There are many reasons to visit Berlin; from bumping nightclubs to savory cuisine and historically rich landmarks, there seems to be something for every type of traveler! However, what can really make or break your trip to the Gray City is your accommodation. Choosing the right hostel means considering location, value for money, dorm configuration, and traveler reviews. Ironically, planning a relaxing vacation can actually require quite a bit of stress and research. Yet, you’ve stumbled across the hostel experts here at Road Affair and we’ve made the hostel hunt 10 times easier by doing all the heavy lifting for you to create this list of the best hostels in Berlin. So grab your lederhosen and hop on the Autobahn while we fly through these accommodations one hostel at a time!
5 Best Hostels in Berlin
- Best Overall Hostel: The Circus Hostel
- Best Party Hostel: Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
- Best Hostel for Couples/Families: MEININGER Berlin Central Station
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Pfefferbett Hostel
- Best Budget Hostel: St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Mitte
The Circus Hostel
The Circus Hostel is a superb choice for hostel dwellers looking for a clean, social, and modern hostel in a good location. Guests can join in on daily activities hosted in the hostel’s lively on-site bar to meet other travelers, such as karaoke, speed friend dating, and bingo! There is also an on-site café where folks can grab a quick bite or set up shop for the day to get some work done. The hostel provides bike rentals, along with board games and a book exchange in the common area. Private rooms are available for one or two people with the option of an ensuite bathroom or a penthouse suite with a kitchen, and mixed dorms are configured with either four, six, eight, or 10 beds.
One of the best things about this hostel is its location. Guests will be within a 20-minute walk of several top-rated Berlin attractions, such as Museum Island (Museumsinsel), the Berlin TV Tower, and Alexanderplatz. Plus, U Rosenthaler Platz U-Bahn and tram stop are literally on the doorstep of the hostel, offering excellent access to transportation all over the city. The Circus Hostel also offers luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, and a terrace to enjoy a pint in the open air.
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
This historic hostel located in the Kreuzberg district is ideal for travelers who want to be close to top-rated attractions and stay in a social party hostel. Easily one of the best things about this hostel is its location. Guests will be within a 15-20 minute walk of some of the best museums and landmarks, such as the German Museum of Technology, Potsdamer Platz, the Berlin Story Bunker, the Jewish Museum Berlin, and many more. Convenience is key when traveling and the Grand Hostel Berlin is ideally located a one-minute walk from the Möckernbrücke U-Bahn stop and Ökotussi organic café and grocer. Plus, there are several bars and restaurants right down the street.
The hostel leans into its historic roots and has created beautiful, clean common spaces for guests to hang out in, such as the on-site Library Bar, which hosts a daily Happy Hour, and their outdoor terrace. There are several rotating weekly events to sign up for and meet other travelers, as well as a weekly bar crawl on Fridays. Private rooms are available, or guests can choose a bed in a four-. six-, or eight-person mixed dorm. Some other awesome amenities provided include on-site laundry facilities, tour guides, bicycle rentals, and an on-site café.
MEININGER Berlin Central Station
Another excellent choice for hostel hunters looking for a hostel in Berlin with private rooms is the MEININGER Berlin Central Station. Located literally right beside Berlin Central Station, guests will be within a 15-minute walk of several outstanding attractions, such as the Reichstag Building, the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum, and the Futurium Museum. Since the train station is right there, there’s also an array of restaurants and bars nearby.
Inside, the hostel boasts a colorful modern motif with a well-equipped communal kitchen, a games room with old video games to try, and a large on-site bar and café that is perfect for those looking for a spot to get some work done on their laptop. MEININGER also offers several services for an additional fee, including packed lunches to go, tour tickets, bike rentals, and transportation tickets. Private rooms are available with one to three beds, or guests can book a bed in a four-bed mixed or female-only dorm room. Those hitting the road for a few weeks will be happy to hear there are on-site washers and dryers to catch up on laundry.
Pfefferbett Hostel
Those looking for a youth hostel in Berlin with comfortable common areas and a hip vibe will love the Pfefferbett Hostel. Located in the hip Pfefferbett area, this former-brewer-turned-hostel offers a stylish setting with plenty of awesome amenities. After a day of touring the city, guests can unwind with a cold beer at the on-site bar and challenge other travelers to a game of billiards. There is also an on-site café where digital nomads can set up their laptops and enjoy a latte and a bite to eat. In the backyard, there are plenty of seats to pop down with new friends for a chat, along with a foosball table and hammocks. Other noteworthy on-site amenities include barbecues, bike rentals, and a washing machine.
The Pfefferbett Hostel is located just steps from several art galleries, along with hip restaurants and bars. Hackescher Markt and Museum Island are within a 20-minute walk and Alexanderplatz is two U-Bahn stops away. Guests can opt to stay in a private double room with an en suite bathroom or go the classic hostel route and book a bed in a four-, six-, or eight-person mixed dorm. Each dorm bed comes with a personal shelf, reading light, and electrical plug.
St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Mitte
St Christopher’s Inn Berlin Mitte is a hostel with a truly unbeatable location and awesome amenities that make it a good hostel in Berlin for travelers. Museum Island, Friedrichstadt-Palast performing arts theater, and the Tränenpalast Museum are all within a five-minute walk. Plus, Bahnhof Berlin-Friedrichstraße station (tram, U-Bahn, and train) is only a seven-minute walk away, offering unparalleled transportation options to get around the city.
Inside, this lively hostel features an awesome on-site bar and restaurant with nightly parties, live music, club nights, beer pong tournaments, and more. There is also a breathtaking rooftop bar where guests can hang out with new hostel friends. The hostel also organized daily pub crawls and free walking tours. However, this may not be the hostel for those planning a long stay as there is a limit of seven nights. Private rooms are available for one to eight people and there are mixed and female-only dorms with configurations of four, six, or eight beds. All bunks in the dorms come with a privacy curtain, a lockable drawer, an electrical plug, and a reading lamp. Other amenities that make this one of the best Berlin hostels include laundry facilities, 24-hour reception, and luggage storage.
More Great Hostels in Berlin
EastSeven Hostel
If you are looking for a hostel that offers female-only rooms and a close-knit community feel, then book a room or bed at EastSeven Hostel. This bright and modern hostel offers several private rooms that can sleep anywhere from one to three people, along with mixed and female-only dorms with configurations of four or 10 beds. Each bed in the dorms comes with a locker drawer, a reading light, and an electrical plug. While this isn’t a party hostel, the hostel still hosts events during the week and there are several shared spaces for guests to unwind and meet fellow travelers. Hang out on the hammocks in the backyard or prepare a meal in the communal kitchen and share it with new friends in the dining area! Other outstanding amenities include laundry service, a 24-hour reception, board games, and luggage storage.
EastSeven Hostel is located in the hip Pfefferbett area, with several bars, breweries, restaurants, and art galleries nearby. The U Senefelderplatz U-Bahn stop is less than a five-minute walk away and Museum Island is a 20-minute walk away.
Space Night Capsule Hostel
Capsule hostels are all the rage, and this Berlin capsule hostel is no exception. Located just a 10-minute walk from Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, and Bebelplatz, this Berlin hostel offers an excellent location with top-notch amenities. Guests can immerse themselves in the themed out-of-this-world style of Space Night Capsule Hostel and get some seriously FOMO-inducing Instagram pictures from many over-the-top decorated shared spaces. The dorm rooms look straight out of a space thriller movie, with capsules stacked two and two (like bunk beds) on either side of the room. Within the personal capsule, you’ll have lights, a mirror, hooks, plugs, a safety deposit box, and some wiggle room in addition to being able to close and lock your bed from the inside.
While this is easily one of the coolest hostels in Berlin, it’s not a particularly social hostel as there is only a small communal lounge area with a self-serving coffee maker. However, this is a great hostel option for those who value their privacy and are looking for a more laid-back hostel vibe. Other amenities provided include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and complimentary fresh towels.
Eastener Hostel
Located in the central Mitte District, this Berlin hostel is perfect for couples or families looking for a quiet, laid-back hostel experience. Guests can choose to book a bed in a four or six-person mixed dorm or opt for one of their private rooms. Private double rooms are available with or without an en suite, as well as a four-person family room, which features a king-size bed and a bunk bed. Dorm rooms come with lockers for travelers to lock their valuables along with a personal safety deposit box and an electrical plug with each bed.
Start the day with a free cup of coffee from the lounge and then whip up a hearty breakfast in the communal kitchen. There is also a supermarket less than a five-minute walk away and several cafés and restaurants just steps from the hostel. Guests will be just a 10-minute walk from the Visitor Center of the Berlin Wall Memorial, the KW Institute for Contemporary Art, and the Friedrichstadt-Palast performing arts theater, as well as the U Naturkundemuseum U-Bahn stop. There are also several tram and bus stops nearby, offering easy access to transportation.
Three Little Pigs Hostel
Are you on the hunt for a hostel that offers lots of freebies? Well, the Three Little Pigs Hostel might be the place for you. This highly-rated hostel offers free walking tours for guests, along with free natural and sparkling water, luggage storage, shampoo, and Wi-Fi. The massive common area, known as the Great Hall, boasts large comfy couches with plenty of power outlets to get some work done or charge up before hitting the town. Plus, there is a foosball table and billiards table to play with other guests. There’s no kitchen in the hostel, but there is an on-site bar that serves up an all-you-can-eat breakfast and evening bites like pizza. Guests can book a single or double private room or a bed in a four-, six-, or eight-person mixed or female-only dorm. Other noteworthy amenities include lockers for dorm guests, luggage storage, laundry facilities, and 24-hour reception.
Three Little Pigs Hostel is ideally located about a 15-20 minute walk from attractions like Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, the Jewish Museum Berlin, Potsdamer Platz, and the Berlinische Galerie. Several restaurants and bars are just around the corner, too.
BackpackerBerlin
Located on the east side of the city in the hip Friedrichshain area, this cozy, cheap hostel in Berlin is the perfect spot for those who don’t want to be overwhelmed by tons of other guests. There are a few different colorful common areas with Boho-contemporary decor. Guests can relax with a book from the library, get some work done on the shared computer, strum the guitar, play a game with fellow travelers in the games room, or prepare a nice dinner in the communal kitchen. Those that don’t feel like cooking will find several cafés and restaurants right around the corner or they can start their day with free coffee, tea, and cereal downstairs. This is the ideal hostel for those planning a long vacation as the hostel offers laundry facilities and bike rentals.
The hostel is located a bit further away from Berlin’s main attractions, but there are several tram stops nearby to access the city, and attractions like the Wall Museum and the Mercedes Benz Arena are only a 20-minute walk away. Guests can book a private room or a bed in a four-person mixed dorm, which has lockers to secure valuables.
Heart of Gold Hostel
Another great hostel for travelers in Berlin is Heart of Gold Hostel, located a few steps from the cafés and lively pubs of Oranienburger Street. Featuring an eclectic Boho motif, this awesome Berlin hostel is the perfect retreat for those looking for a chill hostel vibe and on-site parking. The hostel is actually one of few to offer paid secure basement parking at their site! Guests can choose to book from an assortment of private rooms, which can sleep anywhere from one to three people, or book a bed in a mixed dorm room with four, six, or eight beds. Each dorm room comes with a locker and there are also safety deposit boxes in the lobby.
After a day of touring Berlin’s sites, guests can return and prepare their own meals in the communal kitchen or head to the on-site bar to enjoy a pint while meeting new friends. The communal lobby is a great place to relax with a book, but there’s also a terrace with chairs and shade for those who want to enjoy the open air.
Guests can start their day off with the hostel’s paid breakfast buffet, then rent a bike from the front desk to explore the city. The hostel’s location is extremely walkable, with Hackescher Markt, Museum Island, and the Tränenpalast Museum 10 minutes or less away.
Generator Berlin Mitte
Located on the café and pub-lined street of Oranienburger, this outstanding hostel-hotel offers plenty of noteworthy amenities for travelers. At Generator Berlin Mitte, guests can hang out with new friends in several areas, like the on-site café or the contemporary cocktail bar, Bar Box. Digital nomads will find plenty of stylish and comfortable places to set up shop for the day, from the large leather couches in the library lounge to the tables and chairs in the dining hall. In terms of room and bed selection, Generator Berlin Mitte offers an unbeatable selection of private and dorm rooms. Guests can book a private capsule pod in a six-person shared dorm, or a classic bed in a four-, six-, or eight-person mixed or female-only dormitory. The private rooms range from two-person standard double rooms to six-person private rooms and the option to book a double deluxe apartment complete with a kitchen. All of the dorm rooms come well equipped with under bed locker drawers, a personal power outlet at each bed, and full-body mirrors to check the fit before heading out on the town. Other awesome amenities provided include laundry facilities, bike rentals, 24-hour reception, and luggage storage.
Sunflower Hostel
Sunflower Hostel is a place that has taken hostel stayers’ feedback into great consideration when designing their business, but they’ve also aimed to keep the original traveler hostel community alive instead of creating a hotel-like space. Not only does this funky and colorful hostel offer great amenities like on-site washers and dryers, a 22-hour bar with daily cocktail specials, bike rentals, and free board games, but they also offer late breakfast until noon, free towels, a library, and free foosball! Guests can make use of the hostel’s many discounts too, which include a 5% discount for students who show ID before check-in, discounts at some of the most popular nightclubs in the district of Friedrichshain, and free walking tours during high season. While this may sound like a party hostel, the community at Sunflower Hostel is anything but the sort. They encourage travelers to enjoy a good time, but guests who are abusing alcohol or other guests will be kicked out because that’s not how this hostel community rolls!
This down-to-earth hostel is ideally located near the hip clubs in Friedrichshain and is within close walking distance of some of the city’s best attractions, like The Wall Museum, the Mercedes Benz Arena Berlin, and the East Side Gallery.
Kiez Hostel Berlin
If you’re headed to Berlin to party at the famous Berghain Club but want a quiet place to rest your head at the end of a headbanging night, the Kiez Hostel Berlin might be for you. Located a three-minute walk from Berghain and less than a 10-minute walk from the other top-notch clubs in the area, this hostel in Friedrichshain is perfect for party enthusiasts. If the club scene isn’t your scene, this is still an excellent hostel choice as several top-rated attractions are within a 15-minute walk, such as The Wall Museum, the Mercedes Benz Arena Berlin, and the East Side Gallery.
Inside, guests will find a homey vibe with a comfortable common room featuring a library, couches, a TV, and plenty of seats. The hostel offers private rooms with shared bathrooms for one or two guests, along with dormitory rooms with configurations of a four-, five-, six-, or eight-bed in a mixed, female-only, or male-only setting. The women-only dorms offer private bathrooms, while all the dorms offer lockers to guests. Other awesome amenities provided include luggage storage, a communal kitchenette, laundry services, and bike rentals.
Amstel House Hostel
If you’re a foodie on a short trip to Berlin, then staying at the Amstel House Hostel might be the best decision you could make. This modern, Art Nouveau hostel is located in the Moabit neighborhood, literally steps from the historic Arminius Market Hall. While you could easily feed yourself at the market hall for every meal due to their amazing selection of cuisine, guests can also opt to prepare their own meals in the hostel’s well-equipped communal kitchen. The hostel also boasts a games room, bike rentals, a laundry room, and an on-site bar that hosts DJ and karaoke nights. Guests can choose to book one of the hostel’s private rooms, which can sleep one to four guests with or without a private bathroom, or book a bed in one of their dorm rooms, which has configurations of a four- or 12-person mixed or female-only dorm.
There are several nearby restaurants and cafés for travelers to check out, along with tram and U-Bahn stops within a five-minute walk of the hostel. The Classic-Remise Berlin car collection museum is only a 20-minute walk away.
There you have them, the best hostels in Berlin. Regardless of which of these awesome hostels you choose, we know you’ll have an unforgettable time in the city where beer runs as freely as the Spree River that flows through it!
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