Best Hostels in Portugal, A Backpacker’s Guide

11 min read

Life in Portugal, Lifestyle and culture

Hostels in Portugal

Hostels Portugal

Looking for a hostel in Portugal? As someone who’s travelled solo with a backpack, I know the challenges often faced when finding accommodation. Often the best adventures, friendships, and memories all begin inside the dorm or common room of a hostel. But, how do you pick just one place to stay from the hundreds listed on the various booking websites? Well, we’ve tried to make that easy for you, with a guide to the best hostels in Portugal. Based on location, amenities, value, and types of rooms, here are 25 of the best hostels in Portugal, and our reasons why we think they’re so great!

Hostels in Lisbon

Lisbon, the country’s capital city has plenty for you to see and do. We’ve picked the right hostel in Lisbon for you.

Home Lisbon Hostel, 9.7/10

Address: Rua de Sao Nicolau, 13, 2E

home lisbon hostel

For home cooked meals by the hostels very own “Mamma”, this hostel has won tons of excellence awards over the years for its exceptional staff, family dinners, and “homey” atmosphere. They also offer plenty of optional activities, a bar and café, a games room, and an outdoor terrace. Dorms start from €21/night.

Lost Inn Lisbon, 9.7/10

Address: Beco dos Apostolos 6

lost-inn-hostel

The Lost Inn Hostel is in the centre of downtown Lisbon in the Chiado district, very close to plenty of shopping stores, restaurants and the waterfront. It’s also conveniently located close to Pink Street for those interested in Lisbon’s wild nightlife. Extra amenities include a computer room, DVD player, musical instruments and café. Dorms start at €18/night.

G Spot Hostel, 9/10

Address: Travessa Fala-só, 24B

gspot

This is possibly one of the best and worst hostels in Lisbon. I say this because

  1. You will probably have some of the greatest nights of your life, getting mad drunk playing beer pong and stumbling around Bairro Alto with 50 others on the Lisbon Pub Crawl.
  2. If you stay here, you’ll probably never see Lisbon during the daylight, rather spending days recovering from a hefty hangover.

Stay here if the party scene is what you’re looking for, and as they say, you’ll probably want to “come again”. Besides that, they also offer pancakes for breakfast if you wake up on time and television with kid’s movies on repeat. Dorms start from €8/night.

Good Morning Lisbon Hostel, 9.8/10

Address: Praça dos Restauradores, n. 65, 2º

goodmorning hostel

Rated the best hostel in Portugal for 2019, with numerous other excellence awards over the years, Good Morning Lisbon Hostel, is renowned for its prime location, free waffles with Nutella for breakfast and friendly atmosphere. Special amenities include:

  • a vending machine,
  • 24hour reception,
  • bar and café,
  • reading light,
  • laundry facilities

Dorms start at €25/night and private rooms €70/night.

Surf Villa São João, 9.7/10

Address: Rua Vasco da Gama, 20, São João da Caparica

Surf Villa São João

A bit outside of Lisbon, across the river, there’s Surf Villa São João. For beach lovers, this home away from home, offers everything from a comfortable room, to surf lessons, swimming pool, bar and café, and games room. Guests praise the hostel for its chill vibes and seaside location, just 10 minutes walk from the white sandy beaches of Caparica. Dorms start at €10/night and private rooms from €38/night. If you’re spending a few days in Lisbon you should definitely try its cuisine. Here are our favourite restaurants.

Hostels in Porto

Porto is vibrant, it’s welcoming and it’s one of the most popular cities in Portugal with visitors. Take a look at what’s on offer in the capital of the North.

The House of Sandeman – Hostel and Suites, 9.7/10

Address: Largo Miguel Bombarda Nº3, Vila Nova de Gaia

House of Sandeman

Winner of the 2019 Best New Hostel award, the House of Sandeman Hostel and Suites is set in one of Porto’s most iconic buildings, the Sandeman wine cellar. Fit for solo travellers and couples, the hostel also offers guests a restaurant and bar, board games, and bicycle hire. Dorms from €27/night and private rooms from €112/night.

The Passenger Hostel, 9.4/10

Address: Praça Almeida Garrett

Nestled under the famous Sao Bento Train Station, The Passenger Hostel is a cosy and well-equipped hostel that’s also adapted eco-friendly solutions to respect our environment. They also offer guests a bar and lounge are to listen to music, mingle and relax. Dorms start at €17/night.

Urban Garden Porto Central, 8.8/10

Address: Rua da Alegria, 291

Urban Garden

As a fairly new hostel, Urban Garden is already a huge hit amongst travellers. With a great location in central Porto, large mattresses, and comfortable living room, the hostel has all the essentials for backpackers. Extra amenities include a reading light, outdoor terrace, wake up calls, and board games. Dorms start from €19/night.

Bluesock Hostel, 8.7/10

Address: Rua de São João, 40

bluesock hostel

Residing in a traditional blue-tiled Portuguese building, Bluesock Hostel is a comfortable, clean and perfectly-located Porto hostel. They offer guests a bar and café, vending machine and elevator for those with lots of luggage. Dorms start from €18/night and private rooms from €199/night.

Porto Spot Hostel, 9.5/10

Address: Rua Gonçalo Cristóvão 12

porto spot hostel

One of Porto’s highest rating hostels, Porto Spot is in the city centre, with easy access to all of the tourist sites and more. They also offer tours, pub crawls, bar, outdoor patio with a BBQ, café and a cinema room for guests, so plenty of room for socializing. Dorms from €20/night. We’re sure you’re going to love Porto but we must say, its nightlife is something else, read all about it here.

Hostels in the Algarve

Here are the best ones in the seaside south of Portugal.

Boutique Taghostel, 9.2/10

Address: Rua Doutor Faria e Silva, 32, Lagos

Boutique Tagshostel

This boutique hostel is located in a classic old Portuguese building on the main street of Lagos, beside the marina with stunning coastal views. Here guests can enjoy the best of beaches, a BBQ, bicycle hire, and outdoor terrace – perfect for the summer. Dorms from €16/night and private rooms from €46/night.

Rising Cock Party Hostel, 9.2/10

Address: 14 Travessa do Forno, Lagos

risingcockpartyhostel

Portugal’s first and original party hostel, the Rising Cock lives up to its name and more. They offer guests an intimate atmosphere, rowdy pub crawls, and some of the best beach parties you’ll ever join. Not to mention, the legendary crepes and magical lemon tea prepared by the hostel “Momma” herself to cure everyone’s hangovers. Stay here for a crazy party experience! Dorms from €20/night.

Sol A Sol/Old Town Hostel, 8.1/10

Address: Rua Lançarote de Freitas, n. 22 Sol a Sol is the ultimate adventure and party experience, that Lagos is all about. The staff offer catered tours to the Benagil Caves and other epic coastal locations in the Algarve as well as family dinners on rooftops and plenty of space to socialize with other travellers. Book a night here and you might even end up at Old Town, their sister hostel. Both are excellent and take care of their guests. Dorms from €17/night and private rooms from €46/night.

Hutch Hostel, 8.6/10

Address: Travessa Gil Vicente nº 12 “Welcome to the Rabbit House” they say, this hostel offers everything from pirate tours, pub crawls, beach activities, family dinners, and games rooms. Dorms from €12/night and private rooms from €24/night.

Algarve Surf Hostel, 9/10

Address: Urb Cerro das Mós lote 55 A large modern villa that even has a swimming pool, this is the luxury side of backpacking. Renowned for its family-like staff and friendly atmosphere, the hostel likes to see both sides of adventure and party in the Algarve. They’ve also upgraded their amenities and offer bicycle hire, reading light and a pool table. Dorms from €18/night and private rooms from €50/night. Planning on visiting Lagos? We’ve written all about it: Visiting Lagos in Portugal, There’s Something for Everyone.

Hostels everywhere else in Portugal

And if you’re passing through one of Portugal’s smaller cities, here are the best hostels from…

Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal

Aveiro Rossio Hostel, 9.3/10

Address: R. João Afonso de Aveiro 1

Aveiro Rossio Hostel

Centrally located, this was the first hostel to pop up in Portugal’s ‘Venice’; they offer all the usual amenities plus an outdoor terrace, laundry, book exchange, and café for guests. Dorms from €22/night and private rooms from €55/night.

Welcome In Suites and Hostel, 9.6/10

Address: Av. Dr. Lourenço Peixinho nº 119 A newer hostel in Aveiro, they located close to the city centre and offer guests use of bar, vending machines, television, rending light and even cot facilities for parents. Dorms from €20/night. You must visit this northern beauty: Visit Aveiro in Portugal, City of Canals, Sweets and Beauty.

Coimbra, an old student town

Hostel Sé Velha, 9.2/10

Address: Rua do Norte 11/13

Hostel Sé Velha

Located in the historic centre, also a World Heritage listed site, guests can explore all the old architecture and main tourist attractions of the city. The hostel offers guests all the essentials, with a bar, café and games room. Dorms from €14/night and private rooms from €45/night.

Penedo da Saudade Suites & Hostel, 9.5/10

Address: Av. Dr Marnoco e Sousa, 18 B A great hostel that’s comfortable and cosy for those looking for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy large, clean rooms and facilities, and even a roof-top bar! Breakfast is also included. Dorms from €20/night and private rooms from €72/night. Coimbra in Portugal is known for its history, being home to our own Romeo and Juliet love story and its students. Curious?

Hostels in Alentejo

An adventure for those looking for history and culture beyond the Tagus River.

Alentejo Pig Dog Surf Camp, 9.3/10

Address: Estrada Nacional 120, n.44. São Torpes. Sines 44, 7520-049 Palhota, Portugal

Alentejo Pig Dog

This surf camp hostel is surrounded by some of Portugal’s finest natural scenery, with beaches galore. The staff there will make you feel at home with some beers and a summer BBQ in their cosy backyard. Dorms from €18/night and private rooms from €36/night.

Hostel Nature, 9.6/10

Address: Rua 25 de Abril, 9, Zambujeira do Mar Smack bang in the middle of Zambujeira do Mar, with beautiful Portuguese beaches nearby. They offer guests free coffee, bicycle rentals, and an indoor play area for children. Dorms from €17/night and private rooms from €43/night.

Braga, the first city in Portugal

Collector’s Hostel, 9.5/10

Address: Estrada Nacional 120, n.44

Collectors Hotel

A cute, quirky and welcoming hostel in the city centre, with a balcony to enjoy views of the beautiful city. Residing in an original Portuguese building, the hostel has a precious charm that will make your stay special. Dorms from €17/night and private rooms from €75/night.

JustGo Hostel, 8.6/10

Address: Avenida da Liberdade, nº 546 6º e 7º floors Combining the character of the city’s history with the liveliness of the students that reside in it, this hostel offers guests central access to all things Braga, as well as a cosy and modern interior. Dorms from €16/night and private rooms from €40/night.

Guimarães, Portugal’s middle-age historic centre

Guimarães Living – Hostel & Adventure, 9.2/10

Address: Travessa do Picoto, 19

guimaraes Living

A pet-friendly accommodation in Guimares, the hostel is cosy, tastefully decorated, and in the perfect location for visiting the castle. Dorms from €17/night and private rooms from €90/night.

Hostel Prime Guimarães LDA, 9.1/10

Address: Rua da Liberdade, 42/44 Visit this historical town and stay in a 17th-century hose, fit with welcoming staff, a cosy common room, café, and games room. Dorms from €14/night and private rooms from €36/night. And since you’re visiting Guimarães here’s a must-read guide for you.

Óbidos

Home to the Óbidos Castle and also where you can have the best ginginha liquor in a chocolate glass. Take a look at the best hostels in Óbidos.

Stone Óbidos Hostel, 9.2/10

Address: Rua Odete Saint Maurice, 7, Óbidos

stone obidos hostel

A boutique hostel inspired by nature’s elements – each room is themed water, fire and earth. Guests can enjoy the quirky and colourful rooms, amongst a city that’s got one of the most interesting Baroque buildings in Portugal. Family room from €85/night.

Hostel Argonauta, 9.4/10

Address: Rua Maria Adelaide Ribeirete, 14, Óbidos Just 200m from the Óbidos Castle, guests at Hostel Argonauta can enjoy plenty of the area’s natural surroundings, board games and puzzles, and even packed lunches. Dorms from €25/night and private rooms from €50/night. Take a tour in the charming medieval city of Óbidos with our help.

Hostels Portugal

So, if you’re travelling through Portugal, get your backpack ready – these hostels in Portugal are waiting and ready to welcome you! Happy travels.

about the author
I'm a freelance copywriter and free-spirited traveller from Australia. I fell in love with Portugal when I arrived here and hope to share with you all the reasons why.

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