While most travellers to the Netherlands have Amsterdam and Rotterdam right at the top of their itinerary, they’re not all this country has to offer. Less than half an hour away from the capital, you can enjoy the delight of pretty Utrecht. A popular student centre, its tree-lined canals put you in mind of the capital – minus the crowds, and sex tourists. Instead, you can enjoy the beautiful architecture of the city’s historic mansions, spend some time in one of the many cafes, and admire Utrecht’s museums.
However, before you start checking the train times out of Amsterdam, there’s something else you should figure out first – and that’s where you’re going to stay. As a smaller and quieter city, Utrecht doesn’t exactly have cheap accommodation spilling out of it. However, you’ll find value for money in the few Utrecht hostels. Yep, it’s really about quality over quantity here!
Instead of letting you search long and hard for the cheapest places to stay in Utrecht, I’ve done it for you! Taking into account a range of travel styles, personalities, and budgets, I’ve come up with a list of the best hostels in Utrecht.
So, let’s check them out. Which one is going to be the best fit for you?
Photo: Roaming Ralph
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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Utrecht
The 5 Best Hostels and Budget Stays in Utrecht
You probably don’t need any more convincing that Utrecht is the relaxing and tranquil break you need during your backpacking Netherlands trip.
But before you pick a cafe by a canal, you’re going to need somewhere to stay. My choices reflect a range of different styles, so rather than just opting for my overall favourite hostel that caters to all types of travellers, have a think about what you want from Utrecht hostels.
1. BUNK Hotel Utrecht – Best Overall Hostel in Utrecht
- Dorm (mixed): From $57
- Private Room: From $106
- Address: Catharijnekade 9, Utrecht, Netherlands
With a prime location by the canal, BUNK Hotel isn’t the cheapest hostel in Utrecht, but it’s my overall favourite. The former church sits somewhere between a hotel and a hostel; private pods instead of bunk beds mean you can still have a dorm experience without having to give up your privacy, and splashing out a little more means you’ve got a lovely private room.
This is also good option for couples! There’s a restaurant and on site bar where you can enjoy reasonably priced meals and meet other guests and locals. Want to get out and explore? Rent one of the hostel’s bikes!
2. Hostel Strowis – Best Hostel in Utrecht for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $37
- Private Room: From $117
- Address: Boothstraat 8, Utrecht, Netherlands
Having opened in 1998, Hostel Strowis has had plenty of time to get it right when it comes to welcoming solo travellers. Its relaxed atmosphere is the best feature, making it easy to strike up a conversation and find friends to explore the city with. However, you don’t need to leave the hostel to have a good time. The garden and living room host events and live music – it just depends on the weather!
3. Stayokay Utrecht – Bunnik – Best Cheap Hostel in Utrecht
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $118
- Address: Rhijnauwenselaan 14, Bunnik, Utrecht, Netherlands
We’re heading out of the city centre now. This budget Utrecht hostel is actually in a forest along the Kromme Rijn. While you won’t have the city’s museums and cafes within walking distance, you will have several outdoor pursuits on hand, including hiking, biking, and canoeing. It’s a good job that the hostel offers a free breakfast so that you’re fuelled up for these activities! It’s not just breakfast you can enjoy at this charming hostel; I’d suggest enjoying the sun on the terrace with a beer from the bar.
4. Stayokay Utrecht Centrum – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Utrecht
- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: Neude 5, Utrecht, Netherlands
The second hostel from this chain, Stayokay Utrecht Centrum this spot is perfect for any digital nomad. With unlimited fast, free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel and several spots where you can work, it’s definitely got that side of things covered. There’s also a bar and cafe where you can kick back and meet other travellers. Be sure to take advantage of the bicycle hire to explore the city after a hard day’s work!
5. Hotel Oorsprongpark – Best Private Room in Utrecht
- Private Room: From $91
- Address: F.C.Dondersstraat 12, Noordoost, 3572 JH Utrecht, Netherlands
Perhaps you’re tired of sharing sweaty, noisy dorms on your travels. Maybe you just want a touch of luxury. Either way, you’ll be delighted with Hotel Oorsprongpark. Offering single and private double rooms, it’s within walking distance of all the best shops, cafes, and other nearby attractions of Utrecht’s city centre.
Breakfast and bicycle hire can be enjoyed for an extra fee. Though it’s a perfectly lovely place to stay, this (like all cheap Utrecht hotels) doesn’t offer a common room (other than breakfast), so if you’re looking to meet other travellers, this might not be the right spot for you.
More Epic Utrecht Hostels and Budget Stays
A few more Utrecht hostels to consider for your trip!
The Studenthostel B & B Utrecht City Center
- Dorm (mixed): From $40
- Address: Lucasbolwerk 4, Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht is a popular student city. If you’re studying your Erasmus year here, this could be an excellent place to base yourself as you search for a flat. There are plenty of freebies on offer when you arrive, including breakfast, tea and coffee, and even BBQs during summer. It’s a popular hotel for musicians too, with guitars, a piano, and even djembes on site.
City Center Lodge
- Dorm (mixed): From $86
- Address: Wittevrouwensingel 37, Oost, 3581 GD Utrecht, Netherlands
Okay, you got me, this isn’t exactly a hostel. However, it’s inexpensive enough for a couple who have something to celebrate. The lodge is within walking distance from the heart of town, with several restaurants and public transport within a stone’s throw, The on-site breakfast is also cheap and delicious, and I found the staff super helpful. The bed is comfy and each room also has a flat-screen TV and coffee machine!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Utrecht
Don’t head out to Utrecht without grabbing some travel insurance first!
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.
Final Thoughts on Utrecht’s Hostels
There are so many reasons to add Utrecht to your Netherlands itinerary. Whether it’s to visit museums on Dutch history, culture, and religion, take a cruise along the city’s peaceful canals, or simply sit in a cafe and watch life go by, you’re sure to enjoy this compact city just 30km southeast of Amsterdam (you’ll find loads of hostels there as well).
When planning your trip to Utrecht, don’t downplay the importance of picking the right place to stay. Are you a backpacker who wants to be first with a beer and last to bed? Perhaps you need to work as you travel but still want a sociable atmosphere. Or maybe you don’t care where you stay as long as you have a bed and a healthy bank balance. Whatever you want, there’s a hostel in Utrecht for you!
I hope you have an incredible trip to the Netherlands. Have you been to Utrecht before? If so, why not let me know where you stayed and what you loved about it… if it’s a hostel, of course!
Photo: @taya.travels
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Netherlands for a wealth of info!
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in the Netherlands.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Netherlands if you’re feeling fancy!
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
