18 Best Hostels in Berlin

With hundreds of places to stay, it’s hard to determine the best hostels in Berlin.

So much choice inevitably leads to decision fatigue, which makes the job of booking a hostel in the city that little bit harder.

Berlin is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Germany, with amazing sights such as the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. 

Whether you are spending 3 days in Berlin, or you’re there for a whole week, there is a hostel to suit your needs!

If you’re sitting there wondering where to stay in Berlin, then this is the guide for you!

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Best Hostels in Berlin

• Best overall hostel in Berlin – MEININGER Berlin East Side Gallery
• Best hostel for solo travellers in Berlin – EastSeven Hostel
• Best cheap hostel in Berlin – Circus Hostel
• Best hostel for couples in Berlin – The Cat’s Pajamas
• Best party hostel in Berlin – St Christopher’s
• Best hostel with a private room in Berlin – Generator Berlin Mitte

What to Consider When Booking a Hostel in Berlin

Whenever you look at staying in a hostel, there are several factors you need to consider.

In a city, the size of Berlin, one of those factors is the location. With so many things to do in Berlin spread out across the city, it’s hard to know where to stay.

For example, if you want to see all the major sights, then you’ll want to be in a neighbourhood such as Mitte or P-Berg.

If you want to frequent coffee shops and take in lesser-known parts of the city, a hostel in Neukölln or Kreuzberg would be ideal.

There are also many other factors which you need to take into consideration, which I have listed below. These not only apply to Berlin hostels but any hostel you stay at.

• Check out time – Most hostels operate a 10:00 am checkout policy. This can vary from hostel to hostel, so it’s best to check beforehand what time you need to be out the door. If you plan on partying late into the night, you will want a later time. If not, then this is not too big of an issue, but something you should know anyway.
• Free breakfast – It’s commonplace for hostels to offer a free breakfast nowadays, and include this as part of the price when you book a room. A free breakfast may not amount to much more than cereal and toast, but it will save you money in the long run. If you’re a penny-pinching backpacker, this will be a godsend!
• Free wifi – More and more hostels are offering free wifi to their guests. While every hostel will have wifi, unfortunately, some of them do charge you for using it. Check what the policy is beforehand. If you’re a digital nomad and need to use the internet, this will have a big factor in where you stay.
• Laundry services – If you’re staying in Berlin for a few days, this won’t be an issue. However, if you plan on visiting Berlin for longer, then staying in a hostel with its own laundry services is a good idea. It will save money using commercialised laundry outlets, and save you the hassle of trying to find one too!
• Kitchen – This is the number one best way to save money while you’re travelling. Most backpacker hostels in Berlin offer a kitchen, but there are those that don’t. I recommend staying at a hostel with a kitchen, as you will save so much money compared to eating out every day.

Generator Berlin Mitte

The Generator Berlin Mitte hostel is located in the heart of Berlin in the Mitte district.

It’s a modern hostel with funky and contemporary features. The Kupfer Bar is a great place to do some work if you’re a digital nomad.

The rooms at the Generator are spacious and each bed has its own USB port and LED light. This makes your stay as comfortable as possible.

The Generator also has its own travel shop and is a good place to book a tour around the city during your stay.

With its modern decor and stylish rooms, there’s no doubt Generator is one of the top Berlin hostels!

Grand Hostel Berlin Classic

The Grand Hostel Berlin Classic is undoubtedly one of the best hostels in Berlin. It was voted the best hostel in Germany during the 2016 HOSCARS.

The hostel is located in a fantastic spot in the centre of the city. It’s close to all the major spots in the city, which makes travelling around Berlin that little bit easier.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hostel isn’t too loud, so you can get a good night’s sleep!

The downsides are that the Grand Hostel doesn’t have a self-catering kitchen, nor does it offer a free breakfast.

You’ll have to shell out €6,60 for one. Other than that it’s an excellent hostel and somewhere you should consider staying in Berlin!

Wombats City Hostel Berlin

Wombats City Hostel is located in the lively Berlin district of Mitte and is only 10 minutes away from most of the city’s main sights.

It’s one of the best hostels in Berlin for couples with large double rooms which have a large kitchen/living area and their own private shower and toilet.

For everyone else, rooms come with clean beds, private showers and a locker to store your belongings and your backpack.

One of the best things about Wombats City Hostel is that it has its own rooftop bar. This is a great place to socialise with other travellers and enjoy the views of the Berlin skyline!

PLUS Berlin

PLUS Hostel is located in one of the more interesting parts of Berlin between the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

This means it is close to some of the best nightlife, shopping and cultural spots close to the famous East Side Gallery.

The hostel is modern and has some fantastic facilities. You can choose from a range of rooms, with dorms stretching from two to six beds.

There is also an Opera Bar and restaurant, while the hostel even has its own indoor swimming pool and sauna!

One downside is the lack of a self-catering kitchen. Despite this, there is still no doubt PLUS is one of the best youth hostels in Berlin!

The Cat’s Pajamas Hostel

Amusing name aside, The Cat’s Pajamas is one of Berlin’s top hostels.

The hostel is on the smaller side, but that creates a more intimate atmosphere. It’s decorated in a modern and vibrant fashion and has some great facilities.

There is a big kitchen, so you can cook all your favourite dishes after a busy day of sightseeing. While there is also a steam room and outdoor terrace for you to relax on.

Rooms are of a decent size, clean and the beds are comfortable. The Cat’s Pajamas is slightly away from the city in the district of Kreuzberg and Neukoelln, but it’s a good place to stay nonetheless.

St Christopher’s Berlin

If you’re looking for the best party hostel in Berlin, St Christopher’s is the place to go!

The hostel is connected to Belushi’s bar which is a great place to go on a night out, and if you need to catch your sports team in action too!

St Christopher’s isn’t far from Alexanderplatz and is in a great location in the middle of the city.

There are a variety of rooms to choose from, with single rooms and dorms. The hostel even offers apartment-style accommodation, if you can splash out a bit more cash!

St Christopher’s is a great place to meet fellow travellers and offers some of the best cheap accommodation in Berlin!

EastSeven Berlin Hostel

EastSeven Hostel is one of the best hostels in Berlin for solo travellers for a number of reasons.

They have numerous hangout areas and a large self-catering kitchen, which makes it easy to strike up a conversation with your fellow travellers.

The hostel has two daily walking tours, which are a great way to explore the city. Once you’ve gotten to grips with your surroundings, you can rent a bike from the hostel and explore Berlin at your own leisure!

East Seven Hostel is located in the Mitte district, so it’s close to most of the major landmarks in Berlin, making it easy to get around the city.

It’s one of the best places to stay in Berlin and one you should consider booking if you’re travelling alone.

Pfefferbert Hostel

Pfefferbert Hostel offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The hostel is located on the site of a former brewery in the P-Berg (Prenzlauer Berg) district.

The hostel has some impressive architecture which harks back to the building’s nineteenth-century roots.

This is one of the best hostels for digital nomads in Berlin due to the fast wifi and large areas to do some solid work!

Pfefferbert has some excellent facilities including a pool table, table football and table tennis! While the rooms are clean and spacious with comfy beds.

You are close to some of the best cultural spots and nightlife in Berlin if you stay at Pfefferbert!

MEININGER Berlin East Side Gallery

If you want a hostel in Berlin close to the Berlin Wall, MEININGER Berlin East Side Gallery is the place to stay.

The hostel is ideally located next to one of the main railway stations in Berlin, Ostbahnhof, which means it’s easy to get around the city while staying at MEININGER.

The hostel has a range of rooms for any traveller’s needs from single, twin and shared accommodation. There is a shared kitchen, so you can cook up a storm too.

There’s also a laundry area if you need to wash your clothes during your stay.

Another benefit of staying here is that you are close to numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs which makes it one of the best places to stay in Berlin!

Circus Hostel

The Circus Hostel is a great place to stay if you are looking to save a bit of money during your trip to Berlin.

It is a Berlin hostel that is on the cheap side, and offers a lot of bang for your buck!

The hostel has its own cafe and microbrewery on-site, which means you can chill out in comfort. Circus Hostel also organises karaoke, live music and trivia nights, which are a great way to meet fellow travellers.

The rooms in the hostel are clean and spacious, with a range of room sizes to meet everyone’s needs! It’s also close to museums in Berlin and other attractions in the city.

There isn’t a kitchen, but other than this, it’s one of the top hostels in Berlin to stay at if you’re on a short trip.

CityStay Mitte

If you want to stay in the heart of Berlin, CityStay Mitte is the place to go!

The hostel is located in the Mitte district which is right in the middle of the city next to many of the top sights such as the Reichstag.

CityStay is housed in a beautiful modern heritage building which features high ceilings and large windows. The rooms are spacious, and each bed comes with its own reading light.

There is a bar located at the hostel which is open 23 hours a day and serves 13 different types of German beer.

If you want a hostel in Berlin that is comfortable to stay at and in a central spot, CityStay is the place!

Heart of Gold Hostel

Heart of Gold Hostel is located in one of the best spots in Berlin. It’s located just off Friedrichstrasse close to Alexanderplatz, Museum Island and the Brandenburg Gate.

It’s one of the top hostels in Berlin and is a great place to meet fellow travellers if you’re travelling alone due to the excellent common room at the hostel.

There are a variety of rooms at the hostel, ranging from dorms to private rooms which come with their own showers.

Heart of Gold is a cheap hostel in Berlin, so if you’re looking to save a few pennies this is a good place to stay.

You won’t be comprising on quality if you do, the hostel is fantastic. Plus, you get free tea and coffee!! What’s not to love?

Amstel House Hostel

If you’re looking for a hostel in Berlin that has self-catering facilities, Amstel House Hostel is a good place to stay.

This beautiful building with an Art Nouveau facade has a big kitchen where you can whip up a storm. While there is also an outdoor terrace for you to enjoy the views of Berlin!

There’s a range of rooms to choose from, with dorms, family rooms and twin rooms that come with ensuite facilities.

Amstel House organises a number of events throughout the week such as karaoke and DJ nights, which are a great way to meet fellow travellers!

BaxPax Downtown Hostel

If you’re looking for a Berlin hostel that has a range of different rooms, there aren’t many places better than BaxPax Downtown Hostel!

The hostel has single, double rooms and studios, while there are dorms too.

There is a range of facilities at BaxPax, including a sports bar, club and outdoor courtyard area.

There is also a rooftop terrace where you can get fabulous views of the Berlin skyline.

BaxPax is one of the best hostels in Berlin if you want to meet fellow travellers and a good place to stay if you want to socialise during your trip.

Sunflower Hostel

Sunflower Hostel is located in the hip district of Friedrichshain and offers cool and cheap accommodation in Berlin.

It’s a contender for the best cheap hostel in Berlin, with low rates compounded by the hostel bar and a plethora of cheap cafes in the vicinity.

The hostel has clean and spacious rooms that come with lockers under the beds to stow away your valuables.

There is a common room to meet fellow travellers, and a free walking tour is provided too.

This is a great way to acclimatise to your surroundings and get to grips with Berlin!

Alcatraz Backpacker Hostel

The Alcatraz Backpacker Hostel is a good option if you’re looking to stay save money and you’re wondering where to stay in Berlin.

The hostel is located in the popular Prenzlauer Berg district, which is home to students, partygoers and residents alike.

Alcatraz has two common rooms, an outdoor terrace and a fully equipped kitchen for you to cook your favourite meals.

The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. The hostel is on the quiet side, so depending on whether you want a livelier place to stay, Alcatraz may not be the place for you!

However, if you want a chilled-out vibe, then Alcatraz is one of the best hostels in Berlin for you!

ONE80° Hostel – Alexanderplatz

The ONE80° hostel is undoubtedly one of the most stylish places to stay in Berlin.

The hostel is decorated in a modern fashion, and felt more like a hotel than a hostel!

It’s one of the cheapest hostels in Berlin and has big and spacious rooms with 4, 6 and 8 beds.

There is no kitchen, and you do have to pay for breakfast too, but the hostel’s location and vibrant atmosphere make up for this!

Cityhostel Berlin

Cityhostel is located in an ideal place in Berlin close to major tourist sites such as the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz.

The hostel has a range of facilities including an outdoor terrace, steam room and a pool table, which makes it an ideal place to meet other travellers.

Rooms in Cityhostel vary from dorms to private rooms. The beds are comfortable and clean, and the rooms while on the small side, still have a lot of space.

If you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Berlin that is close to the action, Cityhostel Berlin is a good place to stay!

Concluding Thoughts

There are a lot of hostels in Berlin, so it can be difficult to tell the good ones apart from the bad ones. Hopefully, my guide to the best hostels in Berlin has shed some light on which accommodation you should be plumping for.

If I had to go out on a limb and name the best hostel in Berlin, I would say MEININGER Berlin East Side Gallery, as the facilities are fantastic!

Have you been to Berlin? Did you stay at any of the above hostels? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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