Although considered second-tier to the capital of Moscow – St. Petersburg is a fascinating travel destination in it’s own right. A bit easier to access overland (via Norther Europe) and ever-so-slightly cheaper than Moscow, St Petersburg is one of the most underrated backpacking destinations in all of Europe.
But you aren’t the only backpacker thinking about hitting the once-Russian capital. With over 150 registered hostels, choosing where to stay in St. Petersburg can be quite the challenge. Which is exactly why I’ve created this list of the 20 best hostels in St Petersburg.
I’ve taken what’s most important to travelers, and organized the best hostels in St. Petersburg in different categories.
Looking to party? Sleep? Get some work done? Maybe make some new friends? Whatever your travel-needs, this list of the 20 best hostels in St. Peterburg will help you identify the hostel of your dreams, so you can book with ease, and get back to exploring this fascinating Russian city. Nostrovia!
Putting together the list of the 20 Best hostels in St. Petersburg
St Petersburg is a huge city and finding the best backpacker’s accommodation can be time consuming. That’s how we can help! This list of the best hostels in St Petersburg, is organized to help you so you can book your hostel as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Conveniently split into different categories, I took into account varying needs for different types of travelers. Whether you’re a roaming digital nomad, a romance-seeking couple, an intrepid solo traveller, or seeking the best party in Russia’s second city this of the best hostels in St. Petersburg will get you exactly where you need to be.
The 20 best hostels in St Petersburg
Here are our picks for the best hostels in St Petersburg.
Chickadee Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in St Petersburg
Our winner when it comes to the best hostel in St Petersburg in 2024, Chickadee has struck the balance just right when it comes to sociability and a place to rest up and recharge. The city centre location is ideal for exploring, and members of staff are happy to fill you in about hidden gems and local secrets. Fill up on a traditional Russian breakfast (it’s free!) and whip up a feast in the well-equipped kitchen. Laundry and Wi-Fi are also free and the common room has a piano, books, and … a wall-mounted bicycle! Do note that minimum periods of stay apply at certain times.
Soul Kitchen – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in St Petersburg
Our pick for the best hostel for solo travellers in St Petersburg, Soul Kitchen is a chilled-out hostel with a friendly and sociable atmosphere. Meet and mingle in the games room, complete with foosball, a Wii, and board games, or have a movie marathon with the wide assortment of DVDs. Swap recipes and have an international cook-off in the spacious kitchen. Dorm beds have curtains for privacy, reading lights, and a shelf, and private rooms are quite fancy! Lockers and 24-hour security keep things safe and secure. A tour desk, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, airport transfers, hair dryers, and free parking add to the comfort.
Hostel Samovar – Best Cheap Hostel in St Petersburg
In our eyes, Hostel Samovar is the best cheap hostel in St Petersburg, hands down. Prices are more than reasonable for the single-gender dorms and private rooms, and the facilities are top notch. You’ll find free tea and coffee in the well-equipped kitchen and cable TV and board games in the sociable common room. Wi-Fi is free and the friendly members of staff regularly arrange cheap outings. And, housekeeping services keep the place looking spick and span. Travellers can keep their stuff safe and secure in lockers, and the hostel is in a quiet neighbourhood yet within walking distance of the famous Nevsky Prospect.
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View on Osprey View on REIVitamin Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in St Petersburg
Among the best hostels in St Petersburg for couples, the intimate Vitamin Hostel has all the convenience of a hostel and private rooms for two. You and your sweetheart will need to share a bathroom with other couples, but whatever you get up to when the lights go off in the privacy of your own room is between you and the walls. With just ten rooms, you can enjoy a peaceful stay while also being able to socialise with other loved-up travellers if you wish. The historic building adds to the romantic vibe. Facilities include a kitchen, TV room, free laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Do note that a minimum two-night stay usually applies.
The Cuba Hostel – Best Party Hostel in St Petersburg
If you’re looking for the best party hostel in St Petersburg, The Cuba Hostel promises heaps of fun and frolics. The party-loving members of staff are always down for a night on the town, showing you the hidden nightspots and helping you to have many nights out to remember (or, possibly, not!) in St Petersburg. The onsite bar is always lively and you’ll even get treated to free vodka shots! Soothe aching heads in the steam room and lounge, and use the kitchen to create the perfect hangover cure.
Fontaka River View Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in St Petersburg
One of the best hostels in St Petersburg for digital nomads, Fontaka River View Hostel has free Wi-Fi and computers that you can use, as well as large common areas where it’s easy to find a quiet spot to get your head down and focus on important tasks. Power outlets are plentiful. Free and unlimited tea and coffee might be just the pick-me-up you need to meet those deadlines. Grab a bite to eat from the snack bar or take time out and cook a wholesome meal in the spacious kitchen. There are mixed and female dorms as well as private rooms for two.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the best hostels in St Petersburg
Some neighborhoods are more fun than others – discover which are the best areas to stay in St Petersburg and then book the right hostel!
Babushka House
One of the best budget hostels in St Petersburg, Babushka House is a hip and happening hostel with a sociable heart. There are regular excursions for travellers to uncover St Petersburg’s best spots, as well as guitar evenings, international dinners, and pancake feasts. The mini bar keeps you topped up with beers and snacks and you can mingle with other cool cats in the lounge. There’s a TV, DVDs, free Wi-Fi, and board games to keep you entertained when there’s not some crazy event taking place. A well-equipped kitchen, free breakfasts, laundry facilities, and a steam room, combined with affordable prices, make this a recommended hostel in St Petersburg.
Traveller’s Palace
A gorgeous themed hostel close to major transportation links, Traveller’s Palace is an ideal St Petersburg backpacker’s hostel for people who love to eat, sleep, and breathe culture and heritage. Travel back to the time of the Tsars and enjoy splendour in each of the uniquely designed dorms and private rooms. Safe and secure, thanks to round-the-clock security, key card access, and individual lockers, the hostel has a brand-spanking new modern kitchen, a common room, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi … that’s more mod-cons than the Tsars had!
Dolce Vita Hostel
The Dolce Vita Hostel really does offer a taste of the good life in the heart of historic St Petersburg. Located on Nevsky Prospekt, the hostel is comfortable, bright, and airy. Keep yourself looking on form with the washing machine and iron, cook up a storm in the kitchen, and relax with a nice cup of tea at the end of a busy day sightseeing in St Petersburg. The cosy lounge is inviting and a great place to meet other travellers and unwind. This top hostel in St Petersburg offers free Wi-Fi and a large communal TV.
Metro-Tour Hostel
Located just a short walk from Elektrosila Metro Station and with airport transfers available, there’s no need to hunt high and low for an affordable and comfortable St Petersburg hostel near the airport when you book a stay at the calm and relaxed Metro-Tour Hostel. There are heaps of amenities and attractions close to hand too. There are dorms for five and eight as well as private rooms for one and two. The family-run café serves tasty and affordable meals, though there’s also a shared kitchen if you want to channel your inner super chef. Unwind in the lounge or steam room, and sleep soundly thanks to 24-hour security and safety deposit boxes.
Simple Hostel
A top hostel in St Petersburg for solo travellers and small groups of friends looking to meet new buddies and stay in sociable digs, the bright and colourful Simple Hostel is far from basic. Friendly members of staff are waiting to greet you, and there’s a new kitchen/dining area, a cosy TV lounge, free Wi-Fi, and free-to-use laptops. Laundry facilities, luggage storage, and a steam room are available too. Pick up a free city map and get your peddle power on to explore St Petersburg on a rented bike.
Baby Lemonade Hostel
Fresh, fun, and funky, Baby Lemonade has to be the coolest hostel in St Petersburg. Enter a trippy time warp and be transported back to the 60s and 70s, decades of flower power, love, and peace. All dorms and rooms are unique, and the sociable common area is pretty awesome too. Peace out with other laid-back travellers in the cafe and join in with the lively weekend parties. Rustle up a meal in the kitchen, catch up with your laundry (nobody likes a stinky backpacker!), and browse the net with free Wi-Fi.
No Rain No Pain
Although St Petersburg is known for being one of the rainiest cities in the world, No Rain No Pain does exactly what it says—it makes enjoying St Petersburg fun, and dry, whatever the weather. This awesome St Petersburg backpacker’s hostel provides umbrellas and raincoats and, if you do get wet, there are dryers for clothes and shoes, as well as laundry facilities. Warm up with a cup of hot tea or coffee—it’s on the house. Prefer to stay indoors? Chill in the common room, with free Wi-Fi, or get creative in the large kitchen.
Kryshi Mira
A highly recommended hostel in St Petersburg, Kryshi Mira is in the charming neighbourhood of Tsentralny, filled with historic character and close to many of St Petersburg’s major attractions. Double and family rooms are available as well as mixed and female-only dorms, and all guests can make full use of the large and modern kitchen. Mingle and share travelling tips in the TV lounge. Laundry facilities add to the comfort and Wi-Fi is free. Do note that you’ll need to have your own towel or pay to rent one.
Likehome Hostel
As the name suggests, Likehome Hostel is a cosy and welcoming home-from-home in St Petersburg. Situated in the Petrograd district, it’s a top youth hostel in St Petersburg for travellers who love historic sightseeing. It’s close to the metro too, making getting around a piece of cake. The welcoming hostel has female-only dorms for four and eight, and male-only dorms for four and ten, as well as private rooms in different sizes, ideal for families, couples, and groups of mates. Grab last-minute souvenirs from the onsite gift shop, relax in the lounge, and save money by cooking your own meals in the kitchen.
GooDHoliday
GooDHoliday has a youthful vibe and is located close to a variety of fabulous bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s a top St Petersburg hostel for backpackers who want to make the most of their nights as well as their days. The nearest metro station is just a five-minute walk away. The kitchen-cum-living room is sociable and you can challenge your new pals to a board game play-off. Freebies include Wi-Fi and tea and coffee.
Forever Young Hostel
Located in the heart of St Petersburg and house within an old-world building, Forever Young Hostel is close to Baltic Train Station. There are two six-bed mixed dorms along with private rooms for between two and four. Have a comfortable stay with an inviting lounge and kitchen, and benefit from free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, parking, and towels.
Inbox Capsule Hostel
A great hostel in St Petersburg for solo backpackers, couples, and friends, Inbox Capsule Hostel has private rooms for one and two as well as pod-like beds in spacious dorms. Each sleeping capsule has a hanging rail, a personal light and a power outlet, and you can shutter yourself away for sweet dreams in peace and privacy. Each guest has a locker under the double-stacked sleep boxes. Dorms have a long desk, and they are bright with urban chic. There’s on onsite café as well as a kitchen and a lounge, and other handy amenities include luggage storage and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi and breakfast are free.
Polosaty Hostel
A great youth hostel in St Petersburg for travellers who value tranquillity and a sense of calm, with splashes of quirkiness and hand-made charms, the Polosaty Hostel is a great base from which to explore St Petersburg and then return to a friendly atmosphere and a good night’s rest. The members of staff are always happy to provide tips and recommendations for your city stay, and there’s a kitchen and lunge so you can truly feel at ease. Wi-Fi access is free, as are city maps. We wouldn’t be surprised if this didn’t become one of the best hostels in St Petersburg in 2021.
FJC Loft
Situated in a trendy part of the St Petersburg and with fab views of the starry night and city streets, FJC Loft is a great all-round youth hostel in St Petersburg. Hand-painted beds add something a little unique and everyone has a locker. Black-out curtains ensure the rising sun doesn’t wake you prematurely from your slumber. The comfy lounge has a TV, board games, and book exchange and there’s even a separate quieter zone for getting work done. You can get out and about with handy tips from the staff and tours arranged onsite. Furthermore, there’s a kitchen, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a steam room.
What to Pack for your Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
Seriously, St Pete is a highly underrated destination. Hopefully with the help of this guide, you’ll have a much better idea of where you want to stay so you can book your hostel quickly and getting to drinking vodk… I mean, exploring St. Petersburg!
And remember, if you can’t decide, our number one recommendation for the best hostels in St. Petersburg is Chickadee Hostel.
FAQ about Hostels in Saint Petersburg
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Saint Petersburg.
What are the best hostels in Saint Petersburg for couples?
Check out these awesome couple hostels in Saint Petersburg:
Vitamin Hostel
Likehome Hostel
Inbox Capsule Hostel
What is the best hostel in Saint Petersburg near the airport?
The Pulkovo Airport is quite far from the city center, so it is usually better to find the best place that offers airport transfers. Once you’re in the city, we highly recommend Metro-Tour Hostel, just a short walk from Elektrosila Metro Station.
Travel Safety Tips for Saint Petersburg
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 Russia and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Saint Petersburg.
Planning an epic trip all across Russia or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
- Best hostels in Moscow
- Best hostels in Oslo
- Best hostels in Tallinn
- Best hostels in Vilnius
- Best hostels in Warsaw
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Saint Petersburg 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!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in St Petersburg covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in St Petersburg before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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!
