Best Hostels in Lisbon: My Top Favorites in February 2019

Posted: 2/18/2019 | February 18th, 2019

Lisbon is known to have some of the best hostels in the world.

There are more than 100 hostels in the city and its hostels are usually always at the top of all the “best hostels” lists. Year over year, they always take home some of the top spots in the top-rated lists you see floating around the web.

As someone who’s been to Lisbon multiple times, I can always see why.

Hostels in this city just get it.

They create a warm, social atmosphere, hire friendly and outgoing staff, keep the places clean, offer tons of free food and booze (the key to any backpacker’s heart), and have super comfy beds. You can almost always find free walking tours and other activities, and/or free dinners, snacks, and drinks. This can save you tons of money.

I love every hostel I’ve stayed in here.

Each time I return, I find more and more great places to stay.

And hostels are cheap here too!

You can find dorms with 8-10 beds at about €14 ($16 USD) per night and dorms with 4-6 beds average about €18 ($21 USD) per night. You can find private dorms that sleep 2 in a double bed starting at €40 ($46 USD), with most averaging about €50 ($57 USD) per night.

So what are the best hostels in Lisbon?

Here is my list of favorites for your next visit.

12 Best Hostels in Lisbon

1. Lookout! Lisbon Hostel

This fun and social hostel has a ton of organized activities going on each week – and they even give you free sangria! There’s also a free breakfast buffet. The kitchen and lounge areas always have people around, but it’s not so much a party place – the staff makes sure the hostel is quiet after 11:30pm. There is a free flea market walking tour, as well as a whole host of other paid excursions like surf lessons, beach days, and bicycle rides. You’re a 5-minute walk from Bairro Alto bars, vintage markets, supermarkets, and all-you-can-eat sushi (plus tons of other restaurants).

Beds from €11 EUR ($13 USD). Cash only.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Lookout! Lisbon Hostel!

2. Lisboa Central Hostel

Bright, spacious rooms welcome you here where the beds are comfy and equipped with outlets for you too. Run by a local Portuguese family, the staff here is extremely knowledgeable about the city and can give you great recommendations on things to do and where to eat. There’s free pancake breakfasts and free soup each dat as well as Milkshake Mondays, Tapas Tuesdays, and Sangria Fridays. You won’t have to sepdn a lot of money on food thanks to this hostel. It’s a great vibe here.

Beds from €13 EUR ($15 USD). Twin privates from €52 EUR ($60 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Lisboa Central Hostel!

3. Yes! Lisbon Hostel

This is a bit of a party hostel but, despite its party atmosphere, the hostel’s facilities are super modern, kept clean, and the spacious rooms are pretty quiet too. They come with privacy curtains, ensuite bathrooms, and the bigger rooms even have a tabel! The €10 EUR ($11 USD) communal dinners are tasty, and they even offer vegetarian options (but if you’d rather do your own cooking, there’s a large kitchen to do so).

Beds from €14 EUR ($16 USD). Private rooms from €68 EUR ($78 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Yes! Lisbon Hostel!

4. Home Lisbon Hostel

This place in Lisbon’s historic city center is like your home away from home. You’ll even get to meet “Mamma” (the owner’s mom), as she prepares a meal each night. There is also a night tour every evening. The rooms are spacious with balconies and big windows and the bunks have privacy curtains. If you’re a digital nomad, you can take advantage of the co-working space too.

Beds from €15 EUR ($17 USD). Private rooms from €60 EUR ($70 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Home Lisbon Hostel!

5. Nomad 64

Nomad 64 is more like a boutique hostel, and the building has recently been renovated with modern décor. The kitchen is amazing (seriously, there are marble countertops): it’s huge, modern, with lots of tables, and great facitilites. It’s one of the best kitchens I’ve ever seen. Breakfast is included here. The beds are comfy enough. Try to avoid a room with the triple bunks though! Nomad 64 is set in the Santo Antonio district, with a handful of good restaurants nearby. You’re just a 20-minute walk from Bairro Alto.

Beds from €20 EUR ($23 USD). Private rooms from €57 EUR ($65 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Nomad 64!

6. Travellers House

There are two main things I love about this centrally located hostel in the Baixa neighborhood. First is the free breakfast. It is not a “continental” breakfast – there are eggs, bacon, toast, and more. You can even get some items made to order! The second thing I love about this place is the rooftop overlooking the Rua Augusta Arch. The mattresses are thick and comfortable, and you’ll get a light and outlet. The common area feels more like a living room, with beanbag chairs and large couches. Travellers House also hosts a wide range of events such as wining tastings and walking tours through the Alfama and Bairro Alto areas.

Beds from €20 EUR ($23 USD). Private singles from €30 EUR ($34 USD). There is a minimum two-night stay.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Travellers House!

7. We Love F. Tourists

The staff members at We Love F. Tourists are awesome, and it’s not uncommon for them to surprise you with free wine (sometimes they’ll even pack snacks or sandwiches for you as you’re heading to the airport). Sit in the lounge, sip some port, or take in the views over Sao Jorge Castle – it doesn’t get much better than that! This hostel is in Baixa, next to the busy squares of Praça da Figueira and Rossio. Pedro, the owner, has a restaurant next door that serves great food.

Beds from €14 EUR ($16 USD). Private rooms from €50 EUR ($57 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at We Love F. Tourists!

8. Lost Inn Lisbon

Lost Inn is another hostel that has free sangria (and coffee and tea!) every day. Breakfast is also free, and there’s a free walking tour afterwards. This hostel is housed inside an 18th-century palace in the middle of downtown, next to important monuments, museums, and the party area of Bairro Alto. Despite its age, the building’s interior is sleek and modern (and large – you’ll have no problem getting a bed).

Beds from €15 EUR ($17 USD). Private rooms from €70 EUR ($80 USD). There is a minimum two-night stay.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Lost Inn Lisbon!

9. Living Lounge Hostel

This boutique hostel on the border between the Chiado district and the historic Baixa is interesting and artsy. Each room has a different theme, and local artists have hand-painted the walls. It’s a quirky place in a great location! The beds are nice, but they can be squeaky. They have free pancakes for breakfast, and huge group dinners (for about €10 EUR/$11 USD). They also offer tours; the Fado tour is a popular one.

Beds from €16 EUR ($18 USD). Single privates from €30 EUR ($34 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Living Lounge Hostel!

10. Happy Mike Hostel

There really is a Mike who runs this hostel, and he really is a happy guy! He knows all about the city and is really willing to help you make the most of your time here. Ask him anything. The hostel is sparkling clean, and the well-equipped kitchen has plenty of storage for your groceries. Happy Mike Hostel is located in Benfica – one of the less touristy areas of the city – surrounded by really great dining options and plenty of public transit options.

Beds from €18 ($21 USD). Private rooms from €50 EUR ($57 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Happy Mike Hostel!

11. Good Morning Lisbon Hostel

This hostel is right across from busy Restauradores Square and offers everything you need – comfy beds, spacious and clean rooms, free breakfast, a nice staff, and organized activities and walking tours. You can take a free walking tour or bike To Belém to see some of Lisbon’s most historical sites. There’s also a “Power Hour” (i.e., Happy Hour) with free beer and sangria each night. Oh, did I mention the waffles with Nutella? I really love the free cooking class and the day trip with João – he’s fantastic. Breakfast is included here.

Beds from €14 EUR ($16 USD). Private rooms from €56 EUR ($64 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Good Morning Lisbon Hostel!

12. Goodnight Hostel

Not related to the above Good Morning Hostels (they used to be though, this downtown hostel offers free sangria and €10 EUR ($11 USD) dinners once a week. They also organize nights out, as well as a number of walking tours through Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa-Chiado. It’s a great way to get oriented with Lisbon! The showers have amazing water pressure, and the beds are very cozy. The small setting is very intimate due to its small space, making it easy to meet fellow travelers! Free breakfast is included. It’s one of the best hostels in Lisbon. (Actually, it’s my favorite. I saved the best for last!)

Beds from €10 EUR ($11 USD), privates from €55 EUR ($63 USD).

—-> Click here to book your stay at Goodnight Hostel!

***

Lisbon has so many great hostels spread throughout the city. I’ve been visiting Lisbon for years and have stayed at some amazing places. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out where to stay, this list of the best hostels in Lisbon will cut out the time for you.

Got a hostel not on this list? Add it in the comments!

Book Your Trip to Lisbon: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Lisbon?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Lisbon with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

BEST HOSTELS IN MEDELLIN: My 8 Favorites in 2019

Posted: 3/19/2019 | March 19th, 2019

There are a lot of hostels in Medellín. As “gringo central” for Colombia, you can’t walk five feet without coming across one, with majority located in El Pablado (Gringoland) and Laureles (up-and-coming Gringoland).

In fact, if you look on Hostelworld, you’ll find 93 hostels in this city. That’s a lot of hostels.

I spent close to three weeks in Medellín: first for an extended time over the holidays and then again as I made my way from north to south. Like I do whenever I’m in cities that long, I decided to stay in as many hostels as possible to find out which were the best.

A lot of online lists purport to tell you the best hostels in the city, but I found that my experiences staying in them differed so greatly from the reviews, I began to think, “Ya know, I don’t think people really stayed here!”

So, after spending three weeks there and moving every other day, here is my list of my favorite hostels, based on actual firsthand experience.

The 8 Best Hostels in Medellin

1. Los Patios

This stylish hostel has themed floors inspired by Colombia’s natural surroundings: mountains, jungles, sea, and plains. It’s part of a massive two-building complex that also has a co-working space, a gym, rooftop bars, an organic garden (whose herbs you can use), a Spanish school, and communal kitchens. It was by far my favorite hostel in the entirety of the city. (In fact, I think it is one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in!)

Each dorm bed comes with a privacy curtain, and the private rooms are as comfortable as hotels. The bathrooms were amazing and the beds super comfy — I got some of my best nights’ sleep here. It offers free tea and coffee, great happy hours, amazing parties, and activities like salsa classes and street art tours, plus there are free bike rentals. The staff is also super friendly and welcoming. Overall, this hostel just gets it.

Beds from $17 USD, privates from $50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Los Patios!

2. Hostel Rango Boutique

Hostel Rango is one of the more upscale hostels in the city. The dorm beds are super comfy, though the beds lack privacy curtains. Each bed comes with reading lights, two power sockets, and personal lockers. The bathrooms are nicer than anything I’ve ever seen in a hostel and rival that of a luxury hotel. I mean, that water pressure! That rustic design? So good! I want these bathrooms in my home. Private rooms are also available and come with a few additional touches, like TVs and mini-fridges, but they are as expensive as hotels, so skip them.

I found the open, industrial décor is super fashionable, and the hostel’s restaurant and bar area great for grabbing a meal and a really good professional cocktail (honestly the bar alone is worth visiting). The staff will also help to set you up with activities like food tours and free walking tours.

Beds from $18 USD, privates from $75 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel Rango Boutique!

3. Sugar Cane Hostel

German- and Colombian-owned Sugar Cane is small. There are just a few private and dorm rooms on one level. The rooms are impressively clean, although they lack the character of the larger hostels in town. The roof has a common area with a few hammocks as well as the hostel’s kitchen. Breakfast is free (you serve yourself) and comes with all the essentials, like bread, eggs, muesli, coffee, and tea. Every Sunday the German owner (I forget his name) cooks up his famous barbecue of chicken, steak, sausages, and all the fixings! It’s a pretty standard, simple hostel, but the owner really makes you feel like family, and he helped me a lot during my stay.

Beds from $10 USD, private rooms from $28 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sugar Cane Hostel!

4. Happy Buddha Boutique Hostel

This is the largest party hostel in Medellín, so if you’re looking to get crazy, this your best bet! The staff works hard to keep people happy (and drunk), including organizing drinking games, salsa classes, and pub crawls. You’ll get free breakfast and coffee in the mornings. The drink are cheap here and there are two on-site restaurants selling sushi and tacos.

Thankfully, the huge bar area is separate from the rooms, so it’s pretty quiet. But the rooms are fairly basic and the beds nothing special — you’ll sleep but won’t be blown away by anything. The real reason to come here is to be in the middle of the party! A lot of pub crawls stop here.

Beds from $10 USD, private rooms from $28 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Happy Buddha Boutique Hostel!

5. The Wandering Paisa

The Wandering Paisa is located in the upscale area of Laureles, which is the up and coming touristy area. All the dorms are covered in South American and Colombian cultural artwork by local students. Each bed comes with a large locker and a privacy divider, which makes it easier to sleep. While the beds are average, I was a big fan of the nice pillows. The kitchen is has the basic essentials. The Paisa Bar is a fun spot to hang out in, and local musicians perform on the sundeck. The hostel also offers free salsa lessons and Spanish classes. If you want to get out of Poblado, this is the place to stay.

Beds from $8 USD, private rooms from $23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Wandering Paisa!

6. Black Sheep Hostel

The Black Sheep Hostel, one of Medellín’s most popular, was also the first in town. I really loved this hostel. The rooms, while pretty bare, are spotless, and the bathrooms have great water pressure and are cleaned regularly. There are lots of common spaces here, including a large balcony and terrace area. The beer sold is cheap and I found guests here were always socializing and hanging out (the way they should). The Kiwi staff owner is super nice and staff members are all university students that are great at handing out local advice. The hostel also offers a ton of tour options that you can book directly from and they’ll even exchange money if you need. This is another “classic” hostel that gets everything right! I loved it.

Beds from $11 USD, private rooms from $25 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Black Sheep Hostel!

7. Purple Monkey

This is definitely one of the liveliest party hostels in Medellín. It’s quirky and upbeat, with a massive rooftop bar area. I found the dorms to be small and cramped, and it was a bit weird to go upstairs and outside to the shower area, but the place is kept very clean, there’s free breakfast, and you really only come here to party, so who cares about anything else!

Beds from $11 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Purple Monkey!

8. Casa Kiwi Hostel

Casa Kiwi Hostel is another institution and located in the middle of Poblado. The dorms are small and I found the beds to be a little thin, but each bed has a locker, and overall, the building is clean and tidy. There’s a big kitchen with free coffee and tea, but the hostel’s restaurant serves up tasty and cheap food. It also has a rooftop terrace, a plunge pool, a bar, plenty of hammocks, and a mini-theater. As one of the most popular hostels in the city, it’s really easy to meet people here, as it’s always full!

Beds from $11, private rooms from $31 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Casa Kiwi Hostel!

***

Two places I would not recommend staying are Monet’s and Selina. Monet’s is new and cheap and has friendly owners, but it’s far from the action, the walls are thin, and the accommodations pretty basic. If you were on a tight, tight budget and everywhere else was full, it would be good for a night. I wouldn’t spend more time there than that.

Selina is a super popular hostel with digital nomads and has locations around the world. It’s always so hyped up that I was pretty excited to stay there. However, I was greatly disappointed with it. It was good spot to work from (they have a co-working space), there are resturants on site, and the bar, though overpriced, was nice place to meet expats and travelers, but the beds were hard, the rooms had little privacy, and the bathrooms weren’t well kept. Given the high premium it charges, I just didn’t see the value in staying there. Better to stay elsewhere and go party at Selina instead! You get more bang for your peso elsewhere.

***

So there you have it: the best hostels in Medellín based on my recent firsthand experience. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but by far the best, best, BEST hostel in the city is Los Patios. It’s one of the greatest hostels I’ve ever stayed in!

Did we miss any? If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments.

Book Your Trip to Medellin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Colombia?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Colombia with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10