Singapore is one of the most fascinating, gorgeous, and cleanest cities on the planet. You can expect a city with some of the world’s most interesting architecture and incredible foods … but don’t expect to have it to yourself.
Singapore was the 5th-most-visited city in the world in 2017, and with hundreds of accommodation choices, it can be difficult choosing where to stay. Which is exactly why I wrote this guide to the best hostels in Singapore.
Whether you are spending some time in the city or moving on to backpacking Southeast Asia, I’ve taken into consideration various traveller needs and organised this list so you can identify what you need and book your hostel confidently (and save some pennies in the process too)!
Then you can focus on what matters most – adventuring in Singapore (and eating as much laksa as you possibly can)!
Let’s get right to it!
- Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Singapore
- What to Expect when Staying in a Singapore Hostel
- The 5 Best Hostels in Singapore
- More Epic Hostels in Singapore
- What to Pack for your Singapore Hostel
- FAQ about Hostels in Singapore
- More Epic Hostels in Singapore and Southeast Asia
- Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Singapore
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Singapore
- Overall Best Hostel in Singapore – Dream Lodge
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Singapore – Wink Capsule Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Singapore – Beary Best
- Best Party Hostel in Singapore – The Bohemian
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Singapore – Cube Hostel
What to Expect when Staying in a Singapore Hostel
Booking a hostel instead of a hotel comes with loads of perks. The former is obviously the way-more-affordable price, but there’s even more waiting for you! The one thing that makes hostels really stand out is the incredible social vibe. You can meet travellers from all over the world by sharing common spaces and staying in dormitory-style rooms – it’s a great way to make new friends.
When backpacking Singapore, you’ll find all sorts of different hostels. From extreme-party to chilled-out modern hostels, there are endless options. The main categories of hostels you’ll find in Singapore are sleek modern hostels, digital nomad hostels, and cheap trash hostels!
Luckily, most hostels are focused on being very affordable while still offering a high value. The general rule is: the bigger the dorm, the cheaper the nightly rate. If you go for a private hostel room, you’ll end up paying a bit more, but it’s still more affordable than Singapore’s hotels. We did some research and listed the average price that you can expect for a hostel in Singapore here below:
- Private Rooms: 45–55€/night
- Dorms (mixed or female-only): 15–28€/night
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most Singapore hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place, and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
In general, most hostels can be found near the city centre, in the heart and soul of all the cool attractions like Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. To figure out where to stay in Singapore and find the best hostels for tourists, check out these three neighbourhoods:
- Marina Bay – Perhaps the best area to stay in Singapore for tourists. Located in the centre of the city, you’re never far from the action.
- Little India – With a distinct identity and cultural flare, Little India is one of the most vibrant and attractive areas of the city.
- Clarke Quay – If you’re looking to enjoy a few drinks and dance the night away, look no further than Clarke Quay.
- Chinatown – Home to rustic eateries, traditional shophouses, and religious attractions, Chinatown is a neighbourhood where the new and the old seamlessly meet.
- Sentosa – With a myriad of attractions, activities and adventure, this island playground is action-packed and lots of fun for kids of all ages.
You see that it’s important to figure out where you’ll stay before you book your hostel. Make sure to know your travel needs and do your research beforehand to have the best Singapore trip!
The 5 Best Hostels in Singapore
Looking for the right hostel and actually finding one are two very different things. What matters to you? Privacy? Low price? Partying? Getting work done as a digital nomad? Different travellers require different things, so I did my best by organising these Singapore hostels into different categories to make it easier for you. Just figure out your Singapore itinerary first and then scroll down and have a look at our absolute favourite hostels in Singapore for tourists:
1. Dream Lodge – Overall Best Hostel in Singapore
The overall best hostel in Singapore is Dream Lodge – it is super chilled out, friendly and ideally placed between 3 Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations connecting you to all of Singapore, including the Chinatown MRT station. Located in a restored 1950s-era shophouse, Dream Lodge is definitely a backpacker’s dream come true, going by the many glowing reviews!
The beds at Dream Lodge are super comfy, and you’ll be spoiled with not one but TWO pillows! Extra points for the bunk beds being pod-style, which allows for a little extra privacy in the dorm room. The mattresses are also orthopaedic and anti-dust-mite, meaning you’ve got a guaranteed great night’s sleep, which is rare for a hostel!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 2 pillows!
- Close to 3 MRT stations
- Anti-dust-mite orthopaedic mattresses
Dream Lodge also offers guests a free breakfast and is right next door to an awesome selection of hipster cafes and classic Singaporean food halls. The dream location is to die for – there’s a reason this area is considered a backpacker hub for the city, and with good reason. You will find everything a budget traveller could ever want. Around here you can indulge in local street food whilst also popping into a shopping centre, or you could explore many of the cultural and historical delights of Singapore before heading to a trendy cafe!
2. Wink Capsule Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Singapore
Singapore is very safe and an excellent country for solo travellers. The best hostel for travellers backpacking Singapore solo is Wink Capsule Hostel. With a bar and cafe on-site, there are plenty of opportunities for solo nomads to meet new friends. Make sure to head to the guest kitchen in the evening as this is where you’ll find most people hanging out before they start exploring Singapore’s nightlife scene.
Wink is a top hostel in Singapore for backpackers of all kinds – you will find it to be a combination of a boutique hotel and a cool hostel, all for a decent price in an expensive city! We absolutely loved our stay in Wink Capsule Hostel – it might not be the cheapest hostel in Singapore, but it’s definitely one of the most epic, especially for solo travellers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Generous locker space
- Close to 3 MRT stations
- Anti-dust-mite orthopaedic mattresses
One of the best things about this hostel is the amazing and super-secure large lockers that require keycard access Anti-dust-mite orthopaedic mattresses – great if you’ve got expensive cameras and a laptop. Modern conveniences such as a washing machine, dryer, and fully functional kitchen are great for saving money.
We stayed here back in 2019 on one of our many visits to the city and absolutely loved the combination of sleek design with functional but comfortable features around the hostel. The beds offered us a great night’s sleep after a tiring red-eye flight, and the common areas were great for working professionals and getting some work done on our laptops. We also loved the location which was right in the CBD and close to a 7/11 too – the holy grail for any backpacker!
3. Beary Best! – Best Cheap Hostel in Singapore
Beary Best! is a classic youth hostel in Singapore and is more in keeping with the backpacker vibe found in many hostels across Southeast Asia. Carefully restored from an art deco heritage building, this hostel is laidback, spacious and super friendly – it’s the Beary Best, besides being one of the cheapest hostels in Singapore!
You will find here everything the modern backpacker could need – free Wi-Fi, hot showers, air-con and cheap drinks in the fridge. If you’re having a chilled-out hostel day, make the most of the free unlimited films in the common room. And if you’re feeling a little more active, perhaps have a play on the Wii with your new hostel buddies!
Located in Chinatown, the hostel is right next to the MRT station, making it super convenient for getting around the city and to and from the airport. The friendly staff is available 24/7 for travel advice and tips and can help you get exclusive rates for Singapore’s local attractions!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free walking tours
- Next to Chinatown MRT station
- 9-inch hotel-quality spring mattress
You can head to the dedicated lounge/dining area or the outdoor garden patio to meet fellow travellers and make plans to explore the city together! Settle down in your comfy bunk beds for a great night’s sleep while your electronics charge in the individual power-points. With a 24-hour check-in, no curfew, ladies-only loos on all floors, and super-cheap drinks and snacks on offer, Beary Best! hostel is one of the best Singapore hostels.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. The Bohemian – Best Party Hostel in Singapore
If you’re heading to Singapore for a wild time, be sure to book the best party hostel in Singapore: the Bohemian hostel. Although there’s no bar on-site, the Bohemian is the closest hostel to Singapore’s best nightclubs and music venues.
The hostel is also within a very short walking distance of Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Sands Bay, so you don’t have to go too far to stumble back home. Even better, there’s no curfew and no lockout so you can paint the town read all you want!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fantastic location in the heart of the party district
- Subway station a stone’s throw away
- Fastest Wi-Fi speed in the city
You can make use of the hostel’s laundry, housekeeping, and luggage-storage facilities and keep your travel hassle-free! Guest reviews also mention glowingly the warm, social vibe at the Bohemian – there are plenty of board games to play with your fellow backpackers as well as a movie room for some cine fun! All in all, if you’re looking for a Singapore backpackers hostel in the heart of the party district be sure to book the Bohemian hostel.
5. Cube Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Singapore
The best hostel for digital nomads in Singapore is, without a doubt, Cube Hostel. Staying in a capsule hostel is a total novelty for lots of travellers, making Cube one of the coolest hostels in Singapore – and some would even say luxurious.
The Cube building is super smart both in terms of design and tech! Each room or pod has its own key-card access system. This Singapore hostel combines hotel features and amenities in a bohemian chic hostel setting that isn’t too harsh on the wallet.
Digital nomads will absolutely love the dedicated workspaces here – perfect for focusing and getting some work done on their laptops. If you’re missing good old hostel life, though, then just head to the uber-cool cafe and bar for a classic Singapore Sling!
The location is top-notch too, being within walking distance of the Chinatown MRT station. So once you’ve done all the work for the day, you can head on out and explore the city! Before that, don’t forget to dig into the complimentary breakfast buffet to save some extra pennies. Even better, you’ve got free bottled water so you’ll never get dehydrated in the harsh Singapore environment.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super-thick mattresses
- Great location
- USB charger ports
All in all, if you’re on the lookout for somewhere budget-friendly to stay whilst still having a chic and sleek modern vibe, then the Cube Hostel is the ideal spot. Each capsule offers a good amount of privacy whilst retaining that community feel of a hostel. And hey, there’s even a Michelin-star chicken-and-rice spot on the ground floor of the building – so you can experience some of the best food in the city with the cash you save on accommodation!
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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 Epic Hostels in Singapore
If you’ll be backpacking around Singapore on more than a 3-day holiday itinerary, then be sure to check out these other sweet hostels! You just might find a new temporary home … Keep reading!
6. BEAT. Sports Hostel
A lot of the hostels in Singapore are similar – except for BEAT. Sports Hostel! This one-of-a-kind hostel has a sports theme, made obvious by its arcade games, table tennis, basketball machine, and access to two Olympic-sized swimming pools! This sort of hostel is a rarity and a great opportunity for anyone looking for something fun and something different from their hostel experience.
7. The Pod – Boutique Capsule Hostel
The Pod is another of Singapore’s innovative capsule hostels and is incredibly popular with flashpackers in particular. Each pod comes with its own power socket and reading lamp, as well as a foldaway laptop desk and clothes rack with hangers. Everyone who stays here raves about how comfy the mattresses are – you may just have to come and see for yourself, though! Far from a budget-backpacker accommodation in Singapore, the Pod is the perfect place to go if you want to treat yourself to a weekend vacation in Singapore, complete with the flashpacker experience.
8. River City Inn
River City Inn is a super-popular youth hostel in Singapore located right in the heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the river. If you want to explore the older, more authentic sides of Singapore, River City Inn makes a great base, being right in Chinatown. Offering a free breakfast for guests each morning of their stay, this hostel is a simple but clean and modern hostel option in Singapore. Smaller than some other youth hostels in Singapore, River City Inn is a good choice for travellers who want a more intimate kinda place to stay.
9. Betel Box Backpacker
For all you budget backpackers and gym bods out there, you’ve hit the jackpot with Betel Box Backpacker! Quite possibly the best budget hostel in Singapore in terms of facilities, Betel Box has its own gym, bar, and games room. Located on the bustling and exciting Joo Chiat Road, this hostel offers great value for money and a good night’s sleep. In one of the most pricey cities in the world, what more could you ask for? A free breakfast perhaps? Already included, man! Make sure you give the hostel cat, Whiskey, some smooches!
10. ST Signature Tanjong Pagar
ST Signature is another one of the many Singapore hostels that offers private rooms. Set in an art deco heritage building right in the CBD, it’s within walking distance of the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort. The hostel features a rooftop terrace where you can take in the city or attend a yoga lesson. ST Signature is one of the cheapest Singapore hostels for the quality of the private rooms offered and the superb location (which is great since the city is not the cheapest).
What to Pack for your Singapore 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 even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Singapore
Here are some questions backpackers commonly ask about hostels in Singapore.
How much does a hostel cost in Singapore??
The average price that you can expect for a hostel in Singapore ranges from 15–28€/night for dorms (mixed or female-only), while private rooms cost 45–55€/night.
What are the best hostels in Singapore for couples?
ST Signature Tanjong Pagar is an ideal hostel for couples in Singapore. It’s comfy, has a charming rooftop terrace, and is located right in the CBD.
What are the best hostels in Singapore near the airport?
Betel Box Backpacker, one of the best budget hostels in Singapore, is 11.2 km from Changi International Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Singapore
Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good insurance for Singapore sorted before you head off on an adventure.
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 Singapore and Southeast Asia
Hopefully, you’re now well on your way to finding the perfect Singapore hostel for you! If not, then perhaps you could consider a Singapore Airbnb, a Singapore VRBO, or a Singapore homestay!
Planning an epic trip all across Singapore or to the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! For more cool hostel guides, check out:
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Singapore
Singapore is like taking a trip into the future! With so much to do and see, don’t waste any more time than needed to book a hostel. Find the one that suits you, reserve a space for yourself, pack your bags for Singapore, and start exploring this fascinating, delicious city.
Even if it’s just for the Changi Airport, Singapore is definitely worth seeing. Being one of the more expensive locations in Asia, you should plan your Singapore travel budget accordingly so you’re properly prepared and able to fully enjoy your trip.
Also, take it from us, 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 we have perfected over many years. Check out our definitive hostel packing list to ease your mind.
Well, I hope by now our epic guide to the best Singapore hostels has helped you choose the perfect place for your adventure! If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
Updated May 2023
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Singapore for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Singapore covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Singapore if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Singapore before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Southeast Asia backpacking guide.
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!
