Best Hostels to Stay in San Francisco

Updated On October 2, 2023
San Francisco

San Francisco is one of those cities everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime.

It is known for its delicious food, beautiful scenery, magnificent architecture, as well as a variety of significant business environments.

The truth is that San Francisco is the city with an incredible vibe and a great place for motivated, artsy, talented people.

However, the main point is that San Francisco is a very expensive place to visit.

To make this journey less stressful for you, we’ve decided to create a list of cheap hostels in the city.

If you don’t want to break a bank while visiting San Francisco, you need to be careful about choosing accommodation, transportation, places to eat, and so on.

Using this guide, you have an opportunity to find a budget and comfortable place to stay in.

Below, there is a list of the best budget hostels in the Golden City.

There are accommodation options for any taste so you’ll for sure be able to find a hostel that meets your needs.

So, let’s learn about the coolest budget hostels in San Francisco.

Bow and arrow
Bow and arrow

What to Look For in the Best Hostels in San Francisco

It’s clear that everyone has its own definition of the ‘best’ so we decided to list a variety of options.

In such a way, everyone will be able to find the one that suits their needs and preferences.

Just explore our list and find the best hostel for your vacation in San Francisco.

While creating our list, we considered such aspects as:

  • Location – San Francisco is a huge city with numerous attractions so we tried to choose hostels located not far from different interesting sights;
  • Price – San Francisco is not only huge but very expensive as well so we looked for budget hostels for those who want to save some money;
  • Amenities – The more amenities are provided by your hostel, the more money you’ll be able to save. Fortunately, numerous hostels in San Francisco offer free breakfast, walking tours, laundry, and so on.
  • PS – It is a great point for budget travelers who want to travel without spending a fortune.

Best Hostels in San Francisco

It can be very difficult to choose a cool place to stay in San Francisco.

There are hostels that offer affordable prices, great location, friendly vibe, numerous facilities.

Overall Best Hostel in San Francisco – USA Hostels San Francisco

Powell and Mason cable car
Powell and Mason cable car
  • $$$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Free City Tour
  • Games Room

USA Hostels San Francisco – it is a combination of great prices, numerous facilities, and a variety of freebies.

In fact, it can be considered the best hostel for budget travelers in the Golden City.

While being not the cheapest option, it offers free breakfast, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, and even walking tours around the city.

You can also enroll in one of the discounted tours to explore the city.

The hostel has a kitchen, a dining room, a lounge with a relaxing and friendly atmosphere, and even a yoga room.

Each dorm is with private lockers and pod-beds for those who need some privacy.

Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in San Francisco – HI-San Francisco City Center

San Francisco skyline
San Francisco skyline
  • $$$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Onsite Bar/Cafe
  • Tour Desk

HI, San Francisco City Center is a great hostel that offers comfy rooms, top-rate facilities, cool locations, and a variety of exciting events.

The hostel has both mixed and single-gender rooms with separate bedrooms.

This hostel is a great option for solo travelers and those who want to make new friends.

Located in the historic building, the hotel has a bunch of great modern amenities.

Staying there, you’ll have access to free Wi-Fi and can enjoy free breakfast every morning.

If you want to visit some unique places and explore the city, you can get a piece of advice from the staff or address the tour desk.

The list of amenities includes a lounge, shared kitchen, book exchange, bar-cum-cafe, laundry, and others.

Best Cheap Hostel in San Francisco #1 – SFO Crashpad

Golden Gate bridge
Golden Gate bridge
  • $
  • Steam Room
  • PlayStation
  • Free Parking

SFO Crashpad is the best option for budget travelers who look for accommodation not far from San Francisco Airport.

Located 10-minutes away from the airport, it is also very close to the downtown of San Francisco.

There is a variety of transportation lines around the hostel so you can easily get to the surrounding areas.

The hostel has mixed dorms for 4 people and different facilities including a dining area, kitchen, and lounge.

Also, staying there, you’ll have access to free Wi-Fi and a washing machine.

Best Cheap Hostel in San Francisco #2 – HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf

San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
  • $
  • Free Breakfast
  • Café-Bar
  • Laundry Facilities

HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf is located right near numerous attractions.

Also, it is a great place to relax and recharge after exploring the city.

The hostel has a comfy lounge, a sun deck, and even a mini cinema.

You have an opportunity to enjoy tasty breakfast and cook a delicious meal at the well-equipped kitchen.

If you are traveling by car, the hostel offers free parking so you can save lots of money.

Among other great benefits, there’s free Wi-Fi.

In fact, this hostel is perfect for solo and groups of travelers.

Best Cheap Hostel in San Francisco # 3 – HI San Francisco Downtown

A park in San Francisco
A park in San Francisco
  • $
  • Free Breakfast
  • Games Room
  • Wheelchair Accessible

HI, San Francisco Downtown is an award-winning hostel located in one of the best areas of the Golden City.

The hostel offers free tours around the city, as well as numerous fun activities and pub crawls.

For those who want to relax, there is a TV and games room.

The hostel has small, comfy dorms equipped with private lockers.

Also, those who want to save their money and cook their own meals have access to the shared kitchen.

If you are looking for more privacy, you can book one of the private rooms.

Among the amenities, there are free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping and laundry services.

Best Independent Hostel in San Francisco- Pacific Tradewinds Hostel

Cycling by the bridge
Cycling by the bridge
  • $
  • Super social vibes
  • Daily budget activities
  • Free sock wash!

Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is one of the most popular options among travelers.

It’s impossible to find it via booking service but the popularity of this hostel is so big that word of mouth is absolutely enough.

The reason is that the hostel aims to provide its guests with amazing services at lower prices.

Stay here, you can expect a friendly atmosphere and helpful staff.

The hostel offers comfy beds, Wi-Fi access, free earplugs, a variety of cool events, as well as free jelly and peanut butter sandwiches, and ramen noodles.

It’s for sure one of the best places to stay in San Francisco and make your journey amazing.

Best Hostel for Couples in San Francisco – Orange Village Hostel

The amazing city vista
The amazing city vista
  • $$$
  • Free Breakfast
  • Tour Desk
  • Steam Room

Orange Village Hostel offers 24-hour security and private lockers as well as a bunch of amenities.

There single-gender dorms for 4 guests each and en-suites for couples.

One other great thing about this hostel is that there is a variety of cool attractions around it.

There is a well-equipped shared kitchen but also the hostel offers free breakfasts.

You can relax in a TV room and watch your favorite show or chat with other travelers.

The list of amenities includes free Wi-Fi, laundry, a steam room, a tour desk, an ATM, and some other great things.

Best Party Hostel in San Francisco – Green Tortoise Hostel

The amazing city park
The amazing city park
  • $
  • Free Breakfast
  • Pool Table
  • Laundry Facilities

If you are looking for a place to have fun during your stay in San Francisco, Green Tortoise Hostel is exactly what you need.

Three times per week the hostel holds free communal dinners so you can enjoy tasty food and make new friends.

Also, there’s a free breakfast and access to the shared kitchen where you can cook your meal.

During your stay there, you can have fun at pub crawls, enroll in a pool game, relax at the sauna.

There are some other great activities as well as offered tours around the Golden City.

Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in San Francisco – Amsterdam Hostel

Port of San Francisco
Port of San Francisco
  • $$$
  • Tour Desk
  • Bicycle Rentals
  • Laundry Facilities

Staying at Amsterdam Hostel, you’ll get access to the whole bunch of cool freebies.

The list includes such perks as free Wi-Fi, round-the-clock coffee and tea, and luggage storage.

This great hostel also has a well-equipped common kitchen, comfy dining room, the Internet Cafe, mini cinema, and a terrace.

It’s a great option for digital nomads as the hostel has comfy spaces for work, play, and rest.

At the hostel, you can rent a bike, take a free map, and explore the city.

Also, the hostel constantly holds bar crawls so guests can have lots of fun.

Best Hostel in San Francisco with a Private Room – Union Hotel

A hotel buliding
A hotel buliding
  • $$$
  • Tour Desk
  • Luggage Storage
  • Housekeeping

Union Hotel isn’t a hostel so there are no dorms but it is a great option for budget travelers who look for a secluded stay.

You can book a single or double room for your stay.

Just keep in mind that while offering private rooms, the hotel has shared bathrooms.

Each room has a TV, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi access.

Located in the center of the Mission District, the hostel is near great museums, nightclubs, parks, and restaurants.

Music City Hotel/Hostel

Crowded streets
Crowded streets
  • $$$
  • Key Card Access
  • Laundry Facilities
  • Luggage Storage

Music City Hotel/Hostel is a great option for music lovers and creative individuals.

The hostel is located above recording studios so it can be a cool place to stay in San Francisco.

During your stay there, you can use one of the free slots to create your own music.

Moreover, you even have an opportunity to meet new friends and future band members.

The hostel has a comfortable shared kitchen and a laundry facility.

Reasons to Travel to San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing city with its unique vibe and friendly atmosphere.

It for sure should be included in your traveling list.

While accommodations in this city are pretty expensive, you still can find a bunch of great budget hostels.

Just use our guide to pick the one that suits your needs and preferences.

San Francisco Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: San Francisco Safety Review

Safety Index:
61
  • OVERALL RISK: LOW
  • TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
  • PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
  • NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
  • MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
  • TERRORISM RISK: LOW
  • SCAMS RISK: LOW
  • WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

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