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 food… but don’t expect to have it to yourself.
Singapore was the 5th-most-visited city in the world in 2017, and it’s not hard to see why. However, with hundreds of accommodation choices, it can be difficult to choose where to stay… especially if you’re heading there on a budget.
Whether you are spending some time in the city or moving on to backpacking Southeast Asia, I’ve created this list of hostels to suit many a traveller! From party pads to digital nomad-friendly abodes, there will be a hostel in here for you.
Then you can focus on what matters most – adventuring in Singapore (and eating as much laksa as you possibly can)!
So, let’s get down to business.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Singapore
- Best Overall Hostel in Singapore – Dream Lodge
- Best Hostel in Singapore for Solo Travellers – Wink at Mosque Street
- Best Cheap Hostel in Singapore – Betel Box Backpacker Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Singapore – The Bohemian
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Singapore – Cube Boutique Capsule Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Singapore
What matters to you? Privacy? Low price? Partying? Getting work done? Each of us will have a different checklist of things we require from a hostel, so I’ve organised these Singapore hostels into different categories to make your life a little bit easier.
Once you’ve sussed your Singapore itinerary then scroll down to check out my fav hostels in Singapore:
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1. Dream Lodge – Best Overall Hostel in Singapore
- Dorm (mixed): From $40
- Address: 172 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore
My 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.
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 pretty much 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 at Mosque Street – Best Hostel in Singapore for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $51
- Private Room: From $105
- Address: 8A Mosque Street, Singapore, Singapore
Singapore is very safe and an excellent country for solo travellers to visit. 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!
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.
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 super-secure large lockers that require keycard access – 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 a few extra bucks!
Their beds offer a great night’s sleep, and the common areas are great for getting some work done. I also love the location which is right in the CBD and close to a 7/11 – the holy grail for any backpacker!
3. Betel Box Backpacker Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Singapore
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Address: 200 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore, Singapore
For all you budget backpackers out there, you’ve hit the jackpot with Betel Box Backpacker! Quite possibly the best budget hostel in Singapore!
The hostel has a bit of history to it as it is housed in a traditional 1920s shophouse (don’t worry, guys, it’s been restored!). Not only is the hostel filled with history and culture, but as soon as you step food out of the hostel you’ll be close to local culture and delicious local food spots.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- 15-minute walk from Paya Lebar MRT Station
- 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!
The spacious common room is perfect for chatting with fellow backpackers. Play a game of pool, browse through the hostel’s books collection, play a board game, or enjoy a lazy Netflix day. Does backpacker life get any better? I don’t think so.
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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 REI4. The Bohemian – Best Party Hostel in Singapore
- Dorm (mixed): From $48
- Address: 40 Mosque Street, China Town, Singapore, 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 red 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! There is a glowingly 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 Boutique Capsule Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Singapore
- Dorm (mixed): From $66
- Private Room: From $213
- Address: 76,78A Smith Street, Singapore, 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 – some might 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 pod hostel combines hotel features and amenities in a bohemian chic hostel setting that isn’t too harsh on the wallet.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super-thick mattresses
- Great location
- USB charger ports
- FREE breakfast buffet
Digital nomads will love the dedicated workspaces here – perfect for focusing and getting some work done. 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 FREE breakfast buffet to save some extra pennies. Even better, you’ve got free bottled water so you’ll never have to get dehydrated!
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. 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!
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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 Singapore Hostels
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
- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Private Room: From $230
- Address: 290A Jalan Besar Road, Singapore, Singapore
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
- Dorm (mixed): From $72
- Private Room: From $118
- Address: 289 Beach Road 03-01, Singapore, Singapore
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. ST Signature Tanjong Pagar
- Private Room: From $67
- Address: 32 Tras Street, Singapore, Singapore
ST Signature is another one of the many Singapore hostels that offer 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).
9. Dream Lodge @ Farrer Park
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $270
- Address: 259A Jalan Besar, Singapore, Singapore
Don’t worry, you’re not going mad – I did mention Dream Lodge already! But these guys have two locations which are honestly, just as epic as each other. This hostel is located within a 10-minute walk to the train and a 15-minute walk to Little India/Arab Street.
Dream Lodge @ Farrer Park offers HUGE dorm beds with hotel-grade duvets and two pillows. Yep, these guys don’t skimp on the basics. Although it’s not an overly social hostel, you could definitely meet a few fellow travellers if you’re up for it. Plus, the breakfast is freeeee!
10. River City Inn
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $101
- Address: 33C Hong Kong Street, Singapore, Singapore
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.
Here are some questions backpackers commonly ask about hostels in Singapore.
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!
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. Although it’s hard for a hostel to ooze romance, this one might just get those sparks flying.
What are the best hostels near the airport in Singapore?
Betel Box Backpacker is one of the best budget hostels in Singapore and it is just 11.2 km from Changi International Airport. Making it an easy escape for your flight the next day!
Is it really illegal to chew gum in Singapore?
Yep, since 1992 the import and sale of chewing gum has been illegal in Singapore. From what I know, it’s to keep the city clean of chewing gum. You’ll have to find another way to keep your breath minty fresh while exploring the city!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting 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.
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.
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 I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- 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.
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Amazing blog. This is very useful post. Easy to checkout.
Thanks!
What would you recommend, budget and location wise, for a group of 6?
That cwas my first official tour and my company booked COO Boutique Hostel. Food was good and really enjoyed the free wi-fi facility.