman just makes us think of something spooky as well. Probably something to do with that Neil Gaiman comic. But actually, this couldn’t be less scary.
Well, it is in a historic building to be fair. And the rooms here are mental. The bunks are actually in the old frames of barrels used to make port wine.
Where is it? Downtown Porto, of course, so it’s pretty sick locale we gotta say (history, river, all sortsa stuff on your doorstep here). It’s a memorable hostel, the kinda place you’ll use as a measure when you visit other hostels. Definitely the top-dog for the best hostel in Porto.
Pilot Design Hostel & Bar
A stylish hostel in Porto.
- $$$
- 24-Hour Bar
- 24-Hour Security
- Free Bicycle Hire
“Pilot”? What’s “pilot” about this place? It’s not pen themed, boat-themed, nor aeroplane themed, and we’re livid. Not really.
This super Porto backpackers hostel is equipped with a 24-hour bar and lounge where you can chill, watch movies, play the guitar, drink, chat. It’s all good!
This place even has a waterfall, which probably helped it win those awards. The events like free walking tours, pub crawls, and the general social space here makes it one of the best hostels in Porto for backpackers. “Pilot” though – why?
Cool Hostel
Would you believe me if I told you this was Portugal’s coolest hostel?
- $
- BBQ
- Airport Transfers
- Foosball (Very Cool)
Here is another of the potentially best cheap hostels in Portugal and definitely the best budget hostel in Porto. We love that this place is actually inside a sweet historic building. Another cool thing about this Porto backpackers is that it’s a very short walk to the Bolhao metro station. It’s colourful, relaxed, and, dare I say, cool.
But one of the coolest things about this cool place is that it’s cheap! This hostel might not be the most atmospheric of places, but it’s clean, has a terrace, and a free breakfast – which is the coolest!
Some might even say that it’s… awesome. Hah! Subverted your expectations.
Mim Hostel
Mim’s favourite place to stay in Porto.
- $$
- Bar
- Cable TV
- Self Catering Facilities
This is a place for the pairs coupling in Porto together. A charming courtyard with hammocks just ripe for spooning in, it’ll be a romantic weekend in Porto together.
So if you’re looking for the best hostel for couples in Porto, well, here it is! There’s a calm pace of life here, plus the private rooms are perfect if you just don’t do dorms. Location is meh, but everything else is super chill. Mim even comes complete with a friendly hostel dog!
Moving away from the pretty city life now to the pretty town life! It is a tourist town for sure, but that just means there are heaps more things to do in Lagos. From the surrounding awe-invoking nature and cliffs to the fabulous beaches, Lagos is a dope place to visit in Portugal.
Plus, all those tourists just means an awesome selection of hostels in Lagos.
Gold Coast Calm Hostel
A calm backpackers in Portugal.
- $$
- BEACH
- Free sangria
- Sun Terrace
For another one of the best hostels in Portugal, get yourself to Lagos for a majorly chilled beach hangout. It’s run by friendly locals which always, always makes a difference – good vibes all round here. They’ll also take you out for fun stuff like kayaking, windsurfing, all that outdoors beach biz.
Want to get absolutely smashed and wake up with a giant hangover? Don’t come here. This is one for the refined backpacker, surfers, and people who just wanna hit a few sangrias in the evening and wake up for a stroll on the beach. Calm by name, calm by nature.
Sol A Sol Hostel
Sun to sun and good vibes only.
- $
- Tours
- Sea Views
- Bars
Sol A Sol has that perfect balance between the fun stuff and chilling that’s pretty hard to attain. In fact, this Lagos youth hostel literally claims that it provides “the ultimate Lagos experience.” It is a bold claim indeed, but not far from the truth. It’s also cheap!
They do trips to caves, daily tours, rooftop BBQs, yummy family dinners, bar crawls, and the staff are helpful, which easily give it creds enough to be one of the best hostels in Portugal for the lonely wanderers. This budget hostel in Lagos is also very close to the beach – perfect!
Algarve Surf Hostel
For those surfing in Portugal.
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Free Parking
- Pool Table
If you’re a surfing person you’ll love this place. It’s basically all about surfing. Or not just surfing, but doing all those sunshiney, beachsidey sorta things like hanging out around the pool, in the pool, or in view of the pool. Think BBQs in the afternoon and drinks in the evening sorta vibe probably followed by a surf the next day.
This Lagos backpackers hostel has a homely feel, which is nice if you’re travelling by yourself, we think. Other than that the room rates, the free/cheap stuff, the general good feels of it all – oh, and the location – make this one of the best cheap hostels in Portugal. That’s right: in the whole damn country.
(For surfers.)
Rising Cock Party Hostel
Heh.
- $
- Free Breakfast
- Pub Crawls
- BBQ
There are no words. Perhaps two words: Rising Cock. I can’t believe I get to write those words.
Look, based on the name, you already know what to expect. It’s a party hostel in Lagos that will send you nutty in the best way possible. Centrally located in Lagos’s old district, it’s a walking distance from a bunch of sweet restaurants, bars, and other goodies.
Being one of Portugal’s best party hostels, days here are about chilling out and recharging those poor batteries of yours (BBQs on Saturdays – winner). But the nights here are about getting absolutely on it. Free pub crawls is one thing. Another is, well, the staff just know how to get down.
Or up. 😉
You should always have emergency cash hidden on you – pick up this awesome security belt with its hidden pocket before you travel, it’s perfect for hiding money, a passport photocopy.
Faro is sometimes overlooked by travellers in Portugal which is a damn shame. Though not as vibrant as Lisbon or picturesque as Lagos, some truly awesome nature surrounds Faro and the hodge-podge mix of architectural styles make it one of the more unique places to visit on Portugal’s south coast.
Casa d Alagoa
A kickass friendly atmosphere in Faro’s top hostel.
- $$
- Social Events
- Comfy Beds
- Location, Location, Location
This cool backpackers hostel in Faro is inside a super stunning villa that’s probably very historic or something but whatever! You won’t be coming to this place to stare at the walls. It’s ALL about the atmosphere here, which definitely goes a long way to making this one Portugal’s best hostels
You can eat your fill and get silly at their sangria and BBQ nights. It’s also easy to get chatting with fellow travellers. Make the most of your days here by heading out on a bike tour, go spot some wild flamingos, or roll through Faro’s old town. This is the kinda place you end up extending your stay.
Le Penguin Hostel
Perhaps not as eye-catching as “cock”.
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Swimming Pool
- Free Bicycle Hire
Another hostel that chucks in an animal name to make itself stand out (though maybe not to the extent of “Rising Cock”), this social Faro backpackers also happens to be one of the top hostels in Portugal for solo travellers. Not going to lie, it’s probably because it’s so compact; you literally have to make friends with people otherwise you’ll just fume all day long.
But seriously: mix drinking games, quiz nights, beer pong, BBQs, a platter of drinking games, and themed parties, add a side serving of a huge Netflix-ready TV and PlayStation, and garnish with big family dinners and you got yourself a great place to meet other peeps. Also, it’s just 10 minutes from the centre of town!
Hub 1878 Faro Hostel
A period hostel in Portugal.
- $
- Musical Instruments!
- Free Breakfast
- Big Old Building
Mmmm… this is a pretty cool hostel! The name basically says it but it’s housed in a building dating back to 1878. If you like the sound of that and period features and tiles, then you’ll probably love staying here.
It’s also one of the best budget hostels in Faro. Why? Well, that’s because it’s literally in the centre of Faro, has a great social vibe, a piano and guitar for musicians, gambling tables (yeah, actually), coffee machines, two lounges, two kitchens AND free breakfast.
The value for money game is strong here.
Casa de Madalena
A place to stay in Portugal for mad siestas.
- $$
- Free Breakfast
- Roof Terrace
- Bicycle Hire
It’s in an old Mediterranean house in Faro and it’s a chill, cool place to stay. What else can we say?
It’s got modern amenities meeting traditional stylings and is all-round just a really cool hostel in Faro. The vibe is good too!
The staff here are amazing: like really, really nice. There’s a rooftop terrace where you can get some nice views. There’s a free breakfast (feat. fresh coffee and homemade pancakes). They also respect siesta time, which we also respect very strongly.
Holy crap, there are no beaches. We’re in Central Portugal now! There’s still a river though.
With old architecture, an ongoing university life, and a lot of history in this city’s walls: it used to be Portugal’s capital city for over a century. So while yes, there may be no beaches, there are still a lot of things to see in Portugal’s old capital, Coimbra. There are a lot of good places to stay too.
The Luggage Hostel & Suites
More of a Portugal boutique hostel.
- $$
- Restaurant
- Air Conditioning
- (Sick) Free Breakfast
We can forgive this Coimbra backpackers hostel for its utterly dry name because it’s actually a sick place to stay. What’s in a name, right? It’s also pretty dang beautiful.
Looks the part, y’know. A flashpackery kinda place, if that’s something you’d actually call yourself.
It’s probably not the best place to stay in Coimbra for a solo traveller. The atmosphere is a little bit… absent. Oh and the location ain’t all that either. However, the breakfast here is literally amazing.
So it’s not strictly the best hostel in Portugal but it is a nice choice for anyone looking for a swankier stay.
Coimbra Portagem Hostel
Definitely more of a Portugal boutique hostel.
- $$$
- Cafe
- Rooftop Terrace
- Games Room
Well, the swank keeps on coming! We dunno what this is but it’s a mental ornate world of next-level murals, a grand staircase, and loads of other un-nameable decoration that makes it perfect as a top hostel for couples in Portugal who want a classy vacation stay. It’s a very romantic getaway sorta ting happening at this former palace (yes, really).
But on top of how sick this place looks inside – and out – is the location. Yep, this hostel in Coimbra is close to some pretty stunning historical sites. So why not stay in an actual slice of its history at this mad palatial hostel? We definitely would.
Serenata Hostel Coimbra
Close to the Coimbra student life.
- $$
- Karaoke
- Pub Crawls
- Free Breakfast
Get silly in the hostel bar at Serenata and then head out to a load of good places to drink: this hostel is located in an area in Coimbra near the university so there’s a bunch of cheap places to get crunked student-style nearby.
It may be one of the top party hostels in Portugal, but to be honest, that’s more to do with where it’s located (though they do put on a pub crawl and big social dinners, too). It’s also basically one of the coolest hostels in Coimbra, too. The building itself is just beautiful.
NS Hostel & Suites
The best bathrooms in the Portugal hostel scene.
- $$$
- Self Catering Facilities
- Outdoor Terrace
- Bicycle Hire
This highly recommended hostel in Coimbra is right in the middle of the city surrounded by not only cool attractions but also lively bars that local students love to drink in. The building is cool: it’s from the 1930s and has a lot of original features from the period.
Shoutout to the dope bathrooms here! Being one of the best hostels in Portugal with private rooms you can kinda expect that the decor is going to be pretty design-y. Perhaps not the coolest hostel in Coimbra, however, if you don’t really care about socialising but just want a cheap hostel-hotel-ish place to stay, here it is folks.
Before You Book Your Hostel in Portugal
Before embarking on a backpacking and hostelling journey around Portugal’s best destinations, there are a couple more things to finalise. Don’t worry; we got ya. Just want to make sure you’re packed right, you’re safe in Portugal, and you’re insured. Because we care.
Pssssst! Not picked the perfect travel backpack yet? The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! Our favourite travel backpack is the Aer Travel Pack 2.
View on AERMap of Where to Stay in Portugal
What to Pack for your Portuguese Hostel
We don’t often travel without these essentials.
1. TRTL Travel Pillow: Nothing is worse than a sleep-deprived and grumpy backpacker. Do yourself a favour and get some decent rest with this comfortable TRTL travel pillow. The ergonomic design (fancy!) makes it possible to sleep upright, which can be a real struggle with normal neck pillows. Having this cool pillow makes long bus rides or flights way more enjoyable – and who knows, maybe you’ll even be looking forward to it next time. If so, leave those guys a good review.
2. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: You’ll have some pretty sorry roommates – it happens from time to time. These noise-cancelling earbuds help mitigate the damage. The comfortable and ergonomic design won’t hurt your ears while sleeping no matter how long you keep them in. Increase the quality of your sleep by listening to some relaxing music at night or just enjoy the silence.
3. Padlock: Unless the thief literally spends hours to figure out the code (he won’t), this three-digit padlock is going to keep your stuff safe. It’s great for keeping the zipper of your backpack secured or your locker properly closed. This basic and very flexible padlock saves you from having your essentials stolen. Definitely a must-have for every backpacker!
4. Active Roots Microfiber Towel: Having your own towel is a must when travelling since most hostels don’t provide them. Plus as a backpacker, use of a towel will extend further than just showers, it’s a minimalist yoga towel and a great beach blanket/towel combo! The Active Roots Microfiber Towel is really the best solution for backpacking.
5. Universal Travel Adapter: This universal travel adapter is the best we’ve found. Covering over 150 countries, you’ll always have the right plug to charge your phone. You can also charge up to 5 devices simultaneously with the multiple USB ports.
6. Active Roots Toiletry Bag: The Active Roots Toiletry bag keeps all of your bathroom essential items organized instead of flowing around your backpack. Having everything handy and accessible in one water-resistant bag is a bathroom lifesaver. This toiletry bag also helps from being that embarrassed person walking back to the dorm room, in a towel, to grab forgotten shampoo.
Why you should travel to Portugal
Wow. Like, seriously – wow. Who knew that Portugal was gonna be packed with such a selection of stunning hostels.
There are literally so many on this list (24, we know it’s a lot) so if you’re struggling to choose, don’t worry. Just bear in mind Lisboa Central Hostel – it’s easily the best overall hostel in Portugal. Book a bed here and make life super easy for yourself.
So, what do you reckon about our 24 best hostels in Portugal? Let us know if any take your fancy with a lil’ comment below.
Plus, make sure to check out Portugal’s eco-friendly accommodation! Traveling sustainably is a great way to give something back to our planet, and adds an element of adventure.
If you’ve backpacked through Portugal before, what were your favourite (or not so favourite) places to stay? And if we’ve missed something, or you’ve crashed at any of these hostels recently, let us know. We need to stay up to date on what’s going on in the Portuguese hostel scene!
Otherwise, go get silly, folks! But not too silly. Maybe just silly enough to stay at a place named “Rising Cock”…
Do you own or run a kick-ass hostel? Want to be featured on this list? Get in touch at [email protected]
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Portugal
And don’t forget Travel Insurance! We’ve put together a roundup of Travel Insurance for backpackers – check it out here, or if you’re low on time, get a quote from World Nomads, our favorite travel insurance provider.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you’re on your way!
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