20 Best Hostels in Sydney [2024]

Hostel Sydney

Sydney is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason! There is so much to see and do in this beautiful city. If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, be sure to check out some of the best hostels the city has to offer! In this blog post, we will list the best hostels in Sydney. We’ll include a variety of hostel Sydney types, so there’s something for everyone!

1) Mad Monkey Bayswater

Key Service	Traditional townhouse-style hostel
Address	79 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point, Sydney, NSW, 2011
Website	https://www.madmonkey.com.au/locations/australia/sydney/mad-monkey-bayswater/
Phone	+61 2 9331 0520
Email	bayswater@madmonkey.com.au

This hostel is not only social, but also exciting! There’s a party every night as well as access to a movie room, yoga classes, and rooftop BBQ. If you spiral down the staircase to the basement, you’ll find an even better time with pool tables and PlayStation gaming areas. The best part is that breakfast is included in your stay at the Mad Monkey Restaurant–and it tastes great!

Key Differentiators:

• Ideal location
• Close enough to the action that is Kings Cross
• On a residential street 

Customer’s Review:

Friendly staff especially Nacho and Martin. Clean facilities, really nice rooftop, renovations onsite.

Francisca Rojas Herrera

2) Wake Up! Bondi Beach

Key Service	Beachfront hostel
Address	110 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Website	https://wakeup.com.au/bondibeach/rooms/
Phone	+61 2 9130 4660

If you love the beach, you’ll love this hostel — it’s just seconds from the sand! The rooftop space has an amazing view of Bondi Beach, and the hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. They also have BBQ parties and pizza nights! The rooms are comfortable and the showers work great.

Key Differentiators:

• Hostel with a view
• Fun and social hostel
• Freshly renovated and purpose-built rooms

Customer’s Review:

Best hostel ever stayed in! I stayed here for just over 3 months through the winter in Sydney, arriving in Australia as a solo backpacker the staff couldn’t be more accommodating with any advice and help, a big thank you to Sam and Luke!

Lara Walker

3) Hump Backpackers

Key Service	Hostel in a lively neighbourhood
Address	40 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
Website	http://www.humpbackpackers.com/gallery/
Phone	+61 02 9358 4327

At Hump Backpackers, the staff are friendly and always host fun activities like beer pong, BBQs, and pancake breakfast. And if that’s not enough to entice you, they also offer free breakfast along with all-day coffee and tea. Plus, there are different activities every night! Not to mention, the beds here are comfy and soft while showers remain clean with huge lockers available for use. Did we mention it’s conveniently located in the Kings Cross area surrounded by popular restaurants and stores? So whether you’re looking for a place to stay or things to do — Hump Backpacker has got you covered!

Key Differentiators:

• Freebies like breakfast and coffee
• Fun activities every night
• Comfortable beds and clean showers

Customer’s Review:

Everyone is friendly and everything is really clean, there are people cleaning the hostel at least twice a day. The rooms are usually old, but everything is clean and tidy. The kitchen has enough stuff, and all the receptionists and housekeepers are disposed to help you. Great experience!

Carolina Loz

4) Summer House Backpackers Kings Cross

Key Service	Affordable hostel group
Address	153 Forbes Street, Woolloomooloo, NSW
Website	http://www.staysummerhouse.com/sydney-about/
Phone	‎+61 2 9189 7360

Summer House Backpackers is just one of the many Australian hostel groups that has locations around the country, wherein travelers can stay. One such location is in Sydney, near Hyde Park. This particular hostel group caters to those who desire a laid-back experience and offers free breakfast every day as well as a pancake breakfast on Sundays! Their massive communal kitchen only adds to the relaxed atmosphere their guests are looking for.

Key Differentiators:

• Free breakfast every day
• Pancake breakfast on Sundays
• Huge communal kitchen

Customer’s Review:

The staff here were amazing, so helpful and friendly! The hostel itself was very clean and had great facilities. I would definitely recommend this hostel to anyone visiting Sydney.

Emma L

5) Sydney Harbor YHA

Key Service	Hostel with grocery store
Address	110 Cumberland Street, Sydney, NSW
Website	https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/nsw/sydney-surrounds/sydney-harbour/
Phone	(+61) 2 8272 0900
Email	stay@yha.com.au

This hostel has the best views of Sydney by far, located in the historic harborside area called The Rocks. You can see panoramas of the cityscape and world-famous Opera House from the rooftop terrace. Other landmarks like Luna Park, Sydney Harbor Bridge, and Sydney Harbor are also within walking distance. The rooms are very spacious with individual reading lights on each bed. They have a large kitchen here as well as several communal areas to socialize. They even have a grocery store which is super convenient! I honestly believe this is one of THE BEST hostels not just in Australia but globally!

Key Differentiators:

• Spacious rooms
• Large kitchen
• Grocery store on site

Customer’s Review:

The hostel is located in a beautiful area with an amazing view. The staff was very helpful, the room was big and comfortable and the facilities were great. I definitely recommend this hostel to everyone who wants to visit Sydney.

John Mark

6) 790 on George

Key Service	Fully stocked kitchen
Address	790 George St., Haymarket, Sydney
Website	https://790ongeorge.com.au/
Phone	+61 (02) 90801155 / 0467851179
Email	reservations@790ongeorge.com.au

790 on George is located, as one could expect, right on happening George Street in Sydney. The hostel isn’t only centrally located by the train station and Chinatown–two great places to be for access and food respectively–but there’s also a tram stop right outside for getting around town! The hostel provides daily breakfast, a fully stocked kitchen, two common rooms with games and television, as well as social events.

Key Differentiators:

• Tram stopped outside the hostel
• Daily breakfast
• Two common rooms

Customer’s Review:

Friendly staff, comfortable bed and great location. I really wasn’t expecting much when I came and it was way better than expected. There is everything you need in a good location. Shout out to the awesome receptionists.

Tessa Shaw

7) Mad Monkey Backpackers Broadway

Key Service	Hostel in a heritage building
Address	20 City Rd Chippendale NSW 2008 AU
Website	https://www.madmonkey.com.au/locations/australia/sydney/mad-monkey-broadway/
Phone	+61 2 8705 3762
Email	broadway@madmonkey.com.au

The comfy beds, clean showers with amazing water pressure, and complimentary breakfasts make Mad Monkey Backpackers stand out from the rest. I also appreciate the yoga classes and ability to use a local gym that come included in my stay. The staff is great about organizing activities and nights out (including a traditional Australian BBQ). One of the only downsides is that the common areas and kitchen are small.

Key Differentiators:

• Clean showers
• Complimentary breakfast
• Offers yoga classes and access to local gym

Customer’s Review:

Shout out to Jake at the front desk for being so welcoming and helpful! Great little hostel. Excellent location, weekly meals and daily breakfast served > included in the price. Met lots of friendly people to spend my days with.

Griffin Barr

8) Zen Harmony House

Key Service	No alcohol allowed
Address	201 Brougham St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Website	http://zen-harmony-house-sydney.hotels-sydney-au.com/en/
Phone	+61 2 9368 1822

At Zen Harmony, the personnel are exemplary! They were always warm and accommodating during my stay. In addition, the hostel is close to Kings Cross station and only a half-hour walk from well-known tourist destinations such as the Opera House and Botanic Gardens. Safety features are excellent with two locked front doors and security cameras present on site. The dormitories can comfortably accommodate up to eight people per room. Not to mention, each room has its very own en-suite bathroom!

Key Differentiators:

• Two locked front doors
• Security cameras
• Huge dorms with en-suite bathrooms

Customer’s Review:

The staff were lovely and very helpful, hostel was sparkling clean. The location is great too, just a few minutes walk from Kings Cross station. Highly recommend!

Hannah G

9) Wake Up! Sydney Central

Key Service	Conveniently located hostel
Address	509 Pitt St, Haymarket NSW 2000, Australia
Website	https://wakeup.com.au/sydney/
Phone	+61 2 9288 7888

Wake Up! *might* resemble a hotel to some, what with its eight floors and chic aesthetic. However, this is definitely the place for backpackers; NCF provides ample opportunity to meet new people Daily through their lively bar/nightclub downstairs. Though you may have more difficulties bumping into someone outside of your room or the common areas due simply to the Wake Up!’s large size, don’t fret–the chances of socializing here are high.

Key Differentiators:

• 24/7 reception
• Onsite cafe and bar
• Flexible cancellations

Customer’s Review:

I really enjoyed the time I had in the hostel. You are able to meet new people and get new friends. Especially the activities which the staff organized were great to connect with new people. Everyone from the staff did a great job and especially Linda was one of my favourites. If you are searching for a great time I can totally recommend this hostel.

Alicia Paulick

10) Big Hostel

Key Service	Boutique hostel accommodation
Address	212 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Website	https://bighostel.com/
Phone	+612 9281 6030
Email	reception@bighostel.com

If you’re looking for a centrally located, budget-friendly hostel in Surry Hills, Big Hostel is the place for you. I love the roof terrace with its amazing views of the cityscape, as well as the sundeck and garden. You can also BBQ up there! The large kitchen has plenty of space to store your groceries, and there’s 24/7 free coffee and tea available. The rooms are huge but the metal beds creak a bit. They do have lockers though.

Key Differentiators:

• Offers dormitories and private rooms
• Roof terrace with city views
• 24/7 free coffee and tea

Customer’s Review:

This hostel is in a great location, close to public transport, bars and restaurants. The staff are friendly and helpful, the beds are comfortable and the rooms are clean. I would definitely recommend this hostel to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option in Sydney.

Georgia B

11) Base Sydney

Key Service	Hostel with a cosmopolitan buzz
Address	477 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website	https://www.stayatbase.com/hostels/nomads-sydney/
Phone	+61 2 9267 7718
Email	sydney@nomadsworld.com

Base Sydney is only a quick walk from Darling Harbor, making it the perfect location for your time in the city. With plenty of things to do, including trips to Manly Beach and Hyde Park during the day, and evening hostel activities like silent discos and live music, you won’t find a better budget-friendly place to stay in Sydney. Base offers both dormitory-style rooms as well as private room options with shared or ensuite bathrooms—so there’s something for everyone!

Key Differentiators:

• Perfect location for your time in the city
• Close to Manly Beach and Hyde Park
• Offers dormitory-style rooms as well as private room options

Customer’s Review:

Great experience. I brought my business here for the weekend, the attention was exceptional and the staff was so helpful.

The Burning Shed

12) Secret Garden Backpackers

Key Service	Hostel for digital nomads
Address	243-247 Cleveland St Sydney NSW 2016 Australia
Website	https://sgbackpackers.com.au/
Phone	‎+61 2 9189 4173
Email	info@sgbackpackers.com.au

If you’re a digital nomad who prefers to work in nature accompanied by fresh air, consider Secret Garden Backpackers. They are one of the best backpacker hostels for digital nomads in Sydney and live up to their name with a lovely sun-filled garden area equipped with artificial grass and picnic tables. When you arrive, the Secret Garden team will update you on what’s going on! Additionally, they are perfectly located opposite Prince Alfred Park.

Key Differentiators:

• Free, unlimited wifi for all your communication and entretainment needs
• Beautiful sun-trapped garden
• Conveniently located opposite Prince Alfred Park

Customer’s Review:

The hostel was tidy and clean with a good kitchen. The location was excellent, being next to the park, and an easy walk to Central station and the shops. I would happily recommend this hostel to others and stay here again myself.

Brenton W

13) The Downing Hostel

Key Service	Conveniently located hostel
Address	The Downing Hostel, 253 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, 2000, NSW, Australia
Website	https://thedowninghostel.com.au/
Phone	0424 740 448

Downing Hostel is nestled in the heart of Sydney, only 500 feet from Hyde Park. It’s the perfect location to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer! The hostel offers dorms with 4, 6, or 8 beds as well as three-person private rooms with shared bathrooms.

Key Differentiators:

• Offers long-term rates
• Located next to World Square
• Free laundry & discounts

Customer’s Review:

Happy and friendly staff make sure that your visit is enjoyable and makes you want to come back again and again.

Paul Tebbutt

14) The Pod Sydney 

Key Service	Travel-friendly hostel
Address	Level 6, 396 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website	https://www.thepodsydney.com.au/
Phone	+61 411476966
Email	thepodsydney@gmail.com service@thepodsydney.com.au

If you’re seeking a Sydney hostel with low costs and plenty of social opportunities, while still maintaining privacy during your stay, The Pod Sydney is perfect for you. Their beds areset up in pods which surround three sides and have a curtainsliding doorfor additional security at night. Each pod has its own light, power socketand hanger – plus every guest gets their own locker. Featuringa sleek industrial-style design, the chic hostel also boasts alarge communal kitchen area and lobby lounge with TV set.

Key Differentiators:

• Pod-style beds offer privacy and come with their own light, power socket, and clothes hook
• Toilets and showers are single-sex
• Has a large kitchen and a lobby lounge with a TV

Customer’s Review:

It is the best hostel I have ever been. The staff is very competent and willing to help you all the time. The cleaning level is 10. They clean the common areas every day.

Carlos Sancho

15) Jolly Swagman

Key Service	Budget-friendly hostel in Sydney
Address	27 Orwell St, Potts Point NSW 2011, Australia
Website	https://www.jollyswagman.com.au/
Phone	+61 1800 805 870

You love a good deal, right? Well, get ready to be amazed by all of the complimentary extras at the best cheap Sydney hostel. We’ve got free airport pickup, breakfast, and weeklong barbecues for guests. Plus, our wonderful staff takes you out clubbing and gets you free entry into some of the hottest clubs in town. If you’re looking for a great place to stay on a budget, this is definitely one of the best options in Sydney.

Key Differentiators:

• Free airport pickup
• Complimentary breakfast and weekly barbecues
• Regular social events organised by staff

Customer’s Review:

Very good hostel especially in price/quality ratio. The double rooms are spacious and have their own mini fridge sink and table.

Luís Gonçalves

16) Asylum Sydney Backpackers hostel

Key Service	Laidback hostel with a simple atmosphere
Address	201/203 Brougham St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011, Australia
Website	https://www.facebook.com/Asylum.Sydney.Hostel/
Phone	+61 2 9368 1822

If you backpack and are searching for a basic hostel, Asylum Sydney will fit your needs. This unassuming hostel doesn’t have all the extra features that some other places offer, but it does provide great location, affordable prices, plentiful socializing opportunities, and nice staff. Additionally, there’s free breakfast available as well as rooms with their own fridges in them. All you could really ask for in a good hostel is what this place supplies.

Key Differentiators:

• Great location
• Plentiful social activities
• Friendly staff

Customer’s Review:

The hostel is nothing too fancy but it was clean, the staff were nice and it had everything we needed (minus air con but that’s not their fault!). The hostel is in a good location, an easy walk to the central station and close to bars and restaurants. Overall, we had a great stay!

Stephanie G

17) The Village Glebe

Key Service	Simply-furnished hostel
Address	262 Glebe Point Road, Glebe NSW 2037
Website	https://thevillagehostels.com.au/hostel/glebe/
Phone	02 9660 8133
Email	glebe@thevillagehostels.com.au

The Village Glebe provides ample opportunity to connect with other backpackers and form new bonds. With its large outdoor terraces and common area, The Village is the perfect place to socialize and relax. Additionally, located in Glebe–an up-and-coming suburb of Sydney filled with vintage stores and trendy cafes–The Village puts you right where all the action is.

Key Differentiators:

• Great location in Glebe, a trendy suburb of Sydney
• Perfect place to socialize with other backpackers
• Outdoor terraces and common area

Customer’s Review:

I stayed here ages ago many times and I love this hostel. I particularly loved the double private room with shared bathroom facilities.

 Miss M

18) Blue Parrot Backpackers

Key Service	Sociable hostel with regular events
Address	87 Macleay St. Potts Point Potts Point, NSW, Australia 2011
Website	https://www.facebook.com/BlueParrotBackpackers/
Phone	+61 2 9356 4888
Email	stay@blueparrot.com.au

A sociable youth hostel in Sydney and a particular favourite with solo explorers. Blue Parrot Backpackers is located in trendy Potts Point, it’s close to public transport so you can get your first glimpse of the Sydney Opera House in no time! Run by a bubbly pair of sisters assisted by a friendly team, regular events and homey common areas ensure you have tons of fun and meet awesome new folk.

Key Differentiators:

• Friendly staff
• Located in trendy Potts Point
• Close to public transport

Customer’s Review:

The staff here are amazing and make you feel right at home! Definitely the best hostel experience I have had in Australia. The location is great, only a short walk from Kings Cross station which has trains, buses and taxis. I would highly recommend this hostel to anyone looking for a great place to stay in Sydney!

Kelsey

19) Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel

Key Service	31-room hostel
Address	109 Cambridge St, Stanmore NSW 2048, Australia
Website	https://www.cambridgelodge.com.au/
Phone	+61 2 9564 6822

Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel is an ideal choice for budget-minded travellers looking to be close to all the action. The hostel is located near Sydney’s trendy Newtown district, with easy access to the city’s best cafes and bars. If you’re travelling by car, free street parking is available outside the hostel. The hostel features clean and comfortable dorm rooms for two, four, or six people, as well as private rooms for solo travellers and couples.

Key Differentiators:

• Accommodations all include kitchenettes.
• Guests have access to shared bathrooms.
• Bathrooms include showers.

Customer’s Review:

I just stayed here and it was a really good place to stay. Excellent location. Lovely long hot showers and large bathrooms. Clean. Tidy. Free street parking which was very handy. Wonderful kind caring staff. No drama patrons, mature and kind people staying here. No drama whatsoever. Can’t wait to come back.

Rashmi Dixit

20) Manly Bunkhouse

Key Service	Hostel near the beach
Address	35 Pine St, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
Website	https://www.bunkhouse.com.au/
Phone	(02) 9976 0472 0431 154 061
Email	info@bunkhouse.com.au

Just steps from the beach and within easy reach of Sydney’s top attractions, Manly Bunkhouse is a great choice for travellers who want a relaxed atmosphere. There’s a sunny garden and courtyard where you can relax or cook out on the BBQ, plus a cosy TV lounge with foosball. There’s also a quieter reading room if you need to get some work done. In addition to the large shared kitchen, all rooms have their own private bathroom—no more long lines!

Key Differentiators:

• Sunny garden and courtyard
• Quiet reading room
• Rooms have their own bathrooms

Customer’s Review:

This place is awesome! Clean and has a nice chilled-out vibe to it. Super close to everything Manly has to offer. Would definitely recommend staying here if you find yourself in Manly! Thanks, Mara and Jason!

Luc Plagnol

Hostel Sydney

Sydney is home to some of the best hostels in the world, and this list only scratches the surface. Whether you’re looking for a sociable hostel Sydney with regular events or a quieter place to stay, there’s sure to be something on this list that fits your needs. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

If you’re looking for more recommendations, you can check out our other posts below:

• Best Harbour View Hotels in Sydney (2024)
• Best Airport Hotels in Sydney (2024)
• Best Budget Hotels in Sydney (2024)
• Best Boutique Hotels in Sydney (2024)