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The best hostels in San Francisco

Some of the best backpacker spots in San Francisco

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Located within 2.6 km of Crissy Field East Beach and less than 1 km of Ghirardelli Square, Samesun San Francisco provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in San Francisco. This 2-star hostel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is set 1.9 km from Coit Tower.

I stayed here for 2 days. And I noticed there are cleaning staff and do housekeeping every day. And public place was also cleaned. Speaking of the staff every front desk employee were so careful for me and generous. I’ll definitely come back here when I stay SF. Thanks.

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8.5
Very good
3,239 reviews
Price from
£35
per night

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this Fisherman’s Wharf hostel features free WiFi throughout the property. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests and daily activities are offered.

Shared bathroom facilities are offered for both dormitory-style guest rooms and private guest rooms at HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel. Towels and linens are provided.

The incredible value you get for the price is insane. Plus the location could not have been better. Definitely very easy to go around anywhere. Also they have postcards you can send from right there. Highly recommend for anyone on a budget visiting sf.

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8.3
Very good
1,718 reviews
Price from
£29
per night

Each room at HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel showcases large windows. All rooms are decorated in cool tones and modern furnishings. Select rooms include an en suite bathroom, a sink and a mirror.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is 7 minutes’ walk from the Chinatown Gates. Shopping at Westfield Mall on Market Street is 5 minutes’ walk away.

Every thing was perfect from reception to room

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8.4
Very good
3,780 reviews
Price from
£32
per night

Located in San Francisco and within 1.4 km of San Francisco City Hall, Chapter San Francisco features a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 1.8 km from Union Square, 2.7 km from Ghirardelli Square and 3.1 km from Moscone Center. The accommodation provides a concierge service, and luggage storage for guests.

At the hostel each room includes a shared bathroom and bed linen.

The manager and Ty were super chill and provided incredible service and value. Would rebook and stay here in a heartbeat. Would def recommend to anyone staying in the area. Thanks!

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8.9
Fabulous
558 reviews
Price from
£35
per night

Boasting a shared lounge and free WiFi, ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is situated in San Francisco, 1 km from Union Square and 1.1 km from Coit Tower. The property is located 1.5 km from Moscone Center, 2 km from Pier 39 and 2.4 km from Ghirardelli Square. The accommodation features karaoke and a shared kitchen.

The family and very friendly atmosphere that reigns in the hostel. The strategic location of the hostel. The cleanliness of the promises. The friendliness and the professionalism of the staff. The daily themes and the general atmosphere

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8.8
Fabulous
281 reviews
Price from
£34
per night

Music-themed, boutique lifestyle hotel & hostel, now with onsite bar & restaurant and newly renovated common areas. Stay comfortably in a private or shared room and take advantage of our capsule sleeping pods. Sleep with the stars in the home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame! Guests get access to free live entertainment six nights a week in our multiple music venues.

The best decorated hostel I've ever stayed!!! It's just like a music museum! Capsule bed is really comfortable and quiet, enough privacy. Location is really great! Close to bus stations! Really recommend!

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8.1
Very good
857 reviews
Price from
£37
per night

Shared dormitory accommodation is offered by Green Tortoise Hostels San Francisco. Our Grand Ballroom is the heart of the hostel where people play music, make friends and unforgettable memories. The ballroom, where musicians are always invited to play, has a pool table, ping pong table, books, games, and complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. We also have a new designated quiet "Digital Nomad work space" We provide free Wi-Fi. Just off of the ballroom we have a fully equipped kitchen that is open 24 hours a day for you to use. We provide a guest fridge for you to store food, liquor, whatever you want!

Everyone was really friendly, the ballroom was a great space to just hang out, the facilities were good and hassle-free, like laundry. And they even had a sauna!

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8.8
Fabulous
882 reviews
Price from
£38
per night

Located in Central San Francisco, Orange Village Hostel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. A fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi access are featured at this hostel.

Private rooms and male and female only dormitory rooms can be found at this hostel. All rooms have hardwood flooring, and dormitory rooms have backpack-sized lockers.

The staff are very polite and the communication before the arrive was very fast.

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7.8
Good
2,459 reviews
Price from
£33
per night

Conveniently located just 8 minutes' walk from San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square, Amsterdam Hostel places guests in Central San Francisco. Chinatown is 13 minutes' walk away, while entertainment venue The Masonic is just 5 minutes' walk away.

i like the location, the reception was great. they keep my stuff until my checking was really helpful

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7.4
Good
1,253 reviews
Price from
£28
per night

Built in 1907, this San Francisco hotel is 10 minutes’ walk to Union Square. Free WiFi and a TV with HBO film channels are offered in all guest rooms. Ferry Building Marketplace and Fisherman’s Wharf are just 2 miles away.

The owner has been very friendly since the beginning. We had problem with the flights that’s affected our stay in SF and they always have been very willing to help. Me and my friend, we both felt very satisfied with the place. We’re heard about the location and stuff but honestly, it’s not bad at all. Just keep on the same street and nothing would happen. The hotel was very quiet and nice.

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7.5
Good
161 reviews
Price from
£65
per night

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.
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  • HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,780 reviews

    Centrally located in San Francisco just 5 minutes’ walk from shopping and dining in Union Square, Each bright room is practically furnished.

    Everything was great, awesome vibe, free breakfast!

  • Orange Village Hostel
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,459 reviews

    Located in Central San Francisco, Orange Village Hostel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square. A fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi access are featured at this hostel.

    Best relation location/clean/comfy/price

  • Perramont Hotel
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 167 reviews

    Located 5 minutes’ walk from Duboce Park, this San Francisco hotel is located in the Castro District. The Castro Theatre, shops and cafes are 10 minutes’ walk away. Free Wi-Fi is provided in rooms.

    Friendly staff , great location, and value for the money

  • Luz Hotel
    Budget options available
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 161 reviews

    Built in 1907, this San Francisco hotel is 10 minutes’ walk to Union Square. Free WiFi and a TV with HBO film channels are offered in all guest rooms.

    the staff. nicest staff I ever bump into!! no doubt

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in San Francisco

  • Green Tortoise Hostel
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 882 reviews

    Located in the lively North Beach Little Italy district, this San Francisco hostel is just 3 minutes’ walk to the renowned City Lights Bookstore and the entertainment district. Free WiFi is provided.

    Shared breakfast with people from all over the world

  • Samesun San Francisco
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,239 reviews

    Located within 2.6 km of Crissy Field East Beach and less than 1 km of Ghirardelli Square, Samesun San Francisco provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in San Francisco.

    Big room, quiet at night. Friendly staff. Great value.

  • HI San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Hostel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,718 reviews

    Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this Fisherman’s Wharf hostel features free WiFi throughout the property. A 24-hour reception welcomes guests and daily activities are offered.

    Great location, very quiet at nighttime, beautiful views

  • Music City Hotel - Home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 857 reviews

    Music-themed, boutique lifestyle hotel & hostel, now with onsite bar & restaurant and newly renovated common areas.

    The dorms are nice, since you get a lot of privacy.

  • Adelaide Hostel
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 940 reviews

    This San Francisco hostel is conveniently located within 5 minutes’ walk of Union Square. Each guest room includes free Wi-Fi.

    Everything was good. Beds were comfortable and clean.

  • Amsterdam Hostel
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,252 reviews

    Conveniently located just 8 minutes' walk from San Francisco’s fashionable Union Square, Amsterdam Hostel places guests in Central San Francisco.

    Good beds, good location. Good kitchen. Good people.

FAQ about hostels in San Francisco







Hostels that guests love in San Francisco

  • Avg. price/night: £106.18
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 583 reviews
    Great service, good location, super nice staff. Private parking so we felt nice and safe leaving the car. Excellent choice if you're traveling on a budget. Has everything you really need and nothing you don't. Big comfy bed, clean bathroom and kitchenette.
    Jan
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £118.17
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,200 reviews
    Great location. Excellent croissants for breakfast. Very friendly staff. Felt safe and homely.
    Mary
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £61.17
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,780 reviews
    Great location, easy to walk around and really safe. The facilities are great. And the hostel was very clean. I would stay there again for sure.
    Thais
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £85.69
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 281 reviews
    This place is one of the best hostels I've ever stayed at. The staff were so helpful and friendly. The location of the hostel is perfect and it’s in a nice and safe place. I would definitely be back to this place in the future.
    Shelby
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £69.66
    5.8
    Scored 5.8
    Above average
    Rated okay
     · 729 reviews
    Super convenient location and affordable price are the only pros. Better than a bunk bed in a shared room in the hostel, so will do for a couple of nights if you are young, on a very tight budget and NOT a light sleeper.
    Gari
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £72.55
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,807 reviews
    This is literally the best hostel I have stayed at in over 4 months of travelling around the world. Its free amenities, fair prices for a central San Francisco area location and immaculately clean facilities make it the best budget open in San Fran.
    Jamie
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £127.12
    6.4
    Scored 6.4
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 301 reviews
    Excellent. What a budget hotel should be. Staff was great, all 4 of them, even the security guy was nice. Room was clean, bathroom was clean despite of being shared. Great location. they kept my bags locked safely before and after check in and out for no extra charge.
    gilles
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £61.17
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,780 reviews
    Listen up solo travelers: this hostel is perfect for you. I felt safe all the time and had an awesome week here in San Francisco. You’ll meet so many new people in the hostel and together (or alone) you can discover the beautiful city. If you need more input HI downtown hostel also provides a lot of information about awesome activities! I loved it here and will definitely come back!
    A
    Anonymous
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £61.17
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,780 reviews
    Bunk beds are great: not shaky even the top one) and équipes with USB and regular power sockets as well as a small shelf (Very convenient to put glasses, phone and other small valuables when sleeping). Great kitchen, living room, lobby. Great location. Staff helpful and friendly. Built-in laundry with good Quality machines and cheap prices. 10/10 recommend
    Michael
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £120.01
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,011 reviews
    Old fashioned with all the pluses and minuses from that. Helpful staff, almost feels like family. Old-fashioned decor. No A/c but ceiling fan. Best shower in SF. Big safe. Continental breakfast on each floor from 7.00am. 12.00pm check-out. Happy to keep luggage before and after stay. Avis/budget across the street. And GREAT location for Union Square etc. Altogether fantastic value for the modest price.
    Candid Mark
    Solo traveller

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