If you’re looking for the best places to visit on your trip to France, Bordeaux is a city that should definitely not be overlooked! And you may be asking yourself, what makes it so appealing to travelers worldwide?
Well, we’re here to show you that! In this article, you will find some of the best activities to do around the beloved wine capital and our top choices of best hostels in Bordeaux.
The first thing you may notice about the city is that it’s widely popular for its wines and vineyards.
However, the biggest reasons for its popularity go way beyond that! For many years, Bordeaux was not on the list of many travelers, but over the last decades, it went through a major overhaul where tourism became a top priority.
So, if you’re looking for a place where you can eat some of the most delicious food, taste the best wines in the world, and visit major historical sites, look no further than the stunning city of Bordeaux!
Our favorite hostels in Bordeaux are:
- Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan Hostel - best for Digital Nomads
- JOST, Bordeaux - best for Socializing
- Central Hostel, Bordeaux - best for Solo Travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
This 18th-century port city became a hotspot for history buffs, foodies, and those who love shopping!
On the other hand, it may come as a surprise that the city’s old charm also started attracting many young travelers!
For this reason, Bordeaux started having an energetic and vibrant scene, with many futuristic buildings, skate parks, converted warehouses, and more!
All of these things contributed to the city becoming a place where there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What you might find interesting is that Bordeaux is named the “Port of the Moon.”
This is because of the crescent shape of the river Garonne, which runs through the city. The river separates Bordeaux into two parts, each having a distinctive selection of wines, mainly differentiating in the red grape varieties it’s made from.
There are also over 360 historical sites in Bordeaux (second most to Paris), so you should plan beforehand on which places you would like to visit. We have other guides for the best hostels in France, including one for Lyon and Marseille.
We recommend climbing the towers of La Fleche Saint-Michael or touring Pey Berland for the best views.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all the guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Bordeaux
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Bordeaux cost €26 – €45 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of €131 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). 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.
Wine tour tip: Most, if not all, vineyards require reservations for tours. You can find many websites where you can easily book them and receive instant confirmation. The best time to book them is on weekdays when they’re less busy.
Wine tasting is a full-day activity! Keep this in mind if you’re making a schedule for your visit.
Must-see attractions in Bordeaux: Visit the Miroir d’Eau – the biggest reflecting pool in the world, which mirrors the grand Place de la Bourse. For all the lovebirds out there, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic stroll, followed by a promenade by the Garonne.
Cite du Vine is an absolute must-visit! The museum has an impressive shape and is a place where you can learn a lot about wine. By buying a ticket, you can even have a free wine-tasting tour from their massive library of wines!
🎁 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 Bordeaux are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Bordeaux.
- Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan Hostel – best for Digital Nomads
- JOST, Bordeaux – best for Socializing
- Central Hostel, Bordeaux – best for Solo Travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Bordeaux. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan Hostel |
🦸 Solo Traveler: | Central Hostel, Bordeaux |
👫 For Socializing | JOST, Bordeaux |
🥳 Party Hostel: | JOST, Bordeaux |
🎒 for Backpacker: | Central Hostel, Bordeaux |
1. Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan Hostel
We start our list of hotels in Bordeaux with the industrial Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan Hostel – a place where you can experience the city’s underground culture to the fullest!
It is located in the Bacalan area, considered the city’s hipster hotspot.
Cultural centers, food markets, and street art are just a few of the things you will come across in this neighborhood, which is why we think it’s a good idea to book your stay at this hostel.
Whoo features a huge work area where you can meet many students and people working abroad. You can also find a private gym, a big breakfast area, and a bar that works until midnight.
The rooms are cozy and clean, although they could be more spacious. This hostel does its best to ensure your privacy-each bed has a privacy curtain, including a personal locker for your stuff that is secured with a padlock.
The staff is multilingual and very accommodating. You can talk to them about the popular activities in the area, and they will have an answer to any additional questions that you might have.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Depending on what kind of person you are, the location might be a tricky part. The historical and central part of Bordeaux is 15-20 minutes by tram or bike ride.
However, the Bacalan neighborhood has a lot to offer regarding cultural experiences.
For example, you can head to Halles des Bacalan (a marketplace where you can have a drink or a snack), visit Les Vivre de part (where you see unique artwork from up-and-coming artists), or go to La Base sous-marine (a German bunker turned into an industrial museum).
In this hostel, you’ll get to experience the underground scene of Bordeaux!
This is the best hostel in Bordeaux for:
- Digital Nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. JOST, Bordeaux
JOST, Bordeaux is an excellent hostel located next to the train station in the southern part of Bordeaux. Although the city center is located within 45 minutes walking distance, it is only a 10-minute ride if you go by train!
It makes the perfect getaway for social butterflies because it consists of a mainly young traveler crowd.
There are plenty of room options you could go for! While there are the basic 8-bed rooms (standard for most hostels), you could also opt for more deluxe options.
JOST offers private suites with either shared or private bathrooms, equipped with luxury mattresses, wide-screen TVs, and even a spa-like bath ritual.
The basic rooms include outlets and USB ports for each bed, privacy curtains, and a personal locker.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
As we’ve mentioned, the JOST is a hub for young people who love to travel. The place also features one of the most amazing hostel amenities out there – a private swimming pool on the 8th-floor rooftop, where you can enjoy some cocktails and great music!
You can also take part in certain activities and programs that can keep you entertained all night long!
We forgot to mention the kitchen, which is definitely something you shouldn’t miss since it’s a place where you can experiment with the various recipes the hostel offers.
Because of the hostel’s location, the area is not the quietest. But if you’re someone who isn’t bothered by a little noise, then you’ll find this place just fine, especially because you’ll be able to catch a train to any destination without taking a long walk.
All in all, this place is an excellent spot to meet some of the most interesting people you can think of!
This is the best hostel in Bordeaux for:
- For Socializing
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Central Hostel, Bordeaux
Central Hostel, Bordeaux is the last on our list of best hostels in Bordeaux, and it is located right in the heart of the city.
If you’re the type of traveler who wants to visit all the famous attractions, this is the right spot for you! The Central Hostel lies on the rue Sainte Catherine, the main shopping street of the city – just minutes away from the Grand Theatre.
The hostel has a contemporary style that easily attracts travelers from all over the world! All rooms have luxury mattresses, power outlets, privacy curtains, and nightlights.
There aren’t any lockers available, but you can still place your stuff inside your bunk.
Because of the hostel’s location, there are so many things to keep you occupied during your stay. You could try the special Foie Gras at the many restaurants around the hotel, or you can enjoy a serene matinée at a wine bar, drinking some of the best wines you’ve ever tested!
However, if you opt for a quiet night in, there is a rooftop area in Central Hostel where you could have a bite and a drink.
You can also participate in some of the activities organized here, including karaoke nights or sports-related events.
This is the best hostel in Bordeaux for:
- Solo Travelers
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Bordeaux for Solo Travelers?
Central Hostel, Bordeaux is the best hostel in Bordeaux for solo travelers.
Its super central location makes it the perfect base to explore all the sights and attractions of the city, so you won’t need to worry about figuring out how to reach places on your own or going back to your hostel at night.
You’ll also be able to meet many fellow travelers from all walks of life and ages. This hostel is also very secure and private and will guarantee a great night’s sleep.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Bordeaux
We think that the best ‘party’ hostel in Bordeaux is JOST, Bordeaux as it is mainly frequented by a younger crowd who loves to have a good time.
Other than the very young and positive atmosphere, this hostel also has a rooftop pool that is open during the summer and sometimes hosts epic rooftop pool parties.
The location also helps since it’s near a lot of bar and pub options in Bordeaux.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Bordeaux?
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 Bordeaux.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Bordeaux
- 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 Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
We hope that we have helped you with your search for the best hostels in Bordeaux.
These are all great options for accommodation, so choose one that fits your traveling style.
This city is filled with charm and endless experiences that you will remember for a long time, so we’ve included a Map that can help you get started with figuring out what you want to do in Bordeaux. The hostels we mentioned above are also covered.
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What are the best hostels in Bordeaux?
The best hostels in Bordeaux are:
- Whoo Bordeaux Bacalan Hostel - best for Digital Nomads
- JOST, Bordeaux - best for Socializing
- Central Hostel, Bordeaux - best for Solo Travelers
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Bordeaux?
The best hostel for solo travelers in Bordeaux is:
Central Hostel, Bordeaux
What is Bordeaux best known for?
Here are Bordeaux's main tourist attractions:
- The Water Miroir
- La Cité Du Vin
- The Jardin Public
- Marché Des Capucins
- Les Halles De Bacalan
- The Musée d’Aquitaine
- The Bassins De Lumières
- Rue Sainte-Catherine
- Porte Cailhau
- Palais Gallien
- Cathedrale Saint-Andre
Are hostels in Bordeaux safe?
Not all hostels in Bordeaux are necessarily safe, especially the one that offers the cheapest price in sketchy areas. It might be an illegal hostel without the proper license to run and proper safety measures.
So in all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Bordeaux. You can find backpacker hostels with top ratings! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also send us an email and ask us!
What is the best party hostel in Bordeaux?
The best party hostel in Bordeaux is:
JOST, Bordeaux
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Bordeaux.
We did the leg work for you and brought you more hostel guides to destinations:
- Best Hostels in France
- Best Surf Hostels in France
- Best Hostels in Paris
- Hostels in Paris near the Eiffel Tower
- Best Hostels in Nice
- Best Hostels in Lyon
- Best Hostels in Marseille
- Best Surf Hostels in Biarritz
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.