Cape Town is a top backpacking destination offering budget-friendly accommodations that are best for solo travellers, groups and even families. Cape Town’s hostels are known for their flexibility with many features tailored to every traveller. Whether you want a relaxing retreat or a social atmosphere, these hostels provide the ideal getaway. For budget travellers and adventure seekers, Cape Town’s hostels offer a perfect and affordable rest top after a busy day exploring the beautiful city.
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for its achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Curiocity, Kloof Street 🌲
Located on the trendy and eclectic Kloof Street, Curiocity is an aparthotel and hostel offering a distinctive style with modern amenities. Their large deluxe suites, family units and shared dorms are personalised and tailored to various budgets and travel styles. The backpacker dorms contain ensuite bathrooms, kitchens, private balconies and a lounge area. Curiocity on Kloof Street offers a higher-end hostel service with all the amenities of a home.
Their one-site Bootlegger Cafe offers a communal working space with free Wi-Fi to get business done before stepping out on the town. Kloof Street is one of Cape Town’s most trendy areas offering cafes and restaurants, quaint boutique shops and art galleries the Kloof Street nightlife is a must-see. Curiocity aims to facilitate authentic Cape Town experiences, from street art walks to braai nights to sunrise meditations. Adventurous travellers and social butterflies will thrive in this vibrant accommodation with its necessary privacy.
Address: 112 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://curiocity.africa/curiocity-kloof-street/
Contact: 011 614 0163
91 Loop Boutique Hostel ❤️
Located in central Cape Town, 91 Loop combines affordability with style with its unique hostel services. Its rooms range from standard en-suites and dorms to modern pod-style beds with privacy curtains. Additionally, the provided rooms/beds offer high-quality 2-metre mattresses, charging ports, reading lights and your own locker. 91 Loop Boutique is a quality accommodation with affordable backpacker pricing plus it’s also family-friendly!
The Honey Badger, the hostel’s trendy on-site bistro, offers complimentary breakfast for guests. It promises back-to-basic meals, artisan beer and selected wines with a homey atmosphere. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi and a comfortable lounge area perfect for catching up on emails or socialising! Altogether, guests enjoy the best of both worlds with the hostel wedged between Bree Street’s lively atmosphere and Long Street’s nightlife.
Address: 91 Loop Street, Cape Town Central, 8001
Website: https://www.91loop.co.za/
Contact: 021 286 1469
Never@Home Green Point 🏵️
Never@Home offers cosy rooms, exciting social spaces and fun-filled activities. The hostel is situated in Green Point within walking distance of many Cape Town attractions such as the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, The Sea Point Promenade and Cape Town Stadium. Also, reliable public transport is available to travel further out! The hostel provides private and (mixed or female-only) dorm room options with amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms.
The communal areas include a spacious lounge area, a pool and a fully equipped kitchen ideal for self-sufficient guests. The on-site bar and restaurant is a budget-friendly option for delicious meals and a lively atmosphere. The hostel offers organised group activities such as braai nights, pub crawls and nature hikes. All in all, Never@Home is a lovely Cape Town hostel with welcoming staff and a social atmosphere making it easy to meet new people and explore the city!
Address: 107 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005
Website: https://neverathomeworld.com/green-point/
Phone: 021 434 9282
Long Street Backpackers 🌹
In Cape Town’s Central Business District, Long Street Backpackers offers a private courtyard oasis with a friendly atmosphere. The hostel’s rooms promise modern simplicity with timber floors, fresh linens and en-suite bathrooms. There are private, double and 4-6 dorm accommodation options. The highlight of Long Street Backpackers is its lush central courtyard offering a peaceful refuge from the city’s bustle and a space to interact with other travellers.
As one of Cape Town’s oldest hostels, it prioritises Cape friendliness and an inclusive atmosphere. Its communal spaces include its fully equipped communal kitchen, TV room, and sun terrace. Also, their on-site venue, Sweeties Beerhall, is always bursting with activities, from beer pong tournaments to karaoke. Their location on Long Street offers a perfect Cape Town backpacker experience while being close enough to public transport to see the rest of the city.
Address: 209 Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://www.longstreetbackpackers.co.za/
Contact: 021 423 0615
THE BIG 🌴
Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Green Point, THE BIG is a luxury hostel offering the style and service of a guesthouse with the budget-friendly and social aspect of a hostel. This hostel is a home away from home with uniquely decorated rooms ranging from private to dorm-style units. The communal spaces feature a sparkling pool, a cosy lounge, braai facilities and a spacious dining room. Their book swap/library area is also a quaint feature.
Green Point offers a peaceful retreat while keeping you close to Cape Town’s top attractions with a 10-minute walk to the V&A Waterfront, Sea Point Promenade and Cape Town Stadium. There are also lively local shops, restaurants and clubs close by. THE BIG also hosts and plans many events and activities for you, such as their weekly braai nights, diving at Calp Forest, wine tours and whale watching.
Address: 18 Thornhill Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005
Website: https://bigbackpackers.com/
Contact: 021 745 6637
Mojo Hotel 🌊
The Mojo Hotel combines the affordability and social atmosphere of Cape Town’s hostel scene with all the amenities of a hotel. In the vibrant Sea Point neighbourhood, Mojo offers studio apartments, dorm rooms and single units. Most offer equipped kitchenettes, dining tables and work desks! The seaside views are gorgeous from their balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The best feature of the Mojo Hotel is the well-known Mojo Market right next door offering an eclectic mix of food stalls, handmade crafts and live entertainment. Along with this, the Sea Point Promenade is just a 4-minute walk away ensuring you will always have options to explore. The staff can assist in booking Cape Town activities from shark-cage diving to scenic hikes. For those looking to experience Cape Town’’s dynamic oceanside atmosphere on a budget, this is the place for you!
Address: 30 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060
Website: https://www.themojohotel.com/
Contact: 087 940 7474
A Sunflower Stop 🌻
A Sunflower Stop is a laidback, budget-friendly hostel in Green Point offering a welcoming vibe and a convenient location. This hostel is full of rustic charm with colourful interiors and various room options from private units to dormitory beds. It is suitable for both solo travellers and small groups and quite popular with couples too! However, if you’re travelling alone, you’re sure to meet new people in the hostel’s vibrant communal spaces.
The large, well-maintained outdoor pool area is a guest favourite, especially with Sunflower Stop’s fully stocked bar. The hostel’s communal living room and kitchen are equipped with everything you need and all the comforts of home. Its location in Green Point offers a host of options for daytime activities from the V&A Waterfront to Green Point Urban Park. The hotel staff are friendly, knowledgeable and eager to help you plan the perfect Cape Town trip!
Address: 179 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005
Website: https://sunflowerstop.co.za/
Contact: 021 434 6535
African Soul Surfer 🏄
Cape Town is a beloved surfing location for backpackers around the world. If you’re looking for a place to crash in between the waves African Soul Surfer is the best budget-friendly hostel for you. Set on the frontline of Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg, this hostel offers singles, twins and family units with lovely seaside views. Muizenberg is an iconic location for beach lovers with its colourful beach huts, eclectic collection of cafes and galleries and excellent surfing conditions.
Their common areas, featuring a kitchen, an outdoor terrace with ocean views, and a yoga and wellness studio, cater to budget-conscious travellers. The affordable cafe provides delicious health-conscious breakfast and lunch options. Additionally, African Soul Surfer offers surf lessons and social events ideal for surf enthusiasts and ocean-loving backpackers. This hostel is not just a place to sleep but a hub for budget-conscious surf enthusiasts and ocean lovers who crave a community-driven experience.
Address: 13 York Rd, Muizenberg, 7975
Website: https://www.africansoulsurfer.co.za/
Villa Viva Cape Town 👙
Villa Viva Cape Town is located in the lively Tamboerskloof neighbourhood and offers budget-conscious visitors a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere. The hostel’s central location places visitors within walking distance of popular city spots such as Long Street, walking routes to Table Mountain and various cafes and bars. Inside, the rooms offer a combination of shared dorms and private suites catering to both backpackers and independent travellers.
The hostel consists of 4 refurbished Victorian houses with a beautiful garden and pool area in the centre. Furthermore, their communal spaces are tailored to encourage social interaction with dining areas, a kitchen, cosy lounges and a sun terrace bar. Villa Viva is an ideal place for creatives with their Media Corner, Makers Space and Chill Out Area; perfect for musicians, artists and readers alike! Villa Viva provides a budget-friendly location, activities and accommodations while maintaining a buzzing social atmosphere!
Address: 74 New Church St, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town Central, 8001
Website: https://www.villaviva-capetown.com/
Contact: 021 423 4530
Ashanti Lodge, Gardens ☀️
Ashanti Lodge Gardens, located in the splendid Gardens neighbourhood, is a great choice for budget travellers looking for comfort and tranquillity. The accommodation options cater to solo guests, couples and groups with private units and dormitory beds. There are both shared and en-suite bathroom options, however, each room has a sink to freshen up before hopping into their comfortable beds.
The sparkling outdoor pool and the sun deck are ideal for cooling off after a long day out on the town. The hostel’s bar and cafe are convenient for light meals, breakfast and refreshing poolside drinks. Just a stone’s throw away from Kloof Street, Ashanti Lodge offers easy access to major attractions like the Company’s Garden, District Six Museum and Long Street’s exciting nightlife. Ashanti Lodge provides guests with everything you could need without breaking the bank.
Address: 11 Hof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
Website: https://ashanti.co.za/
Contact: 021 423 8721
Cape Town’s welcoming hostel selection is the perfect place for budget-conscious travellers who crave a dynamic social atmosphere and luxurious amenities. These hostels offer a variety of affordable and unique accommodation options tailored to meet the needs of every type of traveller. Whether you’re an adventurer looking for a place to unwind or a casual traveller looking to connect with peers, you will find your perfect fit in Cape Town. Choosing any one of these hostels will ensure your trip to Cape Town is unforgettable and filled with opportunity!
