For an awesome adventure that won’t break your budget, Cape Town, South Africa is the place to be. From beaches to harbors to gardens to mountains, you’ll never get tired of the views. While you’re enjoying this fantastic city, we want to make sure you have somewhere equally fantastic to lay your head at night. To ease your accommodation search we’ve listed the best hostels in Cape Town. Whether you’re looking for a party hostel or a more laid-back atmosphere, Cape Town has the perfect hostel for you.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Cape Town
- Overall Best Hostel in Cape Town: The Backpack Cape Town
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Cape Town: Atlantic Point Backpackers
- Best Cheap Hostel in Cape Town: Zebra Crossing
- Best Hostel for Couples in Cape Town: 91 Loop
- Best Party Hostel in Cape Town: Long Street Backpackers
Ashanti Lodge Gardens
The Ashanti Lodge has its home at the foot of Table Mountain. With impeccable service and all the facilities you’ll need, this lodge is the best way to experience the sights and culture of Cape Town. It’s within walking distance of the city center, so you don’t have far to go to get to the life of the city. The lodge itself has been recently redone, with lovely additions to the rooms themselves like reading lights for each bed, safes and even power outlets. The hostel’s own Kumasi Bar offers breathtaking views of the mountains and tasty cocktails to please your taste buds. Whether you’re interested in safaris, walking tours or road trips, the staff at the Ashanti Lodge is here to help you plan your stay and ensure you have a great time in Cape Town.
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Atlantic Point Backpackers
Modern, attractive, and only 750 meters from the Green Point Station, Atlantic Point Backpackers was voted the best backpacker hostel in South Africa and Africa in both 2012 and 2015. This hostel offers tons of facilities, like free Wi-Fi, internet access, a BBQ area, and a travel desk that’s always alert and efficient. There’s also a lounge for kicking back and relaxing, where you can enjoy the 40-inch satellite TV. There’s also a games area where you can spend the night playing fun games with your friends and other guests, as well as dorms and private rooms, some of which are conveniently designed with ensuite bathrooms. Breakfast is included in the price, so there’s one less thing for you to worry about. For a great base to experience Cape Town, Atlantic Point Backpackers is one of the best hostels in Cape Town.
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91 Loop
This chic hostel offers hotel standards at great prices. With a café, bar, restaurant and spacious courtyard, there’s always something fresh and exciting for you to do. If discounts off of your food at the bar and restaurant aren’t enough, then head over to the café for even more discounts on pastries, lunch and more! At 91 Loop, the design is minimalist yet modern, and offers beautifully decorated rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There’s air conditioning for your maximum comfort, as well as reading lights, power outlets and storage space for your personal belongings – accessed only with your keycard for safety! Free breakfast is offered every morning, opening up your taste buds to South African culture, while the free walking tours show you the authentic beauty of Cape Town like you haven’t seen it before.
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Zebra Crossing
Located at the foot of Table Mountain, the Zebra Crossing hostel is surrounded by various restaurants, cinemas, cafes and even museums. Established back in 1993, this hostel is only 5 minutes from Long Street, the vibrant, lively street that’s pretty well-known in Cape Town. From the waterfront, Zebra Crossing is a mere 5 minutes by taxi, so there are no long and monotonous journeys to get to this hostel. One of the best hostels in Cape Town, known for its laidback style, this hostel is perfect for a quiet family trip or a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Here, you’ll be treated to the spacious garden and courtyard, as well as an internet café and a well-stocked kitchen area for you to take advantage of.
ONCE in Cape Town
Great for those with an undeniable sense of adventure who are looking for a bit of fun, Once hostel is one of the most popular choices for the young – and the young at heart! A safe, cost-effective hostel option for your stay in Cape Town, this hostel offers everything you’re looking for all in one place. It’s located on Kloof Street, an area well-known for its historic sites, fun activities and cultural flavors. If you’re much more of a fan of staying in and kicking back, try the meditation garden for some alone time. You can even socialize with your friends and other travelers at the fire pit, a popular choice for late-night hanging out. With a burger joint, an Italian restaurant and a quaint deli here at Once hostel, you won’t want for much!
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The B.I.G.
With a large, pristine pool, a breathtaking garden, and rooms designed for your utmost comfort, the B.I.G. is a hostel you’ll never want to leave. Its rooms cater to any type of traveler – there are single, twin, double, triple and dorm rooms! It’s located in Green Point, only 10 minutes away from the waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, and all of the clubs, restaurants and cafés that give the city its life. This hostel also offers a tasty breakfast every morning that you can enjoy while surfing the net on the free, high-speed Wi-Fi. In a surprising new twist on the traditional hostel, the B.I.G. even has a pizza oven to make your stay all the more exciting! Nearby, visit the beautiful beaches and promenades, or satisfy your curiosity with art galleries, museums and more. At the B.I.G. hostel, all of the action is just a stone’s throw away.
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Cape Town Backpackers
Safe and conveniently located close to all of Cape Town’s biggest attractions, Cape Town Backpackers is a clean, beautiful hostel that’s perfect for your stay in the city. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped for your comfort, while transport is readily available around. You can take a bus to the waterfront, the Cable Station and even the city’s beaches – each within 10 minutes! If you prefer staying in, come interact with our friendly staff and other guests. There’s a free breakfast every morning: a health-conscious array of wheat and barley flakes, rolled oats, yogurt, fruit and sesame seeds to finish it off. It’s the perfect start to a long day of sightseeing or walking tours, as it gives you the perfect shot of energy you’ll need. With free Wi-Fi, luggage storage and lockers, you’re always catered to at Cape Town Backpackers.
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The Backpack Cape Town
South Africa’s original backpacker hostel, the Backpack, first launched in 1990 and has managed to maintain its reputation as one of the cleanest, most attractive and highest quality hostels in South Africa. Fair trade and award-winning, this hostel is ideal for a relaxed and pleasant travel experience. Reception is ever-present and extremely helpful, ensuring that any concerns or inquiries are taken care of in no time. For fun, you can take full advantage of the swimming pool, the serene garden and the pool table. If you’re a lover of all things nightlife, try the Backpack’s very own bar for tasty, affordable drinks and a great ambience. Every morning you can be treated to a free breakfast, while every evening, the hostel offers various fun activities for all of its guests to enjoy. With comfy beds, a self-catering kitchen and even a gift shop, there’s not much to want for at the Backpack.
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A Sunflower Stop
Staying true to its name, A Sunflower Stop is a true ray of sunshine in every sense. Whether it’s the staff, the services or even the other guests, this hostel is known for its warm hospitality, clean environment and stellar services. Take a dip in the pool and unwind, or visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront that’s mere minutes away. Either way, if you’re a traveler that’s looking to get a lot of activities in during your stay in the beautiful city of Cape Town, A Sunflower Stop should top your list of best hostels in Cape Town. The rooms are all equipped with large, comfy beds, and bathrooms are always clean and sanitary. Use the high-speed Wi-Fi to find activities, post photos and speak to your family and friends, or check out the bar in your free time. Good beer and even better company awaits you at A Sunflower Stop.
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Green Elephant
Successful since 1994, the Green Elephant has managed to take great staff and great services to create a truly amazing hostel experience. No matter your budget, the Green Elephant offers three different houses to cater to you. There’s also a pool, a well-stocked bar and internet access, as well as spacious double rooms and dorms. Around, you can find a variety of social spots like pubs, cafes, and restaurants that serve a variety of different cuisines. For your safety and ease of mind, the Green Elephant offers you reliable security escorts after nightfall. Best of all, for the more adventurous lovers of all things outdoors, this hostel has thrilling group activities like kayaking, hiking, diving and beach-hopping! Don’t be afraid to try new things, engage in new cultures and broaden your horizons in one of the best hostels in Cape Town.
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Now that you know the best hostels in Cape Town, it’s time for you to pick the one that fits you best. With so many attractions, views, and near-perfect weather, we get why Cape Town is at the top of your travel list.
PS. Don’t forget to check out Boulders Beach to enjoy the tranquil waters and see African penguins!
This list is based on our personal experiences and/or reviews online. If you own a hostel in Cape Town that you would like to add to this list, email us at contact(at)roadaffair(dot)com with the subject: Best Hostels in Cape Town.
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