Santiago is Chile’s capital and largest city, and for many travelers, it is the gateway to this often underrated South American destination.

But by South American standards, Santiago is expensive and traveling on a budget there can be a challenge. Which is exactly why we made this list of the best hostels in Santiago.

Santiago is a modern, European-esque, but still completely retains its own unique qualities.

With the help of this no BS guide, you’ll be able to book your Santiago hostel quickly and with confidence.

Our list was put together with one thing in mind – get you matched up with the hostel that best suits YOUR travel needs.

So whether you wanna party, chill, make some friends, or just find a cheap bed and get some sleep, our ultimate list of the 20 best hostels in Santiago has got you covered.

Quick answer: Best Hostels in Santiago

Best Hostels in Santiago

The 20 Best Hostels in Santiago

Remember, the point of this no BS list is to show you the highest reviewed hostels in Santiago and get you to the one that matches your travel needs. Make sure you know where you want to stay in Santiago. You don’t want to end up far away from the things you want to see!

In other words? We did the research so you don’t have to!

Las Condes ttd Santiago Chile

Hostal Forestal | Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Santiago

Hostal Forestal Best Hostel for Solo Traveller in Santiago
Good for couples, solo travelers, or anyone else looking for fun social vibes – Hostal Forestal is one of the best hostels in Santiago

The best hostel for solo travellers in Santiago is Hostal Forestal as they’re always super busy! As a highly recommended hostel in Santiago, Forestal is always buzzing and full of travellers of every kind; those backpacking solo, those with their crew and as they offer private double too, Forestal is popular with couples. Solo travellers have plenty of opportunities to mix, meet and mingle with their hostel buddies in the cafe or in the cosy lounge area. If you’re keen on cooking there’s one easy way to traveller’s hearts and that’s food as Forestal has a great guest kitchen.

Hostal Providencia | Best Party Hostel in Santiago

Hostal Providencia Best Party Hostel in Santiago
Hostal Providencia’s poppin’ bar makes it a top party hostel in Santiago, Chile

Hostal Providencia is the best party hostel in Santiago without a doubt. They have their own hostel bar that’s always pumping and serving up a cracking selection of beers and brews. You don’t wanna miss out on their Terremotto nights, they’re quite the experience! Terremotto is the traditional Chilean cocktail; suffice to say you HAVE to try it during your time in Chile! Hostal Providencia is one of the coolest hostels in Santiago not only for their bar but their friendly and attentive service.

La Chimba

La Chimba Best Hostels in Santiago
Great wifi but great-er party vibes, La Chimba is one of the best party hostel sin Santaigo

La Chimba is a multi-award winning youth hostel in Santiago and they’re bossing hostel life! They have a great party vibe here and the team are always up for a good time. The outdoor garden and patio area is the favourite hangout spot for backpackers from across the world. La Chimba is a great all-rounder, especially for digital nomads; they have consistently fast WiFi and plenty of comfy spots to work from throughout the hostel.

La Casa Roja

La Casa Roja Best Hostels in Santiago
A bar, a swimming pool, great reviews and CHEAP – La Casa Roja is a great cheap hostel in Santiago

La Casa Roja is the best budget hostel in Santiago, they even have a swimming pool! You won’t find a cheaper hostel in Santiago with a pool, that’s for sure. La Casa Roja has its own bar too. If you’re looking for a cheap party hostel in Santiago La Casa Roja is where you need to head! The team are eco-conscious and encourage their guests to recycle where possible. They can arrange bicycles hire to save riding in taxis, they even have their own bike parking spots!

The Bellavista Hostel

The Bellavista Best Hostels in Santiago
Solid for all travelers, The Bellavista has low prices for private rooms, making it a great option for couples

The Bellavista is a highly recommended hostel in Santiago, perfect for couples. Their private double rooms are cosy yet spacious and the hostel as a whole has a really friendly and laid-back vibe. Although not party central The Bellavista Hostel attracts a chilled out, few beers of an evening kinda crowd. If you and your SO are at a loose end or haven’t planned your trip after Santiago be sure to visit The Bellavista tours and travel desk for advice and inspiration.

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas Best Hostels in Santiago
Solid WiFi and some places to set up work makes Plaza de Armas a great hostel for Digital Nomads

For digital nomads looking for a Santiago backpackers hostel that caters to all their working needs be sure to check out Plaza de Armas. They have everything you could need, a contemporary and inspiring design, guest kitchen and naturally great WiFi too. They have their own cafe which is a great spot to hide out in with your laptop. If that doesn’t take your fancy then the hostel terrace is hit by the sun throughout the day if you want to get your tan on while you type!

Castillo Surfista

Castillo Surfista
Free city tour, good price and social vibes make Castillo Surfista a top hostel for solo travelers in Santiago

Castillo Surfista is a great youth hostel in Santiago for solo travellers as it’s low key, fun and friendly. Some solo travellers prefer to travel alone as they like the slower pace of travel and the chance to really connect with their surroundings rather than arrive, see, do and leave again! Castillo Surfista has everything the solo traveller could need; a steady turnaround of guests, a free city tour and an outdoor terrace perfect for hanging out with new friends.

Eco Hostel | Best Cheap Hostel in Santiago

Eco Best Cheap Hostel in Santiago
Super low prices, Eco Hostel is well reviewed and our best budget/cheap hostel in Santiago, Chile

The best cheap hostel in Santiago is, easily, Eco Hostel. The Eco team offer a cheap and cheerful hostel experience in Santiago specifically for travellers on a tight budget. Knowing that every penny counts the Eco Hostel team have created a guest kitchen so you and your crew can cook up a dirt cheap meal to save splashing out at restaurants. Eco is a top hostel in Santiago as through their tours and travel desk you can book eco-tours of Chile. You name it they can arrange it, horse riding, condor watching, or a visit to the hot springs in the mountains.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

Che Lagarto | Best Hostel for Couples in Santiago

Che Lagarto Best Hostels for Couples in Santiago
Great options for couples or those who want some a private room while also having the perks of a social atmosphere

The best hostel for couples in Santiago is Che Lagarto. Their spacious private rooms will make you feel like you’re in a swanky, modern hotel rather than a hostel. That said, there are plenty of communal areas for you and your partner to hang out in and get to know your fellow hostel dwellers. The private rooms are Che Lagarto have ensuite bathrooms which is an added bonus. As a top hostel in Santiago Che Lagarto has ‘Apart Hotel’ rooms complete with private kitchenette area, ideal for travelling couples.

Santiago Backpackers | Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Santiago

Santiago Backpackers Best Hostels for Digital Nomads in Santiago
While no co-working space, the wifi is well reviewed making a great hostel for all travelers, but specifically Digital Nomads

The best hostel for digital nomads in Santiago is Santiago Backpackers. Digital nomads tend to stick around a little longer than the average backpacker and Santiago Backpackers is perfect. They have a free dinner every night, you can BYOB and make the most of their free breakfast too. This is on top of free, unlimited WiFI access throughout the building. Digital nomads looking for a home from home rather than a cheap and cheerful hostel for the night should book their stay at Santiago Backpackers; the best hostel in Santiago for digital nomads.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More of the Best Hostels in Santiago

Ventana Sur Hostal

Ventana Sur Hostal Best Hostels in Santiago

Ventana Sur Hostel is easily the joint best hostel in Santiago as they have a swimming pool, a nice treat! It’s not just the pool that makes Ventana Sur the coolest hostel in Santiago but their awesome staff, great free breakfast and fast WiFi. It’s not unheard of for hostel owner Ivan to rally the troops and have a hostel BBQ for an evening. The perfect opportunity to share a bottle of wine..or two, and get to know your hostel buddies.

Poker Hostel

Poker Best Hostels in Santiago

Poker Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Santiago but is often overlooked by travellers in favour of more party orientated venues. Poker Hostel is a chilled out and friendly hostel less than 30-minutes away from the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport. It is the best hostel in Santiago close to the airport, bear that in mind if you’re due to fly out after you’ve finished exploring the Chilean capital.

AJI Santiago

Aji Best Hostels in Santiago

AJI is the best hostel in Santiago if you are a stickler for value for money. Although not the cheapest AJI is a great budget hostel in Santiago as they offer a free breakfast and a free dinner every night. This is a really sociable hostel and they crew love their food. If you can, make sure you stay on a Friday night to get in on the BBQ action! The dorms are colourful, clean and spacious.

H Rado Hostel

H Rado Best Hostel in Santiago

One of the overall best hostel in Santiago is H Rado as they’ve got everything you could ask for from a hostel and then a little bit more! As the best hostel in Santiago in 2021 H Rado not only offers a free breakfast, free bed linen and towels but a free city tour too! This city tour is not only the perfect way to get to grips with Santiago but to also meet other travellers in the area. There is a low key party vibe here, perfect for travellers who are around for a good time and a few drinks!

Casa Roble Hostal

Casa Roble Hostal Boutique Best Hostels in Santiago

Casa Roble is a cute and cosy youth hostel in Santiago ideal for travellers who like a good nights sleep and a friendly welcome. That’s all of us, right?! As a boutique hostel, Casa Roble has a strong focus on design and comfort. Although there is no guest kitchen Casa Roble is just a few steps away from a great selection of Chilean restaurants and diners. Be sure to ask the Casa Roble team for directions or for their insider knowledge as to what Santiago hotspots to hit up and when.

Salvador Hostel y Cafe

Salvador Hostal y Cafe Best Hostels in Santiago

Salvador is a great Santiago backpackers hostel for digital nomads, their cafe is the perfect place to work and drink tonnes of coffee to keep focused! If you’re travelling long term you’ll definitely need a hostel day on your journey and Salvador is ideal for those kinda days. They have a cosy common room complete with Smart TV with Netflix, what a treat! Salvador Hostel y Cafe is located in the heart of Providencia, the go-to neighbourhood for backpackers.

Kombi Hostel

Kombi Best Hostels in Santiago

Kombi Hostel is a great backpacker hangout in Santiago. Offering everything the modern backpacker could ask for from a hostel. Free WiFi, free breakfast, a guest kitchen and cute outdoor terrace. As a top hostel in Santiago Kombi has their own tours and travel desk to help you and your buddies make the most of every minute of your time in Chile. Kombi is a laid back kinda hostel who love to organise activities and fun nights for their guests. Don’t be shy, dive right in!

Don Santiago

Don Santiago Best Hostels in Santiago

Don Santiago is a great youth hostel in Santiago if you’re looking for value for money. As one of the best budget hostels in Santiago Don Santiago offers an amazing free breakfast at their cafe in town. We’re not talking rubbish toast and jam, we’re talking sautéed tomatoes, carrots and zucchini, omelette sprinkled with oregano and smoked chilli and fresh bread. Amen.

Chile Lindo

Chile Lindo Best Hostels in Santiago

If you know you’re gonna be knackered from the bus journey when you arrive in Santiago or are leaving the city early in the morning be sure to book a bed at Chile Lindo. As a great Santiago backpackers hostel, Chile Lindo is just a 10-minute walk from the main bus terminal and only 15-minutes from Santiago city centre. They are just 4-blocks away from the historic neighbourhood of Concha y Toro. Chile Lindo is a brilliantly located youth hostel in Santiago.

Happy House Hostel

Happy House Best Hostels in Santiago

Happy House Hostel is one of the coolest hostels in Santiago. They have everything you could think of and more; cracking hostel vibe, their own bar, a free breakfast and a free city tour. Happy House is the best hostel in Santiago in many people’s eyes and rightly so. The Happy House team have created a brilliant hostel environment and everyone leaves with a smile. They even have their own swimming pool! Happy House is becoming more and more popular so you’ll want tobook your bed ASAP.

What to Pack for your Santiago 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.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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 Santiago

There you have it – The Broke Backpacker’s No BS guide to the best hostels in Santiago.

I know this list will be of great help and save you some serious travel-research time. And remember, if you are having a difficult time making a selection, go for H Rado Hostel. With free towels, breakfast, and a city tour at a reasonable price – you can’t go wrong!

H Rado Best Hostel in Santiago

FAQ about Hostels in Santiago

Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Santiago.

How much does a hostel cost in Santiago?

A dorm bed can cost anything between $4-$29. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $8-$72 (most of them are around $30).

What are the best hostels in Santiago for couples?

Plaza de Armas is our top pick for families visiting Santiago. It offers cosy private rooms, as well as a free breakfast each morning. It’s right in the city centre and is surrounded by bars and restaurants.

What are the best hostels in Santiago near the airport?

Poker Hostel is our best hostel close to the airport. This friendly hostel is less than 30 minutes from the Arturo Merino Benitez Airport.

Travel Safety Tips for Santiago

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 Chile and South America

Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Santiago.

Planning an epic trip all across Chile or even South America itself?

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

For more cool hostel guides around South America, check out:

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Santiago has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your backpacking Chile adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Looking for more info on travelling to Santiago and Chile?

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!