This is your guide to the 3 BEST hostels in Melbourne, so you focus on exploring the city. Welcome to the city dubbed the sports and culture capital of Australia: Melbourne.
Melbourne is a beautiful multicultural blend of art, fashion, design and cuisine.
Quick overview:
- Space Hotel – best for solo-travellers
- Landing Pads Brunswick – best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers – best for groups
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Of course, there is no exception with fantastic hostels in Melbourne either. We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Melbourne.
Why not hop across to the island of Tasmania and check out the best hostels in Hobart, too.
Don’t forget to check out all our best hostels in Australia.
Quick Introduction to Melbourne Hostels
Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 14€ ($18) up to 35€ ($42) per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea. In this guide we will also show you how to find the cheaper places for backpackers.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Party vs Chill: Oh yes, you can party hard in Melbourne. At the same time, there is fantastic hostels to mingle and just chill. Just pick the right type of hostel you want!
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Melbourne
Let’s waste no time and introduce the top youth hostels in Melbourne. Hand-picked by us, of course!
- Space Hotel – best for solo-travellers
- Landing Pads Brunswick – best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers – best for groups
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Nunnery |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Space Hotel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | BASE St. KILDA |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Space Hotel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Tram Stop 14 Backpackers |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Landing Pads Brunswick |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Landing Pads Brunswick |
1. Space Hotel (luxury, stylish budget accommodation)
Don’t let the name fool you. Space Hotel is a traveller’s HOSTEL, where luxury meets budget.
This is our #1 recommendation for you.
This chic, stylish boutique youth hostel is in the heart of Melbourne city – a space designed for your comfort and enjoyment.
We believe it’s a perfect place for couples, female solo travellers and friends.
Choose between 4, 6 and 8-bed dorms or a private room. A flat-screen TV and iPod docking station can be found in the latter.
Plus you’re own private balcony in selected private rooms!
Each dorm bed has its very own personal light, secure locker and power point. Linen is included.
There are so many cool facilities; we had to create a list:
- Blue Moon bar and restaurant
- Gym
- Games space
- Lounge
- Cinema
- Large communal kitchen
- Rooftop with Jacuzzi
- Internet cafe
- BBQ facilities
- Tea and coffee stations
Why would you want to even step outside when you have all this? Oh and again: ROOF TOP WITH JACUZZI!
The view across the city from the rooftop is spectacular.
Big windows in the rooms, kitchen and communal areas create a bright, open space.
The Design Hostel in Melbourne is surrounded by the best shops, cafes and restaurants.
It’s just a 5 minute walk from Melbourne Central Station within the CBD area.
A perfect area!
Seriously, this hostel is a top choice if you are looking for a fine, safe and fun hostel. At the same time, you can sleep well at night and have some fun and mingle in the common areas.
Space Hotel is the best hostel in Melbourne for
- Couples
- Female Solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Landing Pads Brunswick (working holiday paradise)
Easy going, small and open-minded; Landing Pads Brunswick is designed especially for the independent working traveller.
Are you:
- Travelling solo around Australia?
- Looking for work on a Working Holiday Visa?
- Wanting to stay long-term in Melbourne?
Great! Landing Pads Brunswick is the best hostel in Melbourne for you.
Forget big, cold hostels: this one is purposefully small and cosy to create more of a big house-share feel.
Landing Pads has been newly renovated with a brand new kitchen, bathrooms, garden heating and air-conditioning.
Along with the usual included bits and bobs such as Wi-Fi, linen and locker, you’ll have access to…
- FREE job seeker tutorials and local job contacts
- Weekly social activities
- Free big fluffy towels, two pillows and lots of storage
People tend to stay at this hostel for weeks, not days, making this a perfect place to meet new, lifelong friends.
There is no on-site bar, which means you can bring your own beers and chill with the easy-going social vibes of this hostel.
It discourages party animals and strengthens a social culture that suits everyone.
Important: Guests are required to book at least a 7 nights stay.
Why?
This is more like a big house share than a hostel. Staying longer = amazing social environment.
Landing Pads is located in the suburb of Brunswick, only 20-minutes from Melbourne CBD.
There is a handy supermarket just 200m from the hostel.
Heaps of cheap but amazing cafes and restaurants can be found along Sydney Road. It is one of the perks of staying just outside the city centre!
Landing Pads is a top pick hostel in Melbourne for:
- Backpackers
- Social butterflies
- Solo, independent travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Tram Stop 14 Backpackers
This affordable backpackers located on Brunswick Street is a real go-to for any traveller that enjoys awesome nightlife in an iconic area of Melbourne.
Tram stop 14 Backpackers is independently owner, quirky and safe. It has been set up well to accommodate both short and long-term guests.
Tip: Call the hostel directly and ask about their weekly rates.
“Good things come in small packages and this is certainly true with this hostel in Melbourne. “
This is the kind of hostel you choose if you prefer a personal atmosphere which is small and friendly. Sound pretty nice, right?
Come on in and have a look at the perks of staying here:
- Lounge + large screen TV
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Air conditioning in every room
- Free Wifi
What’s nice is that they provide both shared and private rooms so there’s usually a mix of traveller types here.
The dorm rooms come with 3, 6, 8 and 10-beds. Obviously opt for a bigger room if you’re super sociable!
When it gets chilly outside, definitely make use of the heated lounge/terrace with friends and fellow guests.
Location: On Brunswick Street, Fitzroy NOT Brunswick Road, Brunswick (check map). It’s a 10-minute walk to the city centre, 300m to Melbourne Museum and super close to live music venues, bars, restaurants and cafes.
Tram Stop 14 Backpackers is a top pick hostel in Melbourne for:
- Groups
- Backpackers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Best Hostels in Melbourne for Solo Travellers?
So you’re travelling alone and want to meet new people?
As stated above, we think Space Hotel Melbourne is a top choice for both female and male solo travellers!
Yet, there is a few more options we would like to mention.
The Nunnery is a unique hostel in Melbourne for solo travellers.
This stunning old Nunnery was built in 1888 and the vintage charm still remains throughout.
There is a different themed event every day including movie night, sausage sizzle and a pub crawl.
Dorm rooms include a social space, and out in the courtyard, you’ll find large seating areas designed especially to encourage guest interaction.
Let us also mention Flinders Backpackers – another recommended hostel in Melbourne for solo travellers.
Here it’s impossible not to meet new friends in the optional 18 bed dorm!
Make use of the huge communal area, large shared kitchen, pool table and weekly FREE events.
Last but no least, Victoria Hotel Backpackers, a great meeting place for all types of travellers, from a solo backpacker in Melbourne to adventurous travellers too.
It offers more than 30 beds over 10 spacious bedrooms, 3 common areas and a fully equipped kitchen (plenty of space to store you food).
What else can you expect?
- Lockers
- Clean linen
- Towel hire
- Free tea and coffee
- Balcony (smoking permitted)
- Board games
- Luggage storage
- Free WIFI
- Jobs board
- Pool table (free play on Mondays)
- Trivia nights and
- Free BBQ Monday Night
Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelworld
Party hostel Melbourne?
You wanna party? Okay okay…we have got something juicy for you.
First, we give you here is a list of the crazy party hostels in Melbourne you might want to join:
…and then we tell you our best Melbourne Hostel for PARTYING: Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda!
Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda is the #1 entertainment and events based hostel in town!
There is a onsite bar, which already gives you a hint, right!?
Here is whatelse you should be expecting:
- FREE pancakes
- FREE Wifi
- FREE activities and
- nightly events in their world famous Red Eye Bar!
- Foam parties, silent discos comedy nights – YOU NAME IT, they’re all happening at Nomads (Formerly Base) St Kilda.
No kidding! This is the place to party hard, have some fun etc. This hostel is popular for US-citizens, Germans, British and more western backpackers.
Here is a video of the best party hostel in Melbourne.
Want to party with the best views of Melbourne?
Welcome to Melbourne Central YHA, this hostel has an amazing rooftop equipped w/ BBQ facilities so you can enjoy the views and make new friends.
Melbourne Central YHA is within a short walk to Melbourne’s main attractions including Federation Square, Etihad Stadium,Yarra River, Bourke St Mall, Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Docklands, ACMI, Crown Casino, National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Aquarium.
We need to say no more!
This hostel is for group of travellers, visitors can choose from a range of rooms including 3,4,6 and 8 multi-share or choose the exclusive rooftop private room.
Luxurious, right!
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Melbourne?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Melbourne.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Melbourne
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Melbourne best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Melbourne for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
We’ve created a handy map to help make your planning even easier.
Find locations of all the 3 cool Hostels in Melbourne, plus some of the top sights to visit in and around the city.
- Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre
- Eureka Tower
- Arcades and Laneways
- Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Queen Victoria Market
- Federation Square
- City Circle Tram Tour
- Captain Cook’s Cottage, Fitzroy Gardens
- Yarra River Cruise
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Flinders Street
- Southbank and Arts Centre Melbourne
- Melbourne Cricket Ground and the National Sports Museum
The best way to see Melbourne is, of course, to Hop-On-Hop-Off!
Fancy heading out of the city to explore?
We highly recommend taking a Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne.
FAQs
Here we share you most asked questions with the best answers, we hope it helps.
What are the best hostels in Melbourne?
For the best hostels in Melbourne, please check our guide with our 3 very best choices:
- Space Hotel - best for solo-travellers
- Landing Pads Brunswick - best for backpackers
- Tram Stop 14 Backpackers - best for groups
What are the best hostels in Melbourne for solo travellers?
We have already mentioned one of the best hostels in Melbourne for Solo travellers:
- Space Hotel - best for solo-travellers
But do also check:
- The Nunnery a unique hostel in Melbourne for solo travellers.
And Flinders Backpackers – another recommended hostel in Melbourne for solo travellers.
What are the best hostels in Melbourne for a working holiday?
If you can't decide where in Melbourne to stay for your next working holiday.
Let us recommend you to book Tram Stop 14 Backpackers Melbourne, they provide all you need to help you out to find job and offer affordble weekly rates.
What are the best long term hostels in Melbourne?
We cannot recommend enough Tram Stop 14 Backpackers, they provide a cheap accommodation in Melbourne for those travellers who plan to stay longer and perhaps need to help with job seeking as well.
For those who asked for wake up hostel in Melbourne!
Well, we hope to visit one soon but there isn't any yet.
For now you may have to visit our guide with 3 best hostel in Sydney, we visit wake up in Sydney both of them.
Jaw dropping!!!
Are the best hostels near Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne is a big city and consequently, there aren’t any hostels near Melbourne airport.
This is because the airport sits 23km (30-minutes) from the city center.
Good to know: there is a 24 hour shuttle bus to and from the airport.
The shuttle will drop you at Southern Cross Station.
From here the tram and train is easily accessible to the city and our listed 3 best hostels in Melbourne.
Use the map above to get a better understanding for the city.
We included the airport in the map too, you can see it in the Northern part of the city.
More Hostels in Australia
Okay, by now you have the answer to your question about where to stay in Melbourne on a budget.
Don’t forget to check out all our best hostels in Australia.
Here are some more awesome Australia guides:
- 3 best hostels in Sydney
- best hostels in Brisbane
- 3 best hostels in Cairns
- 3 best hostels in Alice Springs, central Australia
- best hostels in Byron Bay
- Best Hostels in Adelaide
- best hostels in Perth
- best hostels in Airlie Beach
- best hostels in Darwin
- best hostels in Noosa
- best hostels in Bondi Beach
Heading over to Fiji? check out our guide to the best hostels in Fiji.
Over to you
By now we have given you three awesome places to stay on a budget in Melbourne. And we have given you a solid introduction to sights and what to explore.
Do you have any questions? Anything not clear?
Please please bother us with your question(s) and leave a comment below.
We want to make this guide to hostels in Melbourne, Australia as useful and detailed as possible. Your question(s) actually help us to improve and helps you to get your travels sorted out.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.
– – –
Pin it for later
CLOSED: United Backpackers (TOP location)
Update: Our former #2 hostel has permanently closed its doors.
United Backpackers is rated one of the best hostels in Melbourne. Not just by us, but travellers too!
If you want funky decor, quirky art and tons of personality; this is the backpacker hostel for you.
This awesome hostel is recommended for adventurous types and social wanderers.
Included:
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- Linen in all rooms
- Free breakfast
- Free luggage storage
Dorm beds have a personal locker, power socket and light. Doors work on a secure key card system.
Make sure to ask a friendly staff member about the free, daily tours and events!
On-site there is a super cosy communal TV lounge.
Before heading out to the surrounding CBD area, grab yourself a refreshing drink at the on-site basement bar.
United Backpackers offer the best location right opposite Flinders Street Station.
It’s a 2-minute walk to St Paul’s Cathedral and 5 minutes from Federation Square.
United Backpackers is the best place to stay for
- groups
