The 6 Best Hostels in Warsaw (Updated 2023)

Published: 9/9/22 | September 9, 2022

Warsaw may be one of the most underrated capitals in Europe. This bustling Polish metropolis of almost 1.8 million was almost completely destroyed during World War II. But then a miracle happened: it was rebuilt scrupulously and with painstaking accuracy. It’s a beautiful place that always seems to be looking towards the future. The city seems to be moving and I like it.

In addition, it has everything that can be found in popular Western Europe – history, museums, delicious food, vibrant nightlife – but for a small price. It’s a very accessible place for travelers and it’s a pity you don’t spend time here.

There are many hostels in Warsaw and I want to list some of my favorites.

But before booking a place to stay, here are four things you should keep in mind when choosing a hostel in Warsaw:

1. Location – Warsaw is a fairly large city, so it is worth making an effort to find the part of the city that you like the most and find a hostel there. Otherwise, you will spend a lot of time on the road.
2. Price Like in any city, you get what you pay for. If you choose a really cheap hostel, you will probably end up with a small, cramped, and not great service.
3. Facilities – Every hostel in the city has free Wi-Fi and most of them have their own kitchen so you can cook your own meals. Some, but not all, include free breakfast, so be sure to research it to find the one that best suits your needs.
4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have wonderful staff, very friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t stay at any of the places listed below, be sure to look for reviews so that you have helpful and friendly staff. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Warsaw. If you don’t want to read the list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:

Best hostel for budget travelers: Capsule Hostel
Best party hostel: Oki Doki Hostel
Best hostel for solo travelers: Safestay Warsaw
Best hostel for families: Chillout Hostel
Best hostel for best hostel overall: Hostel Centrum

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here is my list of the best hostels in Warsaw and why I like them:

Price legend (per night)

• $ = Less than PLN 100
• $$ = PLN 101-140
• $$$ = more than PLN 141

1. Capsule Hostel

Kapsula, or Capsule Hostel, is based on Japan’s famous capsule hotels and hostels, the first of which opened in Osaka in 1979. Each person gets their own small capsule (shared double capsules are also available). Each of them is large enough to sleep comfortably in it. You can close the capsule with the remote control; inside there is air conditioning, electrical outlets and lighting (as well as blinds). In addition, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, as well as its own café and lounge. There are also many bars and cafes in the area.

While not the best choice for meeting other travelers, it is very affordable and the capsule beds are surprisingly comfortable. The showers are spacious, clean and modern. This is definitely not a very social hostel, which makes it a good choice for those who want a relaxing holiday. The hostel is also located in the city centre, just a 15-minute walk from the main square of the Old Town Market in the Old Town.

Capsule at a glance:

• $
• The most affordable hostel in Warsaw
• Cozy capsule rooms for one or two people
• Lounge/cafe on site

Bed from PLN 69 per night, private rooms from PLN 152.

2. Oki Doki Old Town Hostel

Oki Doki is located in the very center. If you enjoy spending time in pubs and bars as much as (or even more so) going to museums and exploring historical sites and landmarks, then this beautifully located hostel is perfect for you: the streets surrounding Oki Dock are lined with fun drinking establishments. It also has nightly happy hour gatherings so you can meet fellow travelers.

The dorm beds are comfortable with thick mattresses and curtains so you can get a good night’s sleep (the beds don’t squeak either, which is a big plus). There are also women-only rooms and lockers so you can securely store your belongings (although the lockers aren’t huge, so travelers with giant backpacks might be out of luck). Some rooms have air conditioning, but you have to pay extra for it. Overall, this is a lively and sociable hostel that makes it easy to connect with other travelers.

Oki Doki at a glance:

• $$
• Women-only dorms
• Nightly happy hour makes it easy to make friends
• Free coffee and tea

Bed from PLN 115 per night, private rooms from PLN 244.

3. Safestay Warsaw

Safestay is a small chain of renowned hostels across Europe. They are always a good choice (especially if you are traveling alone as they have female only rooms). The location is excellent as it is close to the Old Town. There’s a lively bar on site, and the hostel hosts a host of events for you to meet other travelers, such as pizza parties and game nights, as well as fun walking tours of Warsaw that cover all the main sights.

Overall, the hostel has a cool vibe, with all kinds of art and quotes in the lobby and common areas. Shared beds have thick mattresses and curtains, as well as individual sockets and lamps. There are lockers under the beds but they are smaller. The bar on the top floor has all kinds of board games if you just want to hang out and relax.

Safestay at a glance:

• $$$
• Women-only dorms
• The many activities at the hotel bar make it easy to meet people.
• Organized walking tours in Warsaw

Beds from PLN 161 per night, private rooms from PLN 362.

4. Hostel Chillout

Chillout is not located right in the center of Warsaw like some other hostels, but very close to the Palace of Culture and Science, Royal Baths Park and Nowy Świat Street, a shopping center. It has a small kitchen so you can prepare your meals and although the dorm beds are not very comfortable, the rooms are clean and spacious. The Warsaw Chillout Outlet offers women-only single rooms as well as larger rooms for traveling families who want to stay together.

The staff here are excellent and go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay. While the dorms are basic (the bunks creak a bit and have no curtains), the mattresses are decent and the lockers are big enough for most travel bags. The rooms are spacious too.

Chillout Hostel at a glance:

• $
• Almost all types of dorms and private rooms are available
• Free coffee and tea and free breakfast
• Kitchen so you can cook your own food

Beds from PLN 76 per night, private rooms from PLN 241.

5. Hostel Lvovska 11

This cozy hostel is located just a 15-minute walk from the main train station. The dorms are basic but clean with basic beds but decent mattresses. There are lockers so you can store your belongings safely, an on-site kitchen, free tea, and even free laundry if you stay 4 nights. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby if you want to eat out, as well as a grocery store just a minute away if you plan on cooking.

In general, the hostel has a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, so it’s not the best place to meet people. However, if you just want to relax and mind your own business, this hostel is a good choice.

Hostel Lwowska 11 at a glance:

• $
• Free laundry service for long stays
• Lots of restaurants nearby
• Calm atmosphere

Bed from PLN 87 per night, private rooms from PLN 310.

6. Hostel Centrum

Hostel Centrum is located in the very center as possible. Location is important, of course, but Centrum offers so much more. They really want you to learn about the history of Poland during your visit, which is why the walls and corridors here are decorated with images of famous Poles throughout history. Scan the QR code on your phone and you will get all the inside information about who this or that person is and why he is important to Warsaw and Poland. This is a really cool feature and I wish hostels had more.

The windows of most rooms overlook a quiet green courtyard. Comfortable beds with thick mattresses (but no curtains) and lockers. There is also a small kitchen if you plan to cook your own meals.

Hostel Centrum Warszawa at a glance:

• $
• Cheerful living room and shared kitchen
• Free coffee and tea
• Friendly and hospitable staff

Bed from PLN 70 per night, private rooms from PLN 140.

The hostel scene in Warsaw ranges from very affordable large hostels to party venues and quiet ones with an emphasis on privacy. You just have to decide what you want and where you want to stay, and there will be something in the Polish capital that suits your style and budget.