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Hostels are one of the best options for budget travelers visiting Berlin. Whether you’re after meeting like-minded people or simply looking for an affordable base in the German capital, there’s a host of beautifully designed places in the city, offering guests everything from daily free walking tours and bike rentals to a complimentary breakfast buffet.
To help you find your next budget accommodation, we’ve created a list of the 6 best hostels in Berlin. Aside from the value for money, these stays are known for their perfect location and top-notch amenities. Have a look!
A prime location in Berlin’s central Mitte district makes Circus Hostel a great option for first-timers in the German capital. Flanked in the bustling Rosenthaler Platz, close to the U Rosenthaler Platz station (metro), this Insta-worthy hostel provides guests with easy access to the top attractions in Berlin, including the Museum Island, Reichstag Building, East Side Gallery, and the Jewish Museum.
The Circus has 9 types of rooms catering to all styles and budgets. Affordable options include the shared dorms with either 4,6,8 or 10 beds, all equipped with locker space, wifi, and individual reading light. There are also private rooms (with a shared bathroom) and suites available for solo travelers seeking some privacy, as well as double bedrooms and suites that are perfect for couples.
Aside from a glorious location, and top-notch amenities such as a breakfast buffet, free wifi, and bike rental, the hostel also treats guests to welcoming common areas and fun events. Want to enjoy a German craft beer with other travelers? Then head over to the hostel’s on-site microbrewery. The Circus also has its own program of tours and experiences, the Behind the Curtain Programme, which includes karaoke nights, rooftop yoga classes, and tours to attractions like the Tempelhof Airport.
Address: Weinbergsweg 1A, 10119
Amenities & Services: 24-hour reception, free wifi access, bike rental, free luggage storage and lockers, hairdryers to borrow, free bed sheets, breakfast buffet (8 am to 1 pm), on-site microbrewery bar, free walking tour
Nearby Attractions: Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building
Ballhaus Hostel Berlin
Photo Credit: Ballhaus Hostel Berlin
Founded in 1997, the Hostel Ballhaus Berlin is not only one of the oldest hostels in Germany but also one of the most beautiful. The building, now welcoming guests from all around the world, was the home of a flourishing company with over 100 employees from 1912 onwards.
Set within a former factory from the 1910s, Hostel Ballhaus is one of the oldest — and most beautiful— hostels in Germany. The building maintains some of its original features — a gorgeous façade with green and white glazed bricks, wide staircases, and long corridors — which are perfectly mixed with eye-popping artworks by contemporary artists.
With a very central location in the Mitte district, not far from Berlin’s top tourist attractions, the Ballhaus hostel boasts a variety of accommodation options. There are mixed shared dorms with 4, 6, 8, and 10 beds, as well as mixed rooms with 4 beds. Those seeking extra privacy and comfort can opt for booking a double or twin room with a private bathroom.
Tall, and bright, all rooms provide hostel guests with their own reading light and power outlet, full-size locker, and beds with big comfy mattresses.
Address: Chausseestraße 102
Amenities & Services: Linen included, free wifi, outdoor terrace, bar
Nearby Attractions: Mauerpark, Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building
Old Town Hostel
Photo Credit: Old Town Hostel
Seeking a quiet hostel to recharge after a busy day in Berlin? The Old Town is the best bet for you. Located within a walking distance of Mauerpark — a public park that was once part of the Berlin Wall — the hostel flaunts 25 colorfully decorated rooms than can accommodate from 1 to 3 people.
While this is not a super social hostel, it does offer inviting common areas, including a living room, a kitchen, and a library with board games where guests can relax after a day of adventuring into Berlin.
Address: Pappelallee 21
Amenities & Services: Kitchen, tours & welcome tickets at the reception, hairdryers, dining area with complimentary coffee and tea, guest computer, luggage storage
Nearby Attractions: Mauerpark, MACHmit! Museum for Children
Generator Berlin Mitte
Photo Credit: Generator Berlin Mitte
When it comes to cool hostels to stay in Berlin, Generator is one of the best known. Located in the very city center, close to Alexanderplatz, this design-led hostel is set within two 19th-century office buildings (now merged), and it’s entirely decorated with alluring works by artists like Sebastian Preschoux, and Thierry Noir.
The Generator Hostel is home to a wide range of rooms — from shared female rooms with comfy bunk beds to deluxe twin rooms — catering to each and every traveler. Are you flying solo and looking for some privacy? Then book yourself a stylish private room with one king bed and a balcony with stunning city views. Seeking to pamper and indulge? Then the superior suite with 2 king beds and 2 sofa beds might be just what you need!
Aside from comfortable dorm rooms, the hostel also flaunts spacious common areas, such as a vibrant rooftop terrace, a café, a bar, and even a travel shop.
Nearby Attractions: Museum Island, Boros Foundation, Brandenburg Gate, River Spree, Alexanderplatz
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Photo Credit: Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic is a great place to base yourself in Berlin. Nestled within an elegant 19th-century building in the trendy Kreuzberg district, this hostel is a top match for those who value comfort, style, and a hint of luxury.
This lavish hostel has a selection of rooms that aim to make visitors feel right at home. There are cozy single & double rooms or just as comfy dorms with 4 to 8-bed beds, all supplied with high-speed internet, lockable cupboards, and secure room access with key cards. Some even spoil guests with jaw-dropping views of the River Spree!
At the heart of the hostel, guests are pleasantly surprised to find The Library Bar, which is where vibrant DJ acts, cocktail nights, and craft beer tasting sessions happen.
Grand Hostel Berlin also treats travelers to an array of fun-filled activities such as pub crawls, and biking tours of Berlin’s main attractions (Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, etc).
Nearby Attractions: Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz etc
EastSeven Berlin Hostel
Photo Credit: EastSeven Berlin Hostel
EastSeven Berlin is an award-winning hostel constantly ranked as the best in the city. Sandwiched between the popular Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg districts, EastSeven is small & comfortable, providing guests with a more cozy atmosphere rather than a raucous party vibe.
Accommodations vary from spacious double bedrooms to private family rooms and 4/8 mixed dorms, all extremely clean and neat. So, no matter if you’re traveling solo or with your family, you’re sure to find the perfect room for you in EastSeven Berlin.
Address: Schwedter Str. 7
Amenities & Services: Free wifi, 24h access with door code, communal kitchen
Nearby Attractions: Mauerpark, Tchoban Foundation - Museum of architectural drawing
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