Boston is one of my favorite cities in the world. The streets can get super confusing so make sure you know where you're going though! On the flip side, the subway system is great and pretty easy to figure out, so it might really reduce your stress during a trip if you're willing to pay the extra $2.50 or so (Note: if you are transferring between different color lines you do not pay any extra). The MFA is a personal favorite if you don't mind going a bit farther, and it's right next to a charm of a museum called the Isabella Stewart Gardner that is well worth it to visit, and cheaper. Beyond that the tours of historic Boston are great, there is so much history there that it's very helpful to have a guide. There is even a chocolate tour if you're interested. The south side is the most confusing and the best food. If you want to eat at Mike's Pastries expect a long wait. Boston might be small, but there is so much character and history it's worth it to stop by.
Hostels in Massachusetts 
Looking for the best hostels in Massachusetts? You are in the right place!
On this page, we have listed every city in Massachusetts with backpacker hostels and budget-friendly stays. Hostelz.com makes it easy to find your ideal Massachusetts hostel by comparing prices across major booking platforms. Save money while backpacking Massachusetts and sleep comfortably on a budget.
All Backpacker Hostels in Massachusetts
We have got you covered with a complete list of every hostel in Massachusetts, across 6 cities! Not all cities have hostels, but many offer alternative budget options like guesthouses and affordable hotels. Use our filters to quickly find cities with hostels or other budget accommodations to simplify your trip planning.
All Massachusetts hostels on a map
Alright, you are more the visual type? Planning your trip with a map is always handy.
Therefore, this map shows you all cities with hostels in Massachusetts. It will help you to plan your trip. Just zoom in the map and click your destination for more details. Just so you know: If we do not have a hostel in a city, it is likely that there is no hostel in that city.
All Top Hostels in Boston
We help you pick your hostel like no one else. Check our detailed guides to:
Our handwritten guide on Backpacking Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state in the northeast of the United States. It it surrounded by Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York as well as the Atlantic Ocean. In the 20th century, its economy changed from relying mostly on manufacturing to services. Over eighty percent of its residents live in the Greater Boston area. The city of Boston is the capital. Due to the state's deep-seated American history, the state caters to many tourists. Hotels can be very expensive, so Massachusetts hostels are an affordable alternative. Although the quality of these lodgings vary greatly, you can find plenty of 4 1/2-star hostels in Massachusetts with a bit of prior research.
Boston is the area providing most of the state's hostels. Here you will also find some of the worst rated accommodations, so choose wisely. In general, the Boston hostels are clean, secure, and centrally located. You can expect dormitory as well as private rooms with communal bath facilities. Although air conditioning and quiet are hard to come by, you can expect friendly staff, wifi, washing machines, cozy hangout spots, and sometimes even tours.
Once you are all settled into the hostel of your choice, one of the best and most economic ways to discover Boston is by a "hop on hop off"-style tour. City View Trolley Tours' Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour is the option offering the most bang for your buck. The cost of this tour allows you the option to enjoy the Harbor Cruise (May through October) for free, giving you a two-for-one value. With nine locations where to join the tour, you can easily find one close to your hostel. Be sure to ask your host for directions. Once you hop on, sit on the upper level to best hear your tour guide who will teach you about Boston's history as well as recommend places such as eateries. If time is not an issue, ride the tour once without getting off, then go for the second round and get off wherever your heart desires.
Another fun destination is the peninsula of Cape Cod. Here you will find several hostels which average a 4 1/2-star rating. Rest up well and get ready to enjoy an active day in the fresh air. Head to Shining Sea Bikeway, a converted train path. Whether you feel like a leisurely stroll, a relaxing jog, or you want to rent a bike, be prepared to pass through ten miles of lush forest, wetlands, by the sea, and even two villages. From Woods Hole to Falmouth and back, the scenic path will let you stop for a visit to the beach, some seafood for lunch, ice-cream for dessert, and even souvenirs for your memories. Once you have exhausted yourself on this entertaining trip, you will have a good impression of what Cape Cod is all about.
Handwritten by local expert for Massachusetts hostels Jakob Lombardi
Travel Tips for Massachusetts - from the Community
Hey fam! Here are a few more tips from the community, from them to you, and you to them. This space is dedicated for travellers to share their best tips on backpacking Massachusetts. Have a closer look - the Hostelz community share real hidden gems, insider knowledge and overall impressions of Massachusetts. Everyone is welcome to add something useful, funny, unexpected and the "absolutely necessary to know before you go" - share, share and then share a little more!
FAQ on Hostels in Massachusetts
There is a lot of travel planning to do. So let us help you once again by putting together the frequently asked questions:
Finding Hostels and Prices
What hostel booking sites are best to use?
There is several hostel booking sites, such as Hostelworld.com, Hostelsclub.com and Booking.com. While every platform has its pros and cons, there is a universal truth you as a traveler should be aware of: Not a single booking site can always offer the best prices.
This is where Hostelz.com comes in. You can compare all major booking portals with one click.
For you as a traveler, Hostelz.com is the best booking site to actually save money.
How much are hostels in Massachusetts?
Prices always vary, depending on various factors. Weekends tend to be more expensive, same goes for special holidays. Please also take into account local vaction time.
You can search for exacty hostel prices in Massachusetts here on Hostelz.com. Pick your destination and pick a date. The system will track down the prices to give an idea of what budget and prices you can expect.
When to book hostels?
If you want to stay at the best hostels, it is a good idea to have your hostel booked around 1 month before you travel. For the regular hostels, booking one week before should be okay. Yet again, this always depends.
We dedicated a full article to the topic of when to book hostels.
Safety and Packing
Are hostels in Massachusetts safe?
Generally speaking, hostels are as safe as you make them. We highly recommend always to bring your own padlock, using the lockers and taking care of your belongings. Make sure you pick a safe hostel, offering lockers and a safe location. Please always pay attention to the reviews; they can give you a great insight on what to expect and safety tips.
What to pack when staying in hostels?
There is a few basics you should always pack when staying in hostels.
There is more actually. We wrote a complete guide with more details. Read our full hostel packing list.