Written by Nomadic Nina| Last update: Aug 24, 2024
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, unique neighborhoods, and rich cultural history. It's also home to some of the best hostels in the country.
From budget-friendly dormitories to private rooms with all the amenities, there is a hostel in San Francisco to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you're looking for a central location, a friendly community atmosphere, or a place to rest your head after a day of exploring, the best hostels in San Francisco have got you covered.
Let's take a closer look at some of the top options available for your next trip to the City by the Bay.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in San Francisco
Let's talk about hostel prices in San Francisco. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in San Francisco
Average Private Room Price per Month in San Francisco
ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel is a social and lively accommodation option in San Francisco, designed for backpackers who are looking to discover the city and connect with fellow travelers.
ITH San Francisco Pacific Tradewinds Hostel provides a welcoming atmosphere and hosts aim to make your stay feel like a home away from home. The property offers free WiFi and shared amenities, including a kitchen and lounge area, as well as luggage storage. Rooms feature shared bathrooms and come with bed linen and a hairdryer.
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast during their stay. Located within 3 km of popular attractions such as Alcatraz and Oracle Park, the hostel is also conveniently situated near Union Square, Coit Tower, Moscone Center, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square. San Francisco International Airport is 21 km away.
Prices start from $38.48 for a dorm and $83.13 for a private room.
Green Tortoise Hostel is situated in San Francisco's vibrant North Beach Little Italy district and is just a 3-minute walk away from the City Lights Bookstore and the entertainment district. Green Tortoise Hostel offers shared dormitory accommodations along with free WiFi, a shared kitchen, and a large lounge area with free table tennis and billiards.
Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast consisting of eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, bagels, fresh fruit, and orange juice, as well as coffee and tea available all day. Green Tortoise Hostel also offers nightly social events with cheap drink deals and some nights discounted dinners.
Additional amenities include a 24-hour reception, tour desk, luggage storage, and a launderette. The Ferry Building shops, farmers market, and restaurants are located 1 km away, while Fisherman's Wharf attractions are just a 20-minute walk away. An airport shuttle is available for return travel only.
Prices start from $33.44 for a dorm and $97.96 for a private room.
Samesun San Francisco is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and many other famous landmarks. The hostel offers spacious dorm and private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, some of which come with balconies that provide stunning views of the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Bridge.
Samesun San Francisco also offers the rare perk of free on-site parking for guests. Visitors can explore San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods, Victorian architecture, and world-class dining. The city's rich history as a Gold Rush boomtown and the center of the hippie movement in the 1960s has now given way to the presence of leading tech companies.
Prices start from $36.61 for a dorm and $99.00 for a private room.
Located in the heart of historic Fort Mason, HI - San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf Hostel is a waterfront hostel that offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Guests can easily explore nearby attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the Marina district. With a MUNI bus stop just outside the hostel, guests can easily explore the rest of the city or join in on the hostel's free or cheap activities like pub crawls, walking tours, and museum visits.
HI - San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf Hostel offers shared dorms and private rooms, as well as various amenities such as free parking, Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, a fully equipped kitchen, a cinema room, and a game room with a pool table and free jukebox. Guests can also enjoy homemade organic lunch and dinner specials, as well as local beer and wine, at the on-site Cafe Franco.
Prices start from $35.94 for a dorm and $99.00 for a private room.
Chapter San Francisco is a non-smoking hostel located in San Francisco, offering free WiFi and shared lounge facilities. The property is situated within 1.4 km of San Francisco City Hall, 1.8 km from Union Square, and close to other popular tourist destinations such as Ghirardelli Square and Moscone Center.
Chapter San Francisco provides a concierge service and luggage storage for guests. Each room at Chapter San Francisco features shared bathroom facilities and bed linen. The University of San Francisco is just 3.7 km away and Coit Tower is located 3.7 km away.
The closest airport is San Francisco International Airport, which is located 22 km from the property.
Prices start from $37.34 for a dorm and $45.22 for a private room.
HI - San Francisco Downtown (Union Square) offers affordable prices and a prime location in the heart of San Francisco, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. This secure hostel is just steps away from Union Square, Museum Row, Chinatown, and plenty of dining and shopping options.
HI - San Francisco Downtown (Union Square) offers a variety of room types, including dorms and private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. On-site amenities include free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and individual lockers.
HI - San Francisco Downtown (Union Square) also offers discounted tours to Yosemite, Muir Woods, and Wine Country, as well as free or cheap organized activities like walking tours and bike trips. As part of Hostelling International, a non-profit organization promoting peace through hostelling since 1909, the hostel is committed to sustainability and reducing plastic waste.
Prices start from $39.56 for a dorm and $69.38 for a private room.
7 Music City Hotel - Home of SF Music Hall of Fame
Rating: 8.3
Music City Hotel - Home of SF Music Hall of Fame is a unique boutique lifestyle hotel and hostel in San Francisco that is centered around music. It is home to the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame and offers capsule sleeping pods in addition to private and shared rooms.
Booking a stay at Music City Hotel - Home of SF Music Hall of Fame supports local musicians, and the blow-up shots from Getty Images of 75 iconic artists photographed by Robert Altman are a must-see. The hotel is located in the lively Polk Gulch neighborhood with plenty of dining, drinking, and entertainment options.
Additionally, major tourist attractions like Chinatown, Union Square, and Fisherman's Wharf are easily accessible by walking or a short ride.
Prices start from $37.81 for a dorm and $90.86 for a private room.
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in San Francisco. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
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I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.